Ask-the-Consul Installment 25-01
What is the Interview Waiver Program for Nonimmigrant Visa renewals?
The Interview Waiver Program is designed to streamline the visa renewal process by allowing certain applicants to renew their nonimmigrant visas without having to attend an in-person interview at the U.S. Embassy.
Who is eligible to renew their visa under the Interview Waiver Program?
Generally, applicants renewing a visa may qualify for processing without an in-person interview if:
● Their previous visa is still valid or expired within the last 48 months.
● They have not been refused a visa in the past unless the refusal was overcome or waived.
● They are applying in their country of nationality or residence.
● They were never arrested or convicted of a crime, deported from, or denied entry to the United States.
Note: Based on current immigration regulations, applicants born in Cuba are NOT eligible for a waiver of the visa interview, even if the above conditions are met.
What is the process to submit the visa renewal application?
Applicants must follow the detailed “Renew a Visa” instructions at https://gy.usembassy.gov/visas/nonimmigrant-visas/. During the online application process, applicants will be asked to answer some validating questions to determine if they qualify to have their interview waived.
Applicants who qualify for a waiver of the interview will be given instructions on how to drop-off their documents at the selected Document Service Center or courier location. If an applicant is not eligible, the applicant will be directed to schedule an appointment.
What documents must be submitted to the Document Service Center?
The following documents must be included in your package:
● A valid passport,
● A recent photograph measuring 2 x 2 inches,
● The DS-160 application confirmation page,
● The previous visa (if unexpired).
How long does the NIV renewal process take under the Interview Waiver Program?
Currently, the processing time is approximately one to two weeks from the date the application is submitted to our Document Service Center. This wait-time may vary depending on our case load. Applicants are advised to apply well in advance of their intended travel date.
Do I have to wait until my visa expires before I apply for a renewal?
No. You may choose to apply to renew your visa at any time before it expires.
Why wasn’t my 15-year-old child eligible to renew their visa under the Interview Waiver Program?
If your child was issued their first visa while under the age of 14, fingerprints would not have been required at that time. U.S. immigration regulations mandate that all applicants over the age of 14 be fingerprinted when applying for a visa. Therefore, even though your child is renewing a previous visa, they must appear in person so we can take their fingerprints if the child is now over age 14.
Can I use the Interview Waiver Program if my previous visa was lost or stolen?
If your previous visa was lost or stolen, you are not eligible for processing under the Interview Waiver Program. You will need to attend an in-person interview.
What should I do if I am not eligible for the Interview Waiver Program?
If you are not eligible for the Interview Waiver Program, you will need to schedule an in-person interview at the U.S. Embassy. Follow the instructions on our website https://ais.usvisa-info.com/en-gy/niv to book your appointment and prepare the necessary documents.
I was granted an interview-waived appointment, but after submitting my application I received a call to appear for an interview. Why is this?
Eligibility for an interview waiver does not automatically entitle an applicant to that waiver. If the reviewing consular officer determines he/she needs more information to assess your eligibility for a visa, you will be contacted and asked to appear for an interview.
Who do I contact if I have more questions about the process?
You may contact our Visa Information Service Center representatives using one of the contact methods outlined at https://ais.usvisa-info.com/en-gy/niv/information/contact_us. Step-by-step visa renewal instructions can also be found on our website https://gy.usembassy.gov/visas/ nonimmigrant-visas/.
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“Ask the Consul” is a monthly column from the U.S. Embassy answering questions about U.S. immigration law and other Consular topics. Detailed information about visas can be viewed at https://gy.usembassy.gov/, https://ais. usvisa-info.com/, and https://travel.state. gov/. Information about American Citizen Services can be found at https://gy.usembassy.gov/u-s-citizen-services/.
Applicants are strongly encouraged to prepare their own documents and avoid third-party advice. Consular processes change frequently, and non-U.S. government advisors often provide inadequate or inaccurate information. Please contact our Visa Information Service Center using the contact information at https://ais.usvisa-info.com/en-gy/niv/information/contact_us if you have general visa questions.