Damaged passport and expired F1 visa

[teddybunny]

Hi all,

 

the below case is for my friend, I need suggestions regarding as he is in lot of tension now.

 

my friend's passport is damaged due to water and there is water mark on the visa also. His F1 visa is expired and he is on opt now. He is planning to apply for H1b this April 2014. He want to renew the passport but his question does he has to go outside of the country and attend visa interview again at an US consulate or there is no such need for that.

 

Can anyone please let me know so that my friend will find a helpful answer.

 

Thanks in advance