If you have an expired visa issued by the US and still hope to have access to the country, you will need a US B1 B2 visa renewal. The renewal process for this visa is similar but different from the process for new applications. To help out applications, we have compiled a detailed explanation of the process, so keep reading to know more.
Conditions For US B1 B2 Visa Renewal
Only some people with an expired visa qualify for a visa renewal because there are conditions they must meet. The US embassy clearly states the conditions for B1 and B2 visa applications; we review them below.
Previous Visa Validity: If your previous visa was valid for ten years, then you qualify for a renewal, but if not, you will need a brand new visa by applying afresh.
Expiry Date of Previous Visa: If your previous visa expired within the last year, you qualify for a renewal. Anything longer than that will require a brand new visa.
Other Conditions: If the precious visa was not revoked, stolen, or canceled, you could apply for a renewal.
Illegal Residency: Persons who have not resided illegally in the US, either without a visa or an expired visa, may apply for a renewal.
These are the questions you must ask before deciding whether to apply for a renewal. People who don’t meet these conditions must apply for a new visa.
Benefits of Renewing A US B1 B2 Visa
There are a few benefits of renewing your visa rather than applying for a new one. One such benefit is that you don’t have to visit the embassy for an interview unless under special situations. You only need to send your documents by courier to the embassy, and they will process your application in your absence. Once the visa is ready, some embassies even offer the owners the option of mailing it to their address by return mail.
Another benefit of renewing a visa is that renewals are processed on time, so you don’t have to wait too long, unlike if you were applying for a fresh visa. This is probably because you don’t have to attend an interview at the embassy, so your application just goes into processing immediately.
Documents Required For US B1 B2 Visa Renewal
Here are the documents you will need to renew your visa
Application Form: You must complete the visa renewal application form, which can be obtained from the embassy or online. Ensure you only input accurate details that match the information in your documents. If the information is different or wrong, your application will not make it to processing and will be rejected outright.
Passport: A valid passport with at least six months of validity as a bare minimum and two empty pages.
The passport should be at most ten years old.
Visa Fee: The visa fee for a renewal is mandatory; otherwise, you can’t submit your documents. How you pay the fee will depend on the embassy in your country, but you must add the receipt to the application.
Digital Photo: A digital photo of you in line with the photo requirements of the Department of State.
Previous Visa Copy: You may also be required to submit previous copies of your visa.
The embassy accepts only valid documents, and each one will be authenticated before your application is processed.
What Is A B1 B2 Visa For?
The B1 B2 Visa is a nonimmigrant visa for temporary visits to the US. This visa doesn’t qualify the holder for a residency permit, and they are not allowed to work or do long-term study in the country. A B1 visa is for business trips to the US, while B2 is for tourism and leisure, but when combined the holder can use it for both purposes and more.
How Long Before My Renewed Visa Is Out?
The processing time for visa renewal ls differs from one embassy to another. An embassy handling more applications may take longer than one with fewer, so you must be patient. In some countries, applications take 2-3 weeks; in others, it takes more time. If you are running a tight shift and don’t want the application to take too long, you should submit yours as early as possible if you can do so at least two months before your planned trip, the better.
What Will Be the Validity Of the New Visa?
The validity will depend on your old visa or the discretion of the visa officer handling your US B1 B2 visa renewal. While some officers may issue the new visa with the same validity as the previous one, others may give you a longer or shorter visa validity, depending on your unique situation.