Interview Waiver & Visa Renewal

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Overview

In an effort to improve customer service, the U.S. government allows nonimmigrant visa applicants to apply for their visas without an interview under the Interview Waiver. This process is not for first-time applicants. It is only for certain applicants applying their visas and some restrictions may also apply.

Eligibility Criteria

Please check the Website RedBanner for the latest information on Interview Waiver eligibility criteria.

If you are applying for a B, C1/D, F, H-1, H-3, H-4, non-blanket L, M, O, P, Q or J 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 three Document Delivery centers if you meet the following qualifications as applicable.

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 do not guarantee an issuance without appearing for an interview.

Renewal of Visa (B and C1/D**):
  • I am renewing my visa;
  • My last visa was “multiple” entry (it should read as “M”);
  • I am a citizen or resident of Bangladesh and currently present in Bangladesh;
  • I am applying for the same visa class;
  • I was interviewed on or after January 1, 2008;
  • 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  • My previous visa has never been revoked, lost, or stolen;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;
  • My visa is still valid, or I am applying within 48 months of my previous visa's expiration date;
Interview Waiver Applications (F, H-1, H-3, H-4, non-blanket L, M, O, P, Q and academic J):
  • I have had a previous U.S. visa in another visa category OR I am renewing my visa for the same visa class which is valid or has expired in last 48 months;
  • My most recent appearance at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate for a visa interview did NOT result in a refusal.
  • I am a citizen or resident (for at least previous 6 months) of the country I am applying from; or I am a Afghani citizen applying for F, M or J visa;
  • I have previously provided ten fingerprints at any U.S. Embassy/Consulate;
  • 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;
  • I am applying for a visa in the J category, and box 4 of my DS-2019 states one of the following:  Secondary or university student, professor, research scholar, short-term scholar, or specialist.
For F, M, or J visa holders and their derivatives who are renewing the visa:
  • Must meet all other general criteria as listed above;
  • I am a regular student and did not drop out of status for 5 months or more (principal F and M);
  • And one of the following:
    • I am continuing my participation in the same program at a different institution (F, M, and their derivatives);
    • I am attending the same institution in a different program (F, M, and their derivatives);
    • My SEVIS number has not changed from the previously issued visa (J and their derivatives).
Eligibility criteria for children under 14 years of age:

Must meet all other general criteria as listed above as applicable;

  • I am applying before my 14th birthday;
  • My most recent visa application was not refused;
  • Either of my parents hold a valid visa and I am applying for the same visa class.

If your answer is “YES” to the above questions, you may be eligible to apply for the interview waiver. Please drop off your passport along with the listed documents as outlined below at your pre-selected visa center. You do not need to schedule an appointment to come to the U.S. Embassy unless a Consular Officer asks you to do so.

  • Interview waiver confirmation letter.
  • Current passport that has a validity of at least six months beyond your intended stay in the U.S. (all categories)
  • Passport containing most recently issued U.S. visa
  • The DS-160 nonimmigrant visa application confirmation sheet (all categories)
  • Your visa application (MRV) fee payment receipt; Cash Deposit Receipt if paid in Cash at EBL branch, or the email confirmation sent by EBL bank for EFT payment;
  • One photograph on a white background taken within the last 6 months, 2 x 2 inches (all categories)
  • Copy of I-20 (F1/F2, M1/M2)
  • Original DS-2019 (J1/J2)
  • For first time applicants (F, M, J), please submit any relevant educational documents (IELTS, copies of all academic transcripts/grade sheets, etc.) and financial documents (parents’ employment papers, source of funding, last 1 year bank statement, documents of owned property/asset etc.).
  • Copy of your CDC (Continuous Discharge Certificate) book/employment contract (for C1/D).
  • Copy of Valid visa of the same visa class of either of the parents in which the child is applying (applicable for child under 14 years of age).

Additional documents for the Petition based (H, L, O, P & Q) applicants:

  • Copy of petition papers (I-129, I-797 notice of approval)
  • Employment contract
  • For H-1B applicants, submit Labor Condition Application (LCA)
  • Resume/CV

**If vessel crew members only possess a C1/D visa and have not received a B1/B2 visa in the past and if they would like to apply for both C1/D and B1/B2 visas together, they must schedule a regular in-person interview instead of renewing their visa through the interview waiver.

Please note that eligibility for interview waiver does not guarantee a visa issuance nor does it guarantee that the interview will be waived. Although your interview may be waived, you may still be required to appear for finger scanning. Any necessary notification will be made via the email address listed in your DS-160 online application.

How To Apply

Step 1

For Nonimmigrant Visa applicants:

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.

This will start the process for scheduling your appointment. You will need:

  • Your passport number.
  • The receipt number from your Visa Fee receipt. Click here if you need help finding this number.
  • The ten (10) digit barcode number from your DS-160 confirmation page.

As you go through the process you will be able to select your visa type, enter personal data, add dependents, select your document delivery location, confirm visa payment, and schedule your appointment.

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”.