U.S. Visa Interview Waiver Eligibility Expanded
प्रकाशित मिति : भाद्र ११, २०७७ बिहीबार
US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, in consultation with the Department of Homeland Security, has temporarily expanded the ability of consular officers to waive the in-person interview requirement for individuals applying for a nonimmigrant visa in the same classification.
Previously, only those applicants whose nonimmigrant visa expired within 12 months were eligible for an interview waiver.
The Secretary has temporarily extended the expiration period to 24 months. This policy is in effect until December 31, 2020.
This change will allow consular officers to continue processing certain nonimmigrant visa applications while limiting the number of applicants who must appear at a consular section, thereby reducing the risk of COVID-19 transmission to other applicants and consular staff.
Travelers are encouraged to review the website of the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate for detailed information on what services are currently available as well as eligibility information and instructions on applying for a visa without an interview.
In an effort to improve customer service, the U.S. government allows nonimmigrant visa applicants to renew their visas without an interview under the Interview Waiver. This process is not for first-time applicants. It is only for certain applicants renewing their visas and some restrictions may also apply.
If you are applying for a B (B1, B2, B1/B2) category visa, please first create a profile, proceed with your application, and print 2 copies of the interview-waiver confirmation letter to submit to one of the six visa centers if you meet all of the following qualifications.
INTERVIEW WAIVER ELIGIBILITY QUESTIONS:
Before you answer “YES” to the below statements, please ensure that your situation meets the criteria. The statements below help consular officers to determine your eligibility to apply for an interview waiver but can’t guarantee an issuance without appearing for an interview.
I am renewing my visa;
- I was interviewed on or after January 1, 2008;
- My previous visa was issued when I was of age 14 or older, and now I am under 79 years of age;
- My last visa was “multiple” entry (it should read as “M”);
- My last visa was issued for full term (i.e. five years for B1/B2)
- My most recent prior application in this category resulted in an issued visa;
- My previous visa has never been revoked, lost, or stolen;
- My name, date of birth, nationality, and place of birth are the same on both applications (current and previous);
- On my previous visit to the United States, I complied with all immigration laws and regulations;
- On my previous visa, I did not apply for an extension of stay (using form I-539);
- On my previous visa, my stays was not longer than 180 days (or six months);
- On my previous visa, I did not apply for the Temporary Protected Status (TPS) while in the United States;
- My visa is still valid, or expired less than one year ago; AND
- I am applying within 24 months after my previous visa expiration date.
How To Apply
Step 1
Determine your visa type by reading Common Nonimmigrant Visas. Each visa type explains the qualifications and application items. Choose the visa type that applies to your situation.
Be sure to also review the Visa Waiver Program. If your country participates in the Visa Waiver Program, you do not need to apply for a visa if you are traveling for business or pleasure and will only be staying in the Unites States for 90 days or less.
Step 2
The next step is to complete the DS-160 Form. Be sure to read the Guidelines for Completing the DS-160 Form carefully. All information must be correct and accurate. Once the form is submitted, you cannot make any changes. If you need assistance, please consult an immigration lawyer or translator. The call center cannot help you complete your DS-160. You will need your DS-160 number to book your appointment.
Step 3
Once you have determined the correct visa type and completed the DS-160, you must pay the visa fee. The visa fee page lists the visa types and correlating visa fee in U.S. dollars and local currency.
To pay your visa fee, read the Bank and Payment Options page. This page explains how to make your visa fee payment. You will create a profile and must keep your receipt number to book your visa appointment.
Step 4
Now you will need to log in to your profile with the same credentials you used to pay your visa fee. Once you are in the system, you will see your dashboard.
Click on Schedule Appointment on the left-hand side menu.
Follow the steps to schedule an interview. Answer the questions carefully.
If you qualify for Interview Waiver, you will receive a interview-waiver submission letter containing a document checklist. Print two copies of the interview-waiver submission letter. Drop off your passport along with the listed documents mentioned on the submission letter at one of the six document drop-off centers.
- Your current passport
- DS-160 CEAC confirmation page.
- Your current or most recent visa copy
- One copy of the interview-waiver confirmation letter
- One photograph taken within the last six months (conforming to the guidelines on this webpage). In the vast majority of cases, YOU MAY NOT SUBMIT THE SAME PHOTOGRAPH THAT APPEARED ON YOUR LAST VISA. Failure to submit a valid photograph will delay the processing of your case.
- Supporting documentation (photo copy) required for your visa type
- Children applying through interview-waiver must also submit photocopies of their parents’ visas.
Step 5
Deliver your interview-waiver visa application to a Team CGI Document Drop-Off Center. Bring the second copy of your document checklist with you. A Team CGI employee will review your document checklist before accepting your application for delivery to the U.S. Embassy.
Note: Failure to submit the above documents as per the described criteria will delay the processing of your case.
Step 6
If any additional information is needed to complete the processing of your case, you will be informed by email. If your application is approved, your passport and visa will be delivered for pickup to your selected Document Collection center you specified when you scheduled your interview. Details on passport delivery are available on this webpage.
When your passport is available at the selected location you will receive an email that your passport is “Ready for Pick Up”.