Biometrics in Manila no available slots

[MarkerOne 10]

Hello everyone, it seems like many people are having problems findings available slot open for their VAC OFC in Manila for Photo and Fingerprints. I called the US Embassy Manila and they were of no help. Embassy interview on March 20th and until now on the OFC Manila nothing is available until April. Here is my question, what if we go the interview without the Biometrics would they hold the visa until the biometrics received?  

[Edward and Jaycel 887]

I would imagine they would give you a 221g "refusal" pending the attendance of the biometrics appointment

[Edward and Jaycel 887]

Please keep this thread updated so that others in the future can benefit!  

[MarkerOne 10]

I will do that. TY!

[MarkerOne 10]

wow!!! I can't believe it , just went back to check on the OFC MANILA and they just opened many slots...So happy we booked one for Saturday the 1st  at 10:30 AM. 

So, if anyone reading this please check the OFC MANILA again. Thank you guys for your support here. 😀

[clemente 0]

I don't know how you were able to obtain an interview appointment in Manila without completing the biometric. It is clearly instructed that medical and biometric must be done before making an interview appointment. Interview appointments are made at the VAC center following the biometric completion. 

In my case I'm also facing the "No Slot" scenario. I call it playing the slot machine.  I made an appointment online through their portal. My fiance showed up for the appointment only to be turned down without a confirmation letter of appointment. This is the part I missed somehow.  There was no letter sent via email nor postal. I did not see a message on the portal after completing the schedule that a letter of confirmation will be sent. How will I know the appointment was scheduled? After sending a message to the service center about the missing letter, they responded that there was no appointment pending and to reschedule.  It's clear to me that they did not bother to check further nor provided me instructions to prevent this from happening again. I even attached the screenshot image showing the appointment.  If anyone who successfully made an appointment please share how you completed the scheduling. This new system only develops stress for applicants. Be warned if you are a new user.  Be ready to play the Slot Machine and multi step login process. The captcha does not work on the first attempt. Be careful to select a simple answer to security questions. This could save you headaches. Also another issue is browser compatibility. Safari is not supported. I'm using Google Chrome. Now they are saying Windows 11 is out and that Edge is to be used.  In my opinion, whoever created this new visa application system should be fired for not overseeing the issue that many applicants are facing. This system is unfair to all waiting to apply by allowing others to cut in line. After all, nothing is new. My process from 1-129F to this point has been under a system of waiting not under a system of first come first serve basis. This is what they say clearly but is  not actually the case. It is case specific. So  many are processed ahead of yours. These are applicants who applied after you did.  So far, my journey has taken 2 years and 2 months. It's been a painstaking  journey. At this point I can only  expect more issues along the way to the end until she's in my arms. I am so thankful in my prayers that my fiance and I are still together.  If someone reading this post has an influence to change this entire system, you have my support.  This terrible service to citizens of the United States is disrespectful and can not be tolerated. The biggest problem with this system is its lack of transparency.

 

[maryaaaa 48]

The embassy is aware of this situation, and it has been like this for nearly a month now  Some proceeded with the interview and was able to do biometrics at the embassy in exchange for a lil bit of nag from the staff 

 😪 Just bring that screenshot as a proof that there's no slot available.

 

I hope they open slots soon so you can secure ♥

[Sophie Peralta 0]

Hi there! Newbie here  I was sent an email from Manila IV Info saying "Complete the biometrics and photo collection process at the Visa Application Center (VAC) before your visa interview " and I made a profile on this website (https://www.usvisascheduling.com/en-US/.). However, when I reached the schedule appointment portion, no slots were available. My question is: in the event that I magically chance upon a slot, is the appointment referring to the Biometrics taking only? or is this the actual Interview already? I'm just a bit confused and hesitant since I haven't done my Medical requirements yet. I know that I should have it done before the interview, but should it be done even before the biometrics schedule? Would appreciate any insight or help! Thank you so much

[maryaaaa 48]

Refers to both biometrics and embassy interviews. 🙂

 

If they will magically open slots, after you secure your biometric schedule you will be prompted to the next calendar which is consular booking. 
 

There have been no slots for about 6 weeks now. 
 

Ideally medical should be done before the interview. VAC don’t ask about medical completion status. There were applicants sent home because medical was not completed. There are also some that were allowed (like me). I guess it depends upon the mood of the consul.

 

Though, the consul confirmed and mentioned medical not done yet is "normal". I guess they are aware how difficult it is to secure biometrics and consular appointments.

Edited Tuesday at 06:44 AM by maryaaaa

[RufusDawes 21]

You have book both the VAC and USEM appointments at the same time, if you just book VAC only the system will cancel it.

We just have to wait it out... it was like this in September, then one day USEM opened up 1000 slots and everyone could book.

I am hoping we are close to another batch of slot openings coming soon.

[igreenwood 0]

So I hear that maybe 1000 slots just suddenly open up randomly and I also read that the lack of slots was a problem in September. How long was this a problem in September? Have there been any other mass openings since February 3rd? What time of day (Philippines time) is this happening? The Visa Service Center has been less than unhelpful and I am extremely nervous about being able to get an interview at this point.

On December 13th I received a notice from the NVC that my request to expedite my case was approved by the Embassy in Manila. I never requested the expedite. This also means I never received the interview date from the NVC. Then the Embassy sent me an instruction email and told me to book a VAC appointment and an Interview appointment, but like so many others on here, there are no slots available and they of course didn't provide an interview appointment. 

How long did it take some of you to successfully book a Biometrics appointment and get an interview once you got to this stage?

[maryaaaa 48]

8 hours ago, igreenwood said:

So I hear that maybe 1000 slots just suddenly open up randomly and I also read that the lack of slots was a problem in September. How long was this a problem in September? Have there been any other mass openings since February 3rd? What time of day (Philippines time) is this happening? The Visa Service Center has been less than unhelpful and I am extremely nervous about being able to get an interview at this point.

On December 13th I received a notice from the NVC that my request to expedite my case was approved by the Embassy in Manila. I never requested the expedite. This also means I never received the interview date from the NVC. Then the Embassy sent me an instruction email and told me to book a VAC appointment and an Interview appointment, but like so many others on here, there are no slots available and they of course didn't provide an interview appointment. 

How long did it take some of you to successfully book a Biometrics appointment and get an interview once you got to this stage?

 

I started looking November 2024. They opened few slots in December and January then mass opening around February second week. I was able to secure my 02/24 interview last December around midnight like 3am ish out of nowhere.