The U.S. B1/B2 Visa Interview Waiver for Indian Citizens is a program that allows certain Indian citizens to renew their B1/B2 visas without attending an in-person interview at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in India. This could be a valuable and efficient alternative that saves time for those who qualify.
To be eligible for the US B1/B2 interview waiver program, Indian citizens must meet the following criteria:
- The applicant must be a citizen of India and have previously been issued a valid B1/B2 visa for at least 12 months.
- The previous visa must have been issued after the applicant’s 14th birthday.
- The applicant must not have had any prior visa refusals for the current category of visa being applied for.
- The applicant must not have had any previous visa revocations.
- The applicant must apply for a visa in the same category as the previous visa (B1/B2).
- The applicant must have a valid passport issued after they turned 16 years old.
- The applicant’s previous visa must have expired within the last 12 months or be currently valid.
- You cannot have overstayed your visa during previous visits to the U.S.
- The applicant’s most recent visa was not lost or stolen.
- The applicant’s prior visa is not annotated ”Clearance received.”
Those eligible for the VIWP can complete their visa application online and submit their passport and other required documents at a designated visa application center. If approved, the passport with the new visa will be returned to the applicant via courier.
It’s important to note that even if an applicant meets all the criteria for the VIWP, they may still be required to attend an in-person interview if the consular officer deems it necessary. However, this waiver is subject to the discretion of the U.S. embassy or consulate where the visa application is being processed. Sometimes, the embassy or consulate may still require the applicant to appear for an interview.
Planning to visit the United States of America? Don’t worry; applying for a B1/B2 visa is straightforward and stress-free at Visas for Future. We offer visa processing services. We will also guide you throughout your visa application. Start your travel journey with Visas for Future.
What We’re Offering
Suppose you are an Indian citizen and want to travel to the United States for business, pleasure, or medical treatment. In that case, you need a U.S. B1/B2 Visa.((Travel State Government. (2023, December 1). Visitor Visa. Retrieved February 9, 2024,<https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/tourism-visit/visitor.html>)) Our processing service will deliver your B1/B2 Visa to your mailbox within 30 days.
- A non-immigrant visa that allows people to travel to the United States temporarily for business (B-1) or for pleasure or medical treatment (B-2) purposes.((Travel State Government. (2023, December 1). Visitor Visa. Retrieved February 9, 2024,<https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/tourism-visit/visitor.html>))
- Visa validity and number of entries depends on nationality.((Travel State Government. (2023, December 1). U.S. Visa: Reciprocity and Civil Documents by Country. Retrieved February 9, 2024, <https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/Visa-Reciprocity-and-Civil-Documents-by-Country.html>))
- It costs $215.81.
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Application process for the US B1/B2 interview waiver program for Indian citizens
If you meet the eligibility requirements, follow the steps below:
Step 1: Complete the non-immigrant Visa Electronic Application (DS-160) form.
Step 2: Log in to the appointment system and create a profile. Once you have successfully logged in, select the “Schedule Appointment” option. During this process, you will be asked to answer a few interview waiver questions to determine your eligibility for visa renewal without an interview.
Step 3: Once you have provided the answers to the questions, you will be asked to pay the visa application fee (MRV) and submit your application. If you are qualified for a visa interview waiver, you can obtain the “Interview Waiver Confirmation Letter” that can be printed.
Step 4: Collect the listed documents and deliver them to the nearest Document Drop-off Location on any weekday between 10 am and 3 pm. You don’t need to appear in person to submit your documents.
- Interview waiver confirmation letter.
- DS-160 Confirmation Page.
- Current and previous passport with your last full validity B1/B2 visa that is still valid or recently expired within the last forty-eight (48) months.
- Copy of legal residence document.
- One photo (colored, white background, unretouched, 5×5 cm, taken within the last six months).
- Payment receipt.
Additional documents for children under 14 years old
- Copy of birth certificate
- Copy of one parent’s valid B1/B2 U.S. visa
Step 5: The courier will deliver your documents to the U.S. Embassy/Consulate.
Step 6: Your chosen delivery address will receive your passports and documents at the end of the adjudication process. If you qualify, your visa will be included in your passport. If you do not meet the requirements for a visa renewal through an interview waiver, you will be notified via email.
Requirements and conditions associated with the interview waiver program for Indian citizens applying for B1/B2 visas
The following document requirements must be met:
- The applicant must be a citizen of India residing in India.
- The applicant must have a previous U.S. visa in the same class that is valid or expired within the last 12 months.
- The previous visa must have been issued after the applicant’s 14th birthday.
- The applicant must not have previously been refused a visa for class.
- The applicant must not have had a previous visa canceled or revoked.
- The applicant must not have additional annotations on a visa prior.
- The applicant must apply for the same visa class as the last one.
In addition to meeting these requirements, the applicant must also provide the following documents:
- A completed DS-160 application form.
- A passport was valid for at least six months beyond the intended stay in the United States.
- A previous passport containing the applicant’s most recent visa.
- Two recent color passport photos.
- The original fee receipt for the visa application fee.
- Any additional documents the consulate or embassy requires, such as financial or employment information.
Interview Waiver for Applicants Aged 0-13 and 80+
Two categories are eligible for the Interview Waiver (IW): persons under age 14 and above 80 years old and above. Persons under 14 or above 80 years of age may qualify to forego a visa interview and be allowed to submit their application via courier. *IW applications can only be submitted by mail.
Applicants Aged 0-13
You are eligible to mail in your visa application if the child and parent meet the following criteria:
- The child is 13 years of age or younger.
- The child has a biological parent (listed on the birth certificate) or legal guardian (listed on court order) with a valid tourist or business visa (B1, B2, or B1/B2) issued by U.S. Embassy Bridgetown or has a valid ESTA waiver from France, United Kingdom, or the Netherlands;
- The child and parent(s) or legal guardian(s) are residents and citizens of one of the following countries:
Click here for the following countries
- Anguilla
- Antigua and Barbuda
- Barbados
- British Virgin Islands
- Dominica
- Guadeloupe
- Grenada
- Martinique
- Monserrate
- St. Barthelemy
- St. Lucia
- St. Kitts and Nevis
- French St. Martin
- Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
- The child has never been refused a visa, or the child was issued a visa after a prior refusal;
- The child’s previous U.S. visa was not lost or stolen, and
- Neither birth parents nor legal guardians are in the U.S.
- Citizens or Legal Permanent Residents.
Required Documentation
- Copy of child’s original birth certificate.
- Copy of one or both parents’ passport bio page.
- Copy of one or both parents’ valid U.S. visa(s) or ESTA approval.
- The child’s current passport (containing at least one blank page) from within our consular district is valid for travel to the United States. The passport must be valid for at least six months beyond the stay in the United States.
- Any previous passports issued to the child containing U.S. visas.
- DS-160 application confirmation page.
- Parent’s ability to finance travel through a bank statement or other means.
- One 5 x 5 cm (2 x 2 inches) color photo taken within the last six months. Applicant must not be wearing glasses.
Applicants 80 Years of Age or Older
You are eligible to mail in your visa application if you meet the following criteria:
- You are 80 years of age or older.
- Your previous visa was not revoked or canceled due to an immigration violation.
- Your previous U.S. visa was not lost or stolen.
- You are applying for a tourist or business visa (B1/B2).
- You have never been refused a visa or were issued a visa after a prior refusal.
- You are a citizen and passport holder of one of the following countries:
Click here for the following countries
- Anguilla
- Antigua and Barbuda
- Barbados
- British Virgin Islands
- Dominica
- Guadeloupe
- Grenada
- Martinique
- Monserrate
- St. Barthelemy
- St. Lucia
- St. Kitts and Nevis
- French St. Martin
- Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
Required Documentation
- The applicant’s current passport from within our consular district is valid for travel to the United States. The passport must be valid for at least six months beyond the stay in the United States.
- Any previous passports issued to the applicant containing U.S. visas;
- Evidence of the applicant’s ability to finance travel through a bank statement or other means;
- DS-160 application confirmation page;
- One 5 x 5 cm (2 x 2 inches) color photo taken within the last six months.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are B1 B2 visas eligible for an interview waiver?
Yes, B1/B2 visa applicants may be eligible for an interview waiver if they meet certain criteria. The eligibility for an interview waiver varies by country and is determined by the U.S. Department of State.
How can I get a U.S. visa without an interview in India?
Getting a U.S. visa without an interview in India is not always possible, but there are some situations where it may be waived.
Can I travel to the USA from India on a B1/B2 visa?
Yes, you can travel to the USA from India on a B1/B2 visa, a non-immigrant visa that allows you to travel to the USA for business or tourism purposes.
Who is eligible for a B1/B2 waiver?
Here’s a general overview of eligibility:
1. Nationality: Must be a citizen or legal permanent resident of a country participating in the Interview Waiver Program (IWP).
2. You must have previously held a B1/B2 visa valid for ten years.
3. This previous visa must still be valid or have expired within the last 48 months.
4. You must not have had any other types of US visas in the meantime.
5. You must have had no previous visa refusals.
6. You must have no criminal record.
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Cite this article
MLA Style
Diego, James Abel. "U.S. B1/B2 Visa Interview Waiver for Indian Citizens." Visas For Future, https://www.visasforfuture.com/us-b1-b2-visa-interview-waiver-india/. Accessed on 13 October 2023.
Chicago Style
Diego, James Abel. "U.S. B1/B2 Visa Interview Waiver for Indian Citizens." Visas For Future. October 13, 2023. https://www.visasforfuture.com/us-b1-b2-visa-interview-waiver-india/.