US Visa Application Center Moved to Parañaque This September

Travellers looking to visit the US have some exciting news! Starting 28 Sep 2024, the US Embassy in the Philippines will streamline its visa application process by opening a brand-new Visa Application Center (VAC) at Parqal Mall in Parañaque City. This development aims to make the process more convenient and accessible for applicants by introducing an updated system for scheduling appointments.

Also read: US Visa vs Schengen Visa: Which One Should Pinoys Do First?

What you need to know about the US Visa Application Center in Parañaque

Image credit: Oytun Kiricioglu via Canva Pro

The new VAC, located at Parqal Building 8, Level 3, will handle key pre-interview steps like photo capture and fingerprint scanning. Under this new setup, applicants seeking both immigrant and nonimmigrant visas will now need to schedule two separate appointments: one at the VAC for biometrics, and the other for the visa interview at the US Embassy on Roxas Boulevard.

The US Embassy emphasises that only those with appointments starting 28 Sep 2024 will need to use the new system. If you already have a scheduled visa interview before that date, you’re in the clear— there's no need to visit the new VAC, and you can proceed directly to the embassy for your appointment as usual.

The new online appointment system, which launches alongside the VAC, promises to be "secure and user-friendly." Applicants will be able to access this system through the US Travel Docs website, using their existing login credentials. Previous records, payment receipts, and appointment information will automatically transfer over, meaning there’s no need to re-register if you’ve already set up an account.

For those simply picking up their passports or dropping off required documents and waivers, there’s no need to schedule an appointment. They can visit the new VAC during operating hours — 7am to 4pm from Monday to Friday, or 7am to 11am on Saturdays.

This new process comes at an opportune time, as Philippine Airlines recently introduced direct flights to Seattle, and United Airlines launched direct routes to San Francisco. These developments, paired with the changes to the visa application process, are set to make travel between the Philippines and the US much more accessible.

Also read: US Visa Renewal For Filipino Tourists: How I Renewed Without Interview!

For more details on the new VAC and the updated visa application process, visit the US Embassy in the Philippines' official website. Keep an eye out for updates, and start planning your US adventure!

Featured image credit: adrian825 via Canva Pro