Philippine Consulate General, Los Angeles — Local services in Los Angeles

Although the office was only open half day, I had a very good experience in filing for a dual citizenship. Arrived at the parking lot, on the right side of the Equitable Bank building, around 7AM to avoid the traffic coming from San Diego. We waited outside the building since they won’t allow you to go up to the 5th floor until 8AM. At exactly 8AM, together with the other Filipinos, we went up and started to line up outside the office. After 15 minutes, they gave us our number and we waited until 9AM when all the windows opened up. The area for dual citizenship, visa, notary, and civil registry is separated from the passport applicants although it is the same office. I was the first in line so I was the first one who got called. Ms. Ruby Rodriguez was the one who assisted me and sorted my paperwork. I didn’t have my original naturalization certificate but I got copies of it, so I was asked to fill up an affidavit of loss and paid $35 for it(better than paying $550 for another naturalization certificate). It’s good I made two copies of all my original documents because I needed to provide another copy of my US passport for the affidavit of loss, so I was okay. I heard there was a store who make copies downstairs but it was closed today. So, make sure you have photo copies of all your original documents and you also bring your original documents for verification. Within 10 minutes I was done. However, I needed to wait for the oath taking ceremony which was held almost noon time. All the staff were nice and professional. If you are missing some documents, they give you a list so when you come back, you have everything in order. Ms. Ruby distributed our certificates later and explained the pros and cons of obtaining a Philippine passport, which was very helpful. Then the Philippine Consul welcomed us and gave some insights of being naturalized as Filipino citizen again. Then he led the oath taking and we sang together our National Anthem. That’s about it. Before we left, the guard gave us a validation ticket for parking so we only paid $7, instead of $18. It was a very pleasant experience and everyone was happy. I think the key to having a hassle free experience is to make sure, you read all the required documents and bring both the original and photo copies. All birth and marriage certificates (if married in the Philippines) should be from Philippine Statistics Office. They don’t accept original documents that didn’t come from PSA. For Philippine passport application, they strictly want marriage certificate from PSA. If you got married in the US, you need to file a report of marriage at the Philippine Consulate and you don’t need the PSA certificate if you apply for a passport within one year. I hope this is helpful. Good luck to all and thank you to all the staff...

1. Get appointment online. 2) Gather all necessary paperwork (which is listed on their website) 3) make photocopies of the needed paperwork 4) get pre paid USPS envelope 5) go in, pay fee, take picture and that’s it.

We’ve been trying to get an appointment for this location since last October. As you all know. The available slots are always “full” which sounds like it seems impossible to get an appointment, but if you think about it, how would they accommodate so much people? Which is why they have an appointment system. And their appointment system is released randomly…in which it gets full pretty fast.

This past MLK holiday, my wife and I were bored and didn’t have anything to do, and so we just decided to check their appointment system if they had any openings (we do this three times a day for the past 4 months) and lo and behold. We saw the whole week open! It was great seeing green boxes on the dates as well since we were used to seeing red boxes. We quickly signed up for an appointment and within 10 mins… all those green boxes became red.

So you guys know, there are a lot of Filipinos in SoCal….btw, we live in Utah, but have family in SoCal which is why PCG LA was our number one choice. We were willing to drive to Texas or even chicago for the PCG since they always have openings there.

I know, it’s ridiculous that they should take care of their fellow Filipinos here but this consulate is small as it is and with the amount of Filipinos there are in the surrounding location, they’re not able to accommodate everyone.

Last year when we filed for my wife’s “ROM” there was a missing document, and they were emailing us in terms of communication. And it would take 2-3 days for them to reply back. And with covid going on and ECQ or whatever in the Philippines. Everything is hectic. Just have patience.

Anyway, my wife was prepared when she came in here. We had all the paperwork that they needed. And she was in and out in 35 mins for her passport renewal. And we were on our way.

There is parking downstairs. And don’t forget to get a parking validation from the security guard since it’s worth $8 I believe. For 1 hour, parking was supposed to be $15 but with validation it was $7.

Elevators though are a bit confusing, and they’re on a touch pad, you’ll see when you get there.

Regardless, the lady in “processing” which is the first section everyone goes to, was really really nice.

Have nothing but good things to say about this location except do your research first and come prepared with the...

Had read here regarding appointments being necessary if for dual citizenship or a passport. I had returned to the US recently after 21 months in PI, partially due to covid and needing a vax before could return to the US. I had sought info for my return, hopefully sooner than later since I've a minor fil-am son residing there. So in Oct approx 2 weeks after my return to the US I went to the consulate LA to get info needed for my return. I was asked regarding an appointment by the security person at the start of line prior to entry to the first window. I instructed her of my situation and she directed me to the window. I inquired to the female agent working of my needs and that I needed to travel since having a minor child, son there. She instructed me handing me a small approx 3x4 piece of paper with an email addressed to the NTF and to send them stating my need for a travel ban exemption. To this day,, I don't know or not if this was proper and the correct procedure for me to travel. I did as instructed as well sending twice, using 2 different email, although I never heard back anything. Having this happen and for a lack of other contact and efficient means of help following from the LA consulate and not knowing what was correct, I reached out to another means of help, the Washington Dc consulate. I later found out that a 9a single entry visa be needed. However having also relayed my dismay since my correspondence with the LA consulate only to have the DC consulate to my disbelief unbelievably question me as to this and even if I indeed had been to the LA consulate. I cannot believe the arrogance and lack of respect having witnessed this by a supposed thought quality organization. I thought to bring this to the viewers attention so that it's known by others and that is known. I found from my efforts that there was a great disparity in finding, getting the right information. Why, I don't know.. I can't believe there be so sudden and great change to related protocols or understand how I ever was given this seemingly negligent information. I had sent before email to try find out more but never had I received anything in return from the LA consulate. I'm now very hesitant to feel trust in them because of this and to think I will need attempt with them to process my visa makes me feel extfemely...