Certain Travelers to the United States may renew their visas without appearing for a visa interview at a United States Consulate. This could be done with the Interview Waiver Program (IWP). H1BWiki received emails from few of our readers asking us to explain the procedure to be followed while renewing visa In India using Interview Waiver Program. This post describes the step by step process to be followed in order to renew your visa in India without attending visa interview at the U.S. Embassy.

Are you Eligible?

The first thing to do is to check to see if you are eligible for the Interview Waiver Program. Not all visa holders are eligible to apply through this program. But I could say most common visas are definitely eligible for the Interview Waiver Program.

Check the H1BWiki post on Interview Waiver Program Eligibility, Categories and Check List.

Once you confirm that you are eligible for the Interview Waiver Program, you need to follow the step by step process below:

Step 1: Pay Visa Fees

You need to pay the required visa application fees. You can find detailed information on visa fee and the payment methods here.

Step 2: Fill DS-160 Form

The next thing to do is to fill the DS-160, Non-immigrant visa electronic application form. You can fill the DS-160 form here. You can be able to retrieve your application using the Application ID generated by the Consular Electronic Application Center.

Step 3: Qualify Check

You need to create an account here. You need to answer the questions asked and you would then know to which program do you qualify? If it would be the Interview Waiver Program or the Drop Box Submission.

What is the difference between Interview Waiver Program and Drop Box Submission?

Drop box submission doesn’t require fingerprint submission where as Interview Waiver Program requires fingerprint submission. The Interview Waiver Program would typically be for those who received visas before November 1^st 2008.

If you qualify for the Interview Waiver Program:

• You need to schedule an appointment for finger prints submission. A photograph of yours would be taken.
• Submit your current passport, current visa and other supporting documents.

If you qualify for Drop Box Submission:  

• You will receive a drop-box submission letter containing a document checklist to be submitted.
• The documents on the checklist mentioned in the submission letter need to be submitted at one of the 11 service centers.
• Typically the documents requested would be your current passport, current visa, recent photograph, copy of drop-box submission letter and other supporting documentation.
• While dropping the documents, an official at the drop off location would go through your document checklist and your submissions before accepting your application to forward to the U.S. Embassy.

Check documents drop off locations in India and other location details including location timings here.

Step 4: Visa Application Status

In case your visa application is approved, you could pick up your passport and visa at the documents drop off location. One needs to be aware that using the Interview Waiver Program or Drop Box service does not guarantee visa issuance. After taking a look at your documents, the U.S. consulate may ask you to appear for a visa interview in the course of an incomplete application or for further questions.