Applying for a Visa without an Interview

You may be eligible to apply for a U.S. visa without an interview if you have had a prior visa.  Please see below.

Currently, we are accepting Interview Waiver applications only for crew members (C1/D) from international airlines and cruise/ships and students (F-1).

How to qualify for a visa without an interview based on a prior U.S. visa:

• Your prior visa must have been issued when you were age 14 or older, and your fingerprints must have been collected.
• You must be applying for the exact same type of visa.
• You must be a citizen or resident of Burma.
• You must be physically present in Burma.
• Your previous visa must be valid or have expired within the last 48 months. (Please note that previously, only those applicants whose nonimmigrant visa expired within 12 months were eligible for an interview waiver. The Secretary of State has temporarily extended the expiration period to 48 months.  This policy is in effect until further notice.)
• Your most recent visa application must not have been refused.
• Your most recent visa must not be marked “clearance received”.
• Your previous visa must be issued at the U.S. Embassy Rangoon.
• Your previous visa must be submitted as part of your application package.

How do I apply?

If you qualify, please submit the documents listed below for your visa category in person at the U.S. Embassy any Wednesday between 8:00-10:00 a.m. (except for Embassy Holidays). Crew members – please contact your employer with any questions on submitting your application packet.

What do I bring?

Student / Exchange Visitor Checklist

• DS-160 Confirmation Page
• Additional Questionnaire
• Form I-20 (F-1 students only)
• Form DS-2019 (J-1 exchange only)
• Form DS-7002 (J-1 trainee and intern only)
• Passport photo(one unfiltered 2″ by 2″ color photo on a white background, with no glasses, taken in the last 6 months)
• Valid passport
• Previous U.S. visa
• Nonimmigrant Visa Application Fee
• F-1 visa applicants must
  • (a) continue participation in the same major course of study even if at a different institution; or
  • (b) attend the same institution even if in a different major course of study
• J-1 visa applicants must plan to continue an exchange program in which you are already participating.

Crew Checklist

• DS-160 Confirmation Page
• Additional Questionnaire
• Passport photo(one unfiltered 2″ by 2″ inch color photo on a white background, taken in the last 6 months)
• Valid passport
• Previous U.S. visa
• Nonimmigrant Visa Application Fee
• Letter of Employment or Letter from Local Agent containing:
  • Applicant Info:
    • Name
    • Job Title/Rank
    • Passport #
    • CDC #
  • Vessel Info:
    • Name
    • IMO#
    • Flag/Registry
    • Joining Date
    • Joining Port
    • For D visa (city and country name)
    • For C1 or C1/D visa (port and state name in the U.S.) 

When will my visa be ready? 

It takes up to four weeks to process visa applications that do not require an interview.  Some cases may require additional administrative processing and will take longer. Please apply for your visa well in advance of your date of departure. Please monitor the status of your case online at https://ceac.state.gov/CEAC/.  You will need your DS-160 confirmation ID to check your status. If your visa status is “Issued” you can pick up your visa on any Tuesdays at 3:00 p.m. (except for Embassy Holidays).

Am I guaranteed a visa?

No.  Applying for a visa without an interview does not guarantee a visa.  If the officer has questions about your application, a representative will contact you to schedule an interview at the Embassy.  (Please note for quality assurance, a certain percentage of applicants will be asked to come to the Embassy for an interview.)