A B1/B2 visa is a non-immigrant multiple-entry visa to the US that combines two visitor visa categories: category B-1 visas for business purposes and category B-2 for tourism and medical purposes. The B1/B2 visa allows the holder to temporarily stay in the US, after which it can be renewed.
A B1/B2 visa can be valid for up to ten years after insurance. The B visa is a multiple-entry visa, and the ten-year validity allows foreign nationals to utilize their visa as much as needed before it expires.
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Eligibility Criteria to renew the B1/B2 visa
Here is the eligibility Criteria to renew the B1/B2 visa:
- They can only renew the visa they previously had. For example, if they had a B1 visa, they are applying for renewal of a B1 visa
- Cannot renew denied or expired visa
- Can renew B1/B2 visa with multiple entries with a validity of 1 year
- Fulfill the requirements for the visa
- Applying for visa renewal from home country
- Sometimes, expired visas between 48 months are also eligible
- The purpose of the trip must be the same as the last time
Requirements to apply for renewal of B1/B2 visa
Below are the documents required to apply for renewal of a B1/B2 visa:
- Valid passport of at least six months
- Two passports photos
- Copies of previous visas
- DS-160 confirmation page
- Proof of payment
- Sufficient funds
- Insurance coverage
- Staying with whom and where
- Air tickets
- Financial documents
- Proof of returning to your home country
B1/B2 Visa Renewal Interview Waiver
The interview waiver program (IWP) allows certain applicants to allow their B1/B2 visa without attending an in-person interview at the US embassy and consulate. An applicant may qualify for renewal of a B1-B2 visa without an interview if:
- Aged below 14 or above 79 years
- The previous visa expired within the past 48 months
- No visa application denial
- The previous visa was entirely valid, multiple-entry visa
- The purpose of the visit and other relevant circumstances are unchanged from the previous visa application
- Never overstayed with the visa in the US
Processing time of B1/B2 visa
The processing time for a B1/B2 visa depends on the specific visa application that an applicant is applying for. It can take anywhere from a few days to a few months. Other thing that affects visa processing time is the time of year when you apply (the Embassy’s workload) and whether or not they enter an interview.
Processing cost of B1/B2 visa
The processing cost of a B1/B2 visa is $185. This fee is paid directly to the government during the filing process.
Steps to apply for a B1/B2 visa
Here are the steps to apply for a B1/B2 visa:
Step 1: Complete the DS-160 form online
Step 2: Schedule an interview appointment
Step 3: Pay the B1/B2 visa renewal fees
Step 4: Submit all the requirements
Step 5: Complete the B1/B2 Visa Renewal Interview
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