Renewals and Interview Waivers

On this page:

Overview

Although the Consulate has resumed routine interviews for nonimmigrant visas, demand for visas is high and it may be difficult for applicants to obtain an interview as soon as they would like.  Fortunately, in some cases, it may be possible for qualified applicants to obtain a visa without an in-person interview. 

Interviews may be waived for visa applicants under the age 14 (if a parent has a valid visa) and for adults over 80 years of age.  In addition, until December 31, 2021, Consular Officers may waive interviews for qualified applicants renewing a visa in the same classification that expired less than 48 months ago and for applicants seeking academic (F, M, or J) visas.

It is also important to know that your visa may still be valid if the passport it is in expires. In such cases, you can travel to the United States with your old passport containing a valid visa and your new, unexpired passport.

Applicants Under Age 14 or Over Age 80

Applicants under age 14 and over age 80 may qualify for an interview waiver even if they have not had a prior visa.  To qualify for an interview waiver, a child must have at least one parent with a valid visa.

Visa Renewals

 To facilitate the renewal process for nonimmigrant visas, the Consular Section accepts renewal applications for some visa applicants without requiring an in-person interview. In many cases, applicants do not need to appear at the Embassy at all. 

However, to be able to qualify for the renewal process, you must meet the following requirements:

  • You are a Moroccan national or you are a legal resident of Morocco;
  • You are physically present in Morocco;
  • Your visa is either unexpired or expired less than 48 months ago;
  • You are applying for another visa of the same type as your previous visa;
  • You were not refused a visa at your last interview;
  • Your prior visa was not lost, stolen or revoked and you can submit your passport with your prior visa;
  • You have complied with the terms of your previous visa;
  • You did not answer “YES” to any question in Security and Background of the DS-160 application form;

If during the evaluation of your application the consular officer needs more information to decide if you are eligible for the visa, an interview may be required. In such cases, your passport will be returned to you and your application will remain pending until you have had an opportunity to appear for an interview.

It may take up to one month before your request for an interview waiver is processed.  Please do not contact the Consulate General to inquire about the status of your request unless it has been more than four weeks since you submitted your passport to Aramex.

Academic Visas (F, M or J visas)

Applicants seeking F, M, or J academic visas may be eligible for an interview waiver if the following requirements are met:

  • You are a Moroccan national or you are a legal resident of Morocco.
  • You are physically present in Morocco.
  • You were previously issued a U.S. visa and have not been denied a U.S. visa since or you are a citizen of a country that participates in the Visa Waiver Program and will be applying with a passport from that country.
  • If you previously had a U.S. visa, that visa was not lost, stolen, or revoked.
  • You have never submitted an ESTA application that was denied.
  • You did not answer “YES” to any question in Security and Background of the DS-160 application form.

How to Apply for Visa Renewal Service

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.

General Information

For general information about applying for a visa, please click here.