U.S. Embassy Announces Interview Waiver for Non-Immigrant Visa Renewal

Do you want to renew your visa sooner?

Did you know you can renew your U.S. non-immigrant visa without an interview? There is no need to wait weeks or months for an appointment. Just send us an email, wait for a confirmation, and then come to the U.S. Embassy to make payment and drop off your passport. You can then return the following week to pick up your passport and your new U.S. visa.

In accordance with U.S. immigration law, certain non-immigrant visa applicants are eligible to renew their U.S. visa without having to attend an interview with a U.S. consular officer.  Below are the requirements for an Interview Waiver.

Qualified:

Residents of Turkmenistan who are renewing a visa in the same visa classification as a previously issued full-validity visa that is either still valid or has been expired for less than 48 months.

Not Qualified:

• Any applicant whose previous visa was issued outside of Turkmenistan.
• Any applicant whose most recent visa application was refused.
• Applicants whose current or previous visa is annotated “clearance received”.
• Summer Work and Travel participants.
• F, M or J visa applicants whose SEVIS, program, or institution has changed.
• Applicants who have turned 14 years old since their previous issuance.

Please note that in accordance with U.S. immigration law, consular officers may require appearance for interview for any applicant at their discretion.

Next Steps for Qualified Applicants:

If you are eligible for interview-waived visa renewal, please follow the below steps:

• Check your passport validity. Your passport must have at least six months of validity remaining.
• Complete the online DS-160 form https://ceac.state.gov/genniv/
• Email ConsularAshgab@state.gov with the following attachments: DS-160 confirmation page, copy of previous U.S. visa, copy of current passport. Your email must also include the name of the person dropping off and making payment (if not the applicant).
• If you are qualified for an Interview Waiver, the U.S. Embassy will send you your appointment date. Do NOT come to the Embassy until you have received email from the Consular Section with important instructions.

Interview Waiver for Non-Immigrant Visa Applicants Under 14 or Over 79 Years of Age

Are you a first-time non-immigrant visa applicant who is under 14 or over 79 years of age?  Did you know you can apply for a U.S. non-immigrant visa without an interview? There is no need to wait weeks or months for an appointment. Just send us an email, wait for a confirmation, and then come to the U.S. Embassy to make payment and drop off your passport. You can then return the following week to pick up your passport and your U.S. visa.

Please note that in accordance with U.S. immigration law, consular officers may require appearance for interview for any applicant at their discretion.

Next Steps for Qualified Applicants:

If you are a first-time non-immigrant visa applicant eligible for Interview Waiver because you are under 14 or over 79 years of age, please follow the below steps:

• Check your passport validity. Your passport must have at least six months of validity remaining.
• Complete the online DS-160 form https://ceac.state.gov/genniv/
• Email ConsularAshgab@state.gov with the following attachments: DS-160 confirmation page, copy of current passport. Your email must also include the name of the person dropping off and making payment (if not the applicant). For applicants under 14 years of age, you must also provide a copy of the child’s birth certificate and copies of the parents’ valid or most recently expired U.S. visas.
• If you are qualified for an Interview Waiver, the U.S. Embassy will send you your appointment date. Do NOT come to the Embassy until you have received email from the Consular Section with important instructions.

If you are a first-time non-immigrant visa applicant eligible for Interview Waiver because you are under 14 or over 79 years of age, please follow the below steps:

• Check your passport validity. Your passport must have at least six months of validity remaining.
• Complete the online DS-160 form https://ceac.state.gov/genniv/
• Email ConsularAshgab@state.gov with the following attachments: DS-160 confirmation page, copy of current passport. Your email must also include the name of the person dropping off and making payment (if not the applicant). For applicants under 14 years of age, you must also provide a copy of the child’s birth certificate and copies of the parents’ valid or most recently expired U.S. visas.
• If you are qualified for an Interview Waiver, the U.S. Embassy will send you your appointment date. Do NOT come to the Embassy until you have received email from the Consular Section with important instructions.