U.S. Embassy in Zimbabwe

Renew Nonimmigrant Visa Without Interview

If you are renewing, you may be eligible for the IWP program:

You may be eligible to renew your U.S. visa through the Interview Waiver Program (IWP) by sending your application via courier to the U.S. Embassy in Zimbabwe.

Eligible applicants do not need to book an appointment or appear for an in-person interview.

Please review these eligibility requirements:

• Your prior visa is unexpired, or expired less than 4 years ago.
• You are renewing the same class of U.S. nonimmigrant visa (see exceptions below for L visas and certain first time F, M and J applicants)
• You cannot use the IWP program if you were under 14 when your most recent visa was issued.
• You cannot use the IWP program if your most recent visa application was refused.
• You cannot use the IWP program if your most recent visa was stolen or lost.
• You cannot use the IWP program if you do not reside in Zimbabwe and if you do not provide a mailing address in Zimbabwe
• EXCEPTION: L visa applicants cannot renew through the IWP program. They must schedule and appointment and appear in person for renewal.
• EXCEPTION: F, M, and J applicants who previously held any class of NIV visa issued after their 14^th birthday may use the IWP program to apply for their first student or exchange visitor visa. Returning F, J and M applicants are eligible to use the IWP program.

Unqualified applications will be returned via courier with instructions to follow the regular appointment process.

How to submit your IWP application package:

1. Select a courier service of your choice such as Cheetah, DHL, FedEX, or SWIFT.
2. Fill out your DS-160 online, print your barcode confirmation sheet, and place it in your courier envelope.
   1.  Complete the DS-160 form here:  https://ceac.state.gov/GenNIV/
   2. Your confirmation sheet will look like this:
3. Include one5x5cm passport-sized photo taken within the past six months. Photos must meet the visa application requirements described at state.gov  including the requirement for a white background.
4. Include your current passport and any prior passports that contain unexpired U.S. visas of the same class you are renewing
5. DO NOT INCLUDE ANY ADDITIONAL DOCUMENTS EXCEPT AS FOLLOWS
   1. C1 and D applicants(crew members), must submit a copy of their current letter of employment
   2. J visa applicants must submit a signed DS-2019 and, if applicable, proof of SEVIS payment. Firs time spouses must submit a Marriage Certificate; first time children must submit a Birth Certificate.
   3. F and M applicants must submit their I-20 and proof of SEVIS payment.
   4. First time J-2 and F-2 spouses must submit marriage certificates and J-2 and F-2 children must submit birth certificates.
   5. Petition- based visa renewals (such as H1Bs) should submit their approved petition and job letter.
6. Include a return courier envelope, with receipt showing you have prepaid for return shipping. Be sure to complete the return shipping label with your address in Zimbabwe; the “sender” address for your return label is the U.S. Embassy address (see below step 7).
7. Enclose items 1-6 in an envelope from your courier, make sure the applicant’s name is on the exterior of the envelope, and send it to the following address:

U.S. Embassy Zimbabwe

Consular Section

2 Lorraine Dr.

Bluffhill, Harare, Zimbabwe

8.  Pay fees at the U.S. Embassy

We can process your visa application once the nonimmigrant visa fee has been paid for each application. Therefore, someone needs to visit the U.S. Embassy in Harare Monday or Wednesday from 1:30 to 3PM to pay the application fee. We are closed on U.S. and Zimbabwe public holidays.

You may have a trusted person pay on your behalf. They must have a printed copy of a government-issued ID for each applicant, such as National ID card, passport, driver’s license, or birth certificate. The person paying will not receive a receipt: the customer’s copy of the receipt will be sent back in the prepaid envelope.

Our normal IWP processing time is two weeks from receipt of your application. Please be aware it will take additional time for the courier to ship your application to and from the Embassy.

Please use the tracking numbers provided by your courier for confirmation of delivery and return of your envelopes. The Embassy will not send any email confirmations.

To check the status of your application please use the following link:

https://ceac.state.gov/CEACStatTracker/Status.aspx?App=NIV

Your status will change from “No Status” to “Approved” or “Refused.” If you case is refused you will be contacted for next steps.

Note: The U.S. Embassy assumes no risk or responsibility for documents sent to us or returned to you via courier service

If you have any questions, please email ConsularHarare@State.gov