Do I qualify for US visa interview waiver if I’m switching from one visa type to another?
I've learned that if you have a US visa, you don't have to book an interview to renew your visa. You can just mail your documents and they send your passport back in a few weeks. I don't know the details so I wanted to post this question.
My F1 visa is currently valid on paper (it was given for 5 years but I graduated earlier and left the US)
I'd like to get a tourist visa (B-2).
Is it possible for me to get the visa without an interview?
Because of the pandemic, soonest interview is given 12+ months later here. So it would be great if I qualify for an interview waiver. Maybe I should call the embassy and ask?
Best Answer
The process you are referring to is the "Visa Renewal by Mail Program".
This process is only available if you are applying for the same visa type as you currently have. There are also a number of other requirements which vary slightly depending on the country you are in.
As you are looking to move from an F-1 visa to a B-2 visa, then you do not quality to use this program.
You should be able to find more details of this program on either the US Consulate website or the US Visa application website for the country you are in. As an example, here are the relevant pages for Thailand and Australia.
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Who qualifies for a US visa interview waiver?
To be eligible for interview waiver, F-1 visa applicants must plan to continue their study at the same U.S. school or institution in which they are already enrolled. J-1 visa applicants must plan to continue an exchange program in which they are already participating.Can I apply for two different US visa types at the same time?
You may apply for two different visas at the same time if you can show that you will enter the United States on the first visa, leave and re-enter on the other. You are required to complete one visa application form DS-160 but pay two MRV fees; the second fee is paid to the Embassy cashier on the day of the interview.Can I change my visa application type?
In general, you may apply to change your nonimmigrant status if you were lawfully admitted to the United States with a nonimmigrant visa, your nonimmigrant status remains valid, you have not violated the conditions of your status, and you have not committed any crimes that would make you ineligible.What is 212 a waiver of ineligibility?
Section 212 lists those classes of aliens who are ineligible to receive visas and ineligible for admission to the US, and the classes of aliens who may apply for waivers of ineligibility.Interview Waiver U.S. Visa | Apply for a non-immigrant visa without an interview (Do you qualify?)
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