UK citizen, Expired US visa (applying for new), and lost passport?

Question

Hi!

A little backround. I came to the US on a educational Visa, and later applied for an H1-B work visa (which ran out extremely quick last year), so we missed the cap by a day or two. My lawyer recommended applying for an investment visa which ended up not qualifying. Technically I have overstayed then my visa by a year - I applied for and believe I will receive an H1-B visa this year (good news) and planned to travel back to the UK in August to claim and back to the US in September when the Visa becomes active.

Now the question: I lost my Visa while visiting San Diego and really don't want to fly back to the UK to get a new one.

What will happen if I report it to the embassey here in the US? Will I be forced to return to the UK? Can I have my parents in the UK mail in for another? Does anyone have any experience with a similar situation? I can think of many guesses to the above question after reading the lost or stolen passport form, so I'm looking for experience. Thanks!

Answer 1

The UK consulate won't force you to return to the UK.  They don't care much about enforce US immigration rules.  They'll help you with a replacement passport.

Answer 2

Not 100% sure about America but I have come accross the problem here in Thailand where I now live. I would imagine the procedure is similar. First you must go and make a police report that your passport has been lost/stolen. You then take the police report to the British Embassy/Consulate. They will issue you with a new passport.