Upvote:3
The process you are referring to is the "Visa Renewal by Mail Program".
This process is only available if you are applying for the same visa type as you currently have. There are also a number of other requirements which vary slightly depending on the country you are in.
As you are looking to move from an F-1 visa to a B-2 visa, then you do not quality to use this program.
You should be able to find more details of this program on either the US Consulate website or the US Visa application website for the country you are in. As an example, here are the relevant pages for Thailand and Australia.