Manila, Philippines interview preparation

Post-specific requirements

The following is a post-specific summary based on the official DOS supplement PDF for the U.S. Embassy Manila (MNL), last updated January 27, 2026. All claims below are sourced from that document. Applicants should always verify requirements against the current PDF before their appointment. Failure to complete all four steps before the Embassy appointment may result in the consular section requiring you to reschedule for a later date.

Step 1. Online registration

Before the interview, all applicants must register online at www.ustraveldocs.com/ph/en, create a profile, and schedule a biometrics (photo and fingerprints) appointment at the Visa Application Center (VAC). VAC address: Parqal Building 8, Level 3, Diosdado Macapagal Blvd, Tambo, Paranaque, Metro Manila. Hours: Monday to Friday 7:00 AM to 4:00 PM; Saturday 7:00 AM to 11:00 AM. The VAC appointment must be scheduled before the Embassy interview date; failure to do so results in cancellation of the visa interview. Bring to the VAC appointment: VAC appointment letter, interview appointment notification, DS-260 confirmation, and valid passport.

Interview day logistics

• Cell phones and other electronic devices are not permitted inside the Embassy.
• Only persons listed on the visa appointment letter may enter the Embassy. Petitioners are not required to attend. Attorneys are not permitted in the waiting room or at interviews.
• Permitted companions: one interpreter (if not fluent in English or Filipino), one special-needs assistant, or a parent/legal guardian for minor children.
• The Embassy has no storage for personal items; leave electronics and valuables at home.
• Fees must be paid in U.S. dollars or Philippine pesos (cash or credit card only).
• Do not make non-refundable travel arrangements until the immigrant visa is received.

Medical examination

The authorized panel physician is St. Luke's Medical Center Extension Clinic (SLEC), 1177 J. Bocobo St., Ermita, Manila. Tel: (+632) 8521-0020. Schedule the exam at least two weeks before the interview date. Medical examination results from other physicians will not be accepted. Bring to the exam: SLEC appointment confirmation, visa interview letter, valid passport and copy, immunization records, DS-260 confirmation page. After the exam, SLEC will either give you a sealed envelope to carry to your interview (do not open it) or send results directly to the Embassy. X-ray images must be carried when you travel to the United States for the first time.

Documents to bring

Upload documents via CEAC portal before the interview and bring originals. Required for all applicants: interview appointment letter; valid unexpired passport (valid 6 months beyond intended U.S. entry date); one photograph (for applicants under age 14); DS-260 confirmation page; original birth certificate with English translation (Philippine-born applicants: from the Philippine Statistics Authority / PSA); police certificate (NBI Clearance from clearance.nbi.gov.ph) for all applicants over age 16, requested with AKA including maiden name, birth certificate name, and any aliases; military records with English translation (if applicable); court and criminal records with English translation (if applicable). Family-based applicants: Form I-864 Affidavit of Support for each financial sponsor; most recent IRS transcript or tax return plus W-2s; proof of petitioner's U.S. status and domicile; evidence of relationship; original marriage certificate with English translation (PSA copy for Philippine marriages); proof of termination of prior marriages. Employment-based (E2, E3, EW): job offer letter dated less than one year ago; nurse and physical therapist applicants have additional credential requirements.

Post-specific notes

• Applicants must secure two separate appointments: (1) the VAC biometrics appointment, and (2) the Embassy interview appointment.
• Only St. Luke's Medical Center Extension Clinic (SLEC) is an authorized panel physician. Results from other physicians will not be accepted.
• Philippine-born applicants must obtain their birth certificate from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) specifically.
• NBI Clearance must be requested with AKA including maiden name, birth certificate name, and any aliases.