Interview Waiver for Certain Petition-based Visas (H1, H3, H4, non-blanket L, O, P, and Q)

Overview

Some visa applicants may not need to appear for a visa interview if they qualify for the Interview Waiver. If qualified, applicants only need to drop the required documents at the RPX Document Drop-off Location any business day between 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. Applicants do not need to come in person to drop off their documents. This process will take approximately 14 business days to complete.

Requirements

To qualify for the Interview Waiver, you must be able to answer "YES" to ALL of the following:

  1. I am an Indonesian passport holder or have legal residence in Indonesia (KITAS/KITAP).
  2. I was previously issued any type of full validity U.S. visa (other than B1/B2) which is still valid or recently expired within the last forty-eight months.
  3. The last time I applied for a U.S. visa, it was approved.
  4. I have never been arrested or convicted for any offense or crime, even if subject of a pardon.
  5. I have never violated the terms of a previous U.S. visa or stayed in the U.S. longer than permitted on a previous U.S. visa (even if the Department of Homeland Security approved the extension of stay).
  6. I have my current and previous passport with my last U.S visa. (NOTE: You may not use interview waiver if you lost your last U.S. visa).
  7. I have a valid I-797 Form.

(NOTE: Blanket L1/L2 visa applicants do not qualify for the expanded interview waiver).

How to apply

If you meet the above requirements, follow the steps below:

Step 1

Complete the non-immigrant Visa Electronic Application (DS-160) form; please see this link for the guidelines

Step 2

Log in to our appointment system and create a profile. Once logged in, choose “Schedule Appointment.” You will be prompted to answer questions which will evaluate your eligibility to renew your visa through the Interview Waiver.

Step 3

After answering the questions, you will be prompted to enter your 16-digit Virtual Account Number from the deposit slip you used when you made your MRV fee payment.  If you have not already paid the fee, please see this link for more information on how to pay your MRV fee. If you are eligible to apply for a visa through the Interview Waiver, you will be able to print out the “Interview Waiver Confirmation Letter.”

Step 4

Gather following documents and drop them off at the nearest RPX Drop-off Locations any weekdays between 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. Applicants do not need to come in person to drop off their documents.

  1. Interview waiver confirmation letter.
  2. DS-160 Confirmation Page.
  3. Current and previous passport with your last full validity U.S. visa (other than B1/B2) which is still valid or recently expired within the last forty-eight months. (You may not use interview waiver if you lost your last U.S. visa).
  4. Copy of KITAS / KITAP for legal residence in Indonesia.
  5. One photo (colored, white background, unretouched, 5x5 cm, taken within the last 6 months). Please see the link for photo requirements.
  6. Copy of valid I-797 form.

Additional documents for dependents:

  1. Copy of principal’s petition-based visa (if the principal isn’t applying for a visa at the same time).
  2. Copy of marriage certificate for spouse.
  3. Copy of birth certificate for unmarried children under 21 years of age.

Step 5

RPX couriers will deliver your documents to the U.S. Embassy in Jakarta or the U.S. Consulate in Surabaya.

Step 6

After the adjudication process, RPX couriers will return your passports and documents to the delivery address you choose. If eligible, your passport will contain your visa. If you are not eligible to receive your visa through the Interview Waiver, you will receive a notification by e-mail.

Important Reminders

  1. The U.S. Embassy in Jakarta and the U.S. Consulate in Surabaya reserve the right to interview any applicant. If an interview is required, an Embassy or Consulate representative will contact you.
  2. If you drop off your documents for renewal but are not eligible for the Interview Waiver, your application will be placed on hold and you will be asked to schedule a regular interview appointment. Please make sure you are eligible for Interview Waiver based on the above criteria. You should submit your application well in advance of your travel plans.
  3. If additional information or documentation is needed, you will be informed by email or phone. Please make sure the e-mail address in your application is valid and please check your e-mail regularly after you drop your application.
  4. Children under 14 years of age whose parent(s) qualify for visa renewal through the Interview Waiver are also eligible to submit their applications at the same time, even if the child has never been issued a visa. Children under 14 years of age may apply separately from their parent(s) by submitting a copy of a parent’s valid visa with their application.
  5. All applicants must qualify on their own. Spouses, parents, or any other family members unable to meet the Interview Waiver criteria will not be eligible for the Interview Waiver. Those applicants must schedule a regular interview appointment.
  6. Applicants must be physically present in Indonesia. An application cannot be sent by international mail to be processed.

For more information about H, non-blanket L, O, P, and Q visas, visit the Department of State's Temporary Workers webpage.