The US Mission has announced the authorization of the Interview Waiver Program (IWP) for renewing American nonimmigrant visas without requiring an interview. This program applies to applicants whose previous US nonimmigrant visa expired within the last 12 months or will expire in the next three months. Eligible applicants can utilize this program through the regular visa application system at https://usvisaappt.com/visa/.
To qualify for a visa renewal without an interview, applicants must be seeking specific types of visas: Visitors (B1/B2), Students (F), Academic Exchange Visitors (M, J), Petition-Based Temporary Workers (H, L), and Crew and Transit (C1/D combined only). Additionally, several criteria must be met:
- The previous visa was issued in Cameroon.
- The current application is for the same classification as the previous visa.
- There have been no refusals, cancellations, or revocations of any prior visas.
- The previous visa was a full validity, multiple entry type.
- All passports covering the period since receiving the most recent visa are available.
- There have been no arrests or convictions in the United States, nor unauthorized work or overstays.
Applications must be submitted at least one month before travel to allow processing time. The Interview Waiver Program is not expedited but focuses on convenience for eligible applications.
Applicants approved for renewal under this program will need to pay a reciprocity fee at the US Embassy in Yaoundé between Monday and Wednesday from 1:00 pm to 2:30 pm. A trusted individual may make this payment if necessary. Once paid, the approved visa will be printed.
Applicants are advised against using third parties unaffiliated with U.S. Embassy Yaoundé to avoid fraudulent services. The embassy does not endorse any external assistance.
Passport pickup requires registration on appointment.oisservices.com for either free service appointments or premium service payments.
All applicants are responsible for meeting outlined requirements; failure results in forfeiture of fees and restarting the application process. In-person interviews may still be required by consular discretion.
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