Renew My Visa
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Overview
The U.S. visa application process is the same whether you are applying for the first time or renewing your visa. It is important to know that your visa may still be valid if the passport it is in expires. You can travel to the United States with your old passport containing a valid visa and your new, valid passport.
Applicants meeting the following criteria may be eligible for renewal by mail:
- All applicants are Qatari citizens or legal residents in possession of a valid Qatari National Identification Card.
- Any of the applicants are citizens of, or born in, Cuba, Iran, Iraq, Libya, North Korea, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, or Yemen.
- The applicant hasn't ever been refused a U.S. visa after the expiration of an issued visa.
- If applying with new passports, NO information has changed from the previous passport such as name, date of birth or nationality.
- None of the applicants’ most recent visa interview resulted in a refusal for any reason.
- None of the applicants have been arrested or convicted of a crime, deported from the United States, or denied entry to the United States.
- The renewal by mail can take up to approximately fourteen (14) business days for processing. All applicants must be able to be without their passports for this period of time.
Visas for Applicants under the age of 14:
- All the applicants applying are under the age of 14.
- One of the applicant's parents have a valid visa.
Visas for Applicants over the age of 79:
- All the applicants applying are over the age of 79.
For renewing B1/B2 applicants:
- The applicant has a prior U.S. visa of any type that expired less than 48 months ago.
For Students (F/M/J):
- Any of the applicants are not citizens of Nigeria or China.
- Continuing at the same institution listed on the prior visa or studying the same major as during the initial interview.
Other type of non-immigrant visa (i.e. H-1, H-3, H-4, L, O, P, Q, or R):
- The applicant is applying for any other type of non-immigrant visa (i.e. H-1, H-3, H-4, L, O, P, Q, or R).
- The applicant had a prior U.S. visa of any type (EXCEPT B1, B2, or B1/B2) that expired less than 48 months ago.
How to Apply
Step 1: DS-160 Application
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 of citizenship 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.
Complete the Non-immigrant Visa Electronic Application (DS-160) form.
Step 2: Update Profile
Log-in to our online applicant system and create a profile and select courier service options (if available). Please ensure all your personal and contact information on your <ahref="http: www.ustraveldocs.com="" "="">www.ustraveldocs.com. profile is correct otherwise there will be delays in your visa application processing. As you go through the process you will answer the interview waiver questions which will evaluate your eligibility to apply for a visa without an interview. You will also be prompted to select the courier location where you will drop-off and pick up your documents.
Step 3: Make Payment
You will be prompted to pay the visa application (MRV) fee using the payment options available in your country of application.
Step 4: Print Interview Waiver Confirmation Letter
After you enter your MRV fee payment receipt on your profile you will have access to Interview Waiver Confirmation Letter if you qualify to renew your visa. Otherwise, you will be directed to the interview appointment calendar. Gather all the required documents listed on the interview wavier confirmation letter, including your DS-160 confirmation page, MRV fee receipt, current and previous passports, photo, and a letter explaining your travel purpose and itinerary. Depending on the visa category, you may require additional documentation and a reciprocity fee. Please refer to your specific visa category page for additional required documents.
Step 5: Go to Courier Location
Go to one of the courier locations specified here with your required documents.
Step 6: Delivery to Consulate
The courier will deliver your documents to the U.S. Embassy.
Step 7: Passport Retrieval
At the end of the visa adjudication process, the U.S. Embassy will return your documents and your passport to you at the chosen document delivery address in your profile. You will receive an email and SMS once your documents are ready for pickup at the courier location you selected.
Important Note: The use of the mail-in service does not guarantee visa issuance. In some cases, applicants may still be required to appear for a visa interview.