If one is traveling to the United States on official business for the Government of the Philippines or for an international organization or mission, he or she may apply for a diplomatic or official visa.  An interview is not required.  All documents must be dropped off at the Nonimmigrant Visa Unit.

Government employees who will be assigned permanently to a mission in the United States will normally receive A visas. They are exempt from the visa-processing fee.  Employees of the Philippine government, whether military or civilian, may also qualify for an A-1 (TDY) or A-2 (TDY) visa if they are going to the United States for the purpose of government-to-government contact or assignments of less than 90 days. Such activities include training with the U.S. military, temporary duty at an Embassy or Consulate, or direct talks with the U.S. Government.

Applicants who will serve as a representative to an international organization, such as the United Nations, or who will be employed directly by an international organization, normally require G visas. This visa classification is also exempt from the visa-processing fee. 

If one is a Philippine Government official going on a short trip to the United States for private business or tourism, he or she may only need a nonimmigrant visitor (B-1/B-2) visa. Please see the Business/Tourist Visas section for more information.  There is a visa processing fee for B-1/B-2 visa applicants. A-1 visa holders are exempt from this visa-processing fee.

The spouse and unmarried children, regardless of age, of the A-1, A-2, G-1, G-2, G-3, and G-4 visa holders are entitled to derivative status in the same classification as the principal alien if they seek to accompany or "follow to join" the primary visa holder. 

Immediate relatives may also qualify for diplomatic or official visas, but they must be specifically named on the Department of Foreign Affairs’ Diplomatic Note that accompanies applications for diplomatic visas.  Immediate relatives of members from international organizations or missions must be mentioned on the travel orders of the principal applicant.  If immediate relatives are not so named, they must apply using the regular nonimmigrant visitor (B1/B-2) visa.

To apply, please complete the basic documentary requirements as specified in Step 2 of the application procedures, and complete the additional documentary requirements below.  Go to Gate 3, Window 12, at the U.S. Embassy in Manila between 6:30 a.m. and 8:30 am., Monday, Tuesday, Thursday or Friday, except U.S. and Philippine Holidays and the last workday of the month. 

Note:

An authorized representative may submit the documents on behalf of the visa applicant.  The applicant must provide the representative with a written authorization and his or her valid, signed identification card.  The representative must also present his or her own valid identification card.

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