Back in May on the Filipino Journal Facebook Page, we posted commentary about the potential of the US Consulate in offering a US Consular Outreach in Winnipeg for those individuals or families looking to apply for a US Tourist Visa. The response on our Facebook Page including phone calls and emails was overwhelming and also caught the attention of the US Consulate in Calgary.
Last July, in a joint meeting to discuss the matter of a potential outreach service, Ron Cantiveros, publisher of the Filipino Journal met with the US Consulate Winnipeg, Timothy Cipullo (Consul & Principal Officer), and visiting US Consul from Calgary, Richard Hanrahan. Also part of the meeting was Filipino Journal immigration columnist and lawyer, Reis Pagtakhan; Jon Reyes, President of the Manitoba Filipino Business Council and Ellen Natividad also with the Filipino Journal.
Due to the tremendous response from our readership, we discussed the US Visa matters at length and highlighted the similar offering of the Philippine Consulate General Toronto when they visit Winnipeg for their consular outreach visits.
The dream of having a US Consular outreach in Winnipeg is going to continue to be a dream. While the US Embassy recognizes the increasing number of applications for US Visa from Manitoba, there are several factors and huge logistical challenges to ensure proper and secure visa services by a US Consular office. There are IT security measures which require a permanent location and physical infrastructure.
The reality is that visa applicants will still have to travel to a US Embassy/Consulate for the in-person interviews. For Filipinos in Winnipeg, this still means flying/driving to Calgary or Toronto. For Filipinos that have been approved to immigrate to Canada/Manitoba and currently in the Philippines, it was also recommended that they apply at the US Embassy in Manila.
Here are some important points and reminders for anyone applying for a US Visa:
- No interviews needed for certain ages. Check with the embassy/consulate first if interviews will be required for very young children and very old applicants.
- If visas are renewed 6 months before expiration date and at the same consular office where these were obtained, there will be no interview needed.
- Read the security procedures before going to the embassy/consulate for an interview
- Don’t lie even about minor or small details.
- Make sure that the name on the application form is exactly what is on your passport
- Avoid having an interpreter as much as possible. The interview questions are in simple English.
- Caregivers who are working for a Canadian family and are applying for a US VISA must be working for that family for at least a year.
- Having a vacation is not considered an emergency to merit expedited appointment.
- Do not buy a plane ticket before getting the visa.
The projected wait time for an interview is approximately two weeks with the US Consulate in Calgary. Due to recommendations from the joint meeting, the Filipino Journal announced in August a private bus charter to Calgary and Banff which includes two nights in Calgary. The trip also incorporates a visit to the US Consulate for those individuals and families interested in applying for a US Visa.
We’re aware that readers might have questions for the US Consulate Calgary on this matter. If you have any questions, comments, about our engagement with the US Consulate on this matter, please email events@FilipinoJournal.com
