US Embassy to open Visa Application Center in Parañaque
A security guard walks in front of the U.S. Embassy in Manila, Philippines, Thursday, Sept. 13, 2012 as it’s flag is on half mast following the death of US diplomats in Libya. Manila police tightened security in the area following the attack that killed the U.S. envoy and other diplomats in Libya. (AP Photo/Aaron Favila)
MANILA, Philippines — The processing of United States (US) visas for Filipinos will become more convenient with the new Visa Application Center (VAC) and the launch of an updated appointment system.
In a statement on Friday, the US Embassy in the Philippines said a new VAC will be opened at the Parqal Building along Diosdado Macapagal Boulevard in Parañaque City.
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“Immigrant and nonimmigrant visa applicants seeking interview appointments starting September 28 will be required to schedule a separate appointment at the VAC for photo capture and fingerprint scanning prior to their interview at the U.S. Embassy on Roxas Boulevard,” it said.
“Scheduling will be done through the new and redesigned online appointment system,” it added.
Article continues after this advertisementThe new online appointment system will feature a “secure and user-friendly interface” for visa applicants.
Article continues after this advertisementIt will also be available starting September 28 on ustraveldocs.com/ph.
The embassy said applicants with existing accounts in the current visa appointment system will have to sign in to the new system with their registered email address to retrieve their user profile.
“The VAC will offer appointment slots from 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Monday to Friday, and from 7:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. on Saturdays. No appointment is needed for applicants who would like to pick up their passports or drop off interview waiver visa applications and other required documents from 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Monday to Friday,” it said.
The embassy is also set to launch a call center for customers with general, non-emergency American Citizen Services inquiries.
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“U.S. citizens can call consular hotlines at (+632) 7792-8988 or (+632) 8548-8223, or (703) 520-2235 for callers in the United States, with passport, citizenship, and notarial service questions,” it said.
“The U.S. Embassy will also launch a new and dedicated website (ustraveldocs.com/ph/en/american-citizens-services) and email ([email protected]) for these ACS services on September 28. Inquiries not related to passport, citizenship, or notarials should still be sent to the embassy’s ACS unit directly via [email protected],” it added.
