Tourist visa expiring soon, can I still travel? and what is the interview wave program?

[Rmv0311 1]

Mother in law's tourist Visa is expiring in 4 months, her passport expires in 5 years, can she still travel to the USA even if she has 4 months before it expires? how about 3 months before it expires?

She is an Ecuadorian citizen and has been in the USA 3 times, her daughter is a US citizen.

Also, looking to renew her Visa, and  I'm almost done doing her DS-160, how does the interview waver program works? is it by country? does Ecuador apply? I saw in other forums that suggest not to schedule an interview appointment in case you get an IWP letter, just a little confused. Can't I just schedule appt and they will eventually let me know if she doesn't need an interview?

thank you!

[seekingthetruth 1,246]

6 minutes ago, Rmv0311 said:

how does the interview waver program works? is it by country? does Ecuador apply?

Read more details on the embassy website.

https://ec.usembassy.gov/visas/nonimmigrant-visas/

 

We are pleased to announce the reactivation of the interview waiver process for B1/B2 visa renewals on April 4, 2022. B1/B2 visa applicants who meet certain criteria may be eligible to renew their visa without an interview with a consular officer. An applicant’s eligibility for interview waiver renewal will be determined during the electronic visa application process. In general, to be eligible for interview waiver processing:

1. You must be renewing a B1/B2 visa issued in Ecuador that is either still current or expired within the past 48 months, and;
2. You are an Ecuadorian citizen or permanent resident of Ecuador and are physically present in Ecuador, and;
3. You were fingerprinted (10 prints) when your last B1/B2 visa was issued, and;
4. Your previous B1/B2 visa was not lost, stolen, or revoked, and;
5. Your most recent B1/B2 visa application was not refused, and;
6. Other eligibility requirements may apply.

[Rmv0311 1]

11 hours ago, seekingthetruth said:

Read more details on the embassy website.

https://ec.usembassy.gov/visas/nonimmigrant-visas/

 

We are pleased to announce the reactivation of the interview waiver process for B1/B2 visa renewals on April 4, 2022. B1/B2 visa applicants who meet certain criteria may be eligible to renew their visa without an interview with a consular officer. An applicant’s eligibility for interview waiver renewal will be determined during the electronic visa application process. In general, to be eligible for interview waiver processing:

1. You must be renewing a B1/B2 visa issued in Ecuador that is either still current or expired within the past 48 months, and;
2. You are an Ecuadorian citizen or permanent resident of Ecuador and are physically present in Ecuador, and;
3. You were fingerprinted (10 prints) when your last B1/B2 visa was issued, and;
4. Your previous B1/B2 visa was not lost, stolen, or revoked, and;
5. Your most recent B1/B2 visa application was not refused, and;
6. Other eligibility requirements may apply.

Yes I saw this a few minutes after posting my question 😂

I’m just trying to figure out if she had her fingerprints done as she doesn’t remember, but for what I read, EVERYONE who applies for a tourist visa gets it done. So she must have also!

[seekingthetruth 1,246]

On 10/13/2023 at 10:13 PM, Rmv0311 said:

Yes I saw this a few minutes after posting my question 😂

I’m just trying to figure out if she had her fingerprints done as she doesn’t remember, but for what I read, EVERYONE who applies for a tourist visa gets it done. So she must have also!

 

Strange, seems to be different by country.  My wife and step-daughter never had fingerprints for their tourist visas.  My wife did the interview waiver renewal last year via Manila embassy.  These are the requirements there.

 

Eligibility Criteria for Interview Waiver Applicants:

• I have a previous B1/B2 visa that I wish to renew;
• My prior visa was valid for ten (10) years;
• My prior visa is still valid or has expired within the last 48 months;
• I have in my possession my passport with my previous visa from the same visa category for which I now wish to apply;
• My name, date of birth, and gender on my last visa are the same (If there is name change due to marriage or annulment, I can provide documentary proof); **
• My most recent visa was issued on or after my 14th birthday; ***
• The last time I applied for a visa it was approved;
• I have not requested an extension or change of status through USCIS.