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US Visa Interview Waiver and Visa Renewal

US Visa Renewal

There is really no set procedure for renewing a US visa. You will have to apply all over again, including paying all the fees. However, some of the applicants may not need to attend the fingerprint appointment and/or consular interview, as described below.

US Visa Interview Waiver Program

Under the US visa interview waiver program, certain repeat travelers do not need to appear for an in-person interview at the US Consulate/Embassy, as long as certain conditions as listed below are met. Within this program, there are two categories of applicants: Those who still need to appear for the fingerprinting and others who don’t need even that.

Eligibility

You qualify for Interview Waiver Program (IWP) if any of the following situations apply to you:

• You are applying for a visa in any of the A-1, A-2, C-2, C-3, G-1, G-2, G-3, or G-4 categories
• You are over the age of 80 years 
• You are under the age of 7 years 
• Either of your parents has a valid visa in the same visa category in which you (the parent) are applying or renewing your visa at the same time as the child. Country-Specific: Mexico: Both parents must be Mexican or a Third Country National residing in Mexico with immigration status (FM2 or FM3).
• Your prior visa in the same classification (not blanket L) is still valid or expired within the last 12 months
• Applicant has a valid passport and is in possession of their previous visa.
• The previous US visa you have/had is in the same visa class as the one you wish to renew. 
• Your most recent visa (in the same visa class for which you are applying) was issued on or after your 14 th  birthday. 
• Prior visa has the same name, date of birth, place of birth, and nationality.  Note: If an applicant’s name has changed from their previous visa, such as from maiden to married name, they must provide the other name on the DS-160 application as an “alias”.
• Mexico: Applicant is a Mexican citizen or a Third Country National residing in Mexico with immigration status (FM2 or FM3). 
• You received your visa after January 1, 2008. 

Note: If you need your passport returned within 2 weeks of submitting the application, you must select “Interview Required” to schedule a VAC appointment and a Consular interview.

Ineligibility for Renewal Without Consular Interview

The following types of applicants need to attend both the fingerprint appointment and consular interview appointment for US visa renewal.

• Applicants for E-3 visa, T visa, U visa, H-2 visa, B-1 visa with “domestic employee in the US” annotation, and blanket L-1 visa.
• Applicants who have been arrested or convicted for a crime anywhere in the world, or have had a US immigration violation, such as being deported from the US, denied entry into the US, or had any other problems or difficulties with US Customs and Border Protection when attempting to enter the US.

Application Procedure

• Look at the US visa application procedure .  Follow the steps, which include photographs, application form, creating a profile, and paying visa fees.
• If you qualify for the interview waiver or DropBox option for US visa renewal, you will need to schedule an appointment to visit the document drop-off locations in order to submit your documents. However, you will not need to schedule an interview at the US Embassy/Consulate.
• Your current  passport  
• Your previous passport, if it contains your current or most recent visa 
• One copy of the drop-box letter 
• Two  photographs taken within the last six months. Do not submit the same photograph that appeared on your last visa.
• J-2 applicants: Copy of DS-2019 
• H-4 and L-2 applicants: Copy of I-797 and primary applicant’s visa 
• D and C-1/D applicants: Copy of joining letter and original CDC
• Child applicants should submit photocopies of either of their parents’ valid visas in the same category in which the child is applying
• Take the “DropBox” package along with the second printout of the document checklist to one of the Visa Application Centers during your scheduled appointment. They will check your document checklist before they accept your application for delivery to the US Embassy/Consulate.
• In case any additional information is required for processing your application, you will be contacted by email.  If your visa is issued, please look at passport delivery details .  However, please note that there is no guarantee that the visa will be issued. After reviewing an application, the US Embassy/Consulate may require you to appear in person in some cases.

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How to Renew a B-1/B-2 Tourist Visa

Understanding the requirements and application process for renewing a b1/b2 travel visa, in this guide.

• Renewal Process
• Interview Waiver
• Travel Visa Renewal FAQs
• Related Information

Renewing a Tourist Visa

If you’ve received a B-1/B-2 tourist visa for temporary stays in the United States, you may notice that your visa is valid for up to ten years after issuance. The B visa is a multiple entry visa, and the ten-year validity allows individuals to utilize their visa as much as needed before it expires.

If your B visa is set to expire soon, you’ll need to renew it in order to plan future travel.

Boundless can help you avoid common pitfalls in the immigration process with unlimited support from our team of immigration experts. Learn more.

Start planning your immigration journey today with Boundless.

Renewals are filed and processed at the U.S. Embassy or consulate in your home country. In general, renewing a B1/B2 travel visa is the same process as applying for an initial visa, with the following steps:

• Complete Form DS-160 (Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application)
• Upload a digital visa photo
• Pay the required government filing fees
• Schedule and attend a tourist visa interview at your nearest U.S. Embassy or consulate

You can read more about the travel visa process, including frequently asked questions, in Boundless’ detailed guide .

The timeline for a B-1/B-2 visa renewal depends on the U.S. Embassy or consulate where you are applying. Each embassy and consulate has their own processing times based on appointment schedules, staffing, and pending visa applications. You can check the estimated wait time for a B visa interview appointment at your nearest U.S. Embassy or consulate on the State Department website .

Boundless also tracks the current status of visa services by country each month, so you can stay up to date if processing times or visa appointment availability change in your country.

The government fee for filing a B1/B2 visa renewal is $185. This fee is paid directly to the government during the filing process.

The U.S. Interview Waiver Program (IWP) allows eligible individuals to renew certain types of visas without attending additional visa interviews. Some B visa holders may be eligible to renew their tourist visa under this program. If the visa holder meets certain requirements, they may qualify for an interview waiver and skip this step during the renewal process. Although each embassy or consulate’s exact interview waiver requirements may vary slightly, generally speaking you may be eligible if:

• You are a citizen or legal permanent resident of the country you’re applying from
• You were previously issued a 10-year B-1/B-2 visa
• Your current B1/B2 visa is still valid or recently expired within the last 48 months
• You have not been refused a U.S. visa in the last 12 months
• You’ve never overstayed your visa in U.S.

It is important to reach out to your local U.S. Embassy or consulate directly to see if you qualify for an interview waiver. Applicants who do qualify are only required to file Form DS-160, pay the associated filing fees, and wait while their application is processed.

It may be possible to extend your time in the U.S. by filing Form I-539, Application To Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status . Not all travel visa holders are eligible to apply for an extension. You can check your eligibility and learn more about the process on USCIS’ website.

The validity period for a B-1/B-2 visa is typically 10 years, but can vary depending on individual circumstances. As such, it is recommended that you check the expiration date of your visa prior to applying for a renewal.

Get a tailored visa plan for everything from forms to interview. Get started today!

No time for research? We provide an easy, guided application experience, with 4 anti-rejection checks and a lawyer review. Get started for free .

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How to apply for or renew a U.S. tourist visa

If you visit the U.S. for tourism or business, you may need a visitor visa, also known as a tourist visa. Learn how to get and renew this type of nonimmigrant visa.

To enter the U.S., you must bring a passport issued by your country of citizenship along with your visa. Officials at your port of entry into the U.S. will also issue you a Form I-94, which electronically records your arrival and departure dates. Learn more about Form I-94 and how to apply .

Find out if you need a visa to visit the U.S.

Check to see if your country participates in the U.S. Visa Waiver Program (VWP) . If it does, you can get a waiver and will not need a visa. If you do not see your country listed, you will need a visitor visa.

Visitor (tourist) visa

The visitor visa, also known as a tourist visa, is a type of nonimmigrant visa for people who wish to temporarily enter the U.S. There are two categories:

• B-1 for business travel
• B-2 for tourism and medical treatment

Learn about B-1 and B-2 visas , including:

• Reasons you would need each type of visitor visa
• How to apply
• What documents you will need
• Application fees
• How to prepare for your interview at your U.S. embassy or consulate

How to renew a visitor visa

You must renew your visitor visa at a U.S. embassy or consulate abroad. Only diplomatic visa holders and their dependents can renew their visas within the U.S.

The process to renew a visitor visa is the same as getting one for the first time. Follow the process to apply for a visitor visa from the Department of State.

Find the contact information for your nearest U.S. embassy or consulate and contact them for visa renewal information.

LAST UPDATED: December 6, 2023

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How to Renew your B1/B2 USA Visa through the Interview Waiver Program

Is your B1/B2 US visa subject for renewal? Good news! You don’t need to go to the US Embassy to have an interview; instead, they have a program that will allow you to send your documents and receive a visa through 2GO. Learn how to renew your B1/B2 USA Visa through the Interview Waiver Program in this article.

• How To Fill Up the DS160 Form Online [USA Tourist Visa Application Form]
• What Will Happen if You Overstay in the USA? Consequences of Overstaying with your US Visa
• How to Get Your USA Travel History Online (Arrivals and Departures)
• Flying with Pets – How To Travel with Your Pets from the Philippines to USA
• USA B2 Tourist Visa Applications – 20 Consul Interview Questions You Could Be Asked and How Best to Answer Them

Table of Contents

Eligible for the Interview Waiver Program

You must be able to answer “yes” to all of the criteria below. If you answer “no” to one, then you may need an interview.

• Have a previous B1/B2 visa, and you wish to renew it
• B1/B2 visa was issued after July 1, 2007
• Your old visa was valid for a minimum of 5 years
• It expired within the last 12 months or is still valid
• You are Filipino
• No “Clearance Received” or “Travel with Employer” on your old visa
• You still have your passport with the B1/B2 visa
• The details on your old visa doesn’t need to be changed or corrected (e.g., name, gender, birthdate)
• Your visa was issued on or after your 14 th birthday
• The last time you applied for a B1/B2 visa, you got approved

Requirements for Renewal of B1/B2 Visa

• Current Valid Passport
• DS – 160 Application Form
• Interview Waiver Confirmation Letter
• Old passport with previous B1/B2 Visa
• 2 pcs of 2×2 Colored Photo with white background, taken within the last 6 months
• Visa Fee – USD 160 in its peso equivalent

Step-by-Step Guide in Getting your B1/B2 Visa

STEP 1: Pay your visa application fee.

Through RCBC Bank :

Go to this link for instructions on how to pay as well as the Peso Equivalent of your payment. Print this slip. Please take note of the expiration date as you will have to reprint in case you pay beyond the date.

Proceed to the nearest RCBC Bank and pay the visa application fee. Don’t forget to get your copy as there is a receipt number there.

Through Online via PesoNet:

Click this link for instructions. Note that your reference number will be used in your application as well as added in the Account number.

STEP 2 : Complete your DS-160 Form or the Nonimmigrant Visa Electronic Application form. You can read the instructions here . Make sure your DS-160 Confirmation number is ready.

STEP 3 : Create an account in the Registration Website .

You will need to have your DS-160 Confirmation Number as well as your payment reference number. Answer the details asked.

On STEP 7, you will be checked if you are eligible for the Interview Waiver Program.

Enter the address where your passport will be delivered.

Enter your receipt number.

If all are accepted, then you can print your Interview Waiver Confirmation Letter.

STEP 4 : Prepare all documents needed for delivery. You can also include a copy of your receipt. Place them in a plastic envelope, so it’s safer.

STEP 5 : Proceed to the nearest 2GO Branch. You can refer here to know the outlets or branches in your area. Avail the interview Waiver Service at 2GO; they will send it to the US Embassy on your behalf.

STEP 6 : Wait for your passport with your visa, if approved, to be delivered back to the address you entered. Congratulations! You know have a renewed B1/B2 US Visa!

FAQs on Renewal of B1/B2 US Visa

1. How much is the Visa Fee?

The Visa Fee is USD 160, but you will pay in its peso equivalent. Please read this link to know more about the current exchange rate as well as the instructions.

2. Is the Visa Fee refundable?

No, once you have paid it, it is non-refundable.

3. I can’t go outside, can I pay online?

Yes, you can. However, this service is limited to several banks. You can check the link above if your bank is included as well as read the instructions?

4. Who are eligible for the interview waiver program?

Those who have a B1/B2 Visa and said “yes” to all that is stated above are eligible.

5. What if I answered “no” on a question above? (E.g. I lost my old passport with my B1/B2 Visa)

Then, you are not eligible for the interview waiver program. You will need to schedule an interview to have your visa renewed.

6. Will I be granted a visa automatically?

No, this program does not guarantee you a visa. There might be cases where you need to be interviewed.

Well, that’s the Interview Waiver Program for Renewal of B1/B2 USA Visas! It’s a very convenient program as you are able to skip that nerve-wracking interview and only go out when you are about to deliver your documents. For other visas, you can follow our blog and the US Embassy’s page for the latest updates. Keep safe!

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68 thoughts on “ How to Renew your B1/B2 USA Visa through the Interview Waiver Program ”

Hi, Just asking for a friend. If the husband and wife are renewing their visas through the Interview Waiver program, can they mail their docs in one package since they only got one interview waiver confirmation letter or do they have to be mailed separately? Thanks for any input!

thank you so much, very helpful 😀 if you have trouble getting to step 7 like me, make sure you select B1/B2 visa type, not just B1 or B2 (-_-)’ so that the interview waiver questions would appear

How long does it usually takes to get interview waiver confirmation letter? Will need this before sending the docs to the embassy, Is that correct?

Do I have to pay fees in drop box to be delivered to us embassy

Hello. Hope you dont mind replying to my inquiry. Applied Mar 18 this year for B1/B2 visa renewal. Answered YES to all questions. I got a visa interview appointment for next year instead. I didnt received any interview waiver letter, am actually waiting for it so I can send my documents thru LBC. Need your guidance, how long do they send the interview waiver? Where can I get it? Thanks

Kindly e-mail the embassy po

Hi. What are the documents that they will ask once you get comfirmation for interview waiver? Is it the same as the documents needed for a regular renewal of visa? Like bank statements and such? thank you

check under – Requirements for Renewal of B1/B2 Visa no need for other requirements.

Hi, is name change due to marriage now considered eligible for interview waiver as long as documentary proof is provided?

Anybody knows contact number of US Embassy

Thank you so much for the informative post! I’m just confused on the Registration website “Enter your name as it appears in your passport (enter your first and middle names…” There is no space to put your middle name? do I leave it out?

You can read this guide: https://twomonkeystravelgroup.com/how-to-fill-up-ds160-form-usa-visa/

This blog was really informative… including the comments section.

I’d like to share my experience in case might he helpful for others.

I followed the step by step guide here in this blog… all went well just want to point out 2 things from the comment section that I found was helpful

1 comment below mentioned that you needed to bring photocopy of your passport when paying in RCBC bank. In my case, The teller at the bank didn’t ask for a copy but I came prepared. So I’m glad somebody mentioned that here at least I was prepared. (I paid my visa fee at RCBC branch in Sta Lucia mall— old bldg)

Another comment below mentioned that she had issue with the payment section of the application. She was getting the error “no valid record can be found”. She also mentioned that her account got suspended for 72 hours (I assume too many attempts?). After reading this I was careful of how many times to try to validate the payment. It says on the payment slip that if you pay before 1 pm, your payment will be available after 4 hours. I tried to validate my payment after 4 hours and got an error. I tried again after additional 4 hours, still error. I was anxious and worried the bank made a mistake with entering the receipt number. It was not a nice feeling. Next day 7am tried again, still error. I decided to go back to the bank and asked if it’s possible to see on their end if the payment went through. They said they can’t check but said to wait atleast 24hours since some bank takes longer to update the system. I waited until around 4pm (next day. More than 24 hours after I paid) and it finally went through. LESSON of the story: Patience is the key. ?

Finally, last tip I can share is to try to check/call/contact 2go branches first before visiting them as some branches DO NOT accept documents for mailing. Only challenge with this, is the numbers for the branches on their website are not accurate. Most numbers I tried to call was just ringing. I was only able to call 1 branch in marikina and they said they don’t accept docs. Suggested to try SM marikina. So yes, they do accept docs in SM marikina.

I sent my docs last Wednesday (Aug 4). Got my passport with visa on Aug 10. I was lucky with the timing I guess. I was expecting for atleast 2-4 weeks wait due to the lockdown. But I got it in less than a week.

I hope this was helpful. Thank you for the author of this blog and also people who shared their experiences.

Hi, Cris! US embassy received my passport on 13 Aug (Friday) and just today 16 Aug (Monday) the status on my dashboard said “Passport has been received from the consular section, and is currently being processed for delivery.” I wonder if your status was the same? Not sure how to take this, if this is good news or not lol, as I wasnt expecting for fast results.

Thank you Cris. I am from Marikina and i will follow your suggestions. Pay at Sta Lucia, wait for 28 hours to be sure 🙂 send docs at 2go sm marikina. what size of paper did you use to print confirmation code, etc (short bond paper or A4?). Which part is tricky to fill up? The waiver form and profile after payment looks confusing..

Hi All, What required supporting documents need to be submitted for the dropbox renewal? Do we need to submit a travel itinerary, bank certs, COE, etc? Or is it just the DS160 form, old and new passports, and Interview waiver letter? Appreciate your help. Thanks!

Read this po: USA Visa Tips for Filipinos (Non-Immigrant B2 Visa)

Recently finished filling out the DS 160 form and paid successfully. Also registered on their https://cgifederal.secure.force.com/ .

However there are no more questions regarding if you are renewing so you could get the visa interview waiver letter.

Has anyone experienced not getting an option for the interview waiver because there was not questions asked if you are renewing or not?

have you arrived in Step 7? What were the questions?

I also experienced the same thing. After the receipt number, it went already to the date of appointment.

How to apply for the interview waiver??

please contact the US Embassy

Hi. Did you get to Step 7? How did you do it? I also encountered same problem. After Step 6, payment and Step 8 appeared. I already told US embassy about it but they merely stated the step. I hope someone who experienced this can help me. Thanks.

Hi, I am qualified for the interview waiver for renewal of my B1/B2 US visa. I have accomplished the DS-160 and paid my MVR. However, as I logged in to the ustraveldocs site , I filled up my Receipt Number I paid at RCBC Visayas Ave. Branch but it says:… NO VALID RECORD CAN BE FOUND FOR THE ENTERED RECEIPT. PLEASE VALIDATE YOUR Receipt. I have validated my receipt with the bank copy and it is correct. What is the error on this. After another attempt to review the details entered I got these : Errors -your request cannot be processed at this time. The site administrator has been alerted. -User could not be created. Please ensure first name and last name are entered as they are in your passport and after another day I tried logging in and an error appear; Error -I am locked for at least 72 hours as the admin suspect suspicious miltiple log ins on my account.

I hope I get a number to call for further inquiry.

try contacting the numbers here: http://cdn.ustraveldocs.com/ph/ph-main-contactus.asp

Hi may ann,any luck with you payment issue? I’m having the same issue. I paid this morning at RCBC around 10:30 am. Tried to complete my application process around 2:30 but got an error. Tried again around 3:30 and still the same. I tried phone (safari) and laptop (chrome) and no luck. 🙁

I tried Step 1 in How to Pay Online and it’s asking for my DS-160 confirmation number.. but I’m not in that step yet since I am paying first. I’m not sure what to enter there already, or should I just proceed to step 2

Try doing the step 2 nlng po 🙂 then go back to step 1

Hi. I paid the visa fee via pesonet and I am wondering where to find the receipt number.

yung reference number po yung i-use nyo po https://www.ustraveldocs.com/ph/ph-niv-bancnetonlinepayment.asp

Hi Lyza, What are the supporting documents needed to be submitted along with the renewal application? Do we need to submit, bank certs, travel itinerary, COE, etc? Appreciate your help. Thanks!

Thanks for the advise. Appreciate it!

Just the reference number? No need the 7777777?

thank you for this info. very helpful indeed !!!

im just wondering where you got the criteria to be eligible to the interview waiver, as i cant find it on the us embassy website, and how set in stone are these requirements? im particularly curious with the last one, which is about one’s visa application prior to the current, because my application was actually denied before i was granted a 10 year multiple visa. my visa is expiring on september. i visited the US once over the last 10 years.

looking forward to your inputs. thank you very much.

It’s in their website and included in the questionnaire.

can i ask what if ung step 7 di sya nag appear para makapag answer sa qualifications for interview waiver. pano po ang gagawin.

please check your answers from steps 1-6, like visa/type or visa class.

Hi. Is the US embassy accepting visa renewal now? I am qualified with the interview waiver program.

yes po, they have extended it until December 2021.

Hi Lyza. Thanks for the quick response. I thought they are not accepting renewals. So baka yung may face to face interview lang ang suspended for now no?

That is why it’s called interview-waiver program po, kasi wala ng interview as long as you are qualified for the renewal. For now, only selected pa yung may interview and it’s limited. Available appointments are on 2022 pa.

Thank you for your help! Will process my visa renewal via Dropbox next week.

TIP: When paying at RCBC, bring a photocopy of your passport. They will not accept payments without the passport photocopy! It’s a hassle because this is not mentioned anywhere in the visa application instructions.

Thank you for this RC! Great help!

Hi. My question is step 3- create an account in the registration

New User- after I fill in the email, name , password and encode the captcha letters to create an account it says—-

Errors -your request cannot be processed at this time. The site administrator has been alerted. -User could not be created. Please ensure first name and last name are entered as they are in your passport

What does this mean? I entered the first and last name as they are in my passport. I cannot create an account and continue the process to get my waiver interview letter.

Appreciate if you could help me on this and be enlightened. Thank you

Hi. Were you able to figure this out? I am having the same problem.

hello Camilla and Kaye! try forget password and it will send you a new password then use the Log In and use the password sent via email

then just fill out the necessary details on your account

I have a question. Can you create/generate a new Interview Waiver Confirmation Letter using the same MRVs and DS-160 application number?

Hi! I have payed the MRV fee. It was said in the instructions that after payment, I will receive an email for the next instructions after payment has been made. However, I received an email saying that my B1/B2 Voucher has expired. I can continue with the application by sending a payment confirmation along with the receipt number and pin. Now that is my concern, I don’t know what the PIN is.

hi. my current status now is administrative processing. is it normal for renewal thru dropbox? im now concerned. 🙁

Hello did you get your visa? How long did it stay in AP status? Thanks!

hi. what is the turn around time from cash payment til i can input it to the interview waiver confirmation. i encountered error message stating that “no valid record can be found for the entered receipt number” even if i already made an over the counter payment. tried several times then my account was locked for 72 hours. 🙁

it will depend on how you paid as well as what time – it will take between 4 hours to 24 hours or one day after 1:30 pm just wait for it to unlock since you were probably locked out due to reaching the maximum number of logins for a day

I am encountering the same situation. It’s been 21 hours since I paid on behalf of my mother.

check po the details or the RCBC account or wait lang po for tomorrow. If may problems pa, you can contact the US Embassy po.

Hi! I just received my visa 5 days after I sent my docs via 2go. I paid 450 to the delivery guy who brought my renewed visa. do we really have to pay again? I don’t remember paying before. And does it really take only 5 days to process renewal? I thought it would take longer so was surprised when it came back just 5 days later. Thanks.

hi! were you able to check the status of your application in the website? did you encounter “administrative processing”?

Hi Melissa, Can I ask what are the supporting docs you have submitted for the renewal through dropbox?

Hi, I already have my DS 160 printed and submitted and successfully registered on a site as instructed, and waiting until now for the waiver confirmation letter. Would want to know if I miss on something. .. there are no other instructions/steps to do to avail of the waiver. Appreciate your help on this. Hoping too that you are doing well and good. Thank you

Hi! How long did it take before you received the waiver confirmation? I have the same question as you. I’m already done with payment and DS-160. Will the letter show up in the Dashboard? Thanks!

Can i renew my US Visa even if is still valid till January 2022?

Hello! US Embassy received my visa 14Dec. However, document delivery information in the dashboard is still blank. Is it normal? Should I just wait for my passport via courier?

Hi Kitte, how long did it take before you got your passport back? I dropped my documents at 2GO last Dec 26, and the tracking update of 2GO indicated that the documents have been delivered to the US embassy on Dec 29. It’s now Jan 17 and I haven’t heard of an update yet from the embassy. The Document Delivery Information is still blank. Thanks.

Did you finally receive your visa? How long did it take?

Hoping you can help me with my concern. I am actually eligible with the Interview Waiver Program (already filled out the DS-160 and got the Waiver Letter), the problem is I’m not sure if there are any 2GO office open since Cebu is in ECQ, been trying to call also customer service but no avail. So will that affect my application? Is it possible to just send my documents once ECQ here is lifted? or does it need to be sent asap? since I’m done with the online and just left with sending the documents to US Embassy. I’m also worried cause if I don’t do it soon it’s gonna be more than 12 months since my visa expired.

Also I heard the appointments are cancelled, so can I still send my documents even though US Embassy in Manila are not accepting appointments now?

Thank you for your help and glad I found your website it is very helpful!

Good day, we are applying for the US Visa Interview Waiver Program (aka Drop Box Program) and we fulfill all the requirements and qualifications for this. Completing all the necessary requirements here, I can’t find the Dropbox Confirmation Letter box. I would like to ask for your help regarding this matter.

Have you already paid the visa fee and completed the DS-160 form?

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Written by Kach Umandap

Founder of Two Monkeys Travel Group. Since 2013, Kach has visited all the 7 continents (including Antarctica) and 151 countries using her Philippines Passport. In 2016, she bought a sailboat and went on sailing adventures with her two cats - Captain Ahab & Little Zissou in the Caribbean for 2 years. She now lives in Herceg Novi, Montenegro where she's enjoying her expat life and living on a gorgeous Stonehouse. She writes about her experiences traveling as a Filipina traveler with a PHL Passport. Also tips on backpacking trips, luxury hotel experiences, product reviews, sailing & adventure travel.

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Advance travel planning and early visa application are important. If you plan to apply for a nonimmigrant visa to come to the United States as a temporary visitor, please review the current wait time for an interview using the tool below. Not all visa applications can be completed on the day of the interview; please read the information below for more details .

Check the estimated wait time for a nonimmigrant visa interview appointment at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate.

Note: Please check the individual Embassy or Consulate website to determine if your case is eligible for a waiver of the in-person interview.

Applicants scheduling visa appointments in a location different from their place of residence should check post websites for nonresident wait times.

Select a U.S. Embassy or Consulate:

Global Visa Wait Times

Wait Time for Interview

The estimated wait time to receive a nonimmigrant visa interview appointment at a U.S. embassy or consulate and is based on workload and staffing and can vary from week to week. The information provided is an estimate and does not guarantee the availability of an appointment.

Wait Time for Interview Waiver

Wait times for applicants eligible for Interview Waiver are applicable only for locations where applicants schedule appointments to submit their passport and any required documents to a U.S. embassy or consulate. The wait time estimate does not account for the time required for a consular officer to adjudicate the application nor mailing time of passports or other documents. Refer to the website of the Embassy or Consulate Visa Section where you will apply to determine your eligibility for Interview Waiver and for instructions for submitting a nonimmigrant visa application. Note that applicants must be a national or resident of the country where they are applying to be eligible to apply via Interview Waiver.

Qualifications for an Expedited Interview Appointment

Consular sections overseas may be able to expedite your interview date if there is an urgent, unforeseen situation such as a funeral, medical emergency, or school start date. The process to request an expedited nonimmigrant visa interview varies by location. You should refer to the instructions on the website of the Embassy or Consulate Visa Section  where you will interview, or on their online appointment scheduling site. You will need to provide proof of the need for an earlier appointment.

In all cases : You must first submit the online visa application form (DS-160), pay the application fee, and schedule the first available interview appointment. Only at this point will a consular section consider your request for an expedited appointment.

Note: Travel for the purpose of attending weddings and graduation ceremonies, assisting pregnant relatives, participating in an annual business/academic/professional conference, or enjoying last-minute tourism does not qualify for expedited appointments. For such travel, please schedule a regular visa appointment well in advance.

These estimates do not include time required for administrative processing, which may affect some applications. When administrative processing is required, the timing will vary based on individual circumstances of each case.

There are only two possible outcomes for U.S. visa applications. The consular officer will either issue or refuse the visa. If a visa applicant has not established that he or she is eligible for a visa, the consular officer must refuse that application. However, some refused visa applications may require further administrative processing. When administrative processing is required, the consular officer will inform the applicant at the end of the interview. The duration of the administrative processing will vary based on the individual circumstances of each case. At the conclusion of the administrative processing period, the consular officer might conclude that an applicant is now qualified for the visa for which he or she applied. The officer may also conclude that the applicant remains ineligible for a visa. Visa applicants are reminded to apply early for their visas, well in advance of the anticipated travel date.

Important Notice:   Except in cases of emergency travel (i.e. serious illnesses, injuries, or deaths in your immediate family), before making inquiries about status of administrative processing, applicants should wait at least 180 days from the date of interview or submission of supplemental documents, whichever is later.

About Visa Processing Wait Times – Nonimmigrant Visa Applicants

Information about nonimmigrant visa wait times for interviews and visa processing time frames are shown on this website, as well as on U.S. Embassy and Consulate websites worldwide. It should be noted that the “Wait Times for a Nonimmigrant Visa to be Processed” information by country does not include time required for administrative processing. Processing wait time also does not include the time required to return the passport to applicants, by either courier services or the local mail system.

In addition, it is important to thoroughly review all information on the specific  Embassy or Consulate Visa Section website  for local procedures and instructions, such as how to make an interview appointment. Embassy and Consulate websites will also explain any additional procedures for students, exchange visitors and those persons who need an earlier visa interview appointment.

About Wait Times

* Calendar days refers to every day of the week, including days when embassies are closed (such as weekends and holidays).

† Work days refers only to days when the embassy is open and does not include weekends and holidays.      

‡ A, G, and NATO applications are excluded from these wait times, as they are processed separately.

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How to Apply

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 interview waiver:

• The Consular Section did not inform you that you DO NOT qualify for interview waiver.
• All applicants are currently residing in Oman.
• None of the applicants are a citizen of, or born in, Cuba, Iran, Iraq, Libya, North Korea, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, or Yemen.
• Each applicant was OVER 14 years of age when their prior visa was issued.
• Any applicant  hasn't been refused a visa since the last visa issuance. 
• 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.
• Each child under 14 years of age have at least one parent with a valid visa or a parent that is renewing a visa that expired in the last 48 months.

For renewing B1/B2 applicants:

• All applicants have 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):

• All applicants are applying for any other type of non-immigrant visa (i.e. H-1, H-3, H-4, L, O, P, Q, or R).
• All applicants had a prior U.S. visa of any type (EXCEPT B1, B2, or B1/B2) that expired less than 48 months ago.

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.  

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