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:

  • The applicant and everyone applying with him/her is a citizen or resident of Bahrain.
  • The applicant is currently present in Bahrain.
  • The applicant and everyone applying with him/her, have a previous visa in the same category (except children under 14).

For Applicants under age 14:

  • ALL applicants applying under 14 years of age.
  • For applicants under 14, either parent have a valid B1/B2 visa.

For renewing B1/B2 applicants:

  • The applicant IS applying to renew a B1/B2 visa that has not been expired for more than 48 months.

  • The applicant and everyone applying with him/her have a prior 5-year (or full-validity for your nationality), B1/B2 US visa.
  • The applicant most recent visa issued after June 27, 2007.

  • The applicant and everyone applying with him/her do not have any US visa refusals after the expiration of an issued B1/B2 visa.
  • The applicant visa, and the visa of everyone applying with him/her, still valid or has expired within the past 48 months.

Student/Exchange Visitors:

  • The applicant is re-applying to renew a F/M (student or exchange) visa that has not been expired for more than 48 months.
  • IF F/M:The applicant’s SEVIS status is “active” or “initial”. Applicants should contact their Designated School Official (DSO) at their institution if they are unsure.
  •  The applicant is EITHER continuing at the same institution listed on the prior visa OR studying the same major as during the initial interview.
  • IF J: The applicant has the same SEVIS number as on the initial visa.

D or C1/D visa :

  • The applicants applying to renew D or C1/D visa that has not been expired for more than 48 months.
  • The previous visa is still in your possession.
  • The applicant has never been arrested or convicted of a crime (in any country), 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.
  • Renewal process can take up to 2 weeks. Can you be without your passport for this period of time.

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