How to Schedule a U.S. Visa Appointment for Family in the Philippines: Step-by-Step Guide

Dreaming of reuniting with loved ones in the United States? For many Filipino families, getting a U.S. visa means a big step toward a brighter future. Are you a mom, dad, husband, wife, or brother/sister in the Philippines who wants to go to America with your family?

This easy guide shows you how to book your U.S. visa appointment for the whole family.

Table of Contents

We will teach you step by step:

Make your account
Put all family names together
Pick a day for pictures and fingerprints
Pick a day to talk at the U.S. Embassy in Manila

It works for big visas (to live in America forever) and small visas (just to visit).

Everything here is new for 2024 and 2025. Follow these simple steps, and you won’t make big mistakes. Let’s start and bring your family closer to America! Let’s make your family’s journey smooth and stress-free.

Why Filipino Families Are Turning to U.S. Visas More Than Ever

Before we dive into the how-to, let’s look at why this matters. In 2024, over 1.2 million Filipinos visited the U.S., up 15% from the year before, according to the U.S. Department of Commerce. Many of those trips led to family reunions that turned into permanent stays. For families, visas like the IR-1 for spouses or the F-2A for children offer hope. Right now, many people want U.S. visas in Manila. The wait for the big talk (interview) is very short, only about 2 weeks!

Big news for 2024 and 2025: Everyone now needs two days, not one.

First day: Go to the VAC center. They take your picture and fingerprints (we call this biometrics).
Second day: Go to the U.S. Embassy in Manila. You talk to the officer about your visa.

This is true for big visas (to live in America) and small visas (like tourist B-1/B-2).

You book both days on the same website: USTravelDocs Philippines. All family members can see their days in one account. It is easier and safer this way!

Think of Maria, a mom from Quezon City. She scheduled U.S. visa appointments for her family, herself, her husband, and her two kids for a spouse visa. “It felt overwhelming at first,” she shares, “but following the steps online saved us weeks of worry.” Stories like hers show it’s doable with the right plan.

Understanding Your Visa Type: Immigrant vs. Nonimmigrant for Families

Not all visas are the same, so pick the right one for your family. There are two big kinds of visas:

1. Family visas to live in America forever

Fast ones (called Immediate Relatives – IR): Spouses and kids under 21 of U.S. citizens. No long wait! You can come soon.
Slow ones: Brothers and sisters (F-4), married kids, or older kids. The Philippines’ wait can be 15 years or more. Check the Visa Bulletin every month to see when your turn comes.

2. Visit visas (you go home after)

B-2: just to visit and travel
F-1: to study in school
H-1B: to work

These visit visas are faster to book! Families can apply together, but each person gets their own visa. The key? Start with the DS-160 or DS-260 form online atceac.state.gov¹.

Visa Type	Best For	Key Family Note
IR-1/CR-1	Spouses of U.S. citizens	Include kids under 21 as derivatives
F-2A	Spouses/kids of green card holders	Priority dates advance slowly
B-1/B-2	Short visits	Show strong ties to the Philippines to return
F-1	Students	Parents can apply for a B-2 to visit

This table helps you spot the fit. Always verify on the U.S. Embassy Manila visas page for the latest.

Step-by-Step: How to Schedule a U.S. Visa Appointment for Family in the Philippines

Ready to act? Here’s the full roadmap.

Step 1: Fill out the Online Paper

(Works for big visas and visit visas)

If you want a visit visa → use form DS-160
If you want to live in America forever → use form DS-260

Go to the website: ceac.state.gov. Every person in the family needs their own form. Even little kids!

Easy tips for families:

Use the same email for everyone. This helps you put all names together later.
When you finish, you get a long number. Write it down! It is super important.
Save every person’s number. You will need them when you pick the days.

You are doing great! One step done! Double-check details to match your passport. Errors here delay everything.

Step 2: Pay the Visa Fee.

Fees are non-refundable: $185 for most non-immigrant, $325 for immigrants. Pay online via the USTravelDocs Philippines site or at partners like 7-Eleven.

Families: Pay per person, but one receipt can cover all if paid together.
Pro Tip: Keep the receipt handy; without it, no booking. Call the helpline at (02) 7792-8988 if stuck, open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Manila time.

Step 3: Create a USTravelDocs Profile.

Head to www.ustraveldocs.com/ph/en. Click “Sign Up Now” under Visa Login. Use a strong password and your email. For how to register family profiles on USTravelDocs for a U.S. visa application in the Philippines, add each member’s DS-160/260 number as a “new application.” The system lets you manage them under one login, no need for separate accounts.

How to link family members to one USTravelDocs account for visa scheduling: After creating the main profile, select “Add Applicant” and input their details. This keeps everything organized. First-timers: Verify your email right away. Returning users? Reset if needed.

Step 4: Book Your VAC Biometrics Appointment.

This is new under the embassy and VAC two-step process. The U.S. visa biometrics appointment happens first at the VAC in Parañaque (Parqal Building 8, Diosdado Macapagal Blvd). Slots open Monday-Saturday.

Log in, select “Schedule Appointment,” and choose VAC. Pick a date at least one day before your interview.
For families: Book separate times if possible, but close dates work. Aim for mornings to avoid crowds.
How to schedule a VAC biometrics appointment before a U.S. visa interview in Manila: Search availability often—new slots drop weekly. If none, check back or call support. Bring: Passport, DS-160 confirmation, and fee receipt. No kids’ toys; it’s quick, 10-15 minutes for photos and fingerprints.

Step 5: Schedule the Embassy Interview Now.

Book the U.S. Embassy Manila visa scheduling slot. The embassy is at 1201 Roxas Blvd, Manila.

From your profile, select “New Appointment” for the consular section. Availability? About 0.5 months wait as of December 2025.
Appointment availability in Manila varies; use the “Move Appointment” tool for earlier spots. For immigrant visas from NVC, they’ll email a date, then add the VAC. Families: Minors need a parent; no extra guests allowed.

Step 6: Prepare and Attend Appointments.

Gather docs two weeks early. For what Filipino families need to bring to the U.S. visa biometrics and embassy interviews:

Passport (valid 6 months past U.S. entry).
DS-160 confirmation for the family page.
Birth/marriage certificates from PSA (with English translations).
For family visa application Philippines: CENOMAR for singles over 18, I-864 Affidavit of Support, and relationship proofs like photos. Medical exam at St. Luke’s Extension Clinic (Ermita, Manila) must be two weeks before the interview, book at slec.ph². Costs PHP 4,000-5,000; includes vaccines per CDC rules.

At VAC: Arrive 15 minutes early. No electronics. At Embassy: Expect questions on ties to the Philippines and family plans. Practice with a mock interview. US visa interview preparation includes honest answers; consular officers spot nerves but value clarity.

Step 7: After the Interview—Visa Delivery and Next Steps.

If approved, register for pickup or courier via Visa delivery registration Philippines on USTravelDocs. New in 2025: 2Go Express handles delivery (from August 1). Track online.

Denials? Common for weak ties; reapply after fixing issues.
Visa interview cancellation rules: Allowed twice without fee; more needs explanation.

Common Challenges and How to Fix Them

Booking isn’t always smooth. Common problems when scheduling U.S. visa appointments for families in the Philippines include:

No slots: Refresh daily; slots release Tuesdays.
“Case Number Not Found”: Ensure DS-160 matches exactly.
Family mismatches: Double-check linked profiles.

Quote from the State Department: “We release new appointments regularly; check back often.” Helpline stats show 70% of calls resolve profile issues in one go.

Tips for Success: Making It Easier for Your Family

Start early: How early do I schedule a biometrics appointment for a U.S. visa interview in Manila? At least 3 weeks ahead.
Use lists:
1. Checklist app for docs.
2. Family meeting to review forms.
3. Backup internet for online steps.
For kids: Bring snacks, explain it’s like a doctor’s visit. Link to family balance: As you prep, remember tools like how to balance work and family life to keep stress low during waits.

How to Schedule a U.S. Visa Appointment for Family in the Philippines: Special Tips for Immigrant Visas

Deeper dive for family preference and employment visa categories. Upload docs to the CEAC portal first: birth certs, police clearances (NBI for Filipinos). For F-4 siblings, wait times hit 23 years per the Visa Bulletin for November 2025. Easy Way to Book U.S. Visa Days for the Whole Family in Manila

Now everyone needs two days:

VAC day (pictures and fingerprints)
Embassy day (big talk)

How to book for mom, dad, and kids all together:

Make one account on USTravelDocs.
Add every family member to that account.
Pick VAC days first. You can book many people at the same time.
After VAC is done, book the Embassy interview days.
One login shows all family days. Super easy to see!

What papers to bring to the Embassy (real ones only – no photocopies!):

Birth certificates
Marriage certificate
Passport for everyone
Sponsor’s tax papers (real ones)
All the papers they asked for

No more one-day visits. Now it is two days for everyone. But it is safe and faster for families! You can do it! This cut processing errors by 20%, per embassy reports.

Nonimmigrant Paths: Quick Visits for the Whole Crew

For tourists, how to book a U.S. visa biometrics and interview appointment for my family in the Philippines mirrors the above, but emphasizes return plans. B-2 approvals hit 85% for Filipinos in 2024. Manila U.S. visa requirements include proof of funds and an itinerary. Passport and fingerprinting process: VAC handles prints; embassy verifies. Families: Book kids’ slots with parents.

Beyond Scheduling: Full U.S. Visa Processing Steps Philippines

From start to finish:

Petition (I-130 for families).
NVC review (6-12 months).
Scheduling (as above).
Interview and decision (1-2 weeks post).
Entry with a visa stamp.

The US Embassy Manila appointment system uses AI for faster matching. Stats: 500,000+ processed yearly in Manila.

How to Schedule a U.S. Visa Appointment for Family in the Philippines: Handling Delays and Reschedules

Waits frustrated, Manila’s backlog grew 10% in 2025 due to demand. The visa appointment booking system lets you reschedule up to twice for free. For emergencies (school starts, funerals), request expedites via email with proof. Success rate: 40% for valid cases.

Preparing Your Family: Emotional and Practical Side

Visas change lives. Share stories: “Our first U.S. trip as a family healed old distances,” says Juan from Cebu. Prep with family, where life begins, and love never ends vibes, focus on bonds. US visa process update 2024: Philippines added security, but families report smoother flows.

FAQs

Can one parent book the U.S. visa for the kids, too?

Yes! Mom or Dad can make an account on USTravelDocs. Then add the kids’ names and link everyone together. It is faster and easier this way.

How much money do we pay for a family of four?

The visa fee is about $185 for each person. So for mom, dad, and two kids, it is around $740. Some families pay an extra $555 for help. The total is usually about $1,300. You also pay for the doctor’s check-up later.

How do we cancel or change the appointment?

Open your account on USTravelDocs. Click “Reschedule” or “Cancel.” Read the rules first. If you cancel too late, you may lose money. Do it early if plans change.

All the slots are full! How can we get a U.S. visa appointment in the Philippines for our family?

Check the website every day, morning and night. New slots open all the time. You can also call the help phone number. Keep trying and pray. Many families get slots when they check often!

Do my kids need their own doctor visit?

Yes! Every person, even small babies, must go to St. Luke’s Medical Center for their own check-up. Book early because many families go there. Bring snacks and toys so the kids stay happy.

More onTravel.State.govsupplements for Manila³.

Conclusion

You now know how to book U.S. visa days for your whole family in the Philippines! From making one easy account on USTravelDocs to picking the two days and bringing the right papers, every little step brings you closer to America.

Soon you will hug your family there, see new places, and make happy memories. You are almost there! Keep going, your big dream is coming true! Stay patient; over 80% of prepared families succeed. You’ve got this; your family’s story in America awaits. What’s one worry holding you back from starting today?