The US Embassy in the Philippines is warning that visa appointments could be canceled starting 19 May for applicants who show up without the necessary documents.

In an advisory released Friday, the Embassy emphasized that applicants arriving with incomplete paperwork will need to reschedule, which could take months due to limited appointment slots.

Applicants are required to bring a valid passport, original civil documents (such as a birth certificate) and original police clearance (NBI clearance for applicants aged 16 and up). They must also present a foreign police certificate if they have lived or worked in any country for 12 months or more. Other required documents include an affidavit of support and financial or tax documents from the petitioner or joint sponsor, the DS-260 confirmation page, and the interview appointment letter.

Additional documents may be needed depending on the applicant’s situation. These can include a medical exam from St. Luke’s Extension Clinic, NBI clearance for applicants with aliases or nicknames, the petitioner’s original birth certificate and proof of termination of any previous marriages.

The Embassy stressed the importance of being fully prepared for appointments. “Applicants who do not bring all the required documents cause significant delays in processing and reduce the number of visa interviews we can conduct,” the advisory read.