How to do the U.S. Visitor Visa Renewal in Saudi Arabia

The United States has everything to offer. It's a great vacation destination and business destination - for all travelers, including those from Saudi Arabia.

As a Saudi Arabian resident with a U.S. Visa, it's important to keep an eye on the expiration date to avoid travel mishaps. B1/B2 Visa renewals may seem daunting, but with iVisa, it's a smooth and stress-free experience.

In this guide, you'll find all the information you need to renew your U.S. visa. We'll also outline the key steps and requirements you should follow as a visa applicant to travel with a valid visa.

Let's get started!

What is the American Visa B1/B2?

The B1/B2 Visitor Visa is the most popular type of visa issued to short-term travelers. The B1 Visa is a non-immigrant visa designed for business trips, while the B2 Visa is intended for tourism purposes.

Once approved, the visa will be classified as "B1/B2" and allow the holder to engage in both business and tourism activities while in the United States.

Visitors with a B1/B2 Visa can do the following:

• Enjoy short-term business trips.

• Attend meetings.

• Conduct site inspections.

• Explore the country's beauty.

• Visit family, friends, and loved ones.

It's important to note that individuals holding B1/B2 visas are not authorized to work or receive any form of payment while in the United States.

After visa issuance, the B1/B2 visa is valid for 10 years after issued, so you have plenty of time to plan your trips. It’s a multiple-entry document, and you can stay up to 180 days per entry.

So pack your bags, grab your camera, and experience all the U.S. has to offer with a B1/B2 Visa!

U.S. Visa renewal process: How to renew a U.S. Visa in Saudi Arabia

As Saudi Arabia is not part of the visa-waiver program for the United States, you must apply for a visa. If you already have a Visitor Visa and it’s about to expire, apply for your renewal online.

In most cases, renewal visa applicants don't have to go through an interview to renew a B1/B2 Visa. However, you still have to drop off your documents at the nearest U.S. embassy.

Simply follow these steps:

Step 1: Fill out the simplified iVisa renewal application form. It’s incredibly easy to complete with our iVisa Guide Manual you’ll receive.

Step 2: Ensure all your information is correct and pay the iVisa processing fee with your debit or credit card.

Step 3: An iVisa Expert will review your application form thoroughly to ensure that it is filled out accurately and complies with all the standards set by the United States government.

We'll let you know if you can submit the required documents to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) via an approved courier service or if you need to make an appointment to drop them off in person. If so, we'll let you know where to drop them off.

Once your application is approved, the courier will return your passport to you along with your new visa.

Sounds complicated? It is easy with iVisa! Let us do all the legwork for you and receive an extensive step-by-step guide to assist with the difficult parts of the application process.

Documents required for the renewal of the American Visa in Saudi Arabia

If you're a Saudi Arabian citizen looking to renew your US B1/B2 visa, you'll need the following documents:

• A valid passport with at least 6 months of validity.

• A digital photo of yourself. Don't worry if you don't have one already. Simply use our online photo service from the comfort of your own home.

• A scanned copy of your previous U.S. Visa.

• An email address for communication.

• Credit or debit card for payment.

Apply now!

Am I eligible to renew my US visa in Saudi Arabia?

To be eligible for the B1/B2 visa renewal process, you must meet the following requirements:

• Nationality or legal residency: You must be a Saudi Arabian national or legal resident to apply for the visa renewal process in Saudi Arabia.

• Validity of previous visa: Your previous visa must either be still valid or expired less than 48 months ago to be eligible for renewal.

• Same visa type: You are applying for the same type as your previous visa. For example, if you had a B1/B2 Visa, you must apply for another B1/B2 Visa.

• No visa Refusal: You were never refused a visa for the United States.

• Previous visa compliance: You have complied with the terms of your previous visa, and your prior visa was not lost, stolen, or revoked. You must also be able to submit your passport with your previous visa as part of the renewal process, if you got a new passport in the meantime.

U.S. Visa renewal fee: Cost of renewal of the American Visa in Saudi Arabia

The B1/B2 visa is one of the most popular visas worldwide for traveling to the United States, and it comes with a government fee of US$160.

When you choose to apply through iVisa, you’ll get several extra benefits for the processing visa fee of US$149.99:

• Our iVisa experts ensure that your application is 100% compliant with government requirements.

• Get unlimited access to your personal iVisa Expert, who will guide you throughout the entire application process.

• Say goodbye to the long and tedious questions on the government website with our simplified form. We provide easy-to-answer questions and do the legwork for you.

• With our service, you can fill out the form at your own pace, make changes whenever you want, and save your progress to continue later.

• Applying through iVisa gives you exclusive access to a step-by-step manual with tips for answering difficult questions, a full list of necessary documents, and guidance from start to finish.

Processing time for the U.S. Visa renewal in Saudi Arabia

The maximum processing time on the iVisa side is 30 days.

Once we have submitted your application to the Department of State and it’s 100% compliant with government regulations, our team will receive available dates for your interview or drop-off appointment. We will then select the closest appointment to your location for you to drop off documents and attend an interview (if applicable).

Please note that the high demand for visa applications may result in some locations having a waitlist of more than 12 months for interviews.

Therefore, we highly recommend that you apply for your nonimmigrant visa several months before your intended travel date to the United States.

This will give you enough time to complete the application process, attend your interview or drop-off appointment, and receive your visa on time!

How to track your U.S. Visa renewal in Saudi Arabia

To keep track of your visa application status, you can easily check it on the official website of CEAC. The tracking will be available shortly after the visa interview or submission, to check on the status of your application.

Is it possible to renew a U.S. Visa before the expiration date in Saudi Arabia?

If you are a Saudi Arabian citizen with a valid or expired U.S. B1/B2 visa, you can apply for visa renewal before its expiration date. The renewal process is usually simpler and faster than applying for a new visa.

Making an appointment for your U.S. Visa renewal in Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabian passport holders who meet certain criteria for an interview waiver confirmation letter, are not required to schedule an interview at the U.S. embassy.

If you do need to attend the interview, the following documents are required to make an appointment

• Passport with at least six months of validity.

• Form DS-160 (our experts can assist in completing this form).

• Receipt number for the payment of the visa application fee.

• Current email address.

The address for the U.S. Embassy in Saudi Arabia is Al Safarat, Abdullah Ibn Hudhafah As Sahmi Street Roundabout no. 9، Riyadh.

How to prepare for the US Visa interview in Saudi Arabia

Preparing for a U.S. visa interview in Saudi Arabia is essential to increase your chances of approval. Here are some tips to help you prepare:

Gather required documents: Ensure you have all the required documents for your visa category. These documents include a valid passport, a confirmation page of the DS-160 form, a visa application fee payment receipt, and any supporting documents related to your visa category.

Understand your purpose of travel: Clearly understand your purpose of travel and be able to explain it confidently to the consular officer. Make sure all your info is supported by your provided documents.

Be honest: Provide truthful and accurate information during the interview. If you are caught providing false information, your visa application may be denied, and this may impact future visa applications.

Practice your English: If you are not fluent in English, it is advisable to practice beforehand to improve your confidence and fluency during the interview.

Dress appropriately: Dress formally and conservatively for the interview. Your appearance should be respectful and professional.

Be punctual: Arrive at the embassy or consulate at least 30 minutes before your scheduled interview to allow for security checks.

Remain calm: Stay calm and composed during the interview. Answer questions confidently and avoid giving too much information beyond what is asked.

Follow-up: If your visa application is approved, follow the instructions provided by the consular officer on how to collect your passport and visa.

Am I eligible to renew the B1/B2 Visa without an interview in Saudi Arabia?

Great news! To meet the high demand for U.S. B1/B2 visas since the borders reopened, many travelers can now renew their visas online without attending an interview at the U.S. embassy, including Saudi Arabia.

However, there are certain criteria to be met for this process:

• Your last U.S. visa cannot have expired more than 48 months ago, or it must still be valid. Moreover, you need to apply for the same visa type as your previous visa.

• The applicant must not ever have been arrested or convicted of a crime, deported from the United States, or denied entry to the United States.

• The applicant must not have been denied a U.S. visa after the expiration of their last B1/B2 visa.

Applications under 14 or over 50 years old can always renew their B1/B2 Visa without an interview.

What to do when your U.S. Visa renewal in Saudi Arabia is denied

In case of a visa denial, you can reapply by submitting a new visa application (Form DS-160), paying the fee once again, and going through another visa interview.

Our team at iVisa is always on standby to help you with the visa application process. We can offer you guidance, ensure that your application is completed accurately, and prevent any potential issues.

However, keep in mind that the final decision on your visa approval ultimately lies with the consular officer responsible for reviewing your case, based on your individual circumstances, eligibility criteria, and other factors.

What to do when your passport with your U.S. Visa is lost or stolen

If your U.S. visa has been lost or stolen while you are in Saudi Arabia, it is crucial to take immediate action to prevent any potential misuse of your visa information. Here are the steps you should follow:

• Report the loss or theft to the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate in Saudi Arabia as soon as possible.

• Provide as much information as possible 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, you should bring them with you to the embassy or consulate.

• File a police report with the local authorities. This can help protect you if someone attempts to use your visa for illegal purposes.

• If you need to travel to the U.S. and your visa has been lost or stolen, you will need to apply for a new visa with your new passport.

It is important to note that the loss or theft of your visa may result in delays or additional scrutiny during the visa application process. Therefore, it is recommended that you take steps to always safeguard your visa and other important documents while traveling.

Who to contact when you have more questions

If you have any questions about the B1/B2 Visa Renewal process, don’t hesitate to contact our customer service team, who will be able to answer any questions you may have via online chat. You can also email us at [email protected]!