Some visitor visa applicants qualify to have their interviews waived and can submit their application documents for visa processing via our authorized courier service – currently DHL. In this edition of our Ask-the-Consul, we will provide guidance on the documents you must include in your application package to avoid delays in visa processing.
Q: I am renewing my visitor’s visa. What documents should I include in my package?
Applicants renewing their visas under the interview-waiver process must submit the following documents in their application packages:
A valid passport
Passport containing the most recently issued visitor visa, even if expired. (Old passports without a U.S. visa within are not required)
Form DS-160 Nonimmigrant Visa confirmation page.
One 5 x 5 cm (2 x 2 inches) color photo taken within the last 6 months. Glasses are not allowed, and your hairline and ears should be visible. See the full photo guidelines at https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/visa-information-resources/photos.html.
Q: What about documents for my child who is under age 14?
We require the same documents listed above (Question 1) for children who qualify under the interview waiver program. However, you MUST also include:
The child’s birth certificate
Adoption certificate, if applicable
Q: Should I include other documents to support my application?
No. We no longer require any supporting documents from persons applying for B1/B2 visas for routine tourist travel to the United States. Applicants for tourist visas are no longer required to submit employment letters, bank statements, transports, or letters of support from friends and family. Please do not submit these documents in your application package.
Q: What happens if my application package is missing documents?
If you do not submit all the required documents in your application package, the package will be returned unprocessed to DHL for you to pick-up. You will then need to submit a new package via DHL which should include the missing documents identified. This will significantly delay visa processing, so we encourage you to ensure all documents are included on the first submission.
Q: I submitted all the documents required but I was asked to come in for an interview. Why is this?
Sometimes, Consular Officers may have additional questions after reviewing your application package. In these instances, a visa interview will be required to determine your visa eligibility. It is therefore important that the contact details on your DS-160 application form be accurate as our inability to contact you can delay visa processing.
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“Ask the Consul” is a monthly column from the U.S. Embassy answering questions about U.S. immigration law and visa issues. Detailed information about visas and travel can be viewed at https://gy.usembassy.gov/, https://ais.usvisa-info.com/ and https://travel.state.gov/. Applicants are strongly encouraged to prepare their own documents and avoid third-party advice. U.S. Consular rules change frequently, and non-US government advisors often provide inadequate or inaccurate information. Please contact our Visa Information Service Center on toll free numbers: 1-877-246-6788 or 703-988-5765 if you have general visa questions.”
