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Renewal under US law
US law has no renewal procedure separate from a new application. The State Department's FAQs say applicants “will have to go through the whole visa application process each time you want to apply for a visa”, and 22 CFR 41.103 requires every nonimmigrant applicant to file a DS-160. A renewal therefore needs a new DS-160, the application fee and a normal appointment.
The difference between a renewal and a first application lies in eligibility for an interview waiver, subject to the conditions below.
Interview waivers (renewal by drop-off)
The regulation. 22 CFR 41.102(b) allows a consular officer to waive the interview for applicants renewing within 12 months of the prior visa's expiry in the same classification, applying at the post of usual residence, with no indication of ineligibility or immigration non-compliance, subject to instructions from the Deputy Assistant Secretary for Visa Services. Under 41.102(e) the interview cannot be waived for applicants who are not nationals or residents of the country of application, who were previously refused without overcoming the refusal, or whose case requires a security advisory opinion.
Current policy. The Interview Waiver Update of 18 September 2025, effective 1 October 2025, limits renewal waivers to B-1, B-2, B-1/B-2 and H-2A visas renewed within 12 months of expiry, where the prior visa was issued for full validity and the applicant was at least 18. The applicant must also apply in the country of nationality or usual residence, never have been refused (unless overcome or waived) and have no apparent or potential ineligibility. Officers may still require an interview case by case. Renewals of other classes, such as F-1, J-1 or H-1B, therefore require an interview under this policy.
Thailand. The U.S. Embassy in Thailand states that “Interview waivers are only granted in extreme situations”. Applicants renewing in Thailand should prepare for an interview even if they meet the policy conditions.
Visa expiry and length of stay
Visa validity and length of stay are different. The State Department FAQs state that you “will be able to remain in the United States during your authorized period of stay, even if your visa expires”; that period is recorded on the admission stamp or Form I-94. A new visa is needed only for your next entry after the visa expires.
To be considered for an interview waiver you must apply within 12 months of the prior visa's expiry; after that, the waiver route is closed. Plan around appointment waiting times.
A visa in an old passport
Getting a new passport does not cancel a visa in the old one. The State Department FAQs state: “If your visa is still valid you can travel to the United States with your two passports”, provided the visa is undamaged, is the right type for the trip, and both passports are from the same country. A valid visa does not need renewing because the passport changed.
Renewing a US visa in Thailand
First, check the prior visa's expiry date, class, validity issued and any refusal history to assess whether the waiver conditions are met.
Second, complete a new DS-160 that reflects current facts and is consistent with earlier applications.
Third, pay the fee and book an appointment as normal; interviews may be rescheduled up to three times at no extra charge.
Fourth, bring your current passport and the passport containing the prior visa, with documents showing your current employment, finances and purpose of travel, and attend the interview.
Visa Connext assesses renewal conditions from the applicant's prior visa and handles each step. See our US visa service.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need an interview to renew my US visa?
Generally yes. Under the policy effective 1 October 2025 a waiver applies only to B-1/B-2 or H-2A renewals within 12 months of expiry where the prior visa was issued for full validity and the applicant was at least 18, and the U.S. Embassy in Thailand grants waivers only in extreme situations.
Source: Interview Waiver Update, 18 Sept 2025 · U.S. Embassy Thailand
Can I renew my US visa by mail?
Only applicants granted an interview waiver under the conditions above can apply without an interview. In Thailand the Embassy grants waivers only in extreme situations, so applicants should prepare for an interview.
How much does a US visa renewal cost?
A renewal is a full new application, so the same application fee applies as for a first application, at the rate shown in the scheduling system on the day of payment.
I have a new passport. Do I need a new US visa?
No, if the visa in the old passport is still valid, undamaged and the right type for the trip; travel with both passports issued by the same country.
My visa expires while I am in the US. What should I do?
You may remain for the authorized period recorded on Form I-94 even if the visa expires. A new visa is needed for your next entry.
Can F-1 or J-1 visas be renewed without an interview?
Not under the policy effective 1 October 2025, which limits renewal waivers to B-1/B-2 and H-2A, apart from certain diplomatic and official visas.
Official sources used on this page
- 22 CFR 41.102 — Personal appearance of applicant
last amended 80 FR 69589 (10 Nov 2015) · checked 30 Oct 2026 - 22 CFR 41.103 — Filing an application and Form DS-160
last amended 73 FR 23068 · checked 30 Oct 2026 - U.S. Department of State — Interview Waiver Update, 18 September 2025
effective 1 Oct 2025 · supersedes 25 Jul 2025 update · checked 30 Oct 2026 - U.S. Department of State — About Visas: The Basics (FAQ)
checked 30 Oct 2026 - U.S. Embassy & Consulate in Thailand — Important Visa Information
page last modified 29 Apr 2026 · checked 30 Oct 2026