Below are responses to common questions about nonimmigrant visas for children or minors:
Who are considered minors?
Applicants who are 17 years old and below.
Do children need a visa to travel to the United States?
All foreign nationals visiting the U.S., regardless of age, must obtain a visa or must qualify to travel without a visa through the Visa Waiver Program.
Do children need to schedule an interview appointment and pay the visa application fee?
Yes. Every applicant (except those applying for diplomatic visas) requires an interview appointment and needs to pay the machine-readable visa application fee.
Do children need to appear at the Embassy for the interview?
Yes. Minor applicants must appear at the Embassy with at least one parent for the interview. If the minor is an orphan or if both parents are outside of the Philippines, a legal guardian must be present during the interview.
What documents should parents bring to their children’s interviews?
In addition to other documents visa applicants may prepare, parents should always bring their own passports with valid U.S. visas and the children’s original birth certificates on National Statistics Office (NSO) security paper.
Do children need to give 10-print finger scans?
Applicants below 14 years old are exempt from the 10-print finger scan requirement.
How do consular officers evaluate the visa applications of children?
In adjudicating the applications of minors, the interviewing officer will look at their parents’ social, family, and economic ties and the applicants’ educational status, grades, and long-term plans and prospects in the Philippines.
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Greetings to you in the name of our LORD and SAVIOR JESUS CHRIST!
I entered USA on K-1 visa..on 1995 it didnt work out so I married to another US cit and have a child on this union. He filed a petition but I still need to go back in the Phil. so I voluntarily (No order of deportation) went home last 03/28/2002. together with my 4yrs old US cit son ..w/c mean 10yr ban and to date it over. Iwhen we arrived here ai check the ststus of my petition and to my surprise I was suppose to have an interview last july of 2001,Me and my atty. didnt received the notice and its too late to realize tha my husband betrayed me…we dont receive any support from him till 2001 -2010…it was only now that we got support when we have our divorced…I want to go back to US with my son because of some unfinished business.. can you pls help me on how I can do this…pls.. any help is greatly appreciated. me and my son wants our life back and want justice….Thank you and God bless
In order to be eligible for an immigrant visa, you must be the beneficiary of an approved immigrant visa petition filed by a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident. If your son was born in the United States, he has a claim to United States citizenship. Please contact the Embassy’s American Citizen Services (ACS) Unit by email at ACSInfoManila@state.gov regarding your son.
Hi!
Back in 2010, we applied for B2 for my my 11 year old daughter but was refused and the reason was I still have a valid tourist visa that time, the officer informed us that the child could not be granted a visa since I did not have any strong socio economic and family ties here in the Philippines.
We applied for B2 Visa last week and got denied. Our family is planning on a vacation to US in October. I will not be going with them since my Visa expired this year and I don’t have plans of going on a trip. My mom will be taking my daughter with my siblings for a short trip on their semestral break this year. She just checked my Mom’s Visa and the child’s birth certificate. The reason for visa refusal is because I did not have a valid Visa anymore as a mother. According to the officer, I need to have a Visa for the child to be granted even if I will no be travelling with them.
After our second refusal, we got confused since my mother has been in and out of US for several years. I have been there once despite having a 10 year multiple entry Visa together with my siblings. We have relatives in the US where we usually stayed.
I am planning to renew my Visa this year in hopes that it will help my daughter get hers but I am quite hesitant due to the fact that she was refused twice. I would want her to visit US and experience what it is like. We have cancelled several trips since she can’t get her Visa and opted for Asian trips instead.
According to the officer who interviewed us last week, the only way my daughter will be granted a Visa is if I do have a Valid Visa as well or if my mother has full custody of the child.
Is there any way that could help us get a Visa for my daughter.
Mary, thank you for writing. In general, when evaluating applications of minors, consular officers evaluate the social, family, and economic ties of one or both parents. For this reason, consular officers require in most cases that at least one parent have a valid visa before issuing a visa to a minor.
Hi Voyager,
Good afternoon, I would like to ask if my daughter can apply for a student visa. My parents leave in USA if ever they will be one who will support their schooling. Please advice how can we apply.
Thank you,
Maricel
Maricel, your daughter would first need to be accepted at a school in the United States before she can apply for a student visa. Please visit our website for further information: http://manila.usembassy.gov/wwwhni10.html
Hello!
I’m already here in the US as an immigrant and had left my children in the Philippines, but they are included in my petition. Since my affidavit of support cannot cater for us all i decided to come first here and left them to follow. No my question is what are the procedures and requirements do i need for me to process my children’s VISA application for them to join me here in the US. Or is there any of your department i can contact through e-mail to get the information i need. Many thanks for your prompt reply.
Thank you for posting a comment on VISAtisfied Voyager, U.S. Embassy Manila’s visa blog.
In order for us to be more responsive to you inquiry, we request you to send an email to IVManilaReplies@state.gov with the applicants’ names and case number clearly indicated.
Hi, there.
My visa and that of my wife and 2 children had expired. Mine expired last June 25, 2011, while my wife’s expired last Nov. 24, 2011. Both were for 10 years. Hoping to avail of the VRP, my wife and I completed our DS-160 applications just very recently, and have been given Confirmation Numbers already.
My question is, should I also include in our visa renewal applications, the visa renewals for our 2 children (ages 21 and 17, they were each given 5-year visas), plus a new visa application for our youngest child (age 11)? I was thinking, it might affect the expedience provided by the VRP which is why my wife and I opted to renew our visas first , then apply for the visas of our children later on. Would this be a more practical approach?
Since my own visa had expired last June 25, 2011, I was focused on renewing my own visa first, as I might not be able to enjoy the expedience provided by the VRP. I was so preoccupied that I only realized of late that the 1-year prescription under the VRP is fast approaching.
I will surely appreciate your immediate reply.
Louie
Louie, thank you for writing. Qualifying for VRP is based on individual merits. Minor children, parents, or any other family members who do not satisfy the VRP criteria will not be accommodated with a VRP applicant. Non-VRP applicants will be turned away and will be asked to book a regular appointment. In cases where the family wants to be interviewed on the same day, they may book the VRP appointment (for those qualified) and regular appointment (for those who are not qualified) on the same day, although they will be on different timeslots. Alternatively, the family may choose to book together under a regular appointment. For more information on VRP, please see our website: http://manila.usembassy.gov/niv-vrp.html
hi, Good day!’
i was given a single enry b1 visa last march 2008, because i had to take foreign pharmacy equivalency exam, in san francisco, which was my point of entry gave me 6 months to stay so i came back before the alloted time to stay there expires, now, im planning again to go back to the US, to take another exam so i can finish what i started with my fpgee, im planning to bring my son with me,, what are our chances of getting a visa since my son’s father is in the states, not a US citizen but holds a green card,
In general, nonimmigrant visa applications will be evaluated under Section 214(b) of the United States Immigration and Nationality Act, which states, in part, that every applicant for a nonimmigrant visa ”. . .shall be presumed to be an immigrant until (s)he establishes to the satisfaction of the consular officer, at the time of application for a visa, . . .that (s)he is entitled to nonimmigrant status. . . .” This statutory presumption of immigrant intent may be overcome by demonstrating sufficiently strong familial, social, professional, and economic ties to a country outside the United States that would compel return after a temporary stay in the United States.
Hi! Good day. I would just like to ask, if its alright for my parents to accompany my daughter to the US embassy for her re issuance of her US visa? I am currently in New Zealand completing my requirements to become an RN and working here at the same time, that is why I cannot accompany her to the US embassy .Her US visa expired last December 2011 and I understand that she is qualified for the re issuance program. I dont have any court approved paper that says my parents are my daughter’s legal guardians. But I did write a letter addressed to the US embassy (which they intend to bring when they go to the US embassy) stating that my parents have been helping me take care of my daughter since she was born since I am a single parent. Would that letter suffice so that my parents are considered legal guardians? Thanks so much.
Jesselou, your parents can accompany your daughter to her VRP appointment. They only need to present your letter and their valid IDs to the Embassy personnel at the gate. Thank you.
Hi.
Hello Sir/ma’am according to my problem. I went to Philippines on last July 9, 2011 with my daughter and I letf her there with my mother an I came back here in Korea its more than a year now,I that I never visit my daugther in philppines. Because of my complicated situation here in Korea. She is american cetizen . An she got over stay in the Philippines an about 2 month from now. And I am still Philippines cetizen is it’s there’s anyway that I get my daughter A visa there while I’m here in Korea.. She’s only 2 year old and I am worried about my daughter situation. I wish you could help my problem thank you and have a nice day.
Thank you for posting a comment on VISAtisfied Voyager, U.S. Embassy Manila’s visa blog.
Please contact the Philippine’s Bureau of Immigration for your inquiry on how to apply for a visa to the Philippines for your U.S. citizen child. You may contact Philippine Bureau of Immigration at Bureau of Immigration National Operations Center (BINOC)
+632 524-3769 | +632 524-3824 | +632 523-4870
1-800-100- ALIEN (24/7 Toll Free)
For immigration inquiries, send it at:
binoc_immigration@hotmail.ph
Or through their website at http://www.immigration.gov.ph/
HI,good day to everyone,my husband is immigrant in the united states.he now staying in the Us 5 months already.and unfortunately am not a beneficiary because we are not married,but we are living together for 15 yrs now.he petition my 2 minor kids and now have a visa,my question is do i have a chance to get a visa to accompany my minor kids,because their father is in united states cant go back in the philippines because of his work.
Thank you for posting a comment on VISAtisfied Voyager, U.S. Embassy Manila’s visa blog.
If an alien intends to stay in the U.S. temporarily, he/she may elect to apply for a nonimmigrant visitor’s (B1/B2) visa. There is no guarantee that the visitor visa application will be successful. The applicant should be prepared to demonstrate that he/she has sufficiently strong familial, social, economic, and/or professional ties that would compel his/her return after a temporary stay in the United States. Information regarding B1/B2 visas is available at the Nonimmigrant Visa (NIV) Unit’s web site at http://manila.usembassy.gov/wwwh3024.html.
Hi,
Sir/madam according my question it is possible my husband he sponsor a tourist visa he will apply thru online visa here in state for my mother tourist visa?but is only my husband he will apply to sponsor my mom because my visa I just got my green,it is possible my husband to do that?by the way my mom in Philippines right now.waiting for your reply thanks…!have a good day.
Kiane, your mother is welcome to apply for a tourist (B1/B2) visa. The application procedures are provided in the Nonimmigrant Visas website. To qualify for the tourist visa, the applicant must be able to prove that she is not an intending immigrant by demonstrating sufficiently strong familial, social, professional, and economic ties to a country outside the United States that would compel return after a temporary stay in the United States. Moreover, please note that visa applications are adjudicated based on individual merits. Consular officers cannot issue visas based on the assurances of family members and friends, or on the ability of a sponsor to provide financial support. More information on how applications are evaluated is provided in our website.
Hi. I would just like to ask, what is the probability of my two minor kids (1yr old and 4years old) be approved for a tourist visa under their father’s sponsor. My husband got a ten year multiple entry but i don’t have one and we’re planning to apply for a visa under his sponsor.
Jill, one’s eligibility for the nonimmigrant visa will be determined at the time of interview with a consular officer. Visa eligibility for minor applicants (unmarried 17 years old and below) may be based in whole or in part upon the social, family and economic ties of their parents. Consular officers may also look at the applicants’ specific intentions, family situations, and long-range plans and prospects within their country of residence. Please visit the Nonimmigrant Visas website for information about visitor visas.
Hi sir/mam,
Plz help me my question is my mom petition me and now i am a greencard holder now but i have a daughter in the philippines that i wanna bring hir in the usa she is 8yrs old n during the time ofmy interview on 2010 i include her in my papers that i wanna bring her someday hir n they told me to call the embassy i call them n told me that .i need to wait for the current date again when it was currentof my petition was approved it was august 5, 2002. But i am already hir in the s ryt now with a greencard can u plzz help me undertand what i am gona do and how can i get my dauther soon as possible plzzz. By the way i already petion my wife.
Thank you for your interest in the VISAtisfied Voyager.
For privacy reasons, the Embassy does not address specific case concerns publicly on this blog. For specific information regarding your visa case, please send an email to IVManilaReplies@state.gov, with your complete name, date and place of birth, and the 10-digit visa case number, clearly indicated.
My family applied for a tourist visa 2 years ago but we got denied. Now as a graduation gift I wpuld like to go to US to visit my close relatives there. I read that one of my parents should have a visa but both of my parents doesn’t have any. I’m gonna travel alone, can I still get a tourist visa considering that I’m just 16 years old?
Christina, you are welcome to apply for a tourist visa if you wish to visit your relatives in the U.S. Visa eligibility for applicants aged 17 or below may be based in whole or in part upon the social, family, and economic ties to the Philippines of the applicant’s parents. Consular officers may also look at minor applicant’s specific intentions, family situation, and long-range plans and prospects within his or her country of residence. Please visit the Nonimmigrant Visas website for information about visitor visas.
Hi VISAtisfied Voyager !
I would like to ask for your advice regarding our case. My fiance got denied a VISA twice unde 214B because he have a pending immigrant petition filed 2005. We have a 1 year old baby. So now, his sister is getting married and we need to attend the wedding, What are the chances he will be granted a VISA? and our child? (I have B1/B2 Multiple entry VISA btw)
Since his last application, changes are we bought a house and car and he got promoted.
Appreciate your input! Thank you!
Frenchie, your fiance’s and child’s eligibility for visitor visas will be detemined at the time of interview. To qualify for the visa, they must be able to prove that they are not intending immigrants by demonstrating sufficiently strong familial, social, professional, and economic ties to a country outside the United States that would compel return after a temporary stay in the United States. In cases of younger applicants, like your child, eligibility for the visa may be based in whole or in part upon the social, family and economic ties to the Philippines of the the parents. Consular officers may also look at the applicant’s specific intentions, family situations, and long-range plans and prospects within his or her country of residence. Information about nonimmigrant visas is provided in our website:.
Hi! My husband and i are planning to get a tourist visa along with our 3 year old daughter only for a 2-3 week long visit, can a friend or distant relative be our sponsor going to US territories?
thanks!
Lex, you and your family are welcome to apply for nonimmigrant visitor visas by complying with the requirements provided in our website. To qualify for the visa, you should be able to demonstrate sufficiently strong familial, social, professional and economic ties to a country outside the United States that would compel return after your temporary stay in the United States. You also asked about having a friend or distant relative as sponsor. Please know that consular officers are less concerned about how nonimmigrant visa applicants will be supported during their stay in the United States than in whether they have reasons to return home. Decisions will be made on the basis of the applicant’s qualifications and overall situation. More information about visa eligibility is provided in our website. Thank you.
hello visa,
Please advice me, I have a 4 month old nephew who was born in the philippines. We plan to head to back to the united states next year. does he need petition and visa to travel to the united states. Please advice me
Melanie, in general, Filipino citizens would need a visa to travel to the U.S. The type of visa to apply for would depend on the purpose of travel Please read the information about US visas on our website to determine the type of visa that your nephew would need and requirements to apply for the visa. Thank you.
I have children still studying, ages 20 & 19. I want them to apply for a visa. Do they apply independently and not as my dependents?
The reason I ask is because of the necessary requirements they may need to present such as bank statements and other financial documents which they don’t have yet.
Please advise.
Duncan, your children should apply individually and must comply with the application requirements set forth in the Nonimmigrant Visas website. They must qualify on their own merits. To qualify for the visa, applicants should be able to demonstrate sufficiently strong familial, social, professional and economic ties to a country outside the United States that would compel return after temporary stay in the United States. More information about how to qualify for nonimmigrant visas is provided here. Thank you.
good day!
i’d like to know the probability of getting a tourist US visa for my 1 month old son. I recently had my US visa renewed. My parents and siblings are planning to have a vacation in US on Feb 2013. I’m going with them and i want to bring my son with me on this vacation before i go back to my work as a doctor (4th year residency training). I am not yet married and father of my son is not going since he doesn’t have a US visa.
Angel, your child can apply for a visitor visa if you wish to bring him with you to the U.S.for your family vacation. Please note that minor applicants are required to appear at the Embassy with at least one parent for the interview. In evaluating the application, the consular officer would look at the situaton and ties of the applicant’s parents, and their long-range plans and prospects in the Philippines. More information on how applicatons are evaluated is provided in the Nonimmigrant Visas website. Thank you.
Hi Good day. My minor child is a declared (approved) dependent of a domestic partner in an international organization (World Bank, ADB, etc) .
I, the mother is now in Canada. I just finished my consulting job in the organization.
My partner would like to take her to Disney Florida and a Carribean Cruise.
Is my domestic partner/legal guardian (who has a US visitor Visa) allowed to file for US visitor visa as a minor’s actual custodian??? Is there any possibility that she will be granted a visa???
I, on the other hand was denied of a US visa.
Appreciate your advise.
Thank you.
Minor applicants are required to appear with at least one parent to the interview. If both parents are outside the Philippines, then the applicant can be accompanied by a legal guardian. One’s eligibility for the nonimmigrant visa will be determined at the time of interview. In evaluating the application of minor applicants, interviewing officers will look at the situation and ties of their parents. their educational status, grades, and the applicant’s long-range plans and prospects in their home country. Information about how applicants are evaluated is provided in the Nonimmigrant Visas website. Should you have further questions, you can contact the call center at (02)982-5555 and (020 982-8930 from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, Manila time. Thank you.
Hello! After my husband’s business-related trip to the US early this year, he wanted me and the kids to consider going to the US for a vacation and visit relatives. We have a daughter (23 years of age and already employed), a son (20 years old and in college), and a daughter (15 years old and in high school). In my application for a tourist visa, would we be interviewed as a group? I heard that my eldest would have to apply on her own due to her age and employment status, is this correct? If so, would my son who is still dependent on us and is 20 years old be allowed to accompany me during an interview? Would my husband have to appear in the interview as well? He already has a multiple B1/B2 visa issued.
We have not yet finalized an appropriate date to travel assuming that we are approved. My husband said that we would try to avail of discounted flights during lean seasons and avoid the cold weather as well.
Your assistance would be highly appreciated.
Thanks and regards,
Mary Ann
Mary Ann, if your family would be able to obtain the same appointment, you may be interviewed together. However, you would need to ask the Embassy staff during your appointment that you are requesting to be interviewed together. Please note that even if interviewed together, each of you would be evaluated based on your own merits. To qualify for visitor visas, applicants should be able to demonstrate sufficiently strong familial, social, professional and economic ties to a country outside the United States that would compel return after temporary stay in the United States. As for minor applicants (unmarried 17 years old and below), their ties or eligibility for a nonimmigrant visa would depend on their parents’ eligibility for a visitor visa. The interviewing officer may also look at their educational status, grades, and the applicant’s long-range plans and prospects in their home country. For information about visa eligibility, please visit the Nonimmigrant Visas website.You also asked if your husband needs to appear at the interview, he need not appear at the interview if you will be applying with your minor daughter. Thank you.
what are the requirements for a US visa for children under 2 years old?
Priya, the application requirements for a nonimmigrant visa would depend on the purpose of travel. You may refer to the Nonimmigrant Visas website for the different types of visas and requirements to apply for the visa. Thank you.
Hello! i’m a US citizen and I petitioned for my 19 year old step daughter, who was granted an immigrant visa during her interview last Monday. She has a 2 year old son who was conceived in a moment of indiscretion and was born out of wedlock. Her son has been included in the I-130 and Visa application but she was told that she needs to petition for her son when she gets her green card. I would’ve petitioned for him as well but there’s no way for me to do that. Anyway, what are the chances of her son being granted a tourist visa? She can go back to the Philippines after she gets her green card and after she’s filed an I-130 petition for him. Her son has no place to stay and no one to look after him. I’m sure you can understand the need for a mother and a baby to be together.
Thank you in advance for whatever nuggets of wisdom you can impart!
U.S. immigration law does not accord derivative status for minor children whose parents were petitioned for under the immediate relative (IR) visa category. In this regard, your step-daughter’s minor child cannot derive immigration benefits from her IR2 petition.
In order for the child to qualify for immigration benefits, a separate immigrant visa petition should be filed with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) on her behalf. Information regarding the requirements and procedures are available from the USCIS website at http://www.uscis.gov/portal/site/uscis. The USCIS National Customer Service Center (NCSC) may also be contacted toll-free at 1-800-375-5283 regarding this matter.
Hello,
I am planning to get a B2 Visa for me, my brothers and including my 2 year old son asap because we would want to visit our mother in the US who is terminally ill, hence she would not be able to travel back here in the philippines. I am quite confused, from previous comments, either one parent should have at least a US Travel Visa in order for a minor to be given a visa, my son is illegitimate and I don’t have any US Travel Visa yet since we are all going to be first time applicants. Can this affect my son’s possibility in getting a visa? We really do need to go there as soon as possible. Please Help. Thanks
Visa eligibility for individuals aged 17 or below will be based upon the social, family and economic ties of the applicant’s parents to their home country. Consular officers will also look at the applicant’s specific intentions, family situations, and long-range plans and prospects within his or her country of residence. You may refer to the nonimmigrant visas website for information on how applications are evaluated. Thank you.
Hi good day! I am Agapito Saneil Nacario a retired Fire Officer Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) under the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) having a rank of COLONEL and my TOURIST VISA was granted. 14 Apr 2010 and will expire 12 Apr 2020, VISA TYPE R-B1-B2 under Control No. 20101035150003, in their connection I would just like to inquire if I could accompany my grand children Jhoone Cyrelle D Nacario, age 13 y/o., Justine Lloyd D Nacario age 13 y/o and Josh Laurenz D Nacario age 6 y/o for their interview considering that they are under our care and their guardians as well.thanks!!
Agapito, you may accompany your grandchildren to their interview if their parents are both outside of the Philippines. Information about visa application procedures are provided in the Nonimmigrant Visas website. Thank you.
Good Day! I’m from Philippines, I just want to ask if my 4 year old son can go with me to travel to United States. I have a boyfriend there and he is American citizen and he will marry me after I reach U.S and then he will make me and my son as a U.S citizen also. But my question is will the Philippine Embassy will allow me to bring my 4 year old child?.. Thanks.
If a fiancee (K1) visa petition has been filed with the U.S. Citizenship and Immgiration Services (USCIS) on your behalf, your minor child may be registered as a derivative beneficiary (K2). Information reagrding the requirements and procedures are available from the USCIS website at http://www.uscis.gov/portal/site/uscis. The USCIS National Customer Service Center may also be contacted at 1-800-375-5283 (toll-free for callers in the U.S.) regarding this matter.
Hi good day!i
I am a tourist visa holder, we are planning for a vacation to the US but my wife and my 2 year old son does not have any visa yet.
Do i need to accompany them for interview? Does my son need to appear for the interview? thank you!
Rommell, your son needs to appear at the Embassy with at least one parent for the interview. All applicants, regardless of age (except those applying for diplomatic visas) are required to appear at the Embassy for an interview. You may refer to the Nonimmigrant Visas website for the application procedures and requirements. Thank you.
Just a follow up to this question…I already have a visa, but my wife and son dont…can I accompany my 2 year old son during the interview along with my wife? Thanks
Hi Michael. Yes you may accompany your minor son, just ensure not to take other family members with you that are not applicants like grandparents, other childrens, etc.
my fiancee’s daughter’s biological father is refusing to sign release for her to come with us to US..he has never been around or contributed to her support or visited her..is it necessary for him to sign a release for her to come with US on her K-2 visa?
Thank you for posting a comment on VISAtisfied Voyager, U.S. Embassy Manila’s visa blog.
We suggest that you contact the Philippine Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and the Philippine Bureau of Immigration (BI) regarding this matter. The DSWD is located at Constitution Hills, Batasan Pambansa Complex, Quezon City, and can be reached by telephone at 931-81-01 to 07. Additional information is available on their website at: http://dswd.gov.ph/index.php/faq/1886-travel-clearance-for-minors.
The BI address is Magallanes Drive, Intramuros, Manila, with telephone number 527-3248. The BI’s website is http://www.immigration.gov.ph/.
Hi,
I’m a green card holder and my husband is a US citizen(born and raised in US) and I’m interested in getting my 13-year old niece to visit us. How difficult would it be for a child to get a visa with my support and my husband’s?
Thank you.
Krishna, visa eligibility for individuals aged 17 or below may be based in whole or in part upon the social, family and economic ties of the applicant’s parents. Interviewing officers will also look at their educational status, grades, and the applicant’s long-range plans and prospects in their home country. If only the minor applicant intends to travel to the U.S., the consular officer must be convinced that the applicant is permitted to depart the Philippines by one or both parents. More information about how applications are evaluated is provided in the Nonimmigrant Visas website.
My sister in law is applying for a B2 visa, she is not sure if she will be bringing her two children with her on vacation, if she can not get someone to watch them then she will bring them. The question is, she is going for her appointment next week and will not know about the care for her children for two weeks, will it be an issue for her to apply for her children’s visa at a separate time?
TJ, family members applying for visas are not required to schedule their interview on the same date. They can be interviewed on a different date if they wish to. To qualify for nonimmigrant visas, applicants should be able to demonstrate sufficiently strong familial, social, professional and economic ties to a country outside the United States that would compel return after a temporary stay in the United States. Thank you.
hello, good day,i would like to ask your opinion about our situation,we are planning a 1 month long vacation in the US this coming april-may 2013, me,my husband and our 2 sons aged 9 years old will be applying for tourist visas next month, my question is, how will it affect us that my husband’s mom is a US citizen since 2006, she wanted to petition us before but we respectfully refused because we did not want to raise our children in a different country, and we had our business to attend to here in the philippines. The reason that im worried that her situation might affect us is that she overstayed in the US,then when she got married to a US citizen she finally were able to obtain her green card then onto her citizenship,im concerned that her history will affect our honest intensions of just enjoying a 2 week stay in new york and a 2 week stay in california, thanks so much for your response and i am hoping to get ur response and advise on how to communicate this to the consul officer when he interviews us. thanks!
In evaluating applications, consular officers will look at each application individually and consider an applicant’s travel plans and ties outside the United States that will ensure departure after a temporary visit to the U.S. To qualify for visitor visas, your family should be able to demonstrate sufficiently strong familial, social, professional and economic ties to a country outside the United States that would compel return after your temporary stay in the United States. Ties are various aspects of one’s life that bind one to his/her country of residence, like one’s profession, employment, social and family relationships, and properties. Information on how applications are evaluated is provided in the Nonimmigrant Visas website. Thank you.
Hello! i would just like to know if a minor could apply for a non immigrant visa (visitors visa) to travel to the U.S alone for a vacation to visit his relatives in the U.S. But both parents doesn’t posses a visa.
I will highly appreciate your reply!
Thank-You
A minor can apply for a visitor visa even if his/her parents are not visa holders. Visa eligibility for individuals aged 17 or below will be based upon the social, family and economic ties of the applicant’s parents to their home country. Consular officers will also look at the applicant’s specific intentions, family situations, and long-range plans and prospects within his or her country of residence. The interviewing officer must also be convinced that the applicant is permitted to depart the Philippines by one or both parents. At least one parent should plan to be present for the interview of any individual aged 17 or below. You can refer to the Nonimmigrant Visas website for the application procedures and requirements. Thank you.
I’ll be leaving the philippines on April through my Eldest son petition me and my husband. but the problem is my youngest son will be left behind. he is 14 years old now and he will be staying to my other son who staying in the philippines. My question is how can i bring him also to US, what form or application do i need to fill up regarding this matter.
Thank you for posting a comment on VISAtisfied Voyager, U.S. Embassy Manila’s visa blog.
For information regarding visa petition filing and approvals, you may wish to visit the following websites:
(1) http://manila.usembassy.gov
(2)http://www.uscis.gov
(3) http://travel.state.gov
which provide comprehensive information on immigrant visa petition procedures and the multi-step process to become an immigrant based on family.
Hi there, my parents who are both immigrants in the US have sponsored my younger brother in 2008. Since he is already overaged, his application might take longer than usual. My question is, will my parents be able to secure a B2 visa for him in the states so he could come and visit and probably just wait for the approval of his petition in there? Is it possible? Please advise and thank you.
Kat, a nonimmigrant visitor (B-2) visa is applied at any U.S. Embassy or Consulate outside the United States. Your brother may apply at U.S. Embassy in Manila by complying with the procedures provided in the Nonimmigrant Visas website. However, please note that a visitor visa is only for temporary stay or visit in the U.S. Since your brother has an immigrant visa petition on file, he will need to provide strong evidence that he intends to leave the United States after his planned visit. Ties are various aspects of one’s life that bind one to his/her country of residence, like one’s profession, employment, social and family relationships, and properties. All of these factors are considered in the process, and U.S. Immigration law requires that the visa application be refused if these strong ties are not apparent. More information on how applications are evaluated is provided in our website.
Good day! My 2 sons are scheduled for an interview this summer for US non-immigrant visa application.My husband and I already have a tourist visa.my questin is, can my husband and i accompany my children during the interview? Will my children be interviewed together? I scheduled them with same time slots. I hope you can shed light on this matter. Thanks in advance.
You and your husband can accompany your children to their interview if they are minors (unmarried 17 years old and below). They may be interviewed together if they have the same appointment. Thank you.
Hi, i was living in the philippines as a Military and civilian dependent from 1997 to 2010. During that time I met my fiance and had a child with her born out of wedlock. I have already tried to transmit my citizenship over to my daughter, but my efforts failed due to the fact that during a certain time frame i was dubbed a “civilian dependent”. My fiance has received a letter of denial for my daughters citizenship. I am active duty in the Army so my time in the Philippines is always limited to 2-3 weeks out of the year. I am going back soon to gather all papers and requirements so i can file a I-129F (Fiance petition) for my fiance. Do if also file a I-130 (petition for alien relative)? and if so what other documents do i need to include with the I-130 for my daughter?
Respectfully,
Spc Hoover
Thank you for posting a comment on VISAtisfied Voyager, U.S. Embassy Manila’s visa blog.
American citizens who would like to marry a foreign national in the United States should file a fiancé(e) visa petition (Form I-129F) with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) on behalf of their fiancé(e). The USCIS must first approve the visa petition before a fiancé(e) visa application can be considered. The USCIS National Customer Service Center (NCSC) may be contacted toll-free at 1-800-375-5283 regarding this matter.
Additional information regarding visa petitions may be obtained from the following websites which provide comprehensive information on how a U.S. citizen may bring fiancé(e) and minor children to the United States:
(1) http://www.uscis.gov/portal/site/uscis
(2) http://travel.state.gov/visa/immigrants/types/types_1315.html
(3) http://manila.usembassy.gov/wwwh3204.html
hi. I am a permanent residenct here in US thru marriage. I filed a divorced for marriage in the Phil. we’ve been separated way before I came here. I have a child on the first marriage and would want her to have a vacation with us here in the US for just a month. How or what will I do for that? considering she is now living with bio mom in UAE….
thank u.
Hi Jon P. Your child may qualify for a B1/B2 visa. Instructions on how to apply are available here. . Please remember that she does not need to apply in the Philippines, but will need to show that she qualifies for the visa class. To learn more about demonstrating qualifications, you may visit this 214(b) Refusal (NIV) blog post.
we are planning to renew our 10 year US visa which expired last June 2012. we were able to use it only once. we wish to avail of the VRP (answered yes to all the questions) however, we would like our child aged 4 (no previous Visa yet) to have the same schedule with us, is that possible? we wish to be scheduled this May during our trip to Manila. Thanks.
Hi Maria Lourdes. First, you need to set a Standard Appointment schedule for your 4 year old child. Then your VRP schedule should follow the same time and date availed by your child (one who has not been issued a visa yet), and not the other way around. For example, your child was able to get an appointment on 01 May 2013, 7:20 am– all family members under VRP may also book for the same time and day. Through this, all of you will have one and the same appointment schedules.You may be able to schedule through the call center or appointment online system
thanks. what needs to be done first? pay the visa fee first or fill up the ds160 to have confirmation? what requirements will i bring for our child? do i need to get a newly issued NSOpaper birth certificate or can i use the one i got 2 years ago? thanks again.
Hi Maria Lourdes. The complete application process is here . Also, in this website, it says that with regards to the Birth Certificate, you need to bring ” Original birth certificate printed on Philippine National Statistics Office security paper (for dependent/s) .”
Hi! i have submitted our ds160 and received the confirmation already, however, the photo i uploaded did not appear although it met the standards. what is the possibility of getting our schedule/appointment this May? since our visa expired last June 2012? thanks.
Hi Maria Lourdes. If the photo did not appear on the DS 160, ensure that you bring an appropriate photo (hard copy, clear and not taken more than 6 month ago) that meets the standard on your appointment day. You may know available appointment slots when you visit our online appointment system or via call center.
hello…would like to ask..
im from Phillipines, my illegitimate son’s american biological dad left and abondoned him since he was an infant,his 3 years old now and im now married to a us citizen too. we are on going to a process of cr1/cr2… do i have to provide a legal papers that my son was left abondoned signed by his bio-father? the case is we dont know where he lives now and no more communication to him.
please need your help…thank you.
Thank you for your interest in VISAtistfied Voyager.
You may contact the Embassy’s American Citizen Services (ACS) Unit by email at ACSInfoManila@state.gov regarding your concerns.
Hi, I have a 10-yr multiple entry visa given to me last january 2013, i used it immediately and came back to the Philippines after a week. I was planning to also apply a B1/B2 Visa for my family, my wife and 3 kids. Since my father is in the US and he has poor health, we are hoping to visit him on his next birthday as a family. Can i accompany my wife and kids in their Visa application?
Hi Noel. Yes, you may accompany your wife and children, as long as at least one of the children is 17 years of age or below.
Thank you for the response.
Hi, im a grand daughter of an US army, and im planning to travel in US… What do i need to do?
Hi Tiffany. If your purpose is to have a temporary visit to your grandfather, you may apply for a B1/B2 tourist visa. The complete application process is the US Embassy -Manila Website.
Thank you for your interest in VISAtistfied Voyager.
You may contact the Embassy’s American Citizen Services (ACS) Unit by email at ACSInfoManila@state.gov regarding your concerns.