Interview Waiver & Visa Renewal

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Overview

In an effort to improve customer service, the U.S. government allows certain nonimmigrant visa applicants to apply for visas without an interview under the Interview Waiver. This process is not for first-time applicants. It is only for certain applicants applying for visas and some restrictions also apply.

Eligibility Criteria

Please check the Website RedBanner for the latest information on Interview Waiver eligibility criteria.

If you are applying for a B, F, H-1, H-4, J, non-blanket L, M or O category visa, please first create a profile, proceed with your application, and print 2 copies of the interview-waiver confirmation letter to submit to one of the six document delivery centers if you meet the following qualifications as applicable.

INTERVIEW WAIVER ELIGIBILITY QUESTIONS:

Before you answer “YES” to the below statements, please ensure that your situation meets the criteria. The statements below help determine your eligibility to submit an application through the interview waiver process. They do not guarantee that a visa will be issued. After a review of your application, a consular officer will determine whether or not you are required to appear for an interview or if your visa can be issued without an interview. If you are found to be not eligible for a visa without an interview, your application will be refused under section 221(g) of the Immigration and Nationality Act pending your appearance at a visa interview.

Renewal of B, F, H1B, H4, J, non-blanket L, M and O visa in the same category:

  • I am currently present in Nepal;
  • I am a Nepali citizen, or I have been a resident of Nepal for at least the previous 6 months;
  • I am renewing my visa;
  • I am applying for the same visa class;
  • My visa is still valid, or I am applying within 48 months of my previous visa's expiration date;
  • I was previously interviewed for a visa on or after January 1, 2008;
  • My last visa was “multiple” entry (it should read as “M”);
  • My last visa was issued for full term;
  • My most recent prior application in this category resulted in an issued visa;
  • My most recent visa has never been revoked, lost, or stolen;
  • My name, date of birth, nationality, and place of birth are the same on both applications (current and previous) or I can provide evidence of the reason for the change;
  • On my previous visit to the United States, I did not overstay my authorized time;
  • On my previous visa, I did not apply for Temporary Protected Status (TPS) while in the United States.

Interview Waiver Applications for previously issued F, H1, H4, J, non-blanket L, M and O visa; applying for new visa category:

  • I am currently present in Nepal;
  • I am a Nepali citizen, or my usual place of residence is Nepal;
  • I have been issued a previous U.S. visa in a visa category other than a B Visa;
  • My visa is still valid, or I am applying within 48 months of my previous visa's expiration date;
  • I have not been refused in any visa category during my last visa interview at the U.S. Embassy;
  • My most recent visa has never been revoked, lost, or stolen;
  • My name, date of birth, nationality, and place of birth are the same on both applications (current and previous) or I can provide evidence of the reason for the change;
  • On my previous visit to the United States, I complied with all immigration laws and regulations;
  • I am applying for a visa in the J category, and box 4 of my DS-2019 states one of the following:  Secondary or university student, professor, research scholar, short-term scholar, or specialist. If box 4 states any other category, including Alien Physician, then you are not eligible to submit an interview waiver application.
Interview Waiver Based on Age; under 14 or age 80 and over:

Applicants may also apply for a visa without requiring an interview if they meet the below criteria:

  • I am applying after my 80th birthday; or
  • I am applying before my 14th birthday; and
  • Both of my parents hold valid visas, or, one or both of my parents are applying for their visa renewal; and I am applying together for the same visa class
  • My most recent visa application was not refused;
  • My age was below 14 when the last visa was issued. I am applying for visa now and I am still under 14 years of age.

If your answer is “YES” to the above questions, you may be eligible to apply for the interview waiver. Please drop off your passport along with the listed documents as outlined below at your pre-selected document delivery center. You do not need to schedule an appointment to come to the U.S. Embassy unless a consular officer asks you to do so.

  • Interview waiver confirmation letter.
  • Current passport that has a validity of at least six months beyond your intended stay in the U.S. (all categories)
  • Passport containing most recently issued U.S. visa
  • The DS-160 nonimmigrant visa application confirmation sheet (all categories)
  • Your visa application (MRV) fee payment receipt; Cash Deposit Receipt if paid in cash at NIMB Bank Branch, or the payment transaction detail downloaded from connectIPS after EFT payment
  • One photograph taken within the last six months (conforming to the guidelines on this webpage). In the vast majority of cases, YOU MAY NOT SUBMIT THE SAME PHOTOGRAPH THAT APPEARED ON YOUR LAST VISA. Failure to submit a valid photograph will delay the processing of your case.
  • Copy of I-20 and original transcript (F1/F2, M1/M2)
  • Original DS-2019 (J1/J2)
  • Copy of valid visa in the same visa class for both parents if the applicant is a child under 14 years of age applying for a B category visa.
  • If your name, date of birth, nationality, or place of birth has changed since your prior application, provide evidence of the reason for the change.
  • Supporting documentation (photo copy) required for your visa type

Additional documents for the Petition based  (H and L) applicants:

  • Copy of petition papers (I-129, I-797 notice of approval)
  • Employment contract
  • For H-1B applicants, submit Labor Condition Application (LCA)
  • Resume/CV
  • For H-4 applicants, proof of relationship (marriage certificate, wedding photos, etc.).

Note: Children under 14 years of age must submit a photocopy of both parents’ passport biographic information page, both parents’ valid U.S. visa, and a copy of the child’s birth certificate. If the parents do not hold U.S. visas, the children are not eligible for the interview waiver for B visa categories.

Please note that eligibility for interview waiver does not guarantee a visa issuance nor does it guarantee that the interview will be waived. Although your interview may be waived, you may still be required to appear for fingerprint scanning. Any necessary notification will be made via the email address listed in your DS-160 online application.

How To Apply

Step 1

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 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.

Step 2

The next step is to complete the DS-160 Form. Be sure to read the Guidelines for Completing the DS-160 Form carefully. All information must be correct and accurate. Once the form is submitted, you cannot make any changes. If you need assistance, please consult an immigration lawyer or translator. The call center cannot help you complete your DS-160. You will need your DS-160 number to book your appointment.

Step 3

Once you have determined the correct visa type and completed the DS-160, you must pay the visa fee. The visa fee page lists the visa types and correlating visa fee in U.S. dollars and local currency.

To pay your visa fee, read the Bank and Payment Options page. This page explains how to make your visa fee payment. You will create a profile and must keep your receipt number to book your visa appointment.

Step 4

Now you will need to log in to your profile with the same credentials you used to pay your visa fee. Once you are in the system, you will see your dashboard.

Click on Schedule Appointment on the left-hand side menu.

This will start the process for scheduling your appointment. You will need:

  • Your current passport.
  • The receipt number from your Visa Fee receipt. Click here if you need help finding this number.
  • The ten (10) digit barcode number from your DS-160 confirmation page.

As you go through the process you will be able to select your visa type, enter personal data, add dependents, select your document delivery location, confirm visa payment, and schedule your appointment.

Step 5

Deliver your interview-waiver visa application to a Team CGI Document Drop-Off Center. Bring the second copy of your document checklist with you. A Team CGI employee will review your document checklist before accepting your application for delivery to the U.S. Embassy.

Note: Failure to submit the above documents as per the described criteria will delay the processing of your case.

Step 6

If any additional information is needed to complete the processing of your case, you will be informed by email. If your application is approved, your passport and visa will be delivered for pickup to your selected Document Collection center you specified when you scheduled your interview. Details on passport delivery are available on this webpage.

When your passport is available at the selected location you will receive an email that your passport is “Ready for Pick Up”.