U.S. Seafarers Visa (SeaVRP) Application Guide to Manning Agencies - Seafarer Visa Reissuance Program (SeaVRP)

All manning agencies must submit the electronic application (DS-160) form for applicants "not later than five business days (Weekends, PH & US holidays excluded)" before the appointment date.

Manning agencies must cancel an appointment not later than 5 calendar days before the scheduled appointment date. 

Please consult the U.S. Embassy holiday calendar to identify which days the office will close for business.

In addition, the U.S. embassy would like to reiterate the importance of complying with their appointment cancellation policy. Manning agencies must cancel an appointment not later than 5 calendar days before the scheduled appointment date.  Upon failure to cancel an appointment as required by our policy resulting in a no-show, the MRV fee receipt will be locked for 5 calendar days.

Below you will find answers to our most frequently asked questions:

Applicants who do not comply with these requirements will not be admitted to the interview.  They will be required to schedule a new appointment fully consistent with our policies .

• My seafarer's visa was issued in March 2013 and expired in March 2018. Is he/she qualified for SeaVRP?

No. Applicants with U.S. visas that have expired more than 12 months ago now require an in-person interview.  An official notification was sent to all accredited seafaring agencies regarding this matter.

• Why are appointment wait times so long?

We currently have a high demand for all types of U.S. visas.  When a cancellation of appointment is done in a timely manner, it opens an appointment slot and it will be made available to those who needs it.  Please check our appointment calendar regularly to see if new slots have opened up. Thank you for your understanding in this matter.

• I am having technical problems with the appointment system. What should I do?

For applicant's incorrect information entry on appointment booking, MRV fee receipt, appointment schedule or any other technical errors, please send an email to support-philippines@ustraveldocs.com or call our call center.  Effective October 6, 2019, the Visa Application Services call center numbers will be (02)8548-8223 and (02)7792-8988.  If calling from U.S. mainland: 703-520-2235

• My seafarer's visa was approved, but we have not yet received it. How can I check the status of his/her visa?

We receive a large number of inquiries regarding the status of individual seafarers on a daily basis. For inquiries on approved visas, please contact 2GO courier. If your seafarer was approved but has not received his/her passport after 14 days, you may email us at MNLNIVSea@state.gov.

• My seafarer's visa is in 221g (administrative processing) status. How can I check the status of his/her visa?

Applicants whose visas were refused under 221g (administrative processing) can now check the status of their application online. Please click this link, https://ceac.state.gov/CEACStatTracker/Status.aspx?eQs=WwjqOlbeRYzCYubaSQI+RA==.  If your seafarer's control number is not posted, you may email us at MNLNIVSea@state.gov, 15 days after their interview.  

• My seafarer needs to join his/her ship immediately. Can he/she get an expedited appointment?

Unfortunately, no. Due to high demand for visa appointments, the U.S. embassy cannot expedite appointments for seafarers. Please book appointments as far in advance as possible to avoid delays.

• My seafarer has already been approved and needs to join his/her ship immediately. Can the processing of his/her passport be expedited?

Unfortunately, no. Due to the high volume of visas processed on a daily basis, the U.S. embassy cannot expedite the processing or release of passports. Please book appointments as far in advance as possible to avoid delays.

• Where can I find information about Manning Agency accreditation and renewal?

Please click this link for information, https://ph.usembassy.gov/visas/nonimmigrant-visas/manning-accreditation/.

• What are the appointment time slots for seafarers?

o       1:00pm – first time seafarers/visa expired more than 12 months (C1/D), B1 (OCS) and B1 Yacht

o       1:15pm – first time seafarers/visa expired more than 12 months (C1/D), B1 (OCS) and B1 Yacht

o       12:00pm – SeaVRP12 qualified applicants only

o       7:20 am every Wednesday – Seafarers for Non-Accredited Manning Agency

• If I select the wrong time slot, can my seafarer still be granted an interview?

No. It is the responsibility of the manning agency to select the correct time slot for its seafarers. Only seafarers qualified for their time slots will be accommodated. Seafarers who are not qualified for their time slots will be asked to rebook their appointments.

• What are the qualifications for the Seafarer Visa Reissuance Program (SeaVRP)?

The SeaVRP program is intended to alleviate the burden of interview for seafarers who are qualified. Please find the SeaVRP requirements in this link, https://ph.usembassy.gov/visas/nonimmigrant-visas/seavrp/