How to Renew a B-1/B-2 Tourist Visa
Understanding the requirements and application process for renewing a B1/B2 travel visa
Renewing a Tourist Visa
If you’ve received a B-1/B-2 tourist visa for temporary stays in the United States, you may notice that your visa is valid for up to ten years after issuance. The B visa is a multiple entry visa, and the ten-year validity allows individuals to utilize their visa as much as needed before it expires.
If your B visa is set to expire soon, you’ll need to renew it in order to plan future travel.
Boundless can help you avoid common pitfalls in the immigration process with unlimited support from our team of immigration experts. Learn more.
Renewal Process
Renewals are filed and processed at the U.S. Embassy or consulate in your home country. In general, renewing a B1/B2 travel visa is the same process as applying for an initial visa, with the following steps:
- Complete Form DS-160 (Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application)
- Upload a digital visa photo
- Pay the required government filing fees
- Schedule and attend a tourist visa interview at your nearest U.S. Embassy or consulate
You can read more about the travel visa process, including frequently asked questions, in Boundless’ detailed guide.
Timeline
The timeline for a B-1/B-2 visa renewal depends on the U.S. Embassy or consulate where you are applying. Each embassy and consulate has their own processing times based on appointment schedules, staffing, and pending visa applications. You can check the estimated wait time for a B visa interview appointment at your nearest U.S. Embassy or consulate on the State Department website.
Boundless also tracks the current status of visa services by country each month, so you can stay up to date if processing times or visa appointment availability change in your country.
Cost
The government fee for filing a B1/B2 visa renewal is $185. This fee is paid directly to the government during the filing process.
Interview Waiver
The U.S. Interview Waiver Program (IWP) allows eligible individuals to renew certain types of visas without attending additional visa interviews. Some B visa holders may be eligible to renew their tourist visa under this program. If the visa holder meets certain requirements, they may qualify for an interview waiver and skip this step during the renewal process. Although each embassy or consulate’s exact interview waiver requirements may vary slightly, generally speaking you may be eligible if:
- You are a citizen or legal permanent resident of the country you’re applying from
- You were previously issued a 10-year B-1/B-2 visa
- Your current B1/B2 visa is still valid or recently expired within the last 48 months
- You have not been refused a U.S. visa in the last 12 months
- You’ve never overstayed your visa in U.S.
It is important to reach out to your local U.S. Embassy or consulate directly to see if you qualify for an interview waiver. Applicants who do qualify are only required to file Form DS-160, pay the associated filing fees, and wait while their application is processed.
Travel Visa Renewal FAQs
It may be possible to extend your time in the U.S. by filing Form I-539, Application To Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status. Not all travel visa holders are eligible to apply for an extension. You can check your eligibility and learn more about the process on USCIS’ website.
The validity period for a B-1/B-2 visa is typically 10 years, but can vary depending on individual circumstances. As such, it is recommended that you check the expiration date of your visa prior to applying for a renewal.
Get a tailored visa plan for everything from forms to interview. Get started today!