How To Renew Us Visa In India

U.S. visa information is changing! As of January 17, 2018 all applicants need to create a PIN online in order to schedule visa appointments (for immigrant visas and others). This is the first blog post in our U.S. Visa Renewal series and will cover how to apply for a new U.S. visa and what documents you need with you at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate.

Passport is one of the most essential travel documents for travelers. In order to renew passport you need to know details about renewal process, fees and documents required for renewal of US Visa in India. You can easily renew your US Visa by making use of passport renewal process which is suitable for different situations. We will base our discussion today on – How To Renew Us Visa In India. But, other resources which you can find on our website include some frequently asked questions such as: renew u s visa without interview and b1b2 visa renewal without interview

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The United States of America has always been a haven for those who are in search of a better life. Many people migrate to the USA every year to start their lives afresh. The USA has many opportunities for immigrants looking to start a new life there. However, it is important to make sure that you have all the necessary documents before you decide to travel to the USA as an immigrant. It is also necessary that you know what steps you need to take when it comes time for renewal of your visa. With this guide, we will help you understand how to renew your US visa in India and what documents are required for this process.

How To Renew Us Visa In India

Renew your US visa in India with us at [company name]. We are one of the leading immigration service providers in Delhi, India. We assist our clients in their visa renewal process by providing them with all the necessary documents and application forms they need to successfully apply for the renewal of their visa. Our team of experts is highly experienced and well-trained, so you can rest assured that your application will be processed efficiently and with the utmost professionalism.

We have a dedicated team working on each case, ensuring that each client gets personal attention and guidance throughout their application process. Our services include:

Processing of US visa applications from start to finish
Assistance with gathering all required documents and information necessary for the application process
Guidance on what documents are needed for each type of visitor visa (B1/B2, F1/F2, H1/H4 etc.)
Assistance with filling out forms correctly according to USCIS guidelines

As an American Citizen, you are eligible to travel to India only after holding a valid US Visa. The validity of the visa is not determined by the duration or dates of your trip. Rather, your visa specifies certain conditions that must be met in order to enter the country. These include the period within which you may remain in India, as well as any special requirements that you must meet upon arrival such as registering your presence with local authorities.

The most widely used visa category is the U.S. Visa, popularly known as the US visa or the US tourist visa. The majority of American tourists, who wish to travel to India, apply for this visa. It entitles a person to spend up to six months in India, whether it be for business or pleasure.

If you are an Indian citizen who has an expired visa issued by the United States, then you can apply US visa renewal in India.

Do I Qualify for US Visa Renewal in India?

To qualify for a US visa renewal as an Indian citizen, you must make sure you fulfill the following criteria:

You are applying for the same type of US visa you had in the past. For example, if you had a tourist visa, you have to apply for a tourist visa renewal.
Your current visa has already expired.
You do not have a recently rejected US visa application.
You still fulfill the requirements for the type of US visa you wish to renew.
You are applying for a US visa renewal in India. You cannot renew a US visa from within the US.

What Documents Do I Need for a Visa Renewal in India?

When you apply for a visa renewal, you have to submit the same or similar documents as you did when you first applied. This includes:

Your passport, which has to be valid for at least another six months from the time you plan to leave the US.
Previous passports which have old US visas in them.
Two passport-size pictures, which meet the US visa photo requirements.
The printout of Form DS-160 confirmation page.
Proof you paid the US visa fee (the receipt).
Any other documents based on the US visa you want to renew.

If you have to submit any additional documents, then you must do so at any of the document drop-off locations around India.

Click here to learn about the US visa application process in India.

How to Renew My US Visa in India?

You have to renew your US visa in a similar manner as when you first obtained it. When applying from India, there are four main steps:

Complete the visa application form and schedule your appointments online.
Pay the visa fee.
Apply at a visa application centre.
Appear at the US Embassy or Consulate for your visa interview.

Completing the US Visa Application Form (DS-160)

When starting the process of renewing your US visa in India, you have to log in to your account on the official US visa information website and complete the DS-160 application form here. You can also choose to use the services of a company that’s specialized in helping out people with their US visa applications, such as VisaExpress.

When you complete the DS-160 form, you should have the following information or documents nearby:

Your passport.
Your travel itinerary (if you have already booked your trip).
The dates of your last five trips in the US. You may also need to submit your entire international travel history in the past 5 years.
For students and exchange visitors: Your SEVIS ID.
For petition-based temporary workers: Copy of your I-129.
For other temporary workers: Information about your employer, such as the address.

If you are unsure or hesitant about the process of obtaining your US visa, then we recommend using Travel Assist to help you out.

Scheduling the US Visa Appointment

When you have logged in your account on the US’s online visa application service, you have to schedule two separate appointments:

One at the Visa Application Center
On with the US Embassy or Consulate

Make sure you schedule the appointment at the Embassy/Consulate at least one day after the VAC appointment.

Paying the US Visa Fee

When you schedule your appointments to renew your US visa, you will see the payment options and details about the visa fee payment on the confirmation screen. US visa fees change depending on the type of visa. When paying a US visa renewal fee in India, you have the following options:

Through National Electronic Funds Transfer (NEFT)
Through Mobile Payments – IMPS
By Cash – Over the Counter at DRUK Bank, AXIS Bank and Citibank

Once you pay the visa fee, keep the receipt because you will need to present it on your visa appointment.

Submitting the US Visa Renewal Application in India

You have to appear on the date of your scheduled appointment at the Visa Application Center nearest to you. There are VACs in India in Mumbai, Chennai, Hyderabad, Kolkata, and New Delhi. They will take your fingerprints and your picture.

Entering the US Visa Interview

After you submit your US visa renewal application at the VAC, you have to go to the US Embassy/Consulate responsible for your jurisdiction and enter a visa interview. The visa officers will ask you some questions, such as why you want to visit the US or anything else they consider it would help them know you better. The interview doesn’t last long, but you have to make sure you arrive at least 15 minutes before your appointment time to present your appointment letter and passport and go through security clearance. You may also have to wait in line for a bit.

Remember that US Embassies and Consulates in India do not allow you to bring electronics, phones, food, or large bags inside, so make arrangements to leave them elsewhere before you arrive.

The US Embassies and Consulates in India are at the following addresses:

The US. Embassy in New Delhi Shanti Path, Chanakya Puri 110021Telephone +91-11-2419-8000Fax +91-11-2419-8587

The US. Consulate General in Mumbai (Bombay) C-49, G-Block, Bandra Kurla Complex, Bandra East, Mumbai 400051Phone: (22) 2672-4000

The US. Consulate General in Chennai (Madras) 220 Anna Salai, Gemini Circle, 600006Telephone +91-44-2857-4000Fax: +91-44-2811-2027

The US. Consulate General in Kolkata (Calcutta) 5/1 Ho Chi Minh Sarani, 700071Telephone +91-33-3984-2400Fax +91-33-2282-2335

The US. Consulate General in Hyderabad Paigah Palace, 1-8-323, Chiran Fort Lane, Begumpet, Secunderabad 500 003Telephone: +91-40-4033-8300

However, when it comes to renewing your US visa, you may be exempt from entering an interview at all.

Renew US Visa in India – No Interview

If you are renewing your US visa in India, you may be eligible for the Interview Waiver. In this case, in order to renew your visa, you simply have to submit the visa renewal application in a designated submission center in India, without having to appear for an interview at the Embassy/Consulate.

The designated visa application drop-off center and the documents you have to submit are mentioned on your visa application form confirmation.

Who is Eligible for US Visa Interview Waiver?

You are eligible for interview waiver for US visa renewal in India if you fulfil the following requirements:

You have had a previous visa in the same category as the visa you are applying for now (renewing). For example, if you want to renew your US Business Visa (B1) or a US Tourist Visa (B2), then you have to apply for a B1/B2 visa accordingly.
You were 14 years of age when you received your most recent visa (the one you want to renew)
Your latest visa was issued in India
You received the visa you wish to renew after January 1, 2008
Your previous visa does not say “Clearance Received” or “Department Authorization”.
The visa you wish to renew was not lost, stolen or cancelled.
You have not received a visa rejection since your last approved visa
For renewals of H or L Visa (individual) or R visa: Your previous visa is still valid or it expired within the last 12 months.
For renewals of US Student Visa (F Visa): You are still a student at the same school for which your visa was issued.

If you are under the age of 14 or over the age of 79, then you are also exempt from appearing at the US Embassy/Consulate for a visa interview, even if you do not fulfil the above-mentioned requirements.

How Long Does It Take to Receive US Visa Renewal in India?

Usually, the US visa officers will let you know about the decision of your US visa renewal application immediately after your interview. If your application needs further administrative inspection, then you have to wait a few more days until a decision is made.

From the time your visa is approved, you have to wait about 3-4 days until you can receive your visa.

When you fill the application, you have to specify a place where you would like to receive your passport with the US visa affixed – that’s where you have to go and get it.

Renew My Visa

On this page:

Overview
Qualifications
How to Apply

Overview

Repeat travelers to the United States may, under some circumstances, renew their visas without appearing at the U.S. Embassy/Consulate for an interview. Additionally, some governments allow their citizens to travel with a valid visa in an expired passport, provided the traveler also has a valid passport. If your government allows travel with a valid visa and a combination of an expired and valid visa, then the U.S. government will allow you to travel to the United States with your old passport containing a valid visa and your new, valid passport.

Qualifications

You may submit your visa application at a CGI location as Interview Waiver and proceed without a consular interview if you meet all of the following qualifications:

INTERVIEW WAIVER CHECKLIST (NO APPOINTMENT)

If you can answer “yes” to all of the following questions, you qualify for our Interview Waiver (No Appointment). You do not need to schedule an appointment at a Visa Application Center. Please log in, create your profile, proceed with your application, and print one copy of the submission letter. Drop off your passport along with the listed documents mentioned on the submission letter at one of our 11 service centers.

Eligibility Criteria for all applicants except child below 14 years of age and applicant above 80 years of age or older:

I have a previous U.S. visa in the same class as the visa for which I wish to apply
My most recent visa was issued in India
I received my visa after January 1, 2008
My prior visa is not annotated “Clearance Received” or “Department Authorization”.
My most recent visa (in the same class for which I am applying) was issued on or after my 14th birthday
I have no refusals for a visa in any class after my most recent visa issuance
If I am applying for an H or L (individual) or R visa, my prior visa in the same class is still valid or expired within the last 12 months.

If I am applying for any other class of visa, my prior visa in the same class is still valid or expired within the last 12 months.
Note: Blanket L1 visa applicants do not qualify for the Interview Waiver, but Blanket L2 spouses are eligible.
If I am applying for an F visa, am continuing as student at same school for which my previous visa was issued.
If I am applying for a J visa, my current DS-2019 is issued by the same institution as the institution listed on my previous visa

Eligibility Criteria for Child below 14 years of age:

I am applying before my 14th birthday.

Note:Children under 14 must submit a photocopy of both parent’s passport biographic information and valid U.S. visa page.

.Eligibility criteria for applicants over 80 years of age:

I am applying on or after 80th birthday
My most recent visa application was not refused.

Note: Using the interview waiver service does not guarantee visa issuance. In some cases, you may be required to appear for a visa interview at the U.S. Embassy/Consulate, for example, if you submit an incomplete and/or inaccurate application. Submit your application well in advance of your planned travel to allow for the possibility that a visa interview will be necessary.

How to Apply

Step 1

Complete the Nonimmigrant Visa Electronic Application (DS-160) form. After completing the form, print and save your confirmation page.

Step 2

Register an account on this webpage. Follow the steps to schedule an interview. Answer the questions carefully.

Step 3

Pay the visa application fee and any reciprocity fee associated with your visa. This webpage lists all of the visa fees associated with the most common nonimmigrant visa types. Instructions for how to pay your fees are available on this webpage.

If you qualify for interview waiver (no appointment), you will receive a submission letter containing a document checklist. Print one copy of the submission letter. Drop off your passport along with the listed documents mentioned on the submission letter at one of the 11 service centers.

Your current passport
Your current or most recent visa
One copy of the submission letter
One photograph taken within the last six months (conforming to the guidelines on this webpage). In the vast majority of cases, YOU MAY NOT SUBMIT THE SAME PHOTOGRAPH THAT APPEARED ON YOUR LAST VISA. Failure to submit a valid photograph will delay the processing of your case.
Supporting documentation in original and one photo copy required for your visa type
Children applying through interview waiver should submit photocopies of their parents valid visas and passport biopage.

Step 4

Deliver your documents for interview waiver (no appointment) with the listed documents mentioned on the submission letter at one of the 11 service centers (CGI Office). Bring the second copy of your document checklist with you. A CGI employee will review your document checklist before accepting your application for delivery to the U.S. Embassy/Consulate.

Note: Failure to submit the above documents as per criteria will delay the processing of your case.

Step 5

Processing time for interview waiver renewals averages three weeks, but processing time for specific cases may vary due to individual circumstances and other special requirements.If additional information is needed to complete processing of your case, you will be informed by email. If your application is approved, your passport and visa will be delivered for pickup to your selected Document Collection center you specified when you scheduled your interview.

How To Renew Us Visa In India