It’s essential to know what time it is in Bangladesh, especially when you’re planning international travel or communicating with people there. Bangladesh operates on Bangladesh Standard Time (BST), which is GMT+6. Keeping time differences in mind is crucial for various reasons, including visa applications and embassy communications.
Speaking of important updates related to Bangladesh and international travel, the U.S. Government has announced a significant update regarding nonimmigrant visa renewals for those currently in Bangladesh. This is particularly relevant if you are a frequent traveler to the United States and need to renew your visa.
The U.S. Embassy in Bangladesh is currently allowing certain nonimmigrant visa applicants to renew their visas without requiring a personal interview. This is a notable change from the standard procedure and can save applicants considerable time and effort. It’s important to note that this interview waiver program is not for first-time applicants. If you are applying for your very first U.S. nonimmigrant visa, this program does not apply to you, and you will need to schedule a regular interview appointment.
This updated interview waiver process, effective from January 01, 2024, is designed to streamline visa renewals for eligible applicants. You may be eligible for this program if you meet the following criteria:
Eligibility for U.S. Visa Interview Waiver in Bangladesh
To be eligible for the interview waiver for your U.S. nonimmigrant visa renewal in Bangladesh, you must meet specific requirements. These are designed to ensure that the waiver is applied to low-risk renewals. The key eligibility criteria are:
- Previous U.S. Visa Holder: You must have been previously issued a nonimmigrant visa in any classification before. There is a slight exception: if your only prior U.S. visa was a B visa (B1/B2 for tourism or business), you are unfortunately not eligible for the waiver based on only a prior B visa. Holding other visa types previously makes you eligible, even if you also had a B visa at some point.
- Visa Renewal Timeframe: You must be applying for renewal within 48 months (four years) of your most recent nonimmigrant visa’s expiration date. If your previous visa expired more than 48 months ago, you will likely need to go through the standard interview process.
For detailed and the most up-to-date information, it is always recommended to visit the official Department of State travel website. This website will provide the most accurate details directly from the source.
U.S. Visa Renewal Application Process in Bangladesh without Interview
If you meet the eligibility criteria for the interview waiver program, the application process is different from the standard interview-based application. It is often referred to as a “drop-box” application because you submit your documents at a designated location rather than attending an interview.
It’s crucial to understand that processing times for interview waiver applications can be significant. You should expect the process to take up to twenty-one (21) days. Furthermore, it is important to be aware that some cases may require additional administrative processing. If your application falls into this category, it may take considerably longer than 21 days to be processed.
Once you submit your passport and visa application documents, you should be prepared to be without your passport until your case is completely finalized. Plan your travel accordingly, keeping this processing time in mind.
Passport Withdrawal in Emergencies
While it is generally discouraged to withdraw your passport once the application is submitted, the U.S. Embassy in Bangladesh understands that emergencies can occur. Urgent or emergency passport withdrawal requests are evaluated on a case-by-case basis. If you have a genuine emergency and need your passport back, you can request a withdrawal. However, be aware that it may take up to one week for your passport to be returned to you.
Importantly, withdrawing your passport before the visa processing is complete will disrupt your application. It will cause delays, and additional time will be needed to finalize your dropbox application after you resubmit your passport. To request a passport withdrawal, you should email [email protected].
Required Documents for Interview Waiver Application
To successfully apply for a U.S. nonimmigrant visa renewal through the interview waiver program in Bangladesh, you must submit a complete application package. This package must include the following documents:
- DS-160 Confirmation Page: You need to complete the online DS-160 nonimmigrant visa application form and include the confirmation page with your application.
- Drop-Box Confirmation Letter: After completing the online steps and determining your eligibility for the drop-box service, you will receive a drop-box confirmation letter. Include this letter in your application package.
- CGI Cash Deposit Slip (MRV Fee Receipt): You must pay the Machine Readable Visa (MRV) fee. The CGI cash deposit slip serves as your receipt and must be included.
- Valid Passport: Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your intended period of stay in the United States.
- Passport Photo: A photograph must be uploaded as part of your online DS-160 form. Ensure your photo meets the U.S. visa photo requirements, which can be found here.
- Supporting Documents (Visa Category Specific): Depending on the specific nonimmigrant visa category you are applying for, you may need to include additional documents. It is essential to check the specific document requirements for your visa category, listed here.
It is crucial to review the specific requirements by visa category to ensure you are submitting all necessary materials for your particular visa type.
For any direct questions or if you need further clarification, you can contact the support team at [email protected].
Important Note for Crew Members: If you are a crew member who only holds a C1/D visa and has never been issued a B1/B2 visa, you are not eligible for the interview waiver if you wish to receive a B1/B2 visa. In this specific case, you must schedule an in-person interview.
For more comprehensive information, including specific eligibility criteria for children under 14 years of age, please visit the dedicated visa renewal page on the U.S. Embassy website for Bangladesh. Staying informed about the current procedures, and knowing what time it is in Bangladesh to coordinate effectively, will help ensure a smoother visa renewal process.
