US Embassy changes interview Scheduling process starting September 28th

[Theersink 25]

On 1/22/2025 at 3:40 PM, top_secret said:

What has been happening with CR1/IR1 and some other family category cases at US Embassy Manila for a while now is so called "mass expedites' whereby the embassy has been sending out large batches of unrequested approved expedites as a way of repurposing the expedite system to allow self scheduling of ordinary cases.  It introduces an additional layer of chaos but many CR/IR cases are self scheduling now and the embassy does seem to be making huge inroads into their backlog.   The backlog does now seem to be well under the 8-12 months it was recently. 

I have seen the mass expedites yes. OP was referring to initial process, unless a mass expedite goes out he would not be able to schedule an appointment due to being CR1/IR1. Good to hear the backlog is getting cleared though, our 130 should be done processing soon (March 2024) and both of us are getting anxious to finally be together. 

[MarkerOne 10]

Someone please can reply to this message. My son has immigrant visa interview appointment in Manila on this coming March 20. The problem is we are trying to book an appointment at OFC Manila online  thru the UStravel wibsite for Biometrics, photo and fingerprint but there are no opening until April which is way after the interview date!!  What do I need to do, all them? 

[Todd H 1]

Have you tried to call the Embassy in Manila and ask them if they could help you get an appointment?

[MarkerOne 10]

They are closed over the weekend. I sent email and will call on Monday. Ty@

[Todd H 1]

2 hours ago, MarkerOne said:

They are closed over the weekend. I sent email and will call on Monday. Ty@

 

[Todd H 1]

Calling tip for you.  I called them using this number +63 2 8548 8223 or +63 2 7792 8988

 

It is automated of course.  One of the options, I think it was #3 has an option at the end of the message to speak with someone.  I actually had someone answer within 60 seconds.

[MarkerOne 10]

There are no help. I was told to keep checking for open slot. 😒

 They are making the process in the Philippines difficult. Many people are complaining about finding open slot prior to the interview. We might just go to the interview without the Biometrics and see what they will say. Deny or approve with conditions to submit the Biometrics.  

[MarkerOne 10]

I would like to let everyone who is having problem scheduling OFC MANILA Biometrics appt that they just opened many slots for February, March and April. I just booked mine after checking again to find many openings. Good luck to all.

[Edward and Jaycel 791]

47 minutes ago, MarkerOne said:

I would like to let everyone who is having problem scheduling OFC MANILA Biometrics appt that they just opened many slots for February, March and April. I just booked mine after checking again to find many openings. Good luck to all.

 Great news and thank you for sharing with the forum!