US Visa Guide For Filipinos 2025

Quick Facts

Appointment

• First-time U.S. visa applicants will have two appointments

  • Biometrics at VAC

  • Interview in the U.S. Embassy

Security

• There are No Lockers in US Embassy. Leave your mobile phone, and all electronic devices inside your car or with a companion that is not entering the embassy.

  • Not Allowed: mobile phone, laptop, smart watch, powerbank, other electronic devices.

  • Allowed: Wallet, Keys, Documents

    
    

Visa Interview:

• First-time visa applicants and those who haven't renewed their expired visa in the past 13 months are required to attend a one-on-one interview with a consular officer.

  • Wear something formal but comfortable. “ Smart Casual or Business Casual “

  • Arrive 15-30 minutes prior to your schedule. You may be called earlier to enter sometimes.

  • During an interview, a consul will ask about your background and your purpose of travel. Make your answers concise.

  • Be prepared to provide additional documents if the consular officer requests for it.

    
    

Visa Approval or Denial

• Visa approval or denial is purely the discretion of the USA visa officer in charge.

  • If Approved: Your passport will be received and your visa will be processed on average 10-15 working days from the date of your interview.

  • If Denied: Your passport will be returned on the spot and a piece of paper will be provided explaining the reason for the denial.

Dropbox Renewal

• Only applicable for applicants with previous US visa expired within the last 12 months

  
  

Visa Fee

First Time Applicant: PHP 15,850

(Including US Visa fee and IJ Assistance fee)

Dropbox Renewal: PHP 14,850

(Including US Visa fee and IJ Assistance fee)

Processing Period

• If approved, your visa will be processed within 10-15 working days

• If denied, your passport will be returned to you after the interview with consular officer

Visa Requirements

First Time Applicant

Initial Requirements

• Passport Biopage

• Previous US Visa (if applicable)

• 2x2 Photo

  
  

  

  
  

• Accomplished Simplified Application Form

Proposed Additional Requirements (may or may not be requested but must be with you on interview day)

• Bank Certificate with ADB for 6 months

• Bank Statements with 6 months latest transaction

• Certificate of Employment (for employee)

  • must include applicant’s position, date hired, & salary

• Business Documents (for business owner)

  • Business Permit

  • DTI or SEC with GIS

• Proof of ties

  • Land Title

  • Car Registration

  • Proof of Family Ties (PSA Birth Certificate and Marriage Certificate)

  • Proof of Professional Credentials (PRC or IBP Card)

Dropbox Renewal

Initial Requirements

• Passport Biopage

• Previous US Visa (if applicable)

• 2x2 Photo

• Accomplished Simplified Application Form

Where to Submit?

Visa Receiving Office:

International Journeys Inc (Visa Office)

Lower Ground Floor Z Square Mall, 886 Banawe Street, Brgy. Manresa, Quezon City, 1115 Metro Manila, Philippines

• Parking is generously available in basement and building frontage.

Visa Officer:

Vanessa Saliga - 09381285464

How do I pay for my Application?

Pay in our office or deposit to any of the following:

Account name: International Journeys Inc. 

Banco De Oro (BDO) :00353-022-7417

Philippine Business Bank (PBB) :001-00005238-4

Send copy of deposit slip to visa@ijourneys.com.ph for us to verify your payment.

How do I claim my passport?

You can pick-up your passport in our office or have it sent back via courier or any real-time delivery service. Check with our Visa Officer if your passport is ready for pick-up.

FAQ's:

Is personal appearance at the embassy required?

You are still required to submit your own applications as the embassies would need to get your biometric information such as your fingerprints

What are the usual Interview Questions?

• Purpose of Travel to the US

• Which places do you intend to visit in the US?

• How long do you intend to stay in the US?

• Do you have relatives in the US?

• Can I see the passports/ ID’s of your relatives in the US.

• Are you single?

• Do you have children?

• Whats your occupation?

• How long have you been working for this company?

• Whats your major role in this company.

• Which countries have you traveled to before?

Will I surely receive approved visa with your processing assistance?

We do not guarantee approval. Visa approval is under the sole discretion of the consul.

Important reminders before you submit your application

• Apply for visa prior to purchasing your airline tickets and travel services since visa issuance is subject for approval of the consul in charge.

• Applying through a travel agent does not guarantee the issuance of visa.

• Inform your HR Officer/Contractor/Bank that someone will call or email from the Embassy to validate the documents you provided.

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International Journeys summarized the above US visa application guide and no part may be copied or reproduced without prior written consent.

Visa Conditions:

• Visa approval is not guaranteed and is still under the final discretion of the consul.

• Processing time indicated is based on average application time. It is not guaranteed and may be delayed if additional documents are required by the embassy.

• Do not purchase your tickets before your visas are issued and approved. International Journeys will not be liable for any unused travel products in the case of visa denial or if the release of visa has been delayed.

• International Journeys will not accept visa application with departure date scheduled within 3 weeks from the date of submission.

• Any request for early release and pulling out/cancellation of application is not permitted once the documents are submitted to the Embassy.