(Trinidad Express) Trinidad and Tobago nationals seeking to renew US visas will no longer have to to go through an interview process, once they do it within a year.
The decision was announced by the US Ambassador US Ambassador Joseph Mondello during a function in Buccoo, Tobago today.
The new process is effective immediately.
The US Embassy’s public affairs section detailed the new process in a follow up statement:
“U.S. Embassy Port of Spain has introduced a new visa initiative – the Renewal Interview Waiver (RIW) – which creates new conveniences for Trinbagonians renewing their non-immigrant B1, B2, or B1/B2 “tourist” visas.
“The Renewal Interview Waiver will especially help with the renewal of visas for individuals living in Tobago, as they have traditionally had to travel to Trinidad using the air and sea bridge,” stated Ambassador Joseph N. Mondello. “But not having to schedule an interview to renew one’s visa represents a benefit and convenience for all citizens of Trinidad and Tobago.”
The Renewal Interview Waiver is applicable to Trinbagonians whose visas have expired within the last year, or who have valid visas that will be expiring. First-time applicants or those whose visas expired more than a year ago are still required to schedule an interview.
Similar to the current Age Interview Waivers offered to those under the age of 14 or over the age of 79, applicants renewing visas are now required only to complete the online application form at https://ais.usvisa-info.com/en-TT/niv/, pay the fee at Scotiabank, and send in the application packet via courier. The online visa application will automatically advise applicants if they qualify for the Interview Waiver, but applicants may opt out if their travel needs are very urgent.
The only documents necessary for the Renewal Interview Waiver are the application form, a passport photo less than six months old, a valid passport, and the previous B1/B2 visa. If the previous visa is in an expired passport, the applicant must send in both the current and old passports.
For any questions, please email consularPOS@state.gov or visit our website https://tt.usembassy.gov/ and Facebook page, https://www.facebook.com/ttusa/.”