By Roy Mabasa
Given the significant worldwide challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, the United States Embassy in the Philippines on Tuesday announced the cancellation of all immigrant and non-immigrant visa interviews scheduled through July 31, 2020.
The announcement was in response to the US State Department’s suspension of routine visa services at all US Embassies and Consulates around the world.
“As resources allow, embassies and consulates will continue to provide emergency visa services. We will resume routine visa services as soon as possible, but are unable to provide a specific date at this time,” the State Department said in an advisory posted on its social media account.
Once the visa services resume, the US Embassy advised all affected applicants to reschedule their visa interviews through the Embassy call center by phone at +63 (2) 7792-8988 and +63 (2) 8548-8223, or through the online appointment system at ustraveldocs.com/ph.
It also reminded applicants that there is no fee to change an appointment, and visa application fees are valid for one year in the country where the fee was paid.
The US Embassy first cancelled all its visa interview services last March when the Philippine government placed the entire Luzon, including Metro Manila, under the Enhanced Community Quarantine status to prevent the spread of COVID-19.