Newest DS-156 Needed for Visa Revalidation
Posted Jan 16, 2004

The U.S. Department of State (DOS) Revalidation Unit recently informed the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) that they now require all visa applicants to use a new DS-156 form that generates a bar code. They will no longer accept older, non-bar coded versions. The proper DS-156 application form is available through the DOS WebSite. This change is only for persons seeking to revalidate their existing visas from within the U.S.

Regular MurthyDotCom and MurthyBulletin readers are likely familiar with our articles regarding revalidation of visas within the U.S. This process is available to a person with any of the following visa classifications already stamped in his/her passport: H, L, O, P, I, or E. A person seeking a new visa must have previously held a visa in the same category. Of course, the person must be eligible for the new visa. The revalidation process is only available to persons with existing visas that are either within 60 days of the expiration date of the visa stamp in the passport, or that have expired less than one year prior to the request for revalidation. Details regarding this process are available on the DOS Website by searching the term “revalidation.”

To avoid needless rejection by the DOS or the USCIS when seeking any visa or immigration benefit, we advise MurthyDotCom and MurthyBulletin readers to carefully check which version of any form they are using. Those readers who wish to confirm that the forms they are using are correct, both legally and procedurally, should discuss the issue with an immigration attorney to avoid the risk of a rejection or a possible denial.