US visa requirements and application for Filipinos: Travel guide
If you’re planning a visit to the US as a tourist - or if you want to go there to work or study, you’ll need to get familiar with the US visa requirements to follow. There are quite strict US tourist visa requirements for the Philippines which require you to make several appointments to complete the process - so give yourself plenty of time to manage everything properly.
This guide covers all you need to know about making a US visa application in the Philippines. We'll also introduce the Wise card, a handy travel companion to make seamless card payments when you're overseas.
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Do Filipinos need a visa to the US?
Yes. There are US tourist visa requirements for Filipinos, and there are also processes if you want to get a working visa in the USA.
There’s a handy tool on the website of the US Embassy in the Philippines which lets you enter details about your trip and assess which visa you need¹. You’ll also find other important documents and information here which can help with your application.
While there are quite a few countries where citizens can apply for an ESTA - a visa waiver for short visits - the Philippines is not included. This means that in all cases you need to get your visa arranged before you travel.
Bear in mind that visa requirements can change from time to time - and often with short notice. Check the process, requirements and rules through the US Embassy before you make any travel arrangements so you’ll know what to expect.
Types of US visas available for Philippine citizens
There are different visas - with their own application processes - depending on what you want to go to the US to do. Categories include:
- Tourism and visit visas
- Immigration visas
- Study and exchange visas
- Employment visas
- Business visas
US visa requirements for Filipinos
For a US visa, applicants need to schedule two appointments, first at the Visa Application Center (VAC) for biometrics where you’ll have a photo taken and give your fingerprints, and then a second for the visa interview at the US Embassy.
The process also requires a medical check up - in all this can mean a fairly long processing time, so do give yourself ample opportunity to get everything done before you travel.
US tourist visa requirements
To get a US tourist visa you need to give your biometric information, and have a medical and an interview³. There are also several forms to provide and a suite of supporting documents. You also need a passport photo of US visa picture size which is usually 51 x 51 mm or the equivalent if you use a digital picture⁴.
It’s important to check through the instructions carefully before you start your application as there are checklists and common questions available to help you get prepared.
US work visa requirements
There are 11 different types of work visas for the US⁵. In most cases you must have an offer of employment before you can start your visa application. The prospective employer will apply for permission to employ an overseas worker, and you’ll be able to start your visa application once you’re approved.
The work visa requirements vary a bit depending on the type of visa and the job you’ll be doing. You will need to provide documents like your passport, as well as evidence of your skills, qualification and employment.
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How to apply for a US visa as a Filipino
Next, let's walk through the process of making a US embassy visa application. Bear in mind that there’s a strict order to be followed on the US visa appointment schedule - if you don’t complete the steps in the right way your application will be rejected.
Double check the information based on your specific visa type to ensure the process runs smoothly.
Step 1 - Complete the online application and gather your documents
The first step is to complete the online application stage which includes completing a form that varies depending on the visa type.
You’ll then need to gather your documents which you will submit online before your interview, and then take along with you for the interview stage. Usually the documents needed include:
- Your interview appointment letter
- Confirmation page showing you applied online
- Your passport which must be valid for six months beyond your intended date of arrival to the United States
- A digital passport photograph - the equivalent of 51 x 51 mm
- Your original birth certificate and English translation (if applicable)
- A police certificate from your country of current residence and countries where you previously lived
Step 2 - Arrange an appointment at the VAC (Visa Application Center)
You can then make and attend an appointment to be photographed and to give your fingerprints. You must schedule the VAC appointment at least one day before the interview appointment date.
This takes place at the Visa Application Center (VAC) which is in Manila:
Visa Application Center (VAC) - Parqal Building 8, Level 3, Diosdado Macapagal Blvd, Tambo, Parañaque, Metro Manila
Step 3 - Complete required medical tests
After completing the biometric appointment you will need to arrange a medical with the US Panel Physician at St. Luke’s Medical Center Extension Clinic, two weeks before your interview date.
Tests include a chest x ray, and can include different checks depending on your age and visa type.
Step 4 - Attend an interview at the US Embassy
The final step is to arrange and then attend your visa application interview at the US Embassy in Manila. This allows the embassy team to check your documents in person, and to verify your application. Your appointment will be held at:
US Embassy in Manila - 1201 Roxas Boulevard, Manila, Philippines 1000
US visa fees for application
If you need a tourist visa - class B1 or B2, there are no US visa fees for application. This is because of a reciprocal arrangement between the US government and the government of the Philippines⁶. Other visa types may have fees - and if you don’t hold a Filipino passport, you may also find you have to pay fees.
There may be other costs involved with applying for a US visa - for medical checks, document legalisation and translation and so on. Make sure you’ve checked all of the fees involved with your specific visa type before you apply.
Travelling to the US? Get more dollars out of every peso when you make payments abroad with the Wise card
Once you get your US visa, you’ll be looking for a way to seamlessly and conveniently spend in USD with low, transparent fees.
The Wise card lets you spend in 40+ currencies at the mid-market rate including USD, SGD, GBP, and JPY so you know you'll be getting a great deal in over 150+ countries. Simply create a free Wise account, order a card and top-up PHP to get started.
A physical Wise card can be ordered for a low fee of 369.60 PHP. Having a physical Wise card allows you to make chip and pin payments, as well as 2 free ATM withdrawals to the value of 12,000 PHP each month, before low fees start.
While abroad, you can choose to spend directly in PHP and let auto-conversion do the trick, or convert to your desired currency with your Wise account. Either way, you’ll get the exchange rate you see on Google, with low, transparent fees from 0.57%. A cheaper and easier way to spend foreign currency.
Pricing/fees: Please see Terms of Use for your region or visit Wise Fees & Pricing for the most up to date pricing and fee information
Frequently asked questions
Where can I find the US visa application form?
You can find the US visa application from here⁷, and complete it online before printing it to take it with you for your interview.
What are the US visa photo requirements and picture size?
As part of your visa application you need a passport photo of US visa picture size which is usually 51 x 51 mm or the equivalent if you use a digital picture.
What is the US visa appointment schedule?
To get a US tourist visa you need to give your biometric information, and have a medical and an interview. All appointments are in Manila and you will have to attend in person. There are also online application processes which you need to follow. Read all the visa application information carefully before you start your application.
How to renew a US visa in the Philippines?
Applicants for US visa renewals may be required to appear in person for an appointment at the Visa Application Center (VAC) prior to the visa interview at the US Embassy or Consulate. This will depend on whether you’re in the US at the time of renewal or in the Philippines. The exact process and requirements may vary depending on the visa type, so you’ll need to double check all the details before you start your renewal.
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Sources:
- US Embassy - Philippines
- ESTA
- US tourist visa
- US visa photo requirements
- US work visas
- US visa fees
- US visa application form
*Please see terms of use and product availability for your region or visit Wise fees and pricing for the most up to date pricing and fee information.
This publication is provided for general information purposes and does not constitute legal, tax or other professional advice from Wise Payments Limited or its subsidiaries and its affiliates, and it is not intended as a substitute for obtaining advice from a financial advisor or any other professional.
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