Renew My Visa

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Overview

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 renewal by mail:

  • All applicants are Egyptian citizens or legal residents of Egypt.
  • All applicants are currently present in Egypt.
  • Any of the applicants are born in, or nationals of, Cuba, Syria, the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (North Korea), or Iran.
  • The applicant has ever been denied a U.S. visa.
  • The applicant was issued a U.S. visa after the visa denial.
  • The applicant’s most recent U.S. visa was lost, stolen, or revoked.
  • The applicant has never been arrested or convicted of a crime, deported from the United States, or denied entry to the United States.
  • All sections of the DS-160 online application have been answered completely and accurately.
  • The renewal by mail can take up to 6 weeks. All applicants must be able to be without their passports for this period of time.

Visas for Applicants under 14:

  • All the applicants applying are under the age of 14.
  • One of the applicant's parents have a valid visa.

Visas for Applicants over 80:

  • All the applicants applying are over the age of 80.

B1/B2 visa:

  • The applicant is re-applying to renew a prior 5-year B1/B2 visa that has not been expired for more than 48 months.

Visas for H-2(temporary non-agricultural workers):

  • The applicant is applying for an H-2 visa (temporary non-agricultural workers).
  • The applicant has already been fingerprinted in the past at the U.S. Consulate.

Other type of non-immigrant visa (for example C, D, F, M, J, H-1, H-3, H-4, L, O, P, Q, or R):

  • The applicant is applying for any other type of non-immigrant visa (for example C, D, F, M, J, H-1, H-3, H-4, L, O, P, Q, or R).
  • The applicant have any prior U.S. visas EXCEPT B1, B2, or B1/B2 that expired less than 48 months ago.

 

Administrative processing:

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. 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.

You can check the status of your application any time at the following website.

Required Documents and Submission Locations

The following are required documents that must be submitted. Failure to submit the required documents will result in the delay of your visa adjudication. DO NOT submit bank statements, HR letters, travel reservations, or any other unnecessary documents. If additional information is required the U.S. Embassy will contact you.

All Applicants:

  • A copy of the IWP appointment confirmation letter.
  • The DS-160 application confirmation page for each applicant.
  • One colored photograph (51mm x 51mm) taken within the last 6 months against a white background. The image must contain the full face, neck, and shoulders of the applicant in frontal view with a neutral expression and no eyeglasses.
  • Current passport and passport with the most recent U.S. visa.

Additional document for applicants 14 Years Old and Under:

  • A copy of one parent's valid U.S. visa.

Additional Required Documents By Visa Class

  • B1/B2 (temporary business & tourism): No additional documents
  • C1/D (Crew member): Employment letter
  • F & M (Students): I-20 form copy
  • J (Exchange visitor): DS2019 Form
  • H, L, O, P, Q, R (Employment petition): I-797 form
  • How to Apply

    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  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. 

    Apply for a U.S. nonimmigrant visa