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:
Business/Tourism:
- All applicants are Kuwaiti citizens.
For first time B1/B2 applicants:
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All applicants are over age 79 OR all applicants are under age 14.
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For applicants under age 14, at least one of the applicant’s parents have a valid visa.
For renewing B1/B2 applicants:
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All applicants are re-applying to renew a B1/B2 visa that has not been expired for more than 48 months.
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Applicants were at least 14 years old at the time of prior visa issuance.
- Applicants have never been refused a U.S. visa.
Student/Exchange Visitors:
- The applicant is re-applying to renew a F/M/J (student or exchange) visa that has not been expired for more than 48 months.
- The applicant’s SEVIS status is “active” or “initial”. Applicants should contact their Designated School Official (DSO) at their institution if they are unsure.
- IF F/M: 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.
- The applicant has never been arrested or convicted of a crime, deported from the United States, or denied entry to the United States.
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 <ahref="http: www.ustraveldocs.com="" "="">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.