Renew My Visa (H, L, O, P, Q)

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Overview

Certain temporary employment nonimmigrant visa applicants who are renewing their employment-based visa may qualify for the waiver of an in-person interview.  This new authorization applies to the renewal of applications for temporary workers applying for H-1, H-2, H-3, H-4, non-blanket L, O, P, and Q visas who meet certain conditions.  First-time H-1, H-2, H-3, H-4, non-blanket L, O, P, and Q visa applicants who may qualify for interview waiver are those who were previously issued any type of visa (e.g., B1/B2) and have not been refused in their most recent visa application.

Qualifications

To qualify for visa renewal, you must be able to answer YES to ALL of the following

  1. I am a Philippine passport holder;
  2. My prior visa is still valid or has expired within the last 48 months;
  3. My most recent visa was issued on or after my 14th birthday
  4. I have in my possession my passport with my previous visa;
  5. My name, date of birth, and gender on my last visa are the same (if there is name change due to marriage or annulment, I can provide documentary proof); *
  6. The last time I applied for a U.S. visa it was approved.
  7. I have an approved and valid I-797.

  8. I must have no apparent ineligibility or potential ineligibility.  

* Submit an original copy of Marriage Certificate or Declaration of Nullity of Marriage issued by Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA)

Note: Visa applicants who are citizens of the Philippines or nationals of a country that participates in the Visa Waiver Program (VWP)may also avail the interview waiver even when applying outside their consular district

How to Apply

Step 1

Pay the visa application fee. http://www.ustraveldocs.com/ph/ph-niv-paymentinfo.asp

Step 2

Complete the Nonimmigrant Visa Electronic Application (DS-160) form. After completing the form, print and save your confirmation page. 

 Step 3

Register an account on https://cgifederal.secure.force.com/SiteRegister?country=Philippines&language=en_US

If you qualify for Interview Waiver submission, you will receive an Interview Waiver confirmation letter containing a document checklist. Print two copies of the Interview Waiver confirmation letter (one for your records and the other to be submitted with your application).  

Drop off your passport along with the listed documents mentioned on the Interview Waiver confirmation letter at any LBC outlet.  Please remember to include:

  • Interview Waiver Confirmation Letter with correct applicant information;
  • Current and old passports with previous U.S. visa; 
  • DS-160 confirmation page;        
  • Two (2) photos, size 2”x2” inch on glossy paper, in color, in white background, unretouched, taken within the last six (6) months, in neutral facial expression, and with both eyebrows and ears exposed. Photo guidelines can be accessed at https://www.ustraveldocs.com/ph/ph-niv-photoinfo.asp. PLEASE DO NOT SUBMIT THE SAME PHOTOGRAPH THAT APPEARED ON YOUR PREVIOUS VISA. Failure to submit a valid photograph will delay the processing of your visa application;
  • The MRV Fee receipt showing payment on non-refundable nonimmigrant visa application processing fee, paid in local currency. For more information on visa fees and payment options, please click here.
    *If your application is issued, there may be an additional visa issuance reciprocity fee, depending on your nationality. The Department of State's website can help you find out if you must pay a visa issuance reciprocity fee and what the fee amount is;
  • A clear paper copy of approved and valid I-797.

 Please ensure that all the above items are included in your Interview Waiver application. Failure to include all requested documents– including a new photo and DS-160 application - will result in returning your application via courier.

Step 4

Please submit your documents for Interview Waiver service at the 99 LBC branches listed here: https://www.lbcexpress.com/LBCBranchesODZ .

 Step 5

If your application is approved, your passport, visa, and form I-797 will be delivered to the address you provided.  

Please Note: Using the Interview Waiver service does not guarantee visa issuance.  In some cases, you may be required to appear for a visa interview at the U.S. Embassy.  If you submit an incomplete and/or inaccurate application, or if you do not meet the criteria listed above, we will return your application via the courier, and you will be asked to schedule an interview.  You should submit your application well in advance of your planned travel, to allow for the possibility that a visa interview will be necessary.