US Visa Appointment Philippines: Requirements & Fees

The United States is a must-visit country for every Filipino traveler. Whether you're there to see friends, tick places off your bucket list, or try local food, there are many reasons to visit the US. If you have a Philippine passport, you’ll need to secure a US visa first. This guide has everything you need to know about booking your US visa appointment in the Philippines.

Read through and find out everything you need to know, including a step-by-step guide and the answers to frequently asked questions.

How to Schedule a US Visa Appointment in the Philippines

Philippine passport holders who want to visit the United States need to secure a US visa first, even for short trips. Follow these steps to book a US visa appointment in the Philippines.

1. Determine the appropriate visa category: The visa you apply for depends on your purpose of travel, whether it's for tourism, study or business. For Filipino travellers, the B-1 visa is for temporary business activities, while the B-2 visa is for tourism, holidays and visits to family and friends. A combined B-1/B-2 visa covers both purposes.
2. Complete the application form: Fill out and submit the DS-160 application form online through the US Department of State Visa Portal. Have your confirmation number or barcode ready.
3. Create an account on the scheduling system: Visit the US Visa Scheduling website and select “Sign Up” to create a profile using your email address. Select “Manila” as the location.
4. Pay the visa fee: Pay the fee online using a credit card, online transfer, or cash deposit using the generated deposit slip. If you choose to pay by cash, print the payment instruction page and bring it to any RCBC (Rizal Commercial Banking Corporation) branch to settle the fee.
5. Schedule two separate appointments: The first is at the Visa Application Center (VAC) for biometrics scanning (photo capture and fingerprint scanning). Schedule the appointment before the Consular interview. The second interview is with a consular officer at the US Embassy.
6. Print the appointment letter and prepare documents: Print out the VAC appointment letter, interview appointment notification, the DS-160 confirmation page, visa fee payment receipt, and valid passport confirmation. Start preparing the required documents for both the VAC appointment and the interview at the US Embassy.

📝 Note: Some applicants renewing a US visa may qualify for an interview waiver. The scheduling system will provide instructions based on your application and eligibility.

US Visa Appointment Requirements in the Philippines

Filipino travellers applying for a US B-1/B-2 visitor visa must prepare the required application documents before attending their appointment.

Some documents are mandatory, while others may be requested depending on the applicant's circumstances.

Required Documents for a US Visa Appointment

For a printed visa photograph, the standard size is 2 × 2 inches (51 × 51 mm). It must be taken within the last six months against a plain white or off-white background, with a neutral facial expression and both eyes open.

Check the US visa photo requirements before preparing your photograph.

Additional Supporting Documents

In addition to the required documents, you may prepare supporting documents, if applicable.

📝 Note: A PSA birth certificate and NBI clearance are not standard mandatory requirements for every B-1/B-2 tourist visa applicant. However, additional documents may be requested depending on individual circumstances.

⚠️ Important: You don't need to purchase flight tickets or book hotels before getting your US visa approved. The US Department of State advises applicants not to make final travel arrangements until their visa has been issued.

How Much Is the US Visa Appointment Fee in the Philippines?

The standard US visa application fee for Philippine passport holders is US$185 for the B1/B2 tourist and business visa. Fees must be paid in the local currency based on the exchange rate on the US Embassy’s banking portal.

You can pay using the available payment methods shown on the official US Visa Scheduling website. If you choose “Cash at Bank,” you need to bring a printed copy of the payment instruction page to an authorised RCBC (Rizal Commercial Banking Corporation) branch to pay the visa fee in cash. After payment, make sure that the reference number and amount paid match the details in your payment instructions. Visa application fees are non-refundable.

US Visa Appointment Available Dates and Waiting Times

Philippine passport holders are encouraged to apply at least three months before the intended travel date. The earlier you book your appointment, the more likely you’ll be able to book the interview date and time you want. 

While visa processing time is typically three working days, it may vary for specific cases due to individual circumstances and other requirements. You can check available US visa appointment dates through the Visa Scheduling website. 

The waiting time depends on staffing availability and can vary weekly. You can view current appointment wait times in Manila via the Travel State government website.

How Long Does US Visa Processing Take?

Visa processing times vary depending on individual circumstances. Some applications may be processed after the interview, while others may require additional administrative processing.

Passport delivery or collection can also take additional time.

For this reason, there is no guaranteed processing time for every US visa application.

💡 Pro Tip: Apply early, especially if you're travelling during peak holiday seasons. Avoid buying non-refundable flight tickets or making final hotel reservations until your visa has been issued.

What to Expect During Your US Visa Interview

The US visa interview takes place at the US Embassy in Manila along Roxas Boulevard.

During the process, applicants must follow the embassy's security requirements. Mobile phones, laptops and other prohibited electronic devices are not allowed inside.

Arrange a safe place to keep your belongings before arriving at the embassy.

Here is what you can generally expect during your interview:

1. Security Screening: You’ll pass through security checks before entering
2. Document Verification: The embassy staff will check your documents, appointment letter, and passport
3. Biometrics Taking: There may be additional fingerprint or photo verification
4. Waiting Area: You’ll be asked to sit and wait until your name or number is called for a specific interview window
5. Interview: It normally lasts between 5 to 10 minutes, although it varies between individuals

Expect the following during the interview:

• About your purpose of travel and your plans
• Your employment history or education background
• Your financial status
• Your economic, family, or social ties to the Philippines

The consular officer will evaluate your credibility for travel and whether you have strong ties to the Philippines to guarantee you will return. 

How to Reschedule or Cancel a US Visa Appointment

To reschedule your US visa appointment in the Philippines, follow the steps below:

1. Log in to the Visa Scheduling website using your username and password
2. On the dashboard, select “Reschedule Appointment”
3. Choose an available date and time slot
4. Confirm and print your updated appointment confirmation letter

Make sure that the appointment at the Visa Application Center is before the interview at the US Embassy in Manila.

If you want to cancel your appointment:

1. Access your account on the US Visa Scheduling website.
2. Find your existing appointment.
3. Choose the cancellation option, if available.
4. Follow the instructions to confirm your cancellation.

Visa application fees are non-refundable. Rescheduling or cancelling your appointment may also be subject to restrictions, including payment receipt validity and limits on appointment changes.

Tips for Booking a US Visa Appointment

To avoid delays for your US visa appointment in the Philippines, make sure to follow the tips below:

• Bring all the originals: Check that you have all the required original documents, such as a valid passport, DS-160 confirmation, and birth certificate
• Double-check barcodes: The DS-160 confirmation barcode linked to your profile must match the form that you submitted online
• Prepare all the documents: Double-check that you have all the required documents and supporting evidence. Missing documents will result in a delay or canceled interview
• Book the two mandatory appointments: You must have finished your biometric and photo-taking session at the Visa Application Center before your interview at the US. Embassy in Manila
• Apply early: Apply at least 3 months before your intended travel date; 6 months to be safe, especially during peak travel season. Having a buffer in between also allows you sufficient time to reschedule appointments if you need to
• Leave electronics: Cellphones, cameras, laptops, large bags, and other electronic devices aren’t allowed inside the US Embassy