Good news to those who needs to renew their US visa. As of July 25, 2011, the US Embassy in the Philippines announced the Visa Reissuance Program (VRP) for qualified applicants. This means that if you're qualified, you need not undergo for an interview with the consul but personal appearance is still required for ten printing (fingerprint scanning). This is pretty much the same as their previous program some 15 years ago where they allow "drop box" for renewal. I'm a year too late for this, last year, I had to wait for three hours for an interview to renew my visa, nevertheless was granted a ten year visa.
My friend just applied for one, simply register online, pay your fees in peso at any Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI) branch, schedule for an appointment. At the embassy, some questions will be asked regarding the content of your application, in thirty minutes, you're done and visa most likely approved!
My friend just applied for one, simply register online, pay your fees in peso at any Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI) branch, schedule for an appointment. At the embassy, some questions will be asked regarding the content of your application, in thirty minutes, you're done and visa most likely approved!
US VISA REISSUANCE PROGRAM (VRP)
As of July 25, 2011, some visa applicants may be eligible for an appointment through the U.S. Embassy in Manila's Visa Reissuance Program (VRP). If qualified for a VRP appointment, applicants need only to schedule an appointment, appear at the Embassy at the appointed time, and then have the application screened and give 10-print fingerscans. No need for an interview, and appointments are available within a few days! To qualify for the VRP, you must be able to answer "yes" to all of the following:
1. I am a Philippines passport holder.
2. I have previously been issued, in Manila, a full-validity visa (a visa good for five or ten years).
3. My visa is still valid or it has expired within the last twelve months.
4. I have in my possession all of my passports covering the entire period of time since I received that full-validity visa.
5. I have not been refused a U.S. visa in the last twelve months.
6. My visa is not annotated "clearance received".
7. I have not ever stayed in the U.S. longer than 6 months (even if the Department of Homeland Security approved the extension of stay).
8. I have not ever been arrested or convicted for any offense or crime, even if subject of a pardon.
9. I can provide the visa control number from my visa (located in the upper right hand corner of the visa).
If you are able to meet all of the above conditions, you are eligible for a VRP appointment. Please go online or contact the call center to schedule the VRP appointment.
Important Reminders:
1. The U.S. Embassy in Manila reserves the right to interview any applicant. If an interview is required, a representative of the U.S. Embassy will contact the applicant within two business days of his/her VRP appointment.
2. If you schedule a VRP appointment, but are not actually eligible for a VRP appointment, you will be turned away at the Embassy and asked to schedule a regular appointment. Please make sure you are eligible for a VRP appointment based on the above criteria.
For more information, visit http://manila.usembassy.gov/
Sir did your friend brought additional supporting documents just like the ordinary interview? Thank you
ReplyDeleteYes, they did.
ReplyDeleteBy the way, the qualification isn't absolute, at their option they may require you for an interview, you'll be asked to schedule it another day just what happened to a cuz last friday.
I went to the VRP appointment last Tuesday. There's no call yet but I didn't pay for any deliver fees. No delivery fees for the passport and new US visa?
ReplyDeleteuh, you're suppose to pay for it before you leave the premises. try to reach them how you can get them.
ReplyDeletesir did you hear someone who is denied into this vrp program?thanks..i have an appointment this comming march..onething more, is the drop box still available this days?thanks and more power..
ReplyDeletehi you don't get denied in the vrp program; if you don't pass, they will ask you to reschedule for an interview with the consul (ordinary process).
ReplyDeleteHow many days does it take to deliver the new visa to your mailing address after our apptmnt date on March 29? We plan to leave for US April 14. Thanks
ReplyDeleteIt took about 3 to 5 days in manila, 5 to 6 outside of manila. You can coordinate with the courier if you're in a rush, we picked it up in their office instead. But your schedule is quite tight, consider the holyweek holidays and embassy holidays.
ReplyDeleteAnyway the courier will update you through text the status of your visa application almost every day. If it has been dispatched from the embassy, sent to where etc...
does this mean that everyone who is qualified for vrp are sure to have their visas renewed?
ReplyDeleteare there instances that persons who are qualified for vrp gets denied?
it's not a guarantee, if necessary, they will require you to set another appointment for a regular interview.
ReplyDeletehi! I was qualified for the visa reissuance program, however upon my supposed to be biometrics, i realized that I forgot one passport which should be included with the visa and my current passport. With this, the guard said that I should re schedule my appointment, upon doing so, the website says that this is invalid. I called the callcenter and explained what happened. They said to wait for an email from the embassy. This was reported last May 10, 2012, till now i am still awaiting for their reply. How long shall this this take and what will happen next?
ReplyDeleteI'm confused a bit confused.
ReplyDeleteDo I have to send all my requirements to the US embassy through a courier, as stated in their website - http://www.ustraveldocs.com/ph/ph-niv-visarenew.asp ?
I have already set an appointment and I don't see any instructions for dropping-off documents. thanks!
anonymous, it is my understanding that you can apply for waiver of appearance and send your documents via the courier, only if you meet the requirements... if you're under 14 years old or age 79/older on the day of your appointment.
ReplyDeleteAnonymous, on may 22. it's best to contact the embassy.
ReplyDeletemy husband will have his interview on jul 13. granting that he will be given a visa (his passport with an unexpired 10-yr visa got lost), can he pick it up from the courier's ofc on or before jul 18? we are temporarily booked for peru on the 18th and needs a transit visa to the us.
ReplyDelete