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

Frequently Asked Questions about VisaPoint™ Online Visa Information and Appointment System

Why did the Embassy create this online scheduling option?

As part of our ongoing efforts to improve customer service, the U.S. Embassy is pleased to offer an alternative way to schedule visa appointments. This system offers flexibility in scheduling because it can be accessed 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and allows applicants to view a wide range of available interview dates and times.

Can applicants pay the visa application fee with a credit card at the same time they pay the $10 fee on VisaPoint™?

No, the visa application fee can only be paid by cash at designated branches of Citibank and Bank of the Philippine Islands. This fee must be paid prior to attending a visa appointment.

How does the cost of an appointment made on VisaPoint ™ compare to an appointment made via the telephone system?

	The VisaPoint™ system is simply another option for applicants to schedule visa interviews. For some people, the online system may be less expensive than scheduling via telephone, depending on where you are calling from, and how long it takes you to book your appointment. The U.S. Embassy is pleased to offer this alternative and flexible way to schedule visa appointments.

	Also, using VisaPoint™, there is no extra fee for rescheduling an appointment if it is done at least 3 business days before the appointment date. The telephone appointment and information system is on a per-minute fee structure.

	The telephone appointment system (Call Center) charges approximately PHP 53 per minute for calls from the Philippines. (An additional long distance charge may be applicable from outside the Manila area.) There is a flat rate of $18 per call charged to persons calling from the U.S. To contact the Call Center from the Philippines, dial 1-909-101-7878. To contact the Call Center from the U.S., dial 1-888-877-9888.

If someone travels on a limited-time visa to the U.S. and needs to apply for another visa in the same year (month, quarter, etc.), is the VisaPoint™ personal identification number (PIN) still valid?

The VisaPoint™ PIN only applies to one visa interview. Applicants applying for a second visa, no matter how long it has been since their last interview, must obtain a new VisaPoint™ PIN.

If someone has questions about applying for a visa, can they get answers without paying to use VisaPoint ™ ?

	Detailed information on visa categories, required forms, paying the visa application fee, types of supporting documents, and interview procedures is available free of charge from the U.S. Embassy’s web site at .

	For those booking appointments, visa information can be viewed in Visa Point™, and appointments can also be booked using the same site. Appointments can only be scheduled via the telephone or VisaPoint™ online systems.

Can someone applying for a petition-based, nonimmigrant visa use the online system?

	Yes, the online system can be used for all types of nonimmigrant visas. Applicants for petition-based, nonimmigrant visas should make an appointment to coincide with their intended dates of travel, and can make the appointment prior to receiving their required paperwork from the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) or the school they applied to in the United States. However, a visa cannot be issued without the approved petition or official paperwork.

	These applicants should visit the U.S. Embassy’s web site for information on what paperwork is required for their visa interviews.

If someone cannot make an appointment as scheduled, can they reschedule?

	Yes, if an applicant booked the appointment using VisaPoint™, he/she can log in to VisaPoint™ using the existing PIN, and reschedule the appointment at no additional cost. Note: This must be done at least two business days before the appointment.

	If an applicant booked the appointment using the telephone system, then he/she must use the telephone system to reschedule. The standard charge per minute of call will apply.

If an applicant makes an appointment via the phone service, can they change it using the online service (or vice versa)?

No, applicants must use the same service for rescheduling an appointment. Those using Visa Point™ will incur no additional fee. Those using the phone service will pay the per-minute charge for the call.

If someone makes an appointment online and doesn’t show up to their interview, can they reschedule for free using the same PIN?

	No, a PIN expires two business days before the appointment.

	However, the application fee remains valid for one year from the date of payment.

When I used VisaPoint™ to book an appointment, it asked for the number of applicants. Can I use one PIN to book my co-workers with me for the appointment?

No, only family members living in the same household who will travel on the same trip and who will appear at the same interview can schedule an appointment together.

Can a travel agent handling an applicant’s travel arrangements to the United States make an appointment on the Visa Point™ system for them?

	Because of its ease of use and simplicity, the online system is meant to assist individuals in scheduling their own appointments, and in giving them more choice in interview times and dates.

	However, there is no restriction against travel agents scheduling appointments for individuals. They will still be required to purchase a PIN for each family traveling. Travel agents will not be able to use VisaPoint™ to schedule unrelated individuals to attend the same appointment.

Can I get the visa application form from the online appointment system?

Yes, the VisaPoint™ system will direct you to the online visa application form. You can also visit http://evisaforms.state.gov/ at any time to complete and print a visa application form. This form must be completed prior to the date of the visa interview, and the non-refundable visa fee must be paid prior to the interview.

I’ll be traveling temporarily in another country; can I use the online system to make an appointment at the U.S. Embassy in that country?

	No, this VisaPoint™ address will only allow you to make interview appointments with the U.S. Embassy in Manila. Persons seeking an appointment at U.S. Embassies in other countries should call or visit the web site of that Embassy to learn the procedures for scheduling interviews there. There may be online appointment and information systems available in those countries as well.

	The VisaPoint ™ system and other web-based appointment systems are used by embassies worldwide, so applicants should make sure they are accessing the correct system by typing the URL exactly as written: http://philippines.us-visaservices.com

The telephone system has operators who speak Tagalog. Can applicants get this service from VisaPoint™?

Yes, the Visa Point ™ web site includes information in both English and Tagalog. There is also a “help” function on the web site in Tagalog.

Can seafarers book appointments through VisaPoint™ system instead of having a Crewing Agency book it?

	No, Filipino seafarers must have their crewing agency book their appointments in keeping with the current policy.

	Seafarers from other countries who need to book a visa appointment in Manila can use VisaPoint™.

If I’m not sure of the type of visa I require, should I use the telephone system so someone can help me choose the visa type?

	Each individual may choose the method of booking an appointment. However, VisaPoint™ does include a questionnaire for those individuals who are not sure of what type of visa is needed. Applicants answer a series of questions regarding their travel to determine the appropriate visa type. Detailed information on all nonimmigrant visa types is included in this process, so applicants can verify the correct visa type is chosen.

	Additionally, detailed information on visa categories is available free of charge from the U.S. Embassy’s web site at , along with answers to frequently asked questions about the visa application process.

If someone buys a PIN but doesn’t see any open appointments on days when they are available, do they have to purchase another PIN once more appointment slots are available?

No, an applicant does not have to purchase a new PIN. The PIN will remain valid for 90 days after purchase. If it is not used within that time to book an appointment, it will expire. As noted above, the PIN will lock two business days before the appointment

For other technical questions concerning the use of VisaPoint™ Online Appointment System, please email philippines@us-visaservices.com.

Last Update :: 12/18/2007

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