Filipinos that are holders of multiple entry visas to the United States of America (USA) can expect faster processing of their visa renewals with the launching of the Visa Reissuance Program (VRP) by the US Embassy in Manila. The visa must be valid for at least five years to be eligible for this new program. The VRP is part of the continuing efforts of US Embassy in Manila to improve its customer service.

Under the VRP, a Filipino citizen with a valid tourist visa (B1/B2) can apply for re-issuance of the visa within 12 months of its expiration date. According to the US Embassy, applicants for VRP will be given a priority appointment date and time to know when they need to personally appear at the Consular Section of the Embassy. The personal appearance is required only for the submission of valid passport, application confirmation page, and for the digital scanning of their fingerprints.

Usually, an interview with a consular officer will not be necessary. Successful applicants can expect to receive their passports and the new U.S. visa a week after submission of requirements. The fee for the US visa is still USD140 and no additional payment will be required for VRP appointment.

The new VRP is expected to significantly reduce the processing time for US visa reissuance applications.

Who are qualified for the VRP

• A Philippines passport holder.
• Have previously been issued, in Manila, a full-validity visa (a visa good for five or ten years).
• Visa is still valid or has expired within the last twelve months.
• Have in possession all of the passports covering the entire period of time since the full-validity visa is received.
• Have not been refused a U.S. visa in the last twelve months.
• Visa is not annotated "clearance received".
• Have not ever stayed in the U.S. longer than 6 months (even if the Department of Homeland Security approved the extension of stay).
• Have not ever been arrested or convicted for any offense or crime, even if subject of a pardon.
• Can provide the visa control number from the visa.

The complete details of the Visa Reissuance Program are available here: http://manila.usembassy.gov/wwwh3024.html.

For inquiries, one can contact the call center at (02) 982-5555, open from 8 am to 8 pm, Monday through Friday.