Renewal Interview Waiver Process for Non-Immigrant Visas
U.S. Embassy Bridgetown’s Renewal Interview Waiver (RIW) process allows certain individuals who are renewing their visas to forego the visa interview. Please read all the information below to determine whether you qualify for the RIW process. RIW applications can only be submitted by mail.
Criteria
To qualify for the RIW process, you must meet all the following criteria:
- You are a citizen, resident and passport holder of Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, Dominica, Grenada, St. Lucia, St. Kitts and Nevis, or Saint Vincent and the Grenadines;
- Your previous visa was issued at the U.S. Embassy – Bridgetown;
- You are renewing the same category of visa;
- The current passport you are applying with is the same nationality passport which contains your previous visa;
- The prior visa was issued for its full validity;
- The prior visa expired less than 48 months ago;
- You have not been arrested or convicted for any criminal offenses; and
- You must be able to submit the passport containing your previous visa.
* Please note that we may request that an applicant appear for an interview regardless of apparent qualifications for the RIW process.
Application Process
Complete your DS-160 application at https://ceac.state.gov/GenNIV/Default.aspx
Answer the questions and follow the prompts at https://ais.usvisa-info.com/en-bb/niv. If you qualify for the RIW process, you will be directed to specific instructions for how to proceed with your application.
All RIW application packages must include:
- Previous passport with visa
- DS-160 application confirmation page
- Two (2) passport photographs taken within the past six months (5cm x 5cm or 2″x2″), full face, front view with a white background. Glasses and hats may not be worn in passport photos. (You may not reuse photographs previously submitted on a prior visa application)
- A prepaid return courier label
Visa Categories Eligible for the RIW Process
The following visa categories are eligible for the RIW process. RIW applicants in the following visa categories must submit the following documents with their visa application and passport:
Temporary Visitor for Business/Pleasure (B1/B2)
- DS-160 application confirmation page
Alien Crewmember (C1/D)
- Official letter from the airline or cruise line verifying employment and confirming arrival/docking dates in the United States