Renew My Visa

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Overview

The Interview Waiver is designed for applicants who do not need to appear at the Embassy to be fingerprinted and interviewed. Applicants can submit their completed visa applications and relevant supporting documents to the U.S. Embassy’s courier listed here. 

Qualifications

The following general requirements MUST be met to qualify for interview waiver: 

  • Lebanese citizen or legal Lebanese resident.
  • Currently present in Lebanon.
  • The applicant complied with all immigration laws and regulations of the United States during previous visits.

The following requirements MUST be met for the specified visa classes:

Tourist, Business, and Medical Travel (B1/B2 visas)

  • 50 – 79 years of age.
    • Renewing a B1/B2 visa (short term business and tourism).
    • The previous B1/B2 visa expired less than 24 months (2 years) ago.
    • The previous visa was NOT cancelled, revoked, lost or stolen.
    • Was not refused a visa after the expiry date of the last visa.
  • 80 years of age and older
    • Prior visa not required.
    • Was not refused a visa after the expiry date of the last visa.

Student Travel (F1 Visa)

  • Renewing an F1 visa
  • Returning to the same institution with the same SEVIS ID 
  • The previous F1 visa expired less than 24 months (2 years) ago.
  • The previous visa was NOT cancelled, revoked, lost or stolen.

Exchange Visitors (J1 Visa) 

  • Renewing a J1 visa
  • Returning to the same program sponsor with the same SEVIS ID 
  • The previous J1 visa expired less than 24 months (2 years) ago.
  • The previous visa was NOT cancelled, revoked, lost or stolen.

 

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 to 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 dropoff and pickup 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. 


Important Notes:

  • If your file does not contain the required documents listed above it will not be accepted. DO NOT submit additional documents like civil extracts, bank account statements, medical certificates as they are not required. 
  • Interview Waiver applications are not guaranteed visa issuance. Although an applicant may meet the above criteria, a consular officer, after reviewing the application, may determine that a personal appearance is required. An employee of the Consular section will contact the applicant to schedule an appointment for a personal interview if required.
  • Failure to answer the interview waiver questions on your profile correctly and to follow the directions list here will result in the delay or even refusal of your visa application.
  • When your passport is ready for pickup at the courier location you will receive an SMS and email notification.