Saudi citizens aged 50 yrs above need not to attend interview for US visas

RIYADH: Saudi Arabian citizens, who are above 50 years, will no longer need to attend personal interview to obtain tourist visas for the US. The US diplomatic missions have released a notification exempting Saudi citizens aged above 50 years from attending the personal interviews.

The Riyadh's US Embassy tweet reads "The US Embassy and Consulate General are happy to announce those interview waivers are now available for Saudi citizens at least 50 years old renewing a tourist visa."

However, the US Embassy has had certain criteria for the visa applicants should follow to be eligible for the visas.

Applicants must be Saudi citizens and at least 50 years old, reside in Saudi Arabia, have no arrest or conviction record, and no prior deportation from, or denial of entry into, the US.

All sections of the DS-160 online application must also be answered completely and accurately.

1/B2 visa criteria includes: The applicant is applying to renew a prior five-year B1/B2 visa that has not expired for more than 12 months, and the applicant has never been refused a US visa after the expiration of the last issued B1/B2 visa.

The mission clarified that the applicant should only submit the documents requested by the US Embassy or the Consulate General.

This includes a copy of the interview waiver confirmation letter, the DS-160 application confirmation page for each applicant, one coloured photograph (51 millimetres x 51 millimetres) taken within the last six months against a white background, which must show the full face, neck, and shoulders of the applicant in frontal view with a neutral expression and no eyeglasses, current passport and passport with the most recent US visa, and copy of visa application fee receipt.

The applicant should not submit bank statements, HR letters, travel reservations or any other unnecessary documents. If additional information is required, the US Embassy or Consulate General will contact the applicant.