Trinis no longer need interviews to renew US visas, Embassy announces

(Trinidad Express) Trinidad and Tobago nationals seeking to renew US visas will no longer have to go through an interview process, once they do it within a year.

The decision was announced by the US Ambassador US Ambassador Joseph Mondello during a function in Buccoo, Tobago yesterday.

The new process is effective immediately.

The US Embassy’s public affairs section detailed the new process in a follow up statement:

“U.S. Embassy Port of Spain has introduced a new visa initiative – the Renewal Interview Waiver (RIW) – which creates new conveniences for Trinbagonians renewing their non-immigrant B1, B2, or B1/B2 “tourist” visas.

“The Renewal Interview Waiver will especially help with the renewal of visas for individuals living in Tobago, as they have traditionally had to travel to Trinidad using the air and sea bridge,” stated

Ambassador Joseph N. Mondello. “But not having to schedule an interview to renew one’s visa represents a benefit and convenience for all citizens of Trinidad and Tobago.”

The Renewal Interview Waiver is applicable to Trinbagonians whose visas have expired within the last year, or who have valid visas that will be expiring. First-time applicants or those whose visas expired more than a year ago are still required to schedule an interview.