US Visa Renewal South Africa

Are you looking for flights from Cape Town to the United States? You should check if your B1/B2 visa is still valid. If you are a traveler with a U.S. B1/B2 visa that has expired within the last 48 months or will expire soon, you can join our visa renewal process.

Usually, this process is very tedious for most people trying to renew their visa, but with us, the B1/B2 visa renewal is straightforward. You can get your document without a visa appointment or interview. We have a group of experts who will help you at every step of the process. Keep reading this article to learn how to renew your document.

What is the American Visa B1/B2, and how to renew it?

The nonimmigrant visas are travel documents that allow South African citizens to visit the U.S. for business or tourism purposes. To do that, you must have a valid South African passport and reside in a country other than the United States to apply for this process.

If you have already applied for this visa in the past, the process is easier than starting from scratch. You can renew the B1/B2 visa and, in most cases, skip the visa interview. Start the application online with us and receive all the instructions to get your visa renewal stress-free and in less time than usual.

Otherwise, suppose you’ll visit the country for reasons other than business or vacation, such as study, work, or temporary residence. In that case, check the immigrant visas available at the embassy or consulate general.

Renew your U.S. Visa online to enter the United States from South Africa with us!

Suppose you already have this nonimmigrant visa, but it is close to the expiration date, you have to apply for a US Visa Renewal. The process still involves dropping off documents at an embassy or consulate general, but it is simpler than you think with us.

We developed a guided application where you have full assistance to apply for your visa renewal: from exclusive visa experts available 24/7 to a detailed didactic manual that will prepare you for the visa interview. Do you need an early appointment date? We cover that too. What about reviewing all documents to avoid a visa rejection? Count on us.

Keep reading to learn how to get a visa appointment online, which is the B1/B2 visa processing, and the required documents to complete the visa application. Renewing your American B1/B2 visa has never been so easy!

Am I eligible to renew my US visa in South Africa?

Yes! South African citizens are eligible to apply for a US B1/B2 Visa Renewal. Ensure you have a valid passport and the previous visa to start the renewal application process.

When should I renew my US Visa in South Africa?

We recommend applying for the visa renewal before the B1/B2 expiration date. For example, applicants are only eligible for the Interview Waiver Program if their last US visa is still valid or expired less than 48 months ago.

Can you renew a U.S. visa before expiration in South Africa?

Yes, you can. Actually, it is advisable to apply for the renewal before the expiration date.

How long is the B1 B2 visa valid?

The American B1 B2 visa is valid for 10 years after issued. It allows Multiple entry, and you can stay in the US for up to 180 days per entry.

If you stay longer than six months, are not enrolled in a school, or don’t have a permanent residence permit, you will likely be deported.

Requirements for U.S. B1/B2 Visa Renewal in South Africa

You must meet the following requirements to apply for a B1/B2 Visa Renewal according to the US Immigration and Nationality Law:

• The purpose of the trip must be for business or tourism.

• Must have residency outside the U.S. and other obligations to ensure return.

• The previous visa has not been lost, stolen, revoked, or denied.

• You have always stayed within the six months allowed on past trips to the United States.

U.S. Visa renewal process: How to renew a U.S. Visa in South Africa

When applying for a new American B1/B2 visa, you must process through a series of requirements, interviews, and more. However, renewing an existing visa is a faster process with less extensive requirements than the first time. Check all the steps below.

Documents required for the renewal of the American Visa in South Africa

You need the following documentation to apply for the US B1/B2 Visa Renewal for South African citizens:

• Valid Passport: It must remain valid for at least six months and have two blank pages for the new visa. If your expired visa is in another passport, it's also required.

• Digital photo: A recent passport-photo. Why not use our Passport Photo Service if you need one.

• Your last valid visa: Submit a scanned copy of your previous visa or show that your current visa will expire soon.

• Valid Email: To receive the visa application form (DS-160) and all manual guides.

• Payment method: Pay the fees using a credit or debit card.

Please be aware that depending on your case, we can ask for additional information. If you don't qualify for the Interview Waiver Program, you also will be required to attend an interview at the US Embassy or consulate. But don’t worry. We will guide you through the entire process!

Processing time for U.S Visa renewal in South Africa

We offer the following option to process your visa application:

• Standard Processing Time: 30 days.

Note this isn’t the deadline to receive your renewed visa. The process can take longer than that to get the visa appointment, depending on where you apply.

U.S. Visa renewal fee: Cost of renewal of the American Visa in South Africa

The American B1/B2 visa is one of the most requested visas in the world to travel to the United States, with a standard government visa fee of US$160.00.

Applying with us, you have a simplified form, an exclusive visa expert to help with questions, and documents reviewed for 100% government compliance. You pay USD $384.99, including all our services and the government fee.

U.S. Visa renewal application: How to apply for an American Visa renewal in South Africa

Get your B1/B2 Visa renewal in only four steps! Check how easy it is:

• Step 1: Complete the simplified visa application form. You’ll receive a detailed manual guide via email to help you fill out each section.

• Step 2: Receive support from your iVisa Expert from start to end. We will review your documents and application form to avoid mistakes and send you a manual guide to prepare you for the interview if necessary.

• Step 3: Send the required documentation to the embassy or consulate general according to the instructions we give you or attend the interview if necessary.

• Step 3: Pick up your passport with your new visa and get ready to travel!

Can you renew your visa B1/B2 without and interview in South Africa?

The visa applicant is usually eligible for an Interview Waiver, meaning they only need to drop off the required documents at a consulate general or other indicated location. To renew your B1/B2 visa without having to go to an interview or appointment, you must meet one of the following criteria:

• Your last US visa cannot have expired more than 48 months ago or is still valid.

• You’re under 14 or over 79 years of age.

Obtaining an appointment for visa renewal in South Africa

Aren’t you eligible for an Interview Waiver? No worries! We’ll send a guide manual with all the steps to prepare you for the in-person interview. Plus, an exclusive visa expert will instruct you to schedule an appointment and help you with any questions about the visa interview appointment.

Otherwise, doing the process on your own, you can make the appointment by calling or contacting the nearest US embassy and following their instructions.

How to get an early interview

Applying for a visa renewal, you usually have to wait up to 2 years for the interview appointment. However, with us, you don’t have to wait that long.

One of our Guided application advantages is that we can reschedule your B1/B2 visa interview appointment almost two years earlier. Our technology will do the job of cutting the time for you!

How to prepare for the US Visa interview in South Africa?

It’s normal to get stressed out about the interview. But don’t worry. We’ll send you a detailed guide with tips for dressing, the usual questions, and how you should answer them. However, here is some advice:

• Gather and organize your documents: Make sure you have all the necessary documents. Organize them in a folder to access them easily during the interview.

• What to wear for the US Visa interview: Dressing in formal or semi-formal clothing can make a good impression on the interviewer. Avoid wearing anything too casual or revealing.

• Don’t be late: Reach the premises 15 minutes before your interview and not before that. You do not have to come an hour early.

• Be honest and confident: Answer all the questions truthfully and confidently. Avoid giving false information, as this can result in a visa denial. Also, make eye contact with the interviewer and speak clearly.

• Prepare for common questions: The interviewer will ask you about the purpose of your trip and where and how long you will stay in the US. Prepare your answers beforehand so that you can respond confidently during the interview.

Do I need a medical exam for a US Visa interview?

The B1/B2 is part of the nonimmigrant visas, so you do not need a medical exam to renew the visa.

Can I reschedule my US Visa interview?

When applying for a US visa, applicants typically don’t reschedule their interviews due to long wait times and limited availability. However, it is possible to reschedule an interview if the request is made at least three working days before the scheduled appointment. Reschedule by calling the VAC or by changing the date and time online.

In some countries, applicants can only reschedule their appointments twice, with any subsequent rescheduling requests being subject to a 90-day waiting period. Rescheduling can also be limited by the availability of interview slots, which depends on other applicants' requests.

U.S Visa renewal passport tracking in South Africa

We’ll send you a confirmation number once you submit your application. You can check your visa status by adding your visa type and the confirmation number on the US Visa Status Checker.

How long does it take to receive my new US B1/B2 Visa?

Due to the high application demand, some locations have an interview waitlist of over 12 months. We always work to give you the closest date possible. Nevertheless, we recommend applying several months before your trip to the United States.

After your interview appointment, it will take at least 4 weeks until your passport is ready with your new stamped visa.

My US Visa was lost/stolen. What should I do?

First, you should report the loss or theft to the US Embassy. If it was stolen, you must also report it to the police. Then, you are not eligible for a visa renewal. You have to apply for a new B1/B2 visa.

What are the benefits of renewing your B1/B2 visa with us?

• Application 100% government compliant: Our team of iVisa Experts will review your application form and adjust it to fully comply with government requirements, avoiding mistakes.

• Dedicated iVisa expert: We assign you a dedicated iVisa Expert who will guide you through the entire application process, from start to end. They’re available to answer any questions about the process, ensuring a smooth and stress-free experience. Simplified DS-160 form: Unlike the embassy website, where you have to answer 150 confusing and tedious questions, we offer a simplified DS-160 form (B1/B2 application form) with shorter and clearer questions.

• Fill out the form at your own pace: Fill out the form at your own pace and make changes whenever you want. We understand that life can be unpredictable, so we allow you to save your progress, and you don't have to start from scratch every time you take a break.

• Guide manual: We’ll send you a didactic guide manual that contains all the tips you need to know to answer the difficult sections of the form. Our guide provides a step-by-step process to get your new visa without problems.

Traveling to the United States

COVID-19 restrictions in the USA

According to the United States Government agents, travelers from South Africa are not required to present a negative COVID-19 PCR or antigen test result. Also, there are no quarantine requirements.

Otherwise, all international travelers have to present a vaccination certificate before entry. There are exceptions in all cases, but border agents will determine whether visitors may enter the country. To be considered vaccinated, you must present a certificate of vaccination showing all Covid-19 vaccinations and the booster dose administered at least 14 days before travel.

US Travel tips

The United States is home to many iconic landmarks and tourist attractions, such as the Statue of Liberty, the Grand Canyon, and Walt Disney World. Millions of people visit the country every year to experience these attractions and explore the country's diverse culture. It’s a destination that offers fantastic business opportunities and also great tourist attractions.

Here are some tips to prepare for your trip:

• Check your travel documents: Is your passport valid? Is your B1/B2 visa valid? Guarantee you have all you need to enter the US. Remember, you can use our services to renew your visa stress-free.

• Pack for the weather: The United States has a diverse climate, so pack appropriately for the temperature in the region you'll be visiting. For example, if you're visiting New York in winter, you'll need warm clothing, while if you're visiting Florida in summer, you'll need lightweight, breathable clothing.

• Bring a credit card: Many places in the United States only accept credit cards, so bring one. It's also a good idea to notify your bank that you'll be traveling to the US to avoid any issues with your card being blocked.

• Use public transport: Depending on where you're traveling, public transport can be an affordable and convenient way to get around. Major cities like New York and Chicago have extensive public transport systems, including buses and trains.

• Tip appropriately: Tipping is customary in service industries like restaurants, bars, and taxis. Generally, a 15-20% tip is appropriate for good service.

These are just a few tips to keep in mind when visiting the United States. Check our US Travel Guide for more detailed information, and have a safe trip!

I still have questions. Where can I contact iVisa?

If you have questions about the B1/B2 Visa Renewal or any other travel document, please contact our customer service team or at [email protected]. Our experts will be happy to assist you. They are available 24/7.