How to do the B1/B2 U.S. Visa renewal in Thailand

Are you a Thai citizen with a nonimmigrant visa that’s about to expire? Well, you've come to the right place! The B1/B2 Visitor Visa renewal process may seem like a daunting task, but fret not!

In this article, we will guide you through the U.S. Visitor Visa renewal application for a smooth and stress-free process. We will provide you with all the necessary information, documents, fees, and steps required to renew your visa successfully.

Get ready to embark on a stress-free U.S. Visa renewal journey. Let's dive in!

If you are a first-time applicant, click here for more info and to apply with us.

B1/B2 Visa renewal process: How to renew a U.S. Visa in Thailand

Thai passport holders can do the visa process online in just a few clicks. In most cases, you don't even need to go to the embassy for an interview!

However, you must meet a few requirements. Our iVisa Experts are here to help you with all the necessary information and guide you through the process. Check the steps below:

• Step 1: Fill out the online B1/B2 Renewal application form with all the requested information, such as your valid passport info and travel details.

• Step 2: Double-check your information. Make sure all info matches your passport information. Then, pay the visa fees on our secure platform with a debit/credit card or PayPal.

• Step 3: Upload the required documents and submit your renewal application. Based on your info and the criteria, you may need to attend an interview.

Your passport and visa are returned to you by courier when your visa renewal has been approved.

Don't worry! We'll send you full instructions about how to fill out the application form, which documents you need to gather, how to submit your documents, and make an interview appointment (if applicable).

Don't delay your application and start the U.S. Visa renewal process now with us!

Requirements for the U.S. B1/B2 Visa renewal in Thailand (with or without an interview)

Even though the application process is simple, there are some requirements to apply for a U.S. visa renewal from Thailand.

You also need to meet these requirements if you want to do the application without an interview. If you don't meet all criteria, you still need to attend an interview at the U.S. embassy or visa application center:

• You're applying for the same type of visa as your last one, which is valid for the next 3 months, or expired within the last 12 months.

• You're from Thailand (you hold a Thai passport).

• Your visa was issued in Thailand and is in the same visa category as your current application.

• You still have the passport containing your previous, most recent, U.S. Visa.

• You have never been arrested or convicted of any crime or offense in the United States.

• You have never worked illegally or overstayed your visa in the United States.

If you meet the above requirements but the following also applies, you're NOT eligible for a visa renewal:

• Your last valid U.S. visa was canceled or revoked.

• You're applying for more than one visa simultaneously, such as a student visa or other travel documents.

• You lost your previous passport with a valid or expired U.S. visa. In this case, you must apply like it’s your first-time application.

• The name, date of original birth certificate, nationality, and place of birth differ from the previous application.

Documents required for the renewal of the American Visa in Thailand

Below is the list of visa requirements to apply for nonimmigrant visas.

Simply fill out the requested information on the iVisa application page, answer the questions on the form, and then upload the documents before submitting your application.

• Original passport (the passport validity has to be at least 6 months from the intended arrival date). If your visa is linked to your old passport, provide this as well.

• Recent digital photograph. If you don't have one, get one that meets the U.S. government criteria with our handy online photo service.

• Your email address to receive the confirmation for your application.

• Credit or debit card for the payment of the visa fees.

• Copies of any past visas. Remember that you can only get a B1/B2 visa renewal if the last visa expired within the last 12 months or is about to expire in the next 3 months.

• The visa applicant must have completed the DS-160 form. We will help you fill it out once you start your application.

Start your application today!

U.S. Visa Renewal passport tracking in Thailand

Visa applicants receive an email about when and how to track their visa application, and how to pick up their passport with the new valid visa.

You can also check the status of your application at any time at the official CEAC website (U.S. citizenship and immigration services). The tracking is usually available after three business days following a visa interview.

How to make an interview appointment for the B1/B2 Visa Renewal in Thailand

If you meet the previously mentioned criteria, you don't need to attend a visa interview as a Thai citizen.

However, in the rare case you do, we will send you a complete guide on how to make an appointment and prepare, after submitting your application on our website.

This includes information such as how to make an appointment, which documents to bring, and contact details for your personal iVisa Expert to ask questions at any time during the process.

Apply now!

How to prepare for the U.S. Visa interview in Thailand

As mentioned above, you likely will not have to attend a visa interview to renew your B1/B2 visa in Thailand as part of the renewal process.

However, some travelers may still need to attend a meeting at the embassy or national visa center. Here are some tips for a successful interview appointment:

• Be honest in your answers and provide all the requested documents, and you should have no problem getting your new U.S. Visa approved.

• You are likely to be asked about your financial situation, job, and intention to return to your home country. All your answers must be supported with bank statements, travel confirmations, and other documents.

• Stay calm and respectful, the consular officer simply wants to establish that you are who you say you are.

Read our complete guide with U.S. Visa interview tips in this blog!

In the above blog, with the help of the iVisa experts, we've compiled a list of all the tips for a successful visa interview, from the moment you step into the waiting room to answering the most common questions. Check it out!

U.S. Visa renewal fee: Costs of renewing your B1/B2 Visa in Thailand

The U.S. Visa renewal costs for travelers from Thailand include the government fee of US$160. The iVisa processing fee can be checked using our Visa Checker Tool.

When applying for your visa renewal with us, you'll get the following benefits:

• 100% government-compliant: Our team of iVisa Experts will review your U.S. Visa renewal application to be 100% compliant with U.S. government requirements.

• Unlimited access to your personal iVisa Expert: Contact your iVisa Expert at any time to guide you through the entire application, and answer any questions you have.

• Simplified form DS-160: Avoid the long, confusing, and tedious questions on the government website. We offer a simplified form, up to 50% shorter, with easy questions and a full guide to answer them.

• Fill out the form at your own pace: Make changes whenever you want, and save your progress to continue later, whenever you need a break.

• Step-by-step manual: By applying with us, you'll get an exclusive PDF manual with guidance from start to end, tips to answer difficult questions, and a full list of documents you must submit.

Apply online for your United States visa renewal today!

Processing time for the U.S. Visa renewal application in Thailand

The processing time for a B1/B2 visa renewal depends on the embassy or consulate in Thailand. Each visa application center offers its own processing times based on the number of visa applications, staff availability, appointment spaces, and more.

You can check the wait time for a B1/B2 visa appointment by contacting your nearest U.S. embassy or consulate on the U.S. State Department website.

Can you renew a U.S. Visa before the expiration date in Thailand?

Yes, applicants can renew their U.S. visas before the expiration date. However, to apply for the renewal, the document has to be valid or it cannot have expired more than 3 months ago.

When is the best time to apply for my B1/B2 visa renewal in Thailand?

It is recommended to apply at least two months before your current B1/B2 visa expires.

What to do if my B1/B2 Visa renewal application is denied in Thailand

If your visa renewal for the United States is denied, you can’t appeal the decision. However, it's always possible to reapply. You likely will have to apply for a new visa, instead of doing a renewal.

If you choose to reapply, you must submit a new visa application form, pay the visa fee again, and attend a visa interview in Thailand.

Apply with us, and receive the extra security of reviewing your application to avoid errors and rejections, as well as tips for a successful interview.

The approval of your visa is ultimately the decision of the immigration department of the United States. We can guide you through the application with the critical eye of an iVisa Expert, for your peace of mind.

What to do when your passport with your United States Visa is stolen or lost

If your passport with your B1/B2 visa has been stolen/lost, it is important to take action immediately to retrieve your visa to avoid issues, especially if you're still in the United States.

Some tips on what to do when an emergency occurs:

1. Report your lost passport at the local police station: A police report might be necessary when you want to apply for a new or emergency passport.

2. Contact the Thai embassy near you: If you are in the U.S. where you lost your passport with your visa, contact the consulate or embassy of Thailand near you to report the theft and request an emergency passport to travel home.

3. Contact the U.S. embassy: Contact the U.S. embassy in Thailand to report the theft and how to obtain a new visa.

4. Provide the required documents: You must provide other proof of identity, such as a permanent resident card or ID, and other documents when applying for a new U.S. visa.

5. Apply for a new B1/B2 visa: Apply online with us, by filling out the application form again, and submitting the necessary documentation according to our guide. You may need to explain the circumstances of the loss of your passport and visa.

Getting a new passport and visa for the United States can take some time, so it's important to start the process as soon as possible, once you have realized you lost your travel documents.

It's also important to remember to take measures to prevent identity theft, such as notifying your bank and credit card companies that you have lost your passport.

Other available U.S. visas

The United States offers several visas, available for different nationalities:

• B1/B2 Visa - As outlined in this article, you can apply for a Visitor Visa/US Visitor Visa renewal if you're visiting the United States for a family visit, tourism, or a short business trip.

• ESTA - The ESTA is only available for certain nationalities that are included in the visa-waiver program for the United States, such as many European countries. Unfortunately, this is not the case yet for Thai citizens.

• DV Lottery Entry Form - Also known as the Diversity Visa Lottery or Green Card Lottery, this program allows up to 55,000 randomly selected people per year to obtain a Green Card.

Use our Visa Checker Tool to determine which visas and documents are available for Thai citizens.

If you're looking for info about other travel documents and immigrant visas such as a student visa, visit the website of the U.S. government for more information about requirements, and how to apply.

Where can I contact you if I have more questions?

Our highly qualified customer service team can answer any questions you may have about the online visa application \ and other travel documents for the United States. We are available via online chat, or you can email us at [email protected].