Renew My Visa

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Overview

Before applying to renew your U.S. visa, first determine whether you need a new visa. Your previous visa may still be valid even after 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.

If you do need a new visa, the application process is in many ways the same whether you are applying for the first time or renewing your visa.  You will still need to complete a new DS-160 application, pay all applicable visa fees, and provide a new photo.

Some applicants who are renewing their visas may qualify to apply by mail via the Interview Waiver Program. In most cases, using this service eliminates the need to come in for an interview. As with any visa application, however, the use of the Interview Waiver Program does not guarantee visa issuance. The consular officer may, after reviewing your application package, require you to appear for an in-person interview.

Please note that the Interview Waiver Program does not provide expedited processing. If your travel is urgent, please use the regular application procedures and schedule an interview.

Qualifications

You may be eligible to apply for a U.S. visa without an interview if you are renewing a prior U.S. visa that is still valid or expired less than 48 months ago. To renew via the Interview Waiver Program, you must meet all of the requirements listed below:

  • You are a citizen or resident of Austria.
  • You are physically present in Austria during the application process.
  • Your previous visa is still valid or expired within the last 48 months.
  • Your citizenship and visa class are not subject to the payment of a reciprocity fee. (Please click here to verify.)
  • Your previous visa has not been lost, stolen, or revoked.
  • You have not been arrested for or convicted of any crime or offense.

Supporting Documentation

Please review the checklists below and include the required documents in your package.

For all applicants:
  • Valid passport
  • DS-160 application form confirmation page
  • Application fee receipt number or other document which shows that application fee has already been paid
  • 1 photo: Two inches square (51 mm x 51 mm) color photograph, less than 6 months old, with a white background. The image must contain the full face, neck, and shoulders of the applicant in frontal view with a neutral non-smiling expression.

Additional requirements for specific applicants:

Applicants who are not Austrian citizens:
  • Proof of residence in Austria
C1/D visa applicants:
  • Employment letter
F-1 and M-1 visa applicants:
  • Original form I-20 (it will be returned to you)
J-1 visa applicants:
  • Original form DS-2019 (it will be returned to you)
I visa applicants:
  • Letter from employer describing purpose of trip
  • Copy of press ID, if available
H, O, P, Q, and R visa applicants:
  • Copy of I-797 approval notice
Derivative applicants (F-2, H-4, J-2, M-2, O-3, P-4, R-2):
  • For spouses of principal applicants: copy of marriage certificate
  • For children of principal applicants: copy of birth certificate

How to Apply

If you meet the requirements above, follow the steps below to create a profile. After you have created your profile, you will answer several questions to establish eligibility for the Interview Waiver Program. You will not require an appointment if you are exempt from an interview.

Step 1
Complete the Nonimmigrant Visa Electronic Application (DS-160) form.

Step 2
Log-in to our online applicant system and create a profile. Once logged in, choose “New Application/Schedule appointment.” As you go through the process, you will answer questions which will evaluate your eligibility to apply for a visa without an interview. 

Step 3
After you answer the questions, you will be prompted to pay the visa application (MRV) fee.
After paying the fee, you will need three pieces of information in order to access your online profile:

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

 Step 4

Mail your documents to the US Embassy per the instructions in the Interview Waiver confirmation.

Once your application package is received by the Consular Section, a consular officer will make the final determination whether you qualify for visa issuance without a personal interview. In such a case, the Consulate will issue your visa and the passport will be returned to you via the preferred delivery option indicated in your profile.