Once a visa expires, you cannot use the same visa to travel to another country, and an individual must renew their visa to travel to the country.
Moreover, you must renew your visa a while before it expires so that you don't struggle at the time you have planned your trip. Therefore, if you currently have a B1 B2 US visa and know that the expiration date is near, it is a good idea to start considering the renewal of the visa if you are a frequent traveler to the US.
If you are unaware of the B1 B2 Us visa's renewal process, don't fret! You have landed on the right article, as here you will get to know more about the renewal process for the B1 B2 US visa!
What is the B1 B2 Visa?
The B1 B2 visa is a type of US visa that comes under non-immigrant visas. With the visas, foreign nationals can visit the US for different purposes such as tourism, business, or to visit their family members and friends. If you want to study in the US or be employed, you must acquire other visas.
The B2 B1 visa can be valid for as long as ten years, but you can only stay for a maximum of 180 days per visit. Moreover, the B-type visa is given as a multiple entry visa.
B1 Visa
The B1 visa is primarily for business purposes. Therefore, if you want to travel to the US for business, such as attending business meetings, conferences, signing deals, etc., you must get a B1 visa.
B2 Visa
On the other hand, the B2 visa is for recreational purposes. If you wish to travel to the US for exploration or visit your family and friends, you must get a B2 visa. Therefore, to enter the US mainly for tourism, you must acquire a B2 visa. Furthermore, if you want to travel to the US for medical treatment, you must get a B2 visa.
What is the Renewal Procedure for the B1 B2 US Visa?
If you know that your visa is going to be expired, you must think of renewing it. The very first thing to do for the renewal process if that you determine what the expiration date for the visa is. If your visa is about to expire within a year, then you must apply for the renewal process.
You need to arrange a visa appointment with the US Embassy or Consulate to renew your visa. Moreover, when you visit the US Embassy, you must take the form DS 160 with you. Ensure you fill out the form accurately and do not leave anything blank.
Required Documents for the Renewal
Next, you will be required to gather the required documents for the visa application. The documents required for the visa include your properly filled visa application, valid passport, and passport size pictures that follow the guidelines for the visa. Moreover, you must provide other supporting documents as well. Supporting documents such as bank statements, travel itineraries will be required. And, supporting documents can include proof of sufficient funds. If your family or friends have invited you, you may need to provide an invitation letter. Additionally, a business invitation letter will be required if you are being sent to the US by your employer for a business trip. Hence, inform your employer to issue one for you!
Lastly, you must pay the visa fee as well!
Once you have scheduled the appointment, you must go for the visa interview. Your application will be reviewed in the interview, and asked questions regarding your plan to visit. Once you have given the interview, you must wait for the renewed visa.
What is the Procedure for the Interview Waiver?
With the Interview Waiver Program, certain individuals can renew their visas without needing to come for a visa interview.
The eligibility criteria are that you must be a citizen of the country you have mentioned in your visa application. Moreover, you have previously received a B1 B2 visa with a validity period of 10 years. Moreover, you have stayed in the US for only the duration specified in your visa. The eligibility criteria also include that your current visa expired in the past 48 months or is still valid and may expire soon. Furthermore, if, in the past 12 months, you have received a rejection for a US visa, you will not be eligible for the interview waiver.
Processing Time for the Renewal of the B1 B2 Visa
Normally, the processing time for B2 B1 visa renewals is around 5 to 10 days. However, the processing time can vary according to your application or the Embassy you have applied.
Applying for the B1 B2 Visa Renewal
You are now aware of the B2 B1 visa renewal process. VisaHQ is an online third-party service that provides visa and passport facilities. Therefore, you can gain much information about the B1 B2 renewal process by visiting the site. You can also get more information about the DS 160 form.
The site lets you know whether the B1 B2 visa applies to you depending on your nationality. The services provided by VisaHQ ensure a smooth process for visa applicants.