Interview waiver for tourist visa applicants

[EternalForeigner 57]

1 hour ago, SteveInBostonI130 said:

 

Do you mean the last visa is already expired?  The link states for renewal it has to be within 48 months of the visa expiring (that is, the last visa should not have expired).

 

My understanding is that this means the application has to be lodged before 48 months have passed since the last visa expired, not that the application would be made within 48 months of the visa expiring. I don't imagine a lot of people would apply for a new visa if it's the same category and there are at least 48 months of validity in it. I'd be happy for some clarification, especially from those who've said they went through the interview waiver process.

 

1 hour ago, PGA said:

Who knows how they do their jobs...it varies greatly between countries.... I, personally, would assume an interview, especially if the country is Saudi Arabia. 

 

This would be in Bahrain not Saudi.

Edited April 2 by EternalForeigner

[appleblossom 1,320]

Within 48 months of the previous visa expiring is my understanding too, not that it has to still be current. 

 

But in all honestly I wouldn't overthink it. Even if the applicant meets the criteria they can still be required to go for an interview if it's deemed necessary (it could well be for Bahrain). Just submit the DS-160 and see what happens - be prepared for an interview and be pleasantly surprised if the waiver is given. 

 

Good luck. 

Edited April 2 by appleblossom

[EternalForeigner 57]

19 hours ago, appleblossom said:

Within 48 months of the previous visa expiring is my understanding too, not that it has to still be current. 

 

But in all honestly I wouldn't overthink it. Even if the applicant meets the criteria they can still be required to go for an interview if it's deemed necessary (it could well be for Bahrain). Just submit the DS-160 and see what happens - be prepared for an interview and be pleasantly surprised if the waiver is given. 

 

Good luck. 

 

Thanks.

 

After submitting the DS-160 and going through the USTRAVELDOCS site for the fee payment and interview scheduling, there was a general questionnaire (some of which are specific for those who reside in Bahrain) that determined the application was eligible for a renewal without an interview, though of course they maintained we might be contact for an interview at any time and that we wouldn't be allowed to schedule an appointment as it stands. And the questions included:

 

Is the applicant applying to renew a B1/B2 visa that has not been expired for more than 48 months?

Do you and everyone applying with you have a prior 5-year (or full-validity for your nationality), B1/B2 US visa?

Is your visa, and the visa of everyone applying with you, still valid or has it expired within the past 48 months?

Edited April 2 by EternalForeigner

[EternalForeigner 57]

The applicant ended up getting issued a tourist visa without an interview and it took one day after the embassy received the visa. There were some concerns about an interviewing possibly being required or any other possible complication given that the applicant has an I-130 petition in their name but apparently that didn’t factor in this case.