Embassy of the United States in Manila : Nonimmigrant Visa

The Nonimmigrant Visa Unit (NIV) is open for business Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays, from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., except on U.S. and Philippine Holidays and every last business day of the month.

Please click here for complete NIV Contact Information

Priority Interview Program

The Priority Interview Program (PIP) is designed to promote and facilitate legitimate business travel between the United States and the Philippines. It allows qualifying businesses to:


		Obtain expedited visa appointments for their employees traveling for business purposes, for all categories of business-related visas, including B, C-1/D, H, J, and L

		Receive approved visas on a rush basis, usually on the day following the interview

		Communicate directly with the PIP Administrator regarding questions or concerns via PIPManila@state.gov

How to Apply For PIP Membership
Criteria For PIP Membership
Requirements for PIP Companies
How to Apply For A Visa Under PIP

HOW TO APPLY FOR PIP MEMBERSHIP

Application forms for PIP membership are not required. To apply for PIP, the interested company must submit the following with a cover letter:


	1.	A brief description of the company

	2.	A statement of the company’s travel needs, including number of employees sent to the United States in the last two years, as well as those anticipated to be sent within the next year

	3.	A signatory letter, printed on company letterhead that contains specimen signatures of at least three persons designated to sign guarantee letters and other documents with respect to the program. To view a sample signatory letter,click here.

	4.	Complete contact information (email address, telephone, and fax) for company signatories and authorized representatives designated to act on behalf of the company.

Applications for membership should be sent to PIPManila@state.gov or to the following address:

Priority Interview Program Coordinator
Nonimmigrant Visa Section
Embassy of the United States of America
1201 Roxas Boulevard
1000 Manila

Most membership applications will require a site visit by Embassy officials, in order to meet key managers/staff and understand the travel needs of the organization. The Embassy will decide upon the application within one month of submitting the completed application. Companies accepted into the program will receive a membership letter containing instructions on how to apply for visas under the Priority Interview Program and how to obtain a group code for the VisaPoint™ on-line appointment system.

Questions regarding PIP membership can be sent electronically to PIPManila@state.gov.

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CRITERIA FOR PIP MEMBERSHIP

When evaluating applications, we use the following criteria:

Frequent business travel by employees to the United States (typically, at least five employees traveling to the United States per year).

An established profitable business, as indicated by:

a)	annual revenues (typically in excess of 20 million pesos)
b)	number of employees (typically in excess of 100)
c)	profitable business activity (typically for two or more years)

Strong business ties with the United States: This may be demonstrated by factors such as a large customer base in the United States, or partnership, subsidiary or supplier relationships with U.S. companies that have been in place for at least three years.

Positive community awareness and reputation in the Philippines: The business is well known in its industry and business community, and enjoys a strong, positive reputation.

REQUIREMENTS FOR PIP COMPANIES

A PIP company must ensure that all visa applications are limited to genuine employees of the company who are being sent for a temporary stay in the United States on company business. Yearly recertification is no longer required.

PIP member companies are required to:

Provide and maintain an updated signatory letter, submitting a new letter each time there is an addition or removal of an authorized signatory;

Provide and maintain updated contact information, including e-mail addresses, for company signatories and other authorized representatives;

Notify the Embassy immediately if any employees resign while in the United States, or fail to return to the Philippines after their visit;

Submit to periodic audits by the Embassy to verify compliance with PIP regulations.

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HOW TO APPLY FOR A VISA UNDER PIP

To apply for a visa under this program, please check the Nonimmigrant Visa Application Procedures page. In addition to the basic documentary requirements, PIP applicants must provide the following:

	1.	A Guarantee Letter on company letterhead and signed by at least one Authorized Signatory, mentioning the applicant by name and explaining the purpose of travel. For a sample guarantee letter, click here. (Note: Applicants who appear for an interview without a valid Guarantee Letter will be asked to return with the appropriate letter before the visa will be issued.)

	2.	Evidence of ties and financial status in the Philippines

At the interview, the applicant must demonstrate that s/he is a bona fide business traveler with substantial ties to the Philippines that will compel his/her return after a temporary visit to the United States. He/She must be able to explain the purpose of the trip. Employment with a PIP member company does not guarantee visa issuance.

For frequently asked questions concerning the Priority Interview Program, please click here. For other inquiries regarding the program, please contact the PIP team at PIPManila@state.gov.

Last Update :: 05/05/2008

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