The US Embassy in Dhaka has started accepting applications to renew certain classifications of non-immigrant visas from yesterday.

Qualified applicants need to log in and/or update their profile online at www.ustraveldocs.com/bd, and submit the application packet, after paying visa fees, at the designated offsite service provider (https://bd.usembassy.gov/important-notice-regarding-changes-visa-collection-center), according to a public notice of the embassy.

The embassy will process applications which are qualified for interview-waiver renewal of F, J, M, O, Q, and, C1/D visas. Interview-waiver checklist is available at https://bd.usembassy.gov/wp-content/uploads/sites/70/2017/01/drop-box-checklist-revised-13117.pdf, reads the notice. 

"In order to qualify for an interview-waiver renewal, the application must be for the same classification of visa and made within 24 months of the expiration date of the old visa," it adds.

After the embassy receives an application, the reviewing consular officer may determine that the applicant will require an in-person interview. These applicants will have to schedule an interview when regular visa services resume, the embassy said.

The visa application fee (MRV) is valid and may be used to schedule an interview appointment in the country where it was purchased within one year of the date of payment. Applicants who need to travel immediately can contact at this email address: support-bangladesh@ustraveldocs.com, it said.

Applicants for H1B, L1, and certain J categories and their dependents covered by Presidential Proclamation 10052 can request an appointment only if they have reason to believe they qualify for one of the exceptions listed in the proclamation (https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/proclamation-suspending-entry-aliens-present-risk-u-s-labor-market-following-coronavirus-outbreak/), the embassy said.

The US Embassy is accepting applications to renew the following classifications of visas: C1/D: transit/ship crew; F1: continuing students; F2: spouses and/or unmarried offspring under the age of 21 of continuing F1 students.

Other categories include J: exchange visitor visa; M: students – vocational; O: foreign nationals with extraordinary ability in sciences, arts, education, business, or athletics and Q: exchange visitors – international cultural.

The US Embassy is not yet processing applications for B1/B2 visas, but will make an announcement soon, the embassy said.