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CONSULAR FOCUS: MANILA, PHILIPPINES
Telephone Number:	(63)(2) 521-7116

FAX Number:		(63)(2) 522-4803

Telex:			(722)(27)(366)

Office Hours:		9:00 AM to 6:00 PM, Monday through Friday


Address:			1201 Roxas Blvd.
			APO AP 96440
			Manila, Philippines
Profile: 
A key issue at Manila is fraud, including applicants claiming persons as relatives who are not relatives, married applicants claiming to be single, and photograph substituted or false passports. Consular officials scrutinize all documents. Manila imposes harsh documentary requirements on family based immigrants where parents petition for illegitimate children. Applicants must insure that all statements and documents are complete, accurate and truthful. 
Nonimmigrant Visas: The overall approval rate is approximately 80% 
additional fee for issuance of machine readable visa 
Applications are accepted from 7:00 AM to 11:00 AM, Monday through Friday, except Wednesday, when they are accepted from 7:00 AM to 9:30 AM. Visas are usually issued within two days of approval on a first come- first served basis. 
The consulate uses Form OF-156 and a "Manila Supplement." These forms are retained for one year if the visa is denied and five years if the visa is issued. Manila also uses a supplemental information form for H-1A / H-1B / L-1 visas. The consulate is wary of single young applicants without strong ties to the Philippines or recent college graduates without substantial employment history. 
Immigrant Visas: The overall approval rate is approximately 90% 
Applications by appointment only. Manila accommodates emergency interviews. Interviews are usually scheduled within four to six weeks after an applicant has a current priority date and is reported documentarily qualified. Medical examinations must be completed no later than the day before the interview. Manila often requests additional documents such as a U.S. employer's tax returns for the past three years, or evidence that a family petitioner is still alive. 
Manila imposes harsh documentary requirements on family based immigrants where parents petition for illegitimate children, including photographs of the petitioner with the child, original birth certificates and baptismal records, proof of paternity such as blood tests, and proof of co-residence or financial support. Manila requires that parents complete Form MNL-IV-55, Biographic Questionnaire for Children Born Out of Wedlock.