05/07/2022
USA VISAS MADE EASIER
The US Mission in South Africa is waiving in person interviews for select non-immigrant visa
applicants. Applicants renewing a B, C, D, F, H, I, J, M, O, P, Q or R visa in the same visa class whose
previous visa expired within the last 48 months may be eligible for an interview waiver. Eligibility is
determined based on the answers provided by the applicant to questions during the online
appointment scheduling process. Criteria include:
Your most recent visa was issued in South Africa in a South African passport and is still valid or
expired no more than 48 months ago.
You provided 10 fingerprints at your last visa interview;
Your previously issued U.S. visa was a full-validity visa;
Your last visa has not been lost, stolen, or revoked;
Your visa was not annotated with “Clearance Received;” and
You have the same SEVIS number (for student visas).
Applicants may also qualify for an interview waiver if the applicants are under the age of 14 (with
at least one parent holding a valid visa in the same category), are over the age of 80. If you
believe you are eligible to apply for or renew your visa under the interview waiver program, you
are encouraged to call +27 87 550 2160. Customer service center agents are available Monday to
Friday, from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm local time to assist you in making your first time application or
changing your existing appointment to an interview waiver.
For more information visit https://za.usembassy.gov/visas
A citizen of a foreign country who seeks to travel to the U.S. generally must first obtain a U.S. visa, which is placed in the traveler's passport.
