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Nonimmigrant Visa

   
 
       
     
       
     
       
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Online Visa Information and Interview Appointment System
 
   
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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)  
   
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  Priority Interview Program
 
   
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    Crewmembers Working on Outer Continental Shelf (B-1/OCS) and Yacht (B-1)  
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  Seafarer Recruitment Agency Accreditation
 
    Treaty Trader (E1)
Treaty Investor (E2)
 
    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  
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    Damaged Visa  
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    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  
       
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    221(g) Temporary Refusal  
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CONTACT DETAILS

 
       
 
 
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:

 
 
     
  bullet 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.  
     
  Top  
     
     
  CRITERIA FOR PIP MEMBERSHIP  
     
  When evaluating applications, we use the following criteria:  
     
 
  1. Frequent business travel by employees to the United States (typically, at least five employees traveling to the United States per year).
     
  2. 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)
     
  3. 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.
     
  4. 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:

 
     
    bullet Provide and maintain an updated signatory letter, submitting a new letter each time there is an addition or removal of an authorized signatory;  
         
    bullet Provide and maintain updated contact information, including e-mail addresses, for company signatories and other authorized representatives;  
         
    bullet Notify the Embassy immediately if any employees resign while in the United States, or fail to return to the Philippines after their visit;  
         
    bullet 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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