If You Are Issued a Nonimmigrant Visa

Depending on the volume of the visa issuances of the Nonimmigrant Visa Unit, visa processing after the interview usually takes at least one week*.  After the one-week visa processing, the receipt of a passport with a visa may take longer, depending on the applicant’s delivery address.

* This means the number of working days it takes for an approved applicant to receive his/her passport back from the Embassy with the U.S. Visa at the address given to the courier company.  All applicants should be aware that the one week processing time is an AVERAGE, and that the processing time of a specific case can vary due to individual circumstances and other special requirements.

A-1, A-2, G-1, G-2, G-3, G-4, and C-3 Visas 

For release of passports of qualified cases submitted to Window 12, a purple slip will be provided.  Passports may be picked up on the third day from the date of the application at Window 12 between 6:30 a.m. and 8:30 a.m. except on U.S. and Philippine holidays and every last business day of the month. 

OTHER NONIMMIGRANT VISA CLASSES 

If the consular officer decides to issue the visa, the applicant will proceed to the AIR21 courier service booth in the Embassy Pavilion to fill out a shipping information form (SIF) and arrange the delivery of the passport and visa.

If there is a need for the visa to be issued earlier, please inform the officer at the time of the interview.  The officer will determine whether earlier issuance is possible.

Upon receipt of the visa, immediately check the information printed therein to ensure accuracy of the data.  If correction is needed, please click here.

SPECIAL DOCUMENTARY REQUIREMENTS FROM VISA HOLDERS AT THE PORT OF ENTRY 

The following visa holders/dependents must carry with them the corresponding document, other than the passport, for presentation to the U.S. immigration officer at the Port of Entry:   

A-3 and G-5 Visa Holders and dependents - Original signed contract 

B-1 Visa Holders - Original signed contract 

F and M Visa Holders and dependents - SEVIS-generated Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status (Form I-20) issued by the prospective school 

J Visa Holders and dependents - SEVIS-generated Certificate of Eligibility for Exchange Visitor Status (Form DS-2019, formerly Form IAP-66) issued by the sponsoring organization

H, K, L, O, P, Q Visa Holders and dependents - Copy of Petition for Nonimmigrant Worker (Form I-129), Original valid Notice of Action (Form I-797)

Please be informed that a visa does not guarantee entry into the United States. Visa holders are subject to inspection at the port of entry by officials of the Department of Homeland Security who have the authority to deny admission.

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