All nonimmigrant visa applicants must appear at the Embassy (except those applying for diplomatic visas). If you have had a B1/B2 visa in the past, you may qualify for the Visa Reissuance Program (VRP) and bypass some of the steps below. See our website for more information on VRP.
For all other applicants, you will follow the process outlined below:
Step 1: Arrive at the Embassy
Applicants are requested to arrive at the Embassy gate at least 15 minutes before the time listed on the appointment letter. The line on the right side is for seafarers, and the line on the left is for all other nonimmigrant visa applicants. Applicants must bring all the basic application requirements: the interview appointment letter, the DS-160 confirmation page, a valid passport, one 2” x 2” photo, and all prior passports and U.S. visas, if available.
Additional documents may be required based on the visa class for which you are applying. Please see our website to view the details for each visa class.
Note: Electronic devices are not permitted on Embassy grounds.
Step 2: Receive a Number
Once through security, applicants must line up and submit their passports and DS-160s at the window. Applicants will receive a small pink slip, which you should fill out correctly in order to avoid any delays later in the process, and a queue number stapled on the left corner of the DS-160. The queue number will be used in the pre-screening, finger-scanning, and interview processes. Applicants then proceed to the Pavilion Waiting Area and wait for Embassy personnel to assist with the interview process.
Step 3: Interview Process
1. Pre-screening (Windows 21-29): checking and verifying information in the application form and confirming who filled out the form
2. Finger scanning (Windows 14-19, except 17): scanning applicants’ fingerprints electronically
3. Interview (Windows 1-13): conversation between the consular officer and the applicant; the consular officer will let you know at the end of the interview if you are qualified for the visa
Make sure to check the queue numbers on the queuing board. Embassy personnel are ready to assist applicants at every step of the process.
For more information, read our blog post “Tips for Your Next Embassy Visit.”
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Is VRP applicable when applying for H1B or L1 visa? The applicant has full-validity visa B1/B2 visa and now applying for this temp work non-immigrant visa. The applicant passed all the 9-point criteria for VRP.
Jericho, VRP is for B1/B2 applicants. Those applying for H1/B and L-1 visas should comply with the procedures provided in our website. Thank you.
My birthday is July 25 but I put 7 July on the DS-156 form. Please advise. Thanks
Thank you for your interest in the VISAtisfied Voyager.
You may submit a new and updated Form DS-156 at the time of your visa interview.
Hi! i’ll be having my interview for my B1/B2 visa on Jan 18 2013 friday. i am having a problem with my DS-160 form, it was the agency’s fault actually, the agency filled up wrong information under TRAVEL INFORMATION SECTION. “DATE OF ARRIVAL”: NOV 2, 2013 (instead of November 1, 2013) “DATE OF DEPARTURE: “NOV 29, 2013 (instead of November 21, 2013) all my files and documents has the same date which is NOVEMBER 1-21,2013 and it is even signed by a lawyer. what should i do? plus they even forgot to fill up the “PROVIDE THE ADDRESS WHERE YOU PLAN TO STAY WHILE IN THE U.S” but i have the proof of accommodation as a hard copy. I’m just a little worried since i heard a lot of feed backs that usually the consular officer will not looked up through your documents but will only based with the information in the DS 160 form. A little suggestion from you regarding this matter will be a big help for me, thanks!
Sasha, it is best that you provide accurate information in the DS-160. If you still have time, we recommend that you create and submit a new DS-160 application. To do this, go to the DS-160 website, select Philippines as location of application,then “retrieve an application”, and “create a new application”. Should you have further questions, you can contact the NIV helpline (02)301-2104, anytime from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m, Monday through Friday, Manila time. Thank you.