New Regulations for U.S. Visa Extension

NEW U.S. VISA RENEWAL REGULATIONS

Update on Mail-In Visa Renewal Program:

• Do you currently have a valid U.S. visa or one that expired within the last 12 months? Want to save time and money by avoiding an in-person interview at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate? Take advantage of our visa renewal program.
• Applicants may qualify for visa renewal by mail if their previous visa expired no more than 12 months ago and they meet the eligibility criteria for interview waivers. For more details, please visit:
  http://www.ustraveldocs.com/vn_vn/vn-niv-visarenew.asp.

Important Update:
Under the Executive Order signed by the U.S. President on January 27, 2017, visa issuance for nationals of Iraq, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, and Yemen is suspended until further notice.

• If you are a national of one of these countries, do not schedule an interview or pay the visa fee at this time. If you have already scheduled an interview, do not attend as your visa application cannot be processed.
• For official travel, business representatives, international organization delegates, or NATO representatives, please contact: support-vietnam@ustraveldocs.com or visit:
  http://www.ustraveldocs.com/vn/vn-main-contactus.asp.

Dual Citizens:

• Dual citizens with a valid passport from a non-restricted country can still apply for a visa. The U.S. Embassy and Consulate will process visa applications for eligible applicants with non-restricted passports, even if they hold citizenship from a restricted country.

Interview Location:

• To switch your interview location from Ho Chi Minh City to Hanoi, complete a new DS-160 form and select Hanoi as the interview site. Bring this new form to your interview. Failure to do so may cause delays in processing your application.

Important Notes:

• Starting December 1, 2016, visa renewal applications in Ho Chi Minh City must be sent to the U.S. Consulate in Ho Chi Minh City. Applicants from other provinces must send their applications to the U.S. Embassy in Hanoi.
• As of November 29, 2016, Chinese citizens holding 10-year B1/B2 visas must update their personal information via the Electronic Visa Update System (EVUS) before traveling to the U.S. Updates must be completed every two years or upon issuance of a new passport or visa. Visit www.EVUS.gov for details.
• Before scheduling an interview, applicants must update the barcode on their DS-160 form under "Update Profile." Only use the barcode from the current DS-160 form when booking an appointment.
• Effective November 1, 2016, applicants may no longer wear glasses in visa photos. For photo requirements, visit:
  https://travel.state.gov/content/visas/en/general/photos.html.

Visa Waiver Program (VWP) Restrictions:

• If you are a citizen of a VWP country but cannot enter the U.S. under the program, you must apply for a non-immigrant visa at least three months before your intended travel. If urgent, you can request an expedited interview appointment.

Visa Fee Exemptions:

• If applying for an exempt visa (A-1, A-2, G-1 to G-4, J-1/J-2 for government-sponsored exchange programs), you cannot use the standard scheduling system. Please click here to schedule your appointment.

(Reference: http://www.ustraveldocs.com/vn_vn/index.html?firstTime=No)