Renew My Visa (FMJ)

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Overview

The Department of State has waived the in-person interview requirement for nationals of eligible countries applying for F, M, and academic J (students, professors, research scholars, short-term scholars, or specialists) visas, subject to certain conditions. First-time F, M, and academic J visa applicants who may qualify for interview waiver are those who were previously issued any type of visa (e.g., B1/B2) and have not been refused in their most recent visa application.  Citizens or nationals of a country that participates in the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) may also avail the interview waiver even when applying outside their consular district.

Qualifications

You may be eligible to apply for a U.S. visa without in person interview based on the following categories:

 F1 – Students (academic)

M1 – Students (vocational)

J1 – Exchange Visitor (academic, professors, research scholars, short term scholars or specialist)

Visa applicants who are citizens of the Philippines or nationals of a country that participates in the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) may also avail the interview waiver even when applying outside their consular district.

How to Apply

Step 1

Pay the visa application fee. http://www.ustraveldocs.com/ph/ph-niv-paymentinfo.asp

Step 2

Complete the Nonimmigrant Visa Electronic Application (DS-160) form. After completing the form, print and save your confirmation page. 

Step 3

Register an account on https://cgifederal.secure.force.com/SiteRegister?country=Philippines&language=en_US

 If you qualify for Interview Waiver submission, you will receive an Interview Waiver confirmation letter containing a document checklist. Print two copies of the Interview Waiver confirmation letter (one for your records and the other to be submitted with your application).  You must pay your Form I-901 SEVIS fee before submitting your documents. For more information about SEVIS, please check this website.  

Drop off your passport along with the listed documents mentioned on the Interview Waiver confirmation letter at any LBC outlet.  Please remember to include:

  • Interview Waiver Confirmation Letter;
  • Current and old passports with previous U.S. visa; 
  • DS-160 confirmation page;        
  • Two (2) photos, size 2”x2” inch on glossy paper, in color, in white background, unretouched, taken within the last six (6) months, in neutral facial expression, and with both eyebrows and ears exposed. Photo guidelines can be accessed at http://www.ustraveldocs.com/ph/ph-niv-photoinfo.asp. PLEASE DO NOT SUBMIT THE SAME PHOTOGRAPH THAT APPEARED ON YOUR PREVIOUS VISA. Failure to submit a valid photograph will delay the processing of your visa application;
  • For F1 and M1 applicants, an approved Form I-20 from your U.S. educational institution;
  • For academic J1 (students, professors, research scholars, short-term scholars, or specialists) applicants, an approved DS-2019 from your U.S. program sponsor.

 Please ensure that all the above items are included in your Interview Waiver application. Failure to include all requested documents– including a new photo and DS-160 application - will result in returning your application via courier.

Step 4

Please submit your documents for Interview Waiver service at any LBC outlet. For list of LBC branches and outlets, please visit  https://www.lbcexpress.com/LBCBranchesODZ 

 Step 5

If your application is approved, your passport, visa, and I-20 or DS-2019 forms will be delivered to the address you provided.  

Please Note: Using the Interview Waiver service does not guarantee visa issuance.  In some cases, you may be required to appear for a visa interview at the U.S. Embassy.  If you submit an incomplete and/or inaccurate application, or if you do not meet the criteria listed above, we will return your application via the courier, and you will be asked to schedule an interview.  You should submit your application well in advance of your planned travel, to allow for the possibility that a visa interview will be necessary.