NEWSFLASH

U.S. VISA RENEWAL THROUGH COURIERS

Manila, June 16, 2000 - Beginning June 26, it will be easier to renew one’s U.S. visa, using a a courier for a fee of only P200, the US Embassy said yesterday.

Aside from renewals, applications of those eligible may also be picked up from their homes or offices beginning June 26. But the US Embassy clarified this would not be applicable to first-time applicants or those who had just been denied at least within the last 12 months.

The enhanced drop box system is part of the ongoing efforts of the US Embassy to streamline visa application process.

The drop off is available to the following categories of applicants: B1/B2 (Business/Pleasure) visas who have multiple entry, non-immigrant visa which is valid now or which expired within the last five years; spouse and children (under 20) of an individual holding a valid B1/B2 multiple entry visa which was used for a trip to the US; spouse and minor (20 and under) of an individual currently in H-1B or L-1 status; holders of official or diplomatic passports; employees of preferred companies applying for B1/B2 visas; exchange visitor visa J-1 applicants and spouse and children, and; treaty trader/treatly investor E-1/E-2 applicants and spouse and children.

Also qualified to drop off are students pursuing graduate study or who have travelled to and returned from the US on a non-immigrant visa in the past five years.

F-2 applicants (dependents of students) who will apply through the drop box should enclosed the passport and F1 visa of the principal.

Appointment has to be made through the visa hotline number 1-909-101-000 to arrange for a courier who will pick up the application, receipt of the visa application fee of US$45, passport, and other supporting documents.

The receipt number of the paid visa application fee as well as passport number will also have to be supplied to the operator taking the courier arrangement via a PLDT phone with NDD access with a toll costing P18 per minute excluding calls outside Metro Manila. The hotline is guaranteed open on a 24-hour seven-days a week basis.

The embassy explained visa applicants during the call would be screened by telephone operators for eligibility to use the drop box procedures.

The callers will also be told as to what supporting documentation will be needed to process their application.

Those not eligible to use this service however, will be booked for an interview.

The courier fee in retrieving and sending back the processed visa is non-refundable and will be collected along with packet upon pick-up.