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 Embassy of the United States In Manila 1201 Roxas Blvd. - Ermita Manila - The Philippines Hours of Operation: 7:30am - 4:30pm Manila Time (2330 - 0830 GMT) Tel: (63-2) 528-6300 Fax: (63-2) 522-4361
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Nonimmigrant Visa

   
 
       
     
       
     
       
    Our Commitment to Customer Service  
   
  English Version
 
   
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    Where To Pay The Application Fee  
       
    Application Forms  
       
    Appointment Availability and Processing Times  
       
    VISAPOINTSystem NEW
Online Visa Information and Interview Appointment System
 
   
  For Individuals
 
   
  For Priority Interview Program (PIP) Participants
 
   
  For Crewing Agencies
 
   

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on VisaPoint
Please read this section BEFORE submitting any questions to the Embassy

 
       
    Early Appointments and Emergency Travel  
       
    Demonstrating Ties  
       
    If Visa Is Issued  
       
    Visa Classifications  
    Diplomatic/Official (A/C-3/G)  
   
  Personal Employee (A-3/G-5)
 
    Visitor (B-1/B-2)  
   
  Visas for Medical/Family Emergencies
 
   
  Priority Interview Program
 
   
  Personal Employee (B-1)
 
    Crewmembers Working on Outer Continental Shelf (B-1/OCS) and Yacht (B-1)  
    Transit (C-1)  
    Crewmember (C-1/D)  
   
  Seafarer Recruitment Agency Accreditation
 
    Investment/Trader (E)  
    Student (F/M) and Exchange Visitor (J)  
    Temporary Worker (H/L)  
    Members of the Media (I)  
    Fiancé/e of U.S. Citizen (K-1) and Child of K-1 (K-2)  
    Spouse and/or Child of US Residents/Legal Permanent Resident (K-3, K-4, V)  
    Temporary Worker of Extraordinary Ability in Sciences, Arts, Education, Business, or Athletics (O)  
    Entertainers, Athletes and other performers (P)  
    Participant in an International Cultural Exchange Program (Q)  
    Temporary Religious Worker (R)  
    NAFTA Derivative (TD)  
       
  Other Visa Matters  
   

Medical Examinations Requirements

 
    Cancelled Visa  
    Change in Marital Status  
    Change in Nationality  
    Change in Visa Annotation  
    Change of Name  
    Damaged Visa  
    Erroneous Visa  
    Falling Off Or Detached Visa  
    Lost Visa  
    Multiple-Entry, Indefinite Visas  
    Overstay  
    Visa on Expired Passport/Visa Transfer  
    Visa Validity Extension  
    Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs). Please read this section BEFORE submitting any questions to the Embassy  
       
  General Information  
   

Visa Waiver Program

 
    Visa Reciprocity and Country Documents  
    Traveling to and from the Carribean, Bermuda, Panama, Mexico or Canada  
    US-VISIT  
    Returning Form I-94, Arrival/Departure Card  
       
    Refusals and Ineligibilities  
    221(g) Temporary Refusal  
    214(b) Refusal -- Understanding Visa Denials  
    Ineligibilities and Waivers  
       
  Useful Links  
    Visa Information  
    U.S. Department of State  
   

U.S. Department of Homeland Security

 
   
  U.S. Customs and Border Protection
 
   
  U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services
 
   
  U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement
 
       
       
   

CONTACT DETAILS

 
       
 
 
Visas for International Cultural Exchange Visitors (Q-1)
 
     
 

The Q-1 visa is for individuals going to the United States to participate in an international cultural exchange program designated by the Attorney General (U.S. Department of Homeland Security) for the purpose of receiving practical training, employment, and for the sharing of the history, culture and traditions of the country of the applicant's nationality. Similar to the J visa, this category is oriented more toward employment programs.

 
     
     
  THE PETITION PROCESS  
     
 

The employer in the United States must file an I-129 petition at the office of the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) having jurisdiction over the place where the exchange program is located. Such petitions cannot be filed by the party in the Philippines, and cannot be filed with the Embassy.

The USCIS can provide guidance as to the proper type of visa required, as well as the details of how to file the petition. Petition processing times by the USCIS may vary; please check directly with the appropriate USCIS office. Once the applicant received an approved petition, or notice of the approval from the USCIS (Form I-797), s/he may apply for a nonimmigrant visa.

 
     
     
  HOW TO APPLY  
     
  To apply, please check the Nonimmigrant Visa Application Procedures page. In addition to the basic documentary requirements, as specified on the application procedures Step 2 , the applicant must submit/comply with the following additional documentary requirements:  
     
 
  1. Copy of Form I-129 (Petition for Nonimmigrant Worker)
  2. Original of Form I-797 (Notice of Approval )
  3. Evidence of ties and financial status of the applicant, or the applicant’s parents, if minor, in the Philippines.
 
     
     
  Notes:  
     
 
     
  In some cases, additional documents may be requested.
     
  All documents must be originals. Photocopies will not be accepted, unless specified.  The applicant must submit these documents to the interviewing consular officer during the interview. The Nonimmigrant Visa Unit does not accept documents before the interview. Any documents received will not be returned and will be destroyed. Please note, however, that presentation of the documents will not guarantee visa issuance. Applicants must still qualify under INA Section 214(b).
 
     
 

 Please feel free to visit the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) page.

 
     
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Last Update :: 01/09/2007

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