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US B1/B2 Visa Renewal Process: Besides being synonymous with a great work and study abroad destination, the US is also popular as a great tourist destination. The US has been proposing an opportunity to help one pursue their dreams for decades now. That is why many people often visit the United States on a B1 B2 Visa either to visit relatives or to crack a business deal. The B Visa allows only a temporary visit permit and needs a continued renewal as per the needs. Therefore, this blog article focuses on highlighting a hassle-free process for a US B1 or B2 Visa renewal to continue your stay in the States.
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Check US Visa Types for Indian Citizens: Documents, Process
What is B1 and B2 Visa?
A B1 is a temporary visa that allows foreign nationals to enter the United States for business purposes. A B2 visa, on the other hand, is a temporary visa that allows foreign nationals to enter the United States for tourism, medical treatment, or visiting family and friends. Read the table below to pinpoint the US B1 B2 Visa differentiation.
| Differentiation Criteria | US B1 Visa | US B2 Visa |
| Purpose | To sign a contract or any business negotiation. | To meet a family member or friend living or studying abroad. (Cannot engage in any business activity) |
| Visa Validity | Six months to 10 years | Six Months to 10 years (Can be extended for medical or any other reasons) |
| Visa Fees | $185 (The B1 visa renewal fee may be slightly higher than the B2 visa fee) | The eligibility requirements for a B1 visa may be more stringent than those for a B2 visa, as business travellers, are expected to have a certain level of expertise and experience in their field. |
| Eligibility Criteria | The eligibility requirements for a B1 visa may be more stringent than those for a B2 visa, as business travellers are expected to have a certain level of expertise and experience in their field. | Generally, there are very few to no eligibility criteria for a US B2 visa. However, the visitor must meet certain medical marks as per the visa application guidelines. |
Where to Apply for Renewal?
One can easily apply for a US B1 B2 visa renewal process at the nearby USA consulate or embassy. The application process is completely online but one will have to select a nearby embassy to follow up on the complete renewal which also involves an interview for a visa.
Process to Renew a US B1/B2 Visa Renewal?
If you are already in possession of a US B1 B2 visa, then you may be aware that the visa is valid for up to 10 years or at least six months, depending on the issuance. However, the US B Visa allows you to avail of multiple renewals. Hence, if your visa is about to expire follow these simple steps to apply for a US B1 B2 visa renewal.
US B1/B2 Visa Renewal Application Process
The renewal process for a B1 or B2 visa is similar to the initial application process. Hence, go through these processes to complete a US B1 B2 Visa renewal process in time:
- The first step is to complete the DS-160 form online. This form collects information about your details, travel plans, and the purpose of your visit.
- Once you have completed the form, you will need to pay the visa application fee.
- Mark all the renewal requirements after paying the fees. Documentation is sent to your email once this process is complete.
- After paying the fee, you will need to schedule an appointment at a U.S. embassy or consulate in your home country.
- During the appointment, you will need to provide biometric information such as fingerprints and a photograph.
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US B1 B2 Visa Renewal Documents
When applying for your US B1 B2 visa renewal, you will need to provide the following documents:
- A valid passport
- Your previous visa
- A copy of the DS-160 confirmation page
- Proof of financial support
- Evidence of ties to your home country
- Any other supporting documents related to your purpose of travel
It is important to note that the renewal process can take several weeks, so it is recommended that you apply well in advance of your planned travel dates.
Interview Waiver
The IWP or the US Interview Waiver Program allows certain people to review specific visas without attending any interview. For example, B visa holders may be eligible for this. However, the visa holder has to meet certain requirements. If they qualify, they can skip the interview during the renewal process. It is important to note that the interview waiver requirement can vary depending on the embassy or consulate. Generally, the eligibility requirements are as follows:
- You are either a permanent resident or a citizen of the country you are applying from
- Current B1/B2 visa is still valid or has expired within the last 48 hrs
- Must have been issued a B-1/B-2 visa for 10 years
- Moreover, you were never refused a US visa within the last 12 months
- You must also have never overstayed your visa in America
You can contact your local US embassy or consulate to check if you qualify for an interview waiver. Once you have made sure that you qualify, you can fil out the Form DS-160 and pay the required fee.
US B1/B2 Visa Renewal India Fees
As per the latest guidelines issued in the interest of the US Visa applicants, the US B1/B2 Visa renewal fees have been increased from $160 to $185 (INR 13.2 K to INR 15.2 K) in India. The new application fee will be effective from June 17th, 2023. Any application for visa renewal submitted before the scheduled date needs to pay an application fee of INR 13.2 K.
US Visa Renewal Timeline
It is important to note that every US Embassy has its timeline to follow for a US B1 B2 visa renewal. The timeline is based on the schedules of the applicant, the availability of staff, and any other relevant factors.
Know US Visa Interview: Questions and Answers
US B1/B2 Visa Renewal Without Interview
If you are a frequent business traveler or have close relatives whom you might have to meet again and again you can apply for a visa interview waiver on the US B1/B2 visa. Please note that this is only applicable for travel visas and if your purpose of visit changes in the future, you will have to sit for the interview. Also, note the eligibility for an interview waiver before applying.
Eligibility
The following are the requirements to apply for an interview waiver on a US B1/B2 visa;
- You must possess a B1/B2 US visa that needs renewal.
- Your prior visa must have been valid for 10 years and should still be valid. It is accepted if the visa has expired within the last 48 months of application.
- You must have a passport with that visa. The visa category should be the same as that you are applying for now.
- The personal information mentioned on the visa should be the same as on the application form now.
- The last visa was issued to you on or after your 14th birthday and it should have been approved by the consulate.
FAQs
You may apply for the US B1 B2 Visa renewal process online. However, you would need to appear at a US embassy physically for further processing.
You can apply for a US B1 B2 visa renewal online without an interview by selecting the ‘Visa Renewal without interview’ category. However, you would need to appear for an interview if it is your first time applying for a US visa.
The B1 B2 visa of the US validates multiple renewals allowing you to apply for the process more than once to visit the States.
Yes. If you are in the US on a non-immigrant visa and want to extend the duration of your stay you must apply for a visa extension. A visa extension must be applied with USCIS authorised stay provided in the Form I-94 expires.
We hope you now understand about US B1/B2 Visa renewal process, application process, etc. Want to apply for a Visa for your study abroad journey? Drop us a comment in the section below, or you can connect with a visa expert at Leverage Edu, and we will guide you on your dream journey!
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