Renew My Visa (C1/D)

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Overview

The Nonimmigrant Visa Unit manages the Seafarer Visa Reissuance Interview Waiver Program (SeaVRP) that allows accredited manning agency to renew C1/D or B1-OCS visas without having seafarer visa applicants appear at the U.S. Embassy for an interview.  If they meet the following interview waiver qualifications, their accredited manning agency can facilitate the processing of their visa application. Upon completion of the application requirements, the visa application must be submitted by the manning agency’s authorized liaison officer to the Nonimmigrant Visa Unit, U. S. Embassy in the Philippines.

Qualifications

Seafarer visa applicants may qualify for interview waiver under the SeaVRP (C1/D) program and will not need to schedule an appointment if they answer “YES” to all the following questions.

  1. I am a Philippine passport holder;
  2. I have been previously issued a full-validity (5 years) C1/D visa that is either still valid or has expired within the last 48 months;
  3. I have no visa refusal in any visa class since the last issuance;
  4. I have no criminal history, and;
  5. I am affiliated with an accredited manning agency.

 **Note: If a seafarer visa applicant answers “YES” to the questions above but was found to be ineligible for SeaVRP Interview Waiver service, the application will be returned to his/her manning agency via courier, and s/he will be required to schedule a visa interview.  Please carefully review all eligibility criteria.  

 B1-OCS applicants are also eligible for consideration provided they meet the above guidelines for their B1-OCS visa and possess a valid U.S. Coast Guard letter.  However, B1-Yacht applicants and B1-Dry Dock workers will be required to undergo an interview with a consular officer and are not eligible to participate in the SeaVRP program at this time

How to Apply

Step 1: Pay the visa application fee vie the website link at Bank and Payment Options/Pay My Visa Fee.

Step 2: Complete the DS 160 form via the website link at Nonimmigrant Visa Electronic Application (DS-160) form. After completing the form, print and save your confirmation page.  

Step 3: Register an account via the website link at New User Registration.

If a seafarer visa applicant meets the criteria and qualify for an interview waiver submission, s/he will receive an interview waiver confirmation letter that includes a document checklist. It is important to print two copies of the interview waiver confirmation letter (one for personal record keeping and the other to be submitted with the visa application).  

Accredited manning agencies will submit their seafarer visa applicant’s passport along with the specified documents listed on the confirmation letter, at the U.S. Embassy Monday thru Friday at 11:00 am. The manning agency should email to MNLNIVSEA@state.gov  the list of applicants two days prior the actual submission of application. The list must include applicant’s name, CEAC number, date of birth, passport number and date of expiration for the most recently expired visa. The manifest must be in alphabetical order by last name.

Please remember to include: 

  • Interview Waiver Confirmation Letter;
  • Confirmation page of the DS-160, link at Nonimmigrant Visa Electronic Application (DS-160) Form; 
  • A passport valid for travel to the United States with a validity date of at least six months beyond the applicant’s intended period of stay in the United States;
  • The old passport containing the most recently issued visa;
  • One (1) photo, in color, in white background, unretouched, size 2”x2” inch on glossy paper, taken within the last six (6) months, in neutral facial expression, and with both eyebrows and ears exposed. Photo guidelines can be accessed via link at S. Visa Photo Guidelines. Important: Please do not submit the same photograph that appears on your previous visa. Failure to submit a valid photograph will delay the processing of your visa application; 
  • Guarantee Letter from the applicant’s manning agency.
  • For B1-OCS visa applications, also include U.S. Coast Guard letter.

 Please ensure that all the above items are included in your Interview Waiver application.  Failure to include all requested items, including a new photo and DS-160 application, will result in the return of the visa application via courier.  

 Step 4: Manning agency’s authorized liaison officer must submit their visa applicant’s documents for Interview Waiver service at the Nonimmigrant Visa Unit, U.S. Embassy in the Philippines.

 Step 5: If a seafarer visa application is approved, the passport and visa will be delivered to the seafarer’s manning agency.   

 Note: Using the interview waiver service does not guarantee visa issuance.  In some cases, you may be required to appear for a visa interview at the U.S. Embassy.  If the submitted application is incomplete, inaccurate, or does not meet the specified criteria, we will return your application via courier, prompting you to schedule an interview. It's advisable to submit your application well in advance of your intended travel date to accommodate the potential need for a visa interview.