03/10/2025
Here’s a step-by-step guide (updated for 2025) for Filipinos applying for a U.S. visa. This mainly applies to nonimmigrant visas (e.g. tourist, business, student, work).
📝 Step 1: Identify Your Visa Type
B-1/B-2 → Business / Tourist / Visit
F-1 / M-1 → Student visas
H-1B / H-2B / L-1 → Work visas
J-1 → Exchange visitors
👉 Check which visa suits your purpose on travel.state.gov.
💻 Step 2: Complete the DS-160 Form
Go to the Consular Electronic Application Center (CEAC): ceac.state.gov.
Fill out the DS-160 form completely and honestly.
Upload a compliant U.S. visa photo (2x2 inches, white background).
Save and print the DS-160 confirmation page (with barcode).
💳 Step 3: Pay the Visa Application Fee (MRV Fee)
Create an account at ustraveldocs.com/ph.
Pay the nonrefundable MRV fee (varies by visa type; usually ~$185 for B1/B2).
Payment options: online banking, over-the-counter at BPI, or DragonPay.
Save the receipt number — required to schedule appointments.
📅 Step 4: Schedule Your Appointments
👉 As of 2025, this is a two-step process:
VAC Appointment – at the Visa Application Center (VAC) in Parañaque
Biometrics: fingerprints + photo capture.
Embassy Interview – at the U.S. Embassy in Manila (Roxas Blvd.)
In-person interview with a consular officer.
You must book both through your ustraveldocs.com/ph account.
📂 Step 5: Prepare Your Documents
Mandatory:
Valid passport (must be valid at least 6 months beyond stay in the U.S.)
DS-160 confirmation page (with barcode)
Appointment confirmation letter
MRV fee receipt
Supporting documents (varies by visa type):
Proof of ties to the Philippines (employment certificate, business permits, property, family ties)
Bank statements / proof of financial capacity
Travel itinerary (if applicable)
For students: Form I-20, SEVIS fee receipt
For workers: Petition approval (I-129, I-797)
🏢 Step 6: Attend Your VAC Appointment
Go to the U.S. Visa Application Center (VAC) in Parañaque.
Bring your passport and appointment confirmation.
They will take your fingerprints and photo.
👔 Step 7: Attend Your Embassy Interview
Go to the U.S. Embassy in Manila (Roxas Blvd.) on your scheduled date.
Dress neatly, bring all documents, and arrive early.
Answer questions truthfully and confidently.
The officer will inform you if your visa is approved, refused, or needs further processing.
📦 Step 8: Wait for Visa Processing & Delivery
If approved, your passport with visa will be delivered via your chosen courier (LBC pickup locations or home delivery).
Processing usually takes a few days to weeks, depending on the case.
✅ Pro Tips for Filipinos Applying
Practice likely interview questions (purpose of visit, ties to PH, who will fund your trip).
Make sure your passport is in good condition (no damages).
Do not falsify documents — U.S. visa fraud has lifetime bans.
For students & workers: pay your SEVIS fee (F/M/J visas) or ensure employer’s petition approval.
Check your social media settings — as of 2025, F/M/J visa applicants are asked to make accounts public for verification.
