Showing posts with label US Visa. Show all posts
Showing posts with label US Visa. Show all posts

My Step-By-Step Guide on How to Renew a US Tourist Visa Without Interview (2022 update)

September 8, 2022

My Step-By-Step Guide on 
How to Renew a US Tourist Visa Without Interview 
 
(2022 update) 


First, you have to find out if you are eligible for visa renewal without interview. The criteria are as follows:


Eligibility Criteria for Interview Waiver Applicants: 

If you can answer “yes” to all the following questions, you may qualify for our Interview Waiver and will not need to schedule an appointment for an interview at the U.S. Embassy. 

**Please note: if you answer YES to the below questions but are found to be ineligible for Interview Waiver service, your application will be returned to you via courier, and you will be required to schedule a visa interview.  Please read all eligibility criteria carefully. If applying as a family, all family members must meet eligibility criteria. 

Eligibility Criteria for Interview Waiver Applicants:

  • I have a previous B1/B2 visa that I wish to renew;
  • My prior visa was valid for ten (10) years;
  • My prior visa is still valid or has expired within the last 48 months;
  • I have in my possession my passport with my previous visa from the same visa category for which I now wish to apply;
  • My name, date of birth, and gender on my last visa are the same (If there is name change due to marriage or annulment, I can provide documentary proof); **
  • My most recent visa was issued on or after my 14th birthday; ***
  • The last time I applied for a visa it was approved;
  • I have not requested an extension or change of status through USCIS. 

**Submit an original copy of Marriage Certificate or Declaration of Nullity of Marriage issued by Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), whichever is applicable.

***For applicants under the age of 14 and over 79 years of age should check here.


HOW TO APPLY


STEP 1. Have your photo taken.

Have your photo taken at Great Image. We use Great Image everytime we apply for a visa, whether it's for a US visa, Japan visa, or Korea visa. They have been very reliable. Just tell them that the photo is for US visa purposes so they know what to do. Make sure to request GLOSSY. The interview waiver confirmation letter checklist specifies that the photo should be glossy. The package costs 269 pesos. 

There is no dress code mentioned but wear decent clothes. To be safe, we wore clothes that has a collar and sleeves. 

Here is the link on the photo requirement: https://www.ustraveldocs.com/ph/ph-niv-photoinfo.asp

To summarize, you need to request the ff. from Great Image: 

(1) 2 pcs 2 x 2 US visa photo in GLOSSY photo paper - You need 2 pcs to submit to the US Embassy together with your passports and interview waiver confirmation letter. 

(2) soft copy - to be downloaded in your phone. You need a soft copy you can upload to your DS-160 application forms. 

My tip: Do this first because you cannot submit your DS-160 without uploading your photo. 


STEP 2. Pay the visa fee.

The tourist visa is US$160. You pay it in the local currency of the location where you are applying. If you're applying in the Philippines, you pay its peso equivalent as determined HERE. Take note of the peso amount and until when it is valid. You must pay the correct amount within the date stated as the deadline. When exchange rate is volatile, the peso equivalent changes every week. 

This means that you should pay 9600 pesos by August 15.



Check out US Visa Bank and Payment Options/Pay My Visa Fee for primary information on how to pay the visa fee.

You can pay in 2 ways:

1. Over-the counter at RCBC. 
Go to this site: Bank and Payment InformationClick the Deposit Slip - $160 MRV Fee link to retrieve your US visa deposit slip with the RECEIPT NUMBER. Then go to any RCBC branch to pay the visa fee. 

Below is a sample US Visa fee deposit slip with instructions. Note that you have 5 days from the time you generate the deposit slip to make the payment. The deposit slip expires. Therefore you must take note of the expiration date indicated in the upper right hand corner of the deposit slip. To generate the deposit slip, you need to click Deposit Slip - $160 MRV Fee link then print and bring to the bank. 



After you have paid the visa application fee, keep the bank receipt for your records. It cannot be replaced if it is lost. You will not be able to schedule an appointment without listing down your receipt number when you submit your application online. 


2. Online
If you have an online account, you can make an online payment via Pesonet.  
Go to this site: Bank and Payment Information. The peso equivalent as determined HERE. Take note of the peso amount and until when the current exchange rate is valid. You must pay online the correct pesos amount within the date stated as the deadline. When exchange rate is volatile, the peso equivalent changes every week. 




Log in to your online account online and make payment as indicated above. 

STEP 3. Fill up the Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application (DS-160).

You can find the form HERE .







MY TIPS : 

1. Make sure to remember your APPLICATION ID at the start of your application so you can retrieve and continue filling up your application in case you don't finish it in one sitting.


2. Prepare the digital copy of your photo. Uploading the digital photo is the last stage of the the process before submitting the DS-160 form online. You cannot submit and digitally sign your application forms without the photo. 

Important things to take not of when filling out the DS-160, which may have a persuasive effect on your visa application.

1. Your current status, whether employed, or self-employed, studying, or retired. This will determine whether you have enough ties that bind you to the Philippines. 

2. Your last 5 visits to the United States. You must visit the US at least once during  the validity of your previous 10 year visa. Otherwise, the consul will think twice about issuing you a new one if you didn't even use the old visa. 

3. Countries you visited in the last 5 years. It's a plus if you visited other countries in the last 5 years. It shows you're a legitimate tourist and always returns to the Philippines after visiting other countries.

4. The identifier of your social media accounts, like Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn, YouTube etc., you used for the past 5 years. They will be looking into what you have publicly posted in the past 5 years, and whether you have views that may pose danger to the US. 

These are the social media platforms mentioned in the DS-160



5. The email addresses and mobile numbers you used in the past 5 years. 


STEP 4. Create an Account to be able to retrieve the Interview Waiver Letter




Once you have created your account, log in then click New Application/Schedule Appointment on the upper left hand corner and continue answering the questions as shown in ff screenshots below. 





The screenshot below is where you input your DS-160 confirmation number. 




The following questions in the screenshot below determines whether you are eligible for interview waiver. 











Indicate here whether you want to have your visa documents delivered to you.


The amount indicated here may be different from the amount you paid. Don't worry. As long as you paid the correct conversion rate on the day that said conversion date is valid, your payment will be accepted.


This is where you input your receipt number



This is the interview waiver confirmation letter 




This is what your dashboard looks like after submitting everything. 







STEP 5. Gather all documents to be sent to the US embassy via LBC.

CHECKLIST OF THE ITEMS YOU NEED TO SUBMIT:





1. Interview waiver confirmation letter Valid passport
2. DS-160 Confirmation Page
3. Two 2x 2 photographs taken within the last six months printed on glossy paper
4. Valid passport
5. Old passport with previous B1/B2 visa


STEP 6. Bring the documents to LBC.

Note that not all LBC outlets receive these US Visa documents. Only specific ones listed below can receive the US visa documents.




If you wish to drop off your visa documents for free, go to the LBC Mall of Asia branch. 

If you wish to drop off your visa documents at an accredited LBC outlet near you, other than the LBC Mall of Asia branch, you pay 440 pesos upon submission of the documents 

This is what you should put on the label.



The documents will be delivered to the US Embassy the day after dropping it off at an accredited LBC branch.

You can track your documents by logging in at https://cgifederal.secure.force.com/applicant home

The following status will appear on your dashboard after bringing your documents to the LBC:






When you see the status shown below it means it's out for delivery. Make sure to leave an authorization letter if you're not available to receive it and the 440 pesos to be paid to the courier. LBC does not text the recipient on the day the passports are to be delivered







STEP 7. ARRIVAL OF THE PASSPORTS WITH THE US VISA

From our experience, the longest time from document drop off at LBC to delivery to our residence is 8 calendar days. The shortest time is 5 calendar days. 

The item encircled in red is the cash amount to be paid upon delivery.

2 passports are returned to the applicant: the valid passport with the new 10-year B1/B2 visa and the old passport with the previous B1/B2 visa.







My Step-By-Step Guide on How to Renew a US Tourist Visa Without Interview

September 30, 2017

My Step-By-Step Guide 
on 
How to Renew a US Tourist Visa Without Interview



Link to 2022 update: http://www.pinoyroadtrip.com/2022/09/how-to-renew-us-tourist-visa-without-interview-2022-update.html

First, you have to find out if you are eligible for visa renewal without interview. The criteria are as follows:


Eligibility Criteria for Drop-Box Applicants: 
  • I have a previous B1/B2 visa that I wish to renew. 
  • My visa was issued after July 1, 2007. 
  • My prior visa was valid for at least five years. 
  • My prior B1/B2 visa is still valid or expired within the last 12 months 
  • I am a citizen of the Philippines. 
  • My prior visa does not say “Clearance Received” or “Travel with Employer”. 
  • I have my passport with my B1/B2 visa in my possession
  • My most recent visa was issued on or after my 14th birthday. 
  • The last time I applied for a B1/B2 visa it was approved.

HOW TO APPLY


STEP 1. Have your photo taken.

In my case, I had my photo taken at Great Image. I told them that the photo is for US visa purposes so they know what to do. They charged me 249 pesos and got the photo in 15 minutes. Make sure to get a digital CD copy so you can use the disc to upload the photo when you fill up the DS-160 online application form.


STEP 2. Pay the visa fee.

The tourist visa is US$160. It's peso equivalent at this time is 8320 pesos at the exchange rate of 52 = 1USD. Click HERE   to verify the visa fee amount.

Check out US Visa Bank and Payment Information for primary information on how to pay the visa fee.

To summarize, you can pay 2 ways:

1. Over-the counter at Bank of the Philippine Islands
Go to this site: Bank and Payment Information. Click the Deposit Slip - $160 MRV Fee link to retrieve your US visa deposit slip with the RECEIPT NUMBER. Then go to any Bank of the Philippine Islands branch to pay the visa fee. 

My tip: KEEP THE RECEIPT. You will include a copy of the receipt with all the documents to be sent to the US embassy.



2. Online
If you have a BPI online account, you can pay the visa fee online.
Go to this site: Bank and Payment InformationClick the BPI link under Online Payment to retrieve your REFERENCE NUMBER. 


Log in to your BPI account online and enroll your reference number. Click the Guide to Enrolling Other Bills online 
My tip: After payment, print your payment confirmation. You will include a copy of the payment confirmation with all the documents to be sent to the US embassy.




STEP 3. Fill up the Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application (DS-160).

You can find the form HERE .

My tip: Make sure to remember your APPLICATION ID at the start of your application so you can retrieve and continue filling up your application in case you don't finish it in one sitting.



Prepare the digital copy of your photo. Uploading the digital photo is the last stage of the the process before submitting the DS-160 form online. You cannot submit and digitally sign the DS-160 form without uploading your photo.

Print your DS-160 confirmation page with your photo. You will include this with other documents to be sent to the US embassy.


STEP 4. Register an Account at the US embassy page





You need to create an account because this is where you will input your DS-160 confirmation number so you can retrieve the Dropbox Confirmation Letter. 



NEW FORM!!! Update as of August 6, 2018.

My Tip: Make sure to click "New Application /Schedule Appointment" first and answer questions on what kind of visa you are applying for, etc. BEFORE filling up the "Update Profile" section. Otherwise, if you fill up the "Update Profile" section first, the DS-160 Confirmation Number box WILL NOT APPEAR. You need to fill up that box for the Dropbox confirmation letter to appear. 




You need to input the DS-160 confirmation number in the account you created before a link will appear where you can print the dropbox confirmation letter.





The courier, 2GO Express, will ask for a copy of the dropbox confirmation letter before accepting your documents for delivery to the US embassy.




STEP 5. Gather all documents to be sent to the US embassy via 2GO Express.

CHECKLIST OF THE ITEMS YOU NEED TO SUBMIT:

1. Passports
a. Your current valid passport. 
b. The passport with your most recent B1/B2 visa 
c. All passports issued since the date of your last visa
If you are missing a passport, an affidavit of loss or police report is not acceptable – you will need to schedule an interview.
2. One copy of the Drop-Box Confirmation letter 

3. Two photographs taken within the last six months. 

4. DS-160 Confirmation Page

5. Proof of Payment

STEP 6. Bring the documents to 2GO Express.

No need to pay anything. The visa fee includes the courier fee.


Documents submitted to the US embassy




STEP 7. ARRIVAL OF THE PASSPORTS WITH THE US VISA

FOUR DAYS after submission of the documents, the passport with the new US Tourist Visa (together with all passports submitted) are delivered to the applicant's address.

NOTE: I received my passport 4 days after submission of documents. But I was informed by some people that they received their passports 2 WEEKS  after SUBMISSION of documents. Please take note of this when deciding on when to submit your application for renewal. The embassy do not give an official timetable regarding this service.   



Where to ask your US Tourist Visa Questions

February 20, 2013

VISAtisfied Voyager

Where to ask your US Tourist Visa Questions 

I'm often asked US visa questions by relatives, friends and lately, by readers of my blog. I caution them that I'm not an expert and that my comments are simply personal opinions. They are based on my experiences and my observations of the experiences of others. For lack of people to ask, people resort to my blog or the pinoyexchange forum to shed some light on their personal US visa questions. People want to assess their chances especially since the tourist visa fee is so expensive at $160, or around P6,400.

Since I have experienced going through the tourist visa process and have successfully acquired one (having been a holder of a US visa for at least 30 years), people think I have information that may be able to help them. I share my opinion and my experience but still caution them that I'm not an expert. 

You can ask me US tourist visa questions anytime and I'll still answer them. But there is a much more reliable source that I can share with you.

In August 2011, the  US Embassy in Manila launched a new visa blog where you can pose visa questions direct to the Embassy experts. Below is the official announcement of the US Embassy in Manila: 

U.S. Embassy Launches New Visa Blog:  VISAtisfied Voyager 
The U.S. Embassy in Manila is pleased to announce the launching of its official visa blog, VISAtisified Voyager.  Our blog aims to provide timely and relevant information to members of the public interested in learning about the Nonimmigrant and Immigrant visa processes.  
Each week, blog posts will examine topics relevant to visa applicants.  Readers are welcome to post comments and questions about applying for U.S. visas.  The blog is also a venue for visa applicants to provide feedback and share their experiences when they have applied for a U.S. visa.    
The blog will be moderated by a team of visa experts from the U.S. Embassy’s Nonimmigrant and Immigrant Visa units, and inquirers can expect a quick response to their visa questions.  

With the launch of VISAtisfied Voyager, US Embassy Manila hopes to start a dialogue with applicants and provide them with up-to-date news and information.  Please note, however, that U.S. Embassy Manila will not be able to respond to queries about individual visa applications on VISAtisfied Voyager.   

Questions about individual nonimmigrant visa applications should be directed to consmanilaniv@state.gov.  

Questions about individual immigrant visa applications should be directed to ivmanilareplies@state.gov.    

Secretary of State Hillary Clinton recently noted that the Internet has become the public space of the 21st century, and as the percentage of Filipino internet users increases, we want to be available to them in all forms of media.  The launching of the VISAtisfied Voyager visa blog is part of the U.S. Embassy’s commitment to providing excellent customer service to the thousands of Filipinos who will apply for visas to travel to the United States.  

We invite you to visit VISAtisfied Voyager at http://blogs.usembassy.gov/philippines/.

Where to ask your US tourist visa questions?

Primary Source:
1. By email to consmanilaniv@state.gov
The US embassy cautions that personal queries about individual visa applications cannot be answered by the blog VISAtisfied voyager and directs them to this email address.
The advantage of emailing them direct is you retain confidentiality of your question. Unlike in forums and blogs where other people can see your question.

2. By commenting on a blog post or asking a question related to a blog post at VISAtisfied Voyager at http://blogs.usembassy.gov/philippines/.
First, do a search within the ViSAtisfied Voyager site on the topic of your query. 
Second, after finding the blog post relevant to your query, browse all the questions asked and the answers to the questions.
Third, if you are not satisfied with the answers given to other people commenting in the site, you can pose your own question at the comments section  below the relevant post.
The advantage of using the blog to pose questions is that you can see if the question you're about to ask has been asked already. The disadvantage of using this blog is that questions are not answered immediately.

Secondary source
1. Ask a blog owner with a current post or topic on "How to get a US visa".
The advantage of this is that you get information about the blog owner's personal experience. Depending on how active the blog owner is in updating the blog or answering reader's comments, you may get answers to some of your questions immediately or even faster than the official US embassy site.
The disadvantage of this is that you only see one personal experience. You don't know how current the personal experience is, unless the blog post is dated.
Check out my post How to get a US Tourist Visa

2. Ask a forum
Before I made my most recent trip to the US Embassy to renew my visa, I found the pinoyexchange US visa forum very helpful because it has the most current narration of personal experiences of a great number of people. By knowing about their personal experience, you actually benefit from them. You can ask questions and will immediately get an answer. However, be cautious about this because their statements or answers to your questions are just personal opinions gathered through their personal experience and limited by their own situation. You can rely on it only with respect to what they experienced during the interview and going through the visa process. Their experiences will help prepare you as as to what to expect when you go through the visa process and the interview.