Renewing Us Travel Visas: A Guide

If you're looking to renew a US travel visa, the process is similar to applying for a new one. First, you'll need to check if your country participates in the US Visa Waiver Program (VWP). If it does, you won't need to renew your visa. If not, you'll need to renew your visa at a US embassy or consulate in your home country. The renewal process involves completing Form DS-160, providing a digital visa photo, paying the required fees, and attending an interview. The timeline and fees vary depending on the embassy or consulate, so it's best to check with your nearest location.

The process is the same as getting a new visa

Renewing a US travel visa involves a similar process to getting a new visa. The procedure for renewal is almost identical to the initial application process. The application form for US visas is called Form DS-160, and it is the same online form for all non-immigrant visas and US visa renewals. The form must be completed in English, using only English language characters.

To renew a US visa, you will need to:

• Complete the online application form (Form DS-160).
• Schedule an interview appointment at the US Embassy/Consulate.
• Pay the US Visa Renewal Fee.
• Submit the required documents for US visa renewal.
• Enter the visa renewal interview.

Some aspects of the application procedure may differ depending on the country from which you are renewing your US visa. For example, the timing of the payment and the chronology of the steps may vary. In some cases, you have to pay the fee before anything else because you need the receipt to complete the DS-160 application. In other cases, you pay the fee after scheduling an appointment.

The US Department of State has an online server for scheduling interviews. If you registered there when you first applied for a visa, your login information will be saved. However, the procedure for scheduling an interview appointment can change depending on the country, so it is important to contact the Embassy and get all the relevant information.

There are usually three options regarding document submission and the US visa renewal interview:

• Submit the documents and enter the interview at the US Embassy, but on different days.
• Submit the documents at the US Embassy on the day of your interview.
• Submit the documents at a Visa Application Center, and then enter the visa interview at the US Embassy.

This means you may need two different appointments, one for documentation and the other for the interview. The US Embassy in your country should provide you with this information. Sometimes, when you renew a US visa, you don't have to enter an interview. Certain visa types may qualify for an interview waiver, which means you simply submit the documents and wait to be notified about the outcome.

You can renew by mail if you live in Canada

If you are a Canadian resident and citizen, you may be eligible to renew your US travel visa by mail without a visa interview. To be eligible, you must be physically present in Canada and your visa and passport must not have been lost, stolen, cancelled, or revoked. You must also meet one of the following criteria:

• Renewals in the Same Category: You already have a US visa that is valid or has expired within the last 48 months and you wish to renew your visa with the same classification. For example, if you have a recently expired J visa, you cannot renew it and get a B1/B2 visa.
• F, M, or Academic J Visas: You are applying for an F, M, or Academic J visa and have previously been issued any type of visa.
• Individual Petition-Based H, O, P, and Q Visas: You are applying for an H-1, H-3, H-4, O, P, or Q visa and have previously been issued any type of visa.

If you are eligible, the online appointment system will provide instructions on how to submit your passport, application, and related documents via courier to your closest Consular Section. You must submit a copy of your valid status in Canada (permanent resident card, work authorization, or student permit) and may be required to pay a reciprocity fee (in addition to the standard visa fee) later in the process.

Interview Waiver processing takes approximately four to six weeks from the time the application arrives in the Consular Section. Processing times vary and may exceed this timeframe due to staffing and incoming workload. While the Consular Section is processing your Interview Waiver application, you will not have access to your passport and will not be able to engage in international travel. The Consular Section will only return passports in the case of a life-threatening emergency. If you request the return of your passport prior to the completion of Interview Waiver processing, the Consular Section will not issue your visa before returning your passport. Following your emergency travel, you may continue with your visa application by scheduling an in-person appointment. Visa appointment wait times in Canada currently exceed one year in most visa classifications.

You must renew in your home country

If you are renewing a US travel visa, you must renew it at a US embassy or consulate in your home country. The process to renew a visitor visa is the same as getting one for the first time. The only exceptions to this rule are diplomatic visa holders and their dependents, who can renew their visas while in the US.

To renew a B1/B2 tourist visa, you will need to complete Form DS-160 (Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application), upload a digital visa photo, pay the required government filing fees, and schedule and attend a tourist visa interview at your nearest US embassy or consulate. The timeline for a B1/B2 visa renewal depends on the US embassy or consulate where you are applying. Each embassy and consulate have their own processing times based on appointment schedules, staffing, and pending visa applications.

The US 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 they meet certain requirements. It is important to reach out to your local US embassy or consulate directly to see if you qualify for an interview waiver.

Renewals are filed and processed at the US Embassy

Renewing a US tourist visa involves a similar process to applying for an initial visa. Renewal applications are filed and processed at the US Embassy or consulate in the applicant's home country. The US Embassy plays a crucial role in the visa renewal process, providing instructions, resources, and support to applicants. Here is a detailed overview of the role of the US Embassy in the visa renewal process:

Application Submission and Support

The US Embassy provides clear instructions on its website for applicants seeking to renew their visas. It guides applicants through the entire process, from completing the necessary forms to preparing for the visa interview. The website offers a step-by-step guide, ensuring applicants have all the required information. Additionally, the US Embassy provides contact information for visa-related inquiries, offering email and telephone support. This support extends to guidance on scheduling visa appointments and addressing any challenges applicants may encounter during the process.

Visa Interviews

The US Embassy is responsible for conducting visa interviews, which are generally required for visa renewals. Consular officers at the embassy interview applicants to determine their qualifications and eligibility for visa renewal. These interviews are an essential part of the renewal process, allowing officers to assess applicants' intentions, plans, and qualifications. The embassy ensures that applicants are treated with dignity and respect during these interviews.

Administrative Processing

After the visa interview, the US Embassy may require further administrative processing of the application. Consular officers inform applicants if this step is necessary. The embassy ensures that applicants are kept informed about the status of their applications and provides transparency throughout the process.

Visa Issuance and Passport Return

Once the visa is approved, the US Embassy facilitates the visa issuance process, which may include the collection of visa issuance fees. The embassy also coordinates the return of passports with the necessary visas to applicants.

Visa Validity and Renewal Timing

The US Embassy provides information about the validity period of visas. While the B-1/B-2 tourist visa is typically valid for up to ten years, the embassy advises applicants to check the expiration date before applying for renewal. It is important to renew the visa before it expires to ensure uninterrupted travel plans.

Interview Waiver Program (IWP)

The US Embassy administers the Interview Waiver Program (IWP), which allows eligible individuals to renew certain types of visas without attending additional interviews. The embassy assesses applicants' eligibility for this program based on specific criteria, such as citizenship, visa history, and compliance with visa rules.

In summary, the US Embassy serves as a central hub for visa renewal, offering comprehensive support, resources, and guidance to applicants. It handles the entire renewal process, from application submission and interviews to administrative processing and visa issuance. The embassy ensures that applicants have access to the necessary information and assistance throughout, making the visa renewal process more accessible and efficient for travellers.

You must pay a fee

Renewing a US travel visa involves paying a fee, which is a crucial step in the process. This non-refundable fee must be paid before the interview and submission of the completed application. The payment methods and timing may vary depending on the applicant's country of origin. For instance, in some cases, the fee must be paid first to obtain the receipt needed for the DS-160 application form.

The US travel visa renewal fee can be paid using one of the following methods:

• Paying in cash at a bank, using a receipt downloaded online.
• Paying with a debit card online.
• Paying in cash at the Embassy during the interview.

The amount of the US travel visa renewal fee depends on the type of visa being renewed. For non-petition-based nonimmigrant visas (except E visas), the fee is $185. This includes visitor visas for business, tourism, or medical treatment, as well as transit visas, crewmember visas, and visas for media and journalists. Petition-based visa categories incur a fee of $205, while E-Treaty Trader/Investor or Australian Professional Specialty category visas cost $315. K-fiancé(e) or spouse of a US citizen visas are $265, and border crossing cards for those aged 15 and over (valid for 10 years) cost $185. There are also specific fees for L visa fraud prevention and detection, as well as for certain H-1B and L-1 petitioners.

It is important to note that there are some instances where visa application fees are not required. These include applicants for A, G, C-2, C-3, NATO, and diplomatic visas, as well as those participating in official US government-sponsored educational and cultural exchange programs. Additionally, there is no fee for the replacement of a machine-readable visa when the original was not properly affixed or needed to be reissued through no fault of the applicant.

Frequently asked questions