Traveling to the United States is an exciting adventure for people from all over the world, including Bulgarian citizens. However, to make that journey, a U.S. visa is necessary because Bulgaria isn't part of the visa waiver program. Eventually, the visa must be renewed to continue traveling to the United States.
Renewing your U.S. Visitor visa might seem inconvenient, but with our B1/B2 guided visa services, it can be hassle-free.
This article provides an easy-to-read overview of the B1/B2 Visa renewal process for Bulgarian nationals. You'll find information on requirements, necessary documents, and application procedures.
What is the American Visa B1/B2?
B1/B2 visas are highly coveted by eligible travelers who have a desire to visit the United States for many purposes. These nonimmigrant visas allow individuals to engage in both business and tourism activities during their stay.
The B1 Visa is designed for individuals embarking on short-term business trips, such as attending important meetings or conferences. On the other hand, the B2 visa caters to those seeking to explore the U.S. for tourism purposes. These aren't immigrant visas and only allow for short stays in the U.S.
As a nonimmigrant visa holder, you have the opportunity to partake in various activities, which include:
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Engaging in short-term business trips.
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Participating in valuable meetings and conferences.
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Conducting thorough site inspections.
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Discovering the natural beauty and iconic landmarks of the country.
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Reuniting with family and friends who reside in the United States.
It's essential to understand that these are nonimmigrant visas and, individuals with B1/B2 visas aren't permitted to work or receive any form of payment during their time in the United States.
The B1/B2 Visa remains valid for an impressive 10 years after issued, providing ample time to plan your trips accordingly. This visa is a Multiple entry document, allowing you to enter the United States multiple times with a maximum stay of 180 days per entry. To access our visa services, please visit our website or download our app for more convenience.
Get ready to pack your bags, grab your camera, rally your friends, and embark on an unforgettable journey to the United States, experiencing all it has to offer with the convenience of a B1/B2 Visa!
Remember to reach out to the Immigrant Visa Unit for any specific immigration-related inquiries.
Am I eligible to renew my US Visa in Bulgaria?
As a foreign citizen wishing to renew your visa, you need to fulfill the following criteria:
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Nationality or legal residency: You must be a Bulgarian citizen or hold permanent residence in Bulgaria to apply for a visa renewal.
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Validity of the previous visa: Your previous visa should either still be valid or have expired within the last 48 months to qualify for renewal.
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Same visa type: You must apply for a visa of the same type as your previous one. For instance, if you previously held a B1/B2 Visa, you need to apply for another B1/B2 Visa.
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No visa refusal: Your visa application shouldn't have been denied on your last attempt.
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Previous visa compliance: You should have complied with the terms and conditions of your previous visa, and it shouldn't have been lost, stolen, or revoked. Additionally, you must be able to provide your passport containing the previous visa as part of the renewal process.
U.S. Visa renewal process: How to renew a U.S. Visa in Bulgaria
Renewing your B1/B2 visa with us is a simple process. Just follow these easy steps to get started:
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Step 1: Begin the B1/B2 visa renewal process by completing our simplified visa application form.
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Step 2: Before submitting your application, carefully review all the information you've entered. Ensure that your email address, spelling, and other details are accurate. Once you've made any necessary corrections, proceed to pay the application fee.
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Step 3: Submit your application.
You'll be assigned a dedicated iVisa Expert who will thoroughly review the information you provided to ensure accuracy and completeness. Additionally, you'll receive a detailed step-by-step guide on the next actions to take.
The U.S. government will assess whether you need to schedule an in-person appointment to personally drop off your documents or if you can use a trusted courier service for their delivery.
Documents required for the renewal of the American Visa in Bulgaria
To renew a US B1/B2 visa for foreign citizens, the following documents are necessary:
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A valid passport with a minimum validity of six months and at least two blank pages for the new visa.
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Your previous passport containing the expired U.S. visa.
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A digital photo of yourself. If you don't have one, you can use our convenient and cost-effective [online photo service].
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Your email address for updates and communication.
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A payment method such as a debit or credit card.
Rest assured that we're here to assist you at every stage, ensuring all your documents meet government requirements.
U.S. Visa renewal fee: Cost of renewal of the B1/B2 visa in Bulgaria
The government fee for the B1/B2 visa renewal is US$160.00, excluding our processing fees.
To make the guided visa application as smooth as possible, our standard processing cost is US$149.99, which includes various benefits:
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Our iVisa Experts guarantee 100% compliance with government requirements.
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You'll have access to a dedicated personal iVisa Expert who will assist you throughout the application process.
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We provide a simplified DS-160 form with easy-to-answer questions, eliminating the need to navigate long and confusing questions on the government website.
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You can fill out the form at your own pace, make changes whenever necessary, and save your progress to continue later.
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You'll receive an exclusive step-by-step manual that includes tips for answering challenging questions, a comprehensive list of required documents, and guidance from start to finish.
Applying for your B1/B2 visa renewal with our service not only saves you time but also ensures a stress-free process. Our expert team is dedicated to assisting you at every step, making the application experience hassle-free!
Processing time for U.S. Visa renewal in Bulgaria
Once your application has been submitted to the United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and is fully compliant with government regulations, we'll be informed about the available interview or transfer dates. Our team will select the appointment that is closest to your location.
The visa renewal process usually takes around 4 weeks, although in some cases, it can take up to a year. Therefore, it's a good idea to apply several months in advance of your intended travel dates to ensure sufficient processing time.
Can you renew your B1/B2 visa without an interview in Bulgaria?
For B1/B2 visa renewals, it's possible for a visa applicant to avoid an interview if they meet specific requirements. These criteria include:
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Your previous U.S. visa should either still be valid or have expired within the last 48 months. Additionally, you must apply for the same type of visa as your previous one.
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You shouldn't have a history of being arrested or convicted of a crime, being deported from the United States, or being denied entry into the country.
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You shouldn't have been denied a U.S. visa after your last B1/B2 visa expired.
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Applicants under 14 or over 79 years old can always renew their B1/B2 visa without an interview.
Obtaining an appointment for Visa renewal in Bulgaria
If you don't qualify for an interview waiver, there's no need to worry. We'll provide you with a comprehensive guide with all the essential tips for preparing for your in-person interview.
Additionally, we'll share instructions on how to schedule your interview appointment. Our team will be available to assist you with any queries you may have regarding the interview process.
How to prepare for the US Visa interview in Bulgaria?
Preparing for a U.S. visa interview in Bulgaria is crucial. Here are some suggestions to help you get ready for your interview:
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Review your application: Take the time to review your visa application and supporting documents to ensure they're complete and accurate. This includes your passport, DS-160 form, and any additional documents required.
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Demonstrate your purpose of travel: Be ready to discuss the purpose of your trip to the U.S., providing details such as your accommodation plans, itinerary, people you plan to meet, and the duration of your stay.
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Establish your ties to Bulgaria: The consular officer will want to know if you have strong ties to Bulgaria, so be prepared to talk about your job, family, and other commitments that demonstrate your intention to return after your trip.
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Practice your English: Since the interview will be conducted in English, practice your English skills beforehand to ensure you can communicate comfortably.
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Be honest and confident: Answer all questions truthfully and confidently. The consular officer will assess whether you're a genuine traveler and likely to comply with the visa terms.
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Dress appropriately: Dress professionally and conservatively for the interview. Your appearance should be neat and presentable.
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Arrive early: Plan to arrive at the embassy or consulate at least 30 minutes before your interview. This allows time for finding the interview location and going through security procedures.
Remember that the visa interview is your opportunity to convince the consular officer that you're a legitimate traveler who will adhere to the visa conditions. By following these tips and being well-prepared, you can enhance your chances of successful visa approval.
Is it possible to reschedule my visa interview?
Rescheduling visa interviews is uncommon due to limited availability and long wait times. However, if you need to reschedule, you can request to do so at least three business days before the scheduled date. You can contact the Visa Application Center or change the time and date online.
Can you renew a U.S. Visa before expiration in Bulgaria?
Absolutely! You don't have to wait for your current visa to expire before applying for a U.S. visa renewal. The good news is that renewal is usually simpler and faster than applying for a new one.
When should I renew my US Visa in Bulgaria?
If you enjoy traveling, it's crucial to ensure your U.S. visa is always up-to-date. We highly recommend renewing your U.S. visa in Bulgaria before it reaches its expiration date to avoid potential difficulties or delays when entering the United States with an expired visa.
We suggest initiating the renewal process several months in advance of your current visa's expiration date to allow ample time for processing and potential delays.
U.S. Visa renewal passport tracking in Bulgaria
After your valid visa is stamped in your passport at the embassy, you'll receive an email notification regarding the time and place for collecting your passport. To keep track of your application status, visit the government website here. You'll be able to start tracking the status of your application three days after your visa interview, or you'll receive a notification with the necessary information.
My US Visa renewal in Bulgaria was denied. How to proceed?
In the event that your application for a travel visa to the United States is denied, you have the option to reapply for a new visa (Form DS-160), pay the visa fees once again, and attend a visa interview.
We're here to provide comprehensive support throughout the visa application process. Our dedicated team will offer guidance, ensure the accuracy of your application form, and help you navigate any potential challenges.
It's important to understand that the approval of your visa depends on your specific circumstances, whether you meet the eligibility requirements, and the discretion of the consular officer responsible for reviewing your case.
My US Visa was lost/stolen. What should I do?
Taking immediate action is critical if your U.S. visa is lost or stolen to prevent any misuse of your visa and passport information. Follow these steps:
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Report the loss or theft to the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate as soon as possible.
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Provide the embassy with detailed information about the lost or stolen visa, including the date and place it was issued, your name, and your passport number. If you have a copy of your visa or any other relevant documents, provide them to the embassy or consulate.
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File a police report with the local authorities for the loss of your passport. This can help protect you in case someone attempts to use your personal information for illegal purposes.
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If you need to travel to the United States and your visa is lost or stolen, you'll need to apply for a new visa.
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Begin the application process and schedule a visa interview at the US embassy or consulate. During your interview, explain the circumstances of the lost or stolen visa and provide any relevant documentation to support your case.
It's important to note that the loss or theft of your visa may result in delays or additional scrutiny during the visa application process. Therefore, take steps to safeguard your visa and other relevant documents while traveling.
If you have questions about the B1/B2 Visa Renewal application process for Bulgarian citizens, please contact our customer service team via online chat or email [email protected]. Our experts are ready to help.