Personal Appearance Waiver

The Personal Appearance Waiver is a method for applicants who are were previously issued visas, are frequent travelers to the United States or meet certain other conditions to apply via one of the Bi-National Centers or the embassy courier service

All applications will be reviewed by a Consular Officer. You may still be requested to present yourself for an interview with an adjudicating officer.

Personal Appearance Waiver (PAW) Program

NO

YES

YES

NO

NO

YES

YES

NO

NO

YES

All applicants must provide the following:

Form DS-156, completed and signed.

Valid passport with at least 6 months validity and all previous passports.

5x5 cm recent photograph

Males age 16-45 must complete form DS-157.

Minors must submit a copy of their birth certificate and a photocopy of their
parent's valid visa.

Students and Exchange Visitors must also provide:

Form DS-158, completed and signed.

Form I-20 or DS-2019

Proof of registration in SEVIS database.

Work Visas (H, L, P, O) must also provide:

Immigration Notice of Action I-797

Form I-129

*Must be applying for the same visa type. Example B1/B2 =B1/B2
B1/B2 H1B. L-1 visas that were valid for 24 months or less
require an interview for renewal. No Multiple Indefinite visas.