For as long as I can remember, a US visa application Philippines task is a cause for dread. Filipinos find it really hard to get a US visa.
They pay the fee, fall in line at the US Embassy at 4 in the morning, get interviewed at 11am, and then get denied. The fee is non-refundable so they go home several thousands poorer, lamenting the fact that traveling with a Filipino passport can be very challenging.
This fear of getting denied was what kept me from applying for a US visa in Manila for a long time. I thought that as a single female and a freelancer (that is, no fixed employment), my chances of getting a visa was very low.
Iโm thankful to friends who told me quite firmly to apply before I left for my 2-year backpacking trip in South America. Because of them, I found out that getting a US visa was much easier than getting a visa to Europe (Schengen visa).
Why? Well, in a US visa application, there are no requirements (aside from the fees and the application form), no letter of invitation needed (can you believe the Spanish embassy requires you to submit a letter of invitation from a police station in Spain???), and you can apply any time you like.
My multiple entry US visa good for 10 years.
Nowadays, the process for applying for a US visa in Manila has been made much easier, too. You no longer have to show up at the embassy at the crack of dawn. Just be there 30 minutes before your appointment, and youโre set.
Is it easier now to get approved? In my case, I found it so, but I canโt say for others. In this post, I will lay out the process I had gone through when I applied for a US visa in Manila last July 2015. I also had some realizations as well on why people get approved or denied their applications.
First, I would like to state firsthand that this post is about the process of applying for a US tourist visa, which is a type B1/B2. Type B1 is for business while Type B2 is for pleasure, medical treatment, or visiting friends and relatives. Usually, these two are combined and issued as one.
What the site looks like when youโre signed in
Before anything else, you should create an account at the website of the U.S. Department of Stateโs Bureau of Consular Affairs. You can find the online application and schedule your interview in this site.
Once youโre in the site, click New Application โ> Nonimmigrant Visa โ> Business/Tourism โ> B1/B2: Visitor for Business and Pleasure โ> fill out your personal data.
You will then see the earliest available appointment.
Note that you can apply as a family, too. You just need to add their names to the form (see below).
You can apply as a family, too.
You should then fill out the online application form, the DS-160. Itโs pretty long, but you need to fill it out properly as it will be used by the consular officers to assess your application.
Hereโs the link to the DS-160 form.
If the date of the earliest available appointment is fine with you, you can pay the application fee, as you need the proof of payment before you can schedule your interview.
My tip: If you want an earlier date, hold off on paying the (non-refundable) visa fee. Just keep checking the website for the earliest available appointment. In my case, for example, I signed up at the site last May, and the earliest date given to me was July 25. Since I was already leaving for Brazil on August 4th, it would already be too late, so I just kept checking. Finally, on the second week of June, I got a good schedule: 7:30am on July 13.
Once you see a date you like, you can pay the fee in two ways. (1) Pay online via BPI or Bancnet, and (2) pay in cash at BPI (not BPI Family Savings Bank). I paid online. Check out the process here.
If you want to pay cash, you have to print out a deposit slip form from the website. Each applicant has a unique receipt number so donโt print out more than one. Check out how to here. Donโt lose your deposit slip as you will be asked for it during your interview.
Once you have paid your visa application fee (and completed your DS-160 online application), you can now schedule your appointment. Note that you can schedule it only four hours after payment, or if you paid online, at 11am the next day.
My tip: Get the earliest time possible. Mine was at 7:30am and I was interviewed at past 11am. You donโt want to be interviewed later in the day, as by that time, the consuls have already interviewed hundreds of applicants!
Show up at least 30 minutes before your scheduled time. Make sure to bring the following with you:
Other people brought folders of documents, including their employment certificate and bank statements, but I didnโt bring anything else aside from the items above plus my two old passports.
Outside the embassy, you have to fall in line to get in. There are at least three lines, corresponding to the time of your appointment. The personnel there will check your name, your appointment confirmation, your current passport, and your proof of payment before they will let you in. It wonโt take long, though.
I brought my old passports.
Once youโre inside, thereโs another line to check your photos, so make sure your 2ร2 picture is acceptable (e.g., white background, color photo, full profile, neutral expression, no cap, ears visible, no extraneous items). If it gets rejected, thereโs a photo booth inside the embassy grounds, so no worries.
After the line checking the photos, you will be asked to wait in the covered court. There are a lot of chairs there, as well as food stands. Donโt just sit anywhere, though, keep to your place in the line, as they will call applicants by batch again to go inside the embassy for your biometrics.
My tip: Leave all electronics behind. They wonโt let you in with it and they donโt have a baggage counter. That means no phones, tablets, laptops, or cameras (hence I have no photos!). I left my Kindle and brought a book; I should have brought two, as I finished it in a couple of hours and was left with nothing to do before my interview.
In Times Square, New York
Unlike in other embassies, the US visa application process holds the interview with the consular officer in the US embassy as the most important factor in getting a US visa. After all, aside from the online application form, youโre not submitting any other documentโno employment certificate, no leave of absence, no legal deeds to properties you own.
In short, you have to convince the consul that you will go back to the Philippines after your US trip and not stay illegally there.
It was 9am when I finished the biometrics, so I still had 2+ hours of waiting to do before I got interviewed. To better hear the questions the consuls ask applicants, I chose a seat in front of the interview booths. Based on what Iโve heard and based on my experience, here are some tips during your interview with the US consul.
I know itโs hard to be calm when youโre waiting for hours and hearing one applicant after another getting denied. However, remember that if you appear desperate, the consul will wonder why you are so set on going to the United States.
I tried to chat with my seatmate for example, but she was so tense, she never acknowledged me. Too much thinking about the upcoming interview can be bad on your nerves, so while waiting for your number to be called, do something to occupy your mind, whether itโs reading, writing, or just paying attention to your breathing.
In my case, I just convinced myself that it didnโt matter if I would get the visa or not. I would just apply again in Brazil or Bolivia.
In Salar de Uyuni, the salt flats of Bolivia.
When youโre nervous, you will have the tendency to act unnaturally. My aforementioned seatmate, for example, when she was called by the same consul who interviewed me, loudly said, โHello, Maโam! How are you today? You look great!โ It sounded so fake that I cringed. If youโre not the type of person who usually says that to people you just met, donโt say it. It makes you look desperate. (And yes, her application was denied.)
Answer briefly and concisely. Donโt babble as it gives the wrong impression.
I noticed that the question โHave you traveled outside the Philippines?โ was always asked by all the consuls. That shows that travel history is important for them. If youโve been to quite a few, review them.
Also, when this is asked, give your old passports. My consul leafed through my brand-new passport (with nothing in it) when she asked the question, so I gave my old passports and she was satisfied that I had indeed been to 18 countries at the time of the interview.
It seems common sense, but I guess people still lie during interviews. One applicant was caught out on his reason for travel and he had to backtrack. It was painful to hear it.
My first snow in the US (Dover, DE).
By coincidence, I was sitting right in front of the booth of the consul who eventually interviewed me. When I saw her counter number beside my queue number, my heart fell. I saw her deny one US visa application after another. I think she only approved 2 visa applications out of 20, and usually, the applications she approved were made by families (with kids in tow), not to solo applicants.
Thus, I was calm when I approached her window, resigned to the fact that my US visa application in the Philippines would probably be denied. These were the questions she asked me:
Kayaking in the swamps of Louisiana near New Orleans.
That was it. She then said that I can expect my passport back in 5 days; it will be sent to the address I gave via courier.
I couldnโt stop smiling as I went out of the embassy. Iโm sure the people there saw that smile and knew what it was about. (When someoneโs application is rejected, the consul gives them a piece of green paper, probably stating how to reapply. I have seen so many people leaving the interview with green paper and a downcast expression!)
Less than a week later, I received my passport with the multiple entry, 10-year US visa in it. I couldnโt believe it was so easy, I should have applied a long time ago!
If you have found this US visa Philippines blog post helpful, please share your experience (or thoughts) in the comments below.
468 Comments. Leave new
Thanks for your guide Aleah despite being 9 years old it’s still relevant today in 2024. I just had my US Visa interview today and it went well. They did not state the length of my visa but hopefully, it’s 10 years!
The purpose of your intended travel and other facts will determine what type of visa is required under U.S. immigration law. As a visa applicant, you will need to establish that you meet all requirements to receive the category of visa for which you are applying.
Hi mam – we would want to know how to fill-up the work information section when you’re a freelancer? which do we choose from Primary occupation?
thank you!
Hi Aleah. Loved your blog post. We’re planning to apply for US tourist visa as a family. I’m a freelancer but didn’t register it yet as my business. Should I register my business first so I can provide documents? Or just explain that I’m a freelancer? Although I don’t have an ITR.
Hi Aleah! Thanks for your blog. Iโm trying to apply as a family. It seems they have a new process now. I have to pay first, then proceed to visa application details. Do I have to do it individually (open each family an account, pay individually then ask for family interview) ? Thanks
Hi Claire. Unfortunately, I have no experience with family application. Have you done it? What did you do?
Hello. I need an advice. I have my own business and I also work remotely. What should I declare on the visa application form? Should I just put โBusinessโ or other to explain my online job as well? I want to be very honest with my status but I am worried that I might be denied because I work online.
Hi Jeipy. I was also a freelancer when I applied and I declared it. I was still granted a visa. They look at several factors when assessing applicants. Best to be honest; if you say business and you haven’t really registered a business, they may take it against you. Hope that helps!
Hello,
I just would like to ask if there is anyone here that has a similar situation like me. I am applying for B1/B2 visa and I’m currently in the process of completing the DS160 form. I am annulled and this has been approved by the court as of this writing. I didn’t see any option for “annulled” in the marital status so I selected “legally separated”. However, after I entered the information of my parents, next form page appeared to enter my “CURRENT’ spouse information. No option there to select as Former Spouse. Technically, I am annulled so I do not want to put my ex’s name there since the form says “current spouse”. So now I am wondering whether it is right if I entered “legally separated”? Or should I put “single” instead?
Given the lack of other answers, “single” is your best option. Why? Well, an annulment means that it’s as if your marriage never happened. So, it’s definitely true that you are single now. Good luck with your application and let me know when you get the results!
Hi maam. I just want to ask if you’re a nurse, there is a big chance that you will get denied with the application? Next month na po yung interview ko. Im really nervous and excited. Im a nurse in one of the biggest govt. Hospital in mindanao.
Mam hows yr interview?
Hi. Just wanted to know if the embassy granted your visa? I’m also at nurse and planning to apply but they said it’s hard for the nurses to get approve.
Thanks Ms Aleah for this helpful blog! =)
I just received my US Visa last week! I can’t thank you enough. It’s a 10-year multiply entry B1/B2 visa.
So I’d like also to share to your readers my experience during my Interview which includes the questions thrown at me during interview and how I answered them. It’s on this blog -> http://dantravels.org/how-i-got-my-10-year-multiple-entry-us-visa-my-experience-during-application-interview/
Hope this helps=)
Maraming salamat Mam Aleah nakatulong sa aming mag asawa granted na ang visa namin kahapon sa ika apat na try God Bless !!!
I’d like to know if you apply for B2 Visa and you have a long gap in your job history, how do you answer the section for the work information? Let’s say from the time you graduated to the year you have been employed. The gap took about 17 years? However, you have worked in a farm, for a relative, and for your closest friends but without any contract. Any suggestion, advice, or recommendation you may have would be greatly appreciated. Thank you for your time!
Hi Kuh. When I applied for a US visa, I was a freelancer, so maybe similar to what you did in the farm. I just put there “Freelancer” and indicated my average salary. The consul asked me about it. That’s probably what you can do, too.
hi., ms aleah.. im schedule for interview this coming dec 11..i just want to ask if i have a chance to approve my visa application.. im working in a bank for almost 7yrs.. i traveled different country around asia like.. singapore. malaysia, hongkong, macau, japan, korea,and recently australia, new zealand and beijing china..my purpose of my US tourist visa is to explore US.. I going to Guam this coming Feb 26-Mar 2.,and I have hotel reservation.. can you give me an advice.. thanks po.
Hi i would like to know what happened in your US visa application?
hi., ms aleah.. im schedule for interview this coming dec 11..i just want to ask if i have a chance to approve my visa application.. im working in a bank for almost 7yrs.. i traveled different country around asia like.. singapore. malaysia, hongkong, macau, japan, korea,and recently australia, new zealand and beijing china..my purpose of my US tourist visa is to explore US.. I going to Guam this coming Feb 26-Mar 2.,and I have hotel reservation.. can you give me an advice.. thanks..
My husband and I with our 3 kids are planning to apply for a US tourist visa by May 2019 in the US Embassy Manila. We are based here in Qatar but prefer to apply in Manila during our annual vacation. Could you advise what currency of my salary should I put in the DS 160 application? In Qatar riyals or convert it to Philippine peso?
Hi Miss Aleah!
Ask ko lang po, if my mom is going to sponsor my trip in the US, do I need to have an invitation letter from her?
Hi Ms. alleah,
Curious lang po, kac nag apply ako ng us visa online for temporary work in US. Ask ko lang kung ano na nman yong next procedure nila after completing the us visa form ds-160 ? Schedule for interview nba yon? Or antayin kona na maglabas yong visa ko? Kung na grant ba or approve ba or not…?
Thank you for answering, big help.
Yours
Wheng
Hi Ms. Alleah,
As a first timer, Just wanted to asked if mas malaki ang possibilities na madeny given the fact that I didn’t or haven’t travel outside the phil yet, I’m planning to apply for it kasi to travel, I have relatives in Merrick and my boyfriend lives in Michigan. I’m so nervous kahit wala pa man. Please help me. Thank you so much
Hi! I enjoyed reading your blog. Can I ask you something. You mentioned that you informed the consul that you are not employed, but you are a freelancer. What did you write to your employment status? Did you write you are unemployed, self-employed (if self-employed,did you write your business etc?), others (if others, did you indicate you are freelancer).
I’m planning to get a US Visa for me and my son. I’m self-employed with home business and permit but I’m also a forex trader from which I earn so much. I’m planning to declare that I’m not employed but I do forex trading and I earn substantial amount per day but I also want to declare that I have my own home business though not that profitable.
So with your status, I wonder what you put on your form. Let me know. I’d appreciate if you could email me back. Thank you!
Hi. Can you readily see the available appointment dates for interview just like in DFA so you can just choose the date you want?
@Roy, yes, but you might have to check every day to get the date you need. Sometimes they will show you dates months in advance. If you’re in a rush, don’t immediately book one. Just keep on checking every day.
Hi Kindly Assess
im 27 years old
currently Employed as a sales representative in a Veterianarian animal Health Company
tenure at work: 2 years and 3 months
savings: less than 500k
travel History: Singapore (2 times), Hongkong (2 times), Macau, Beijing China, Taiwan, Japan (2 times)
Purpose of Travel: TOUR (I just want to spend our christmas vacation in New York to see the shooting locations of the series I love to watch in Netflix and of course experience the Ball drop during New Years eve at New York Times Square)
where to stay: I have an Auntie in Brooklyn will stay there for 3 days and then I will be staying in a Hotel in New York City or Probably rent out Air bnb at New Jersey.
thanks! Would appreciate comme
Hi Charlene. Unfortunately, I can’t give you an assessment. Only the consular officer can do that. They look at several factors, and employment and foreign travel is only part of it. They won’t even ask for a bank statement. Just answer the questions confidently, don’t lie, and don’t plan on overstaying there. They put a lot of weight on the interview.
Hello! I am planning to apply for a B1/B2 visa this coming June and I am very anxious that’s why I decided to leave a question here.
I am currently enrolled in the Graduate School as a first year student wherein my major is Clinical Psychology. Other than that, I am also employed for 1 year and 9 months now as a Psychometrician in a private school in Marikina. As of now, I don’t have any history of traveling abroad but I have an upcoming trip to Macau and Hong Kong this coming June 3-7 to celebrate my birthday. I am planning to schedule my interview on the 8th of June. My purpose of travelling to US is to attend the APA’s annual convention in San Francisco, California for one week. That is from August 9-12 but I intend to be in California from August 8-13 so I still have a couple of time to spare and go around the place. I will be staying with my relatives in San Francisco and my grandmother will be the one to sponsor the trip. That includes everything – airfare, accomodations, meals, and all. She will provide an affidavit of support for me just in case the consul will ask for a proof. I also applied for a vacation leave (for the whole duration of my stay in US) and it was approved by my employer.
Do you think my visa application will be approved? Hoping for your response! Thank you!
Hi Via. Unfortunately, I canโt give you an assessment. Only the consular officer can do that. They look at several factors, and employment and foreign travel is only part of it. Just answer the questions confidently, donโt lie, and donโt plan on overstaying there. They put a lot of weight on the interview. If you say you’re attending the APA convention, make sure to bring your proof of registration as they might ask for it.
Thank you for your reply, Aleah. My interview schedule is tomorrow at 7:45 AM. Wish me luck!
Hi Via! How was your interview?
Hi! I’m gonna apply for us visa this month. I just wanna ask if the more countries will be better before you apply for a us visa? Does my travelling experience is enough because I went to Hong Kong ‘only’ aside from my country(Philippines). Please do reply on this comment. Thank you guys!
Hi Bombit. Unfortunately, I canโt give you an assessment. Only the consular officer can do that. They look at several factors, and foreign travel is only part of it. Just answer the questions confidently, donโt lie, and donโt plan on overstaying there. They put a lot of weight on the interview.
Hi mam aleah, tanong ko lang po, may chance po kaya na maapproved kung kakagraduate lang at wala pang work? May gusto po kasi mag invite saken. Kung sakali rin po, anu ano ang kelangan ibigay nung magiinvite? Salamat po.
Hi Sammy. They look at several factors, including employment, ties to the Philippines, and foreign travel. If they see that you don’t have a very good reason for going there, they could deny your application. Just answer the questions confidently, donโt lie, and donโt plan on overstaying there. They put a lot of weight on the interview.
Hi Aleah, I just want to ask a question, im planing on Going to Peru from LA because that would be the cheapest route for going to Peru. Do you have tips on how to answer the consul when he/she ask about the trip? Can you call it a lay over when you plan to stay in LA (maybe 3 to 5 days) before returning back to PH? I’ve read yours that you went to Peru also.
I told the consul that I will already be in Peru, so the US is a short trip from there. It’s not a layover and don’t say so. You should be honest about your itinerary. They put a lot of weight on the interview.
Hi. Your blog is very helpful as i am helping my mom for her visa application. I have some questions i need some help if you don’t mind. Thank you
1. She was denied a visa before but she doesn’t remember the reason for denial. It was way back in 2006. What should i type in the specify box.
2. She is not employed or rather she is self employed. She has about 13 tricycles which makes her a tricycle operator/ owner. Should i put there, “other” and write “tricycle operator/owner”
3. As for the employment info. should i write on the name of employer “self-employed” and write our home address?
4. For the salary, if business owner they said that it should be “net income” does that mean the income she receives less the “business expenses” only?
I’m sorry for this long comment but i am hoping for your response. Thank you very much and more blessings to you. ๐
Hi Jay. Has your mom applied for a visa already? I’ll try to answer your questions, though of course only the consular officer can determine whether your mom will be given a visa or not.
1. No idea. Just say she doesn’t remember? They have a record for sure
2. Is her business registered?
3. Yeah, or own business
4. I have no idea hahaha Sorry! I just gave an amount that was my average earnings per month
I had fun reading it! It reminds me when me and ny daughter applied for a US Visa. It was feb 2010 and my daughter jus turned 7. When the consul asked me the reason why i am applying the visa. I told him that i wanted to treat my daughter in disneyland since she just turned 7 and as a graduation gift. He asked if i do have an idea how much is the entrance… and i laugh and i said. Actually thank you for reminding me… i will google that later.. you can google everything right? And he laugh to the extent as if we are friends… and he asked ny daughter why disneyland california? You can go to Disneyland HK… apparently i trained my daughter what if she will ask that kind of question… and to my surprised… she said because i dont want a chinese speaking mickey mouse bec i cannot understand…? 2nd question was my profession and 3rd how much my money in the bank? But he did not asked any papers…. just 3 questions… and we got our 10 yrs multiple visa
Congratulations. You showed humor which showed the consul you were confident. Also, while I was being interviewed, I saw that family applicants were given more visas than individual ones.
Hi Aleah. Thank you for this informative blog. I just had my interview last March 5 after paying and completing my DS 160 last February 28. I arrived at the US embassy at 9:30 am for a 10am schedule. After about 15 minutes of waiting in the covered area with other applicants, we were asked to get inside the main building for step 1. After about 30 mins, i was interviewed. I tried to calm my nerves as i approach window 22 after seeing 2 visa denials from the consul. She started by asking where in the US I’m going followed by questions such as relatives in the states, where i work, countries i’ve been to and my travel companion. I just answered naturally and truthfully then finally she said “Your visa is approved maam, expect it within 7 days.” The next day (March 6), I received a text and an email informing me that my visa is ready for delivery and just a few hours ago, 2go courier called asking me to go down our building lobby to receive my passport. I cant believe that i got a 10 year multiple entry visa!!! (PS: I was too excited to open the package that i forgot to press the elevator button to the 15th floor hence i went down again to the ground floor!)
Congratulations, Nica!
Hi aleah!
I am a previous j1 holder. Umalis ako sa usa nov 28. 1year and 1month. I wanted to come back and travel since i didnโt have the opportunity before because i was on an internship. Iโm currently just helping out sa pagmamanage ng business ng parents. I have travelled to south korea and dubai then yung j1 sa us.
What do you think of my odds being approved?
Hi. Just want to share my experiences in getting and renewing the coveted US VISA. I got my 1st US VISA ( single entry valid for 3 mos with a 1 month stay only ANNOTATION attached to my visa) after 5 denials!!! used my single entry visa and then renewed the visa, again i was denied. I tried again after few years and they gave me 10 years multiple entry in 2008. I just renewed my visa last last february thru drop box renewal (no interview visa renewal). After going through the process of drop box renewal my new and old passports and some documents ( confirmation letter of drop box and application form of DS 160) were sent back to me via 2go courier with no visa stAmped on my new passport enclosed is the dreaded 221g green form stating that i have to go to the US embassy for an INTERVIEW!!!. I can schedule my interview within 1 year of the issuance of the green form thursdays and fridays at 1:30 pm. I am freaking out when i received that green letter. I read blogs about this green form and it says that it is considered as a temporary refusal of visa or even a denial…..! So to end the agony of thinking negative thoughts and stressing myself out i decided to go to the embassy a week after i received the green letter for my interview. At the time of my interview there were a handfull of people who renewed their visa thru drop box with the green letter also. My interview went well and the consul told me that they were just updating my personal info based on what i had written on my DS 160. Based on my experiences in applying and renewing my visa just be yourself, be calm and relax, answer the questions directly and be concise. Most of all BE HONEST and PRAY for GODโs guidance. I can not forget the lines that keeps on flashing on the TV screens at the Embassy…. HONESTY IS IMPORTANT THAN YOUR BANK ACCOUNT, THAN YOUR PROFESSION…..ETC.
aleah, thank you for your blogs and goodluck everyone!
Hi Aleah..
I have gone through your blog and comments many times prior our interview and it definitely helped me, my husband and son get our US Visa. so thank you so much!
I feel that I owe your blog and your readers on how our interview went (parang giving back some tips to our fellow filipinos na mag aapply pa lang).
Maybe the difference I can share from most of the comments here is that, we applied as a group/family. so i hope this will be helpful to some..
We’ve been planning in applying for a US Tourist Visa since 2014- so what we did is that, we travelled yearly (every release of 13th month pay hehe) to collect departure and arrival stamps. (total 3 countries: sg, viet, hk. note: walang mga required visas, all are budget fares)
2017 wala kami travel.. we started saving up para may mapakita kaming bank statement.
We also prepped a lot of docs: land titles (isang clean title and isang condo na nihhulugan pa), car’s orcr (sa Nov 2018 pa namin ma fully paid), COE (both of us has a tenure of 3yrs with our current employers), ITR and another COE ng asawa ko from previous employer kasi naisip namin kasama sa nifillout nia un so baka tanungin din.
nilista rin namin address and contact details ng lahat ng kamag anak namin sa US. kahit distant relative sinama na namin.
so, after ng maraming paghahanda and pag iipon, these were the questions asked:
Where are you going to America?
me: we will be staying at California with my mom’s siblings.
What do you do for work?
me: I work as …. for (***company name) for 3 years now. (nicomplete ko na para wala na probing questions)
then the same question was asked to my husband.
So where do your relatives live in the US? Most of them are in California. Like my aunt and uncle who live in Gardena, and another aunt in Sacramento. and at the eastern side, i also have an aunt and cousin in Massachussets and an uncle in New York. (nagreact si consul ng: “oh, that’s nice, they are all over the US”. ) naging light na ang convo.
So I said: My husband also has relatives from his side. (sumagot si hubby ng “most are distant relatives also in California but in LA.”
Then after nun,
Where was your last travel together? we went to hongkong last year (sabi ni hubby).
I had to interject and correct it: sorry, dad, that was 2016 december.
the consult just smiled and then typed something on his computer..
then the magic words were blurted out by the consul, “okay, just wait for your passports to be mailed with your visa in 5 days.”
we said our thank you and have a great day ahead to the consul.
Ending, wala pa ata kami 2 minutes dun, tapos na.. totoo nga yata na ndi sila mag aask ng docs, we only handed our passports (they were just renewed last sept 2017, wala silang stamps ng kahit ano sa travels na ginawa namin). un lang. sa haba kasi ng pila. marami pa siguro kakausapin ung consuls and i guess tlgang they base from how straight forward you are and how honest you are. siguro nadaan sa confidence saka sa dami ng kamag anak namin don, wala nga lang talaga kami immediate family like siblings or parents, lahat sila tito and tita lang..
we also practiced our son with his answers, but he wasnt asked any. malungkot pa sha d sha niask. hehehe
i felt and from what i have observed, its not true na marami narereject. ive seen happy faces leaving the counters. pero a few may mga narreject pero ndi na rin namin narinig ung interviews nila. may isang single lang na parang may record na sha na nagwork dun and meron ding family (a mom and 3 teenagers) not sure baka kasi single mom un, they were so malungkot, i computed in my mind kung magkano ang nawala sa fam na un, fly ang around 34k.
kaya nakakaloka ung mga OA mag react na approved sila, napaka mindless and insensitive. so approved or rejected, keep a straight face and be mindful of others. sinabi ko tlga yan sa asawa ko and sa anak ko.
so to you who is reading this, just relax, be confident and be honest and be prepped din sa mga supporting docs. at wag kakalimutan ang prayers. prayers, the best un…
try ring iassess kung its the right time na ba, or need muna mag ipon or invest sa mga paunting travels. iba pa rin ung ready ka. you can also get more tips from the other comments here, they are very helpful. so good luck and hoping you would also get your visa approved!
Hello! I found your comment very informative. I am having a dilemma right now for this US visa application. I don’t know how early you can read this but I am trying my luck to get informative answer in my query.
So here’s the scenario. Me and my aunt’s family (with her husband and son) were applying for a US visa. We already paid the visa fee. We have partially completed the DS-160 form but haven’t completely submitted it, that’s why meron na akong nakuha na application ID. Eto na ang ang problem ko, so since I already have receipt number (for the visa fee) and application id (for each of our DS-160), I have scheduled an appointment for interview as family. Now, I am planning to completely submit all our DS-160 forms tonight but realized that sa “Thank You” page, may option fro “create a family application” na pag nai-click will redirect you to a new application with a new application ID. Now my question is, do I need to fill out a new form again so that all our DS-160 forms are linked then cancel my existing application and create a new one? Or okay lang na yung existing application IDs na lang gamitin ko, just submit it since yun naman na naka-register dun sa schduled appointment namin.? I am really having a hard time right now. Does it affect ba? Yung application sa DS-160 form as family versus sa scheduled appointment since tagged naman na kami dun as family receing only 1 apppointment?
Hope anyone can answer me ๐
hi alleah
question what did u input in the national identification number
Thanks
None. You don’t indicated anything since we don’t have a national ID system here in the country.
Hi Aleah! Your blog is a breather. My dad and I will have our appointment on Thursday. I’m quite anxious but like what you wrote on your blog, I do have a mindset of being ok if I get denied. We’ll try our luck (together with other relatives, who will be interviewed on Tuesday) so that we can attend my cousin’s wedding in Chicago. Thanks for the tips!
Hi Aleah, I am planning to go the usa this year as a tourist visa. I am a college student, unemployed, trans and been outside of the country once. my boyfriend a natural american born citizen will be going to sponsor me and we already met once here in my home town. Do i still need to get an ITR, bank deposit slips and property/landtitle or my boyfriend will be the one in-charge to show it to the consul of the PH in the usa?
Hi aleah, working din ako online/homebase job as virtual assistant/data entry. Ask ko lang, What would i click in the primary occupation?
Thanks
Hello.. This post is really helpful. Thank you Aleah.
Just like to add that when I applied for my visa they didnt ask about the DS-160 form/ and application confirmation.. and even the photo. Only my passport.
Hi. Medyo lumakas ng konti ang loob ko dahil sa blog mo. I have an interview on the 25th of January 2018. It’s my first time applying too kaya sobrang kinakabahan ako. It all started with a joke then ininvite ako ng cousin ko na nasa NY to visit (I hope I can get a visa). Same as you panay visa free countries palang napuntahan ko (hindi pa nga lang ganun kadami).
Thank you sa tips. Pray for me na maapprove ako.
Hi! How was your interview? Iโm scheduled on the 13th. Any tips? Ty!
Hi! Tanong ko lang kamusta yung interview mo? Naka schedule ako on tuesday, kinakabahan ako ๐
ang hirap makakuha ng appoitnment tips po
Hi! Tanong ko lang kamusta yung interview mo? Naka schedule ako on tuesday, kinakabahan ako ๐
Hi Good afternoon! Im working in a BPO industry for more than 3 years now and im planning to apply a us visa. I have a son who is studying (4yo) and I want him to join me in my Us trip just for 10 days. By the way weโve been to asian countries like Hongkong, Macau, Malaysi, Sinagapore, Indonesia and Taipei. You think they will approve us?
dont want to be rude or something, but i think mam aleah, cannot answer that you have to apply and hope
Hello Ms. Aleah, eto po yung aking profile:
29 yo, single, resigned 3mos ago but actively looking for jobs and planning to freelance
travel history: south korea, hong kong, taiwan, japan, singapore, malaysia, italy, usa
Magrerenew sana ako ng visa, kaso kinakabahan ako baka madeny ako dahil nga technically unemployed ako. Sabi ng mga tao di ko naman daw kelangan magpadala ng proof (CoE, ITR, bank statements etc) kung visa renewal pero baka kasi hanapan ako huhuhu
Mas ok bang ideclare na self-employed/freelancer ako sa DS 160? Or ok lang din na unemployed?
Mas mababa chance mo if sasabihin mong unemployed ka. Iisipin nila, mag TNT ka dito since wala ka ngang trabaho jan. Why not wait till you have jobs as a freelancer so you can honestly say you’re a freelancer and you have income? They won’t ask for proof but they will ask you, and it is not a good idea to lie. Good luck!
Hello!
Thank you sa blog mo ๐ my husband is a freelance programmer also. Anong nilagay mo sa application mo? Self employed and freelancer? Kasi meron siyang certificate of employment from his company pero ang adress shempre nun is sa US. Medyo nag woworry ako kasi baka ma question siya dun ๐
Hi ms. Leah ask KO Lang po Kung pwede bang ilagay SA job description KO na ex ofw AKO. Invite kasi ako ng friend ko SA US para matour pero Siya lahat magcacarry SA needs ko
Hi Char! Pwede mag ask? When you filled out the DS 160, may page ba na nag ask for previous employment, travels or educational background? Thank you.
Hello Aleah! May you help me? I have already filled out the DS 160 form for the tourist visa to the US but I am wondering why it doesn’t have the option of previous work / travel. It only asks the present and the next page is already security background. I was wondering if I have missed something that that page does not show up. And I have been backtracking my application here and there but even the educational background has not been asked as well. I cannot proceed unless I am sure its not important anymore. Nakakastress na ito. huhu. Thank you!
Can you try using another browser? It could be an issue? I remember filling it out myself eh.
Hi Aleah, tried another browser and been looking back and forth with my DS 160 form. the previous work, previous travel or even educational attainment has not been asked na. I am wondering if they took it off or I am just missing something why those options don’t show up in my application. I’m sorry for the hassle ha. I’ve been searching and checking other sites but can’t find answers. ๐ Thank you!
I think they are asking previous jobs, education and travel history sa male applicants. Nung nagfill up ako ng application for our family(me, my husband and my daughter) hindi tinanong sa application ko, sa application lang po ng husband ko. I am also worried bakit sakanya merong ganun na questions at saakin wala. I remember I saw a comment sa ibang blog na for male applicants lang daw tinatanong. Hope this helps.
now i got it… kaya pala, sabay kami nag fill up ng DS160 ng husband ko (working on each own laptop)… may questions nga sya ganyan ako wala. i also thought may na miss ako. salamat
Hello Bellatraveler! Nagtaka din ako bakit wala nang previous work and educational background yung DS-160. I checked it like a lot of times para ma sure lang na wala akong namissed na fill-upan sa form but then I think they took it out na. Pero malay natin sa interview na itatanong yun. When Interview date mo? Mine is next week. January 23 @ 9:15am. My profile is just average, earning 20k a month, single and no kids. Hoping to get approved. Haha!
Goodluck po pki update after interview mo
Hi girl same profile and good luck. Update us on your experience ๐
Hi Aleah! I am planning to apply a US Visa this year.. just not sure when, my friends in Seattle and Cali been inviting me long time ago up until now but because I just started my business 2016 I havent plan of visiting them.. But since my business is running smoothly now I am ready to apply.. I have two kids as well but me and their father already separated last year.. will it cause me a problem when the consul asked who will take care of the kids and my business? Or should I not disclose that I am already separated from my husband.. need some advise. Thanks
In general, disclose only when needed. If asked who will take care, then tell the truth. Hirap kasi magsinungaling, they will find out. You have good enough reason to come back, but you should provide a really good reason to visit the US.
Hi! Gud am! Nagpass na po ako ng DS 160 Last monday and around 6 am kahapon nagbayad na po ako ng 8,320 for the visa fee through BPI mobile banking, nagsend naman po sa akin ng confirmation ang BPI na ok na po yung payment ko, but There is no receipt no. Indicated in the confirmation, e kung magpapasched na po ako ng interview ang hinahanap po e yung receipt no. Saan ko po makukuha yung receipt no. Please reply po kung cno po may ganitong experienced thank you po in advanced
Hi Sally. Did you find a solution to this? I took a screenshot of the BPI confirmation but I don’t remember where I got the receipt number.
Yes ok na po at nainterview na po kami nung 28 approved na din po ang visa namin, waiting na lang po for the delivery of our passport.
@Sally: Yay, congrats!!! I’m here in the US east coast now and it’s so cold. haha
Wow inggit po hehhehee gusto ko din mag apply
Tips po
Basahin nyo po itong post + mga comments. Madaming tips haha
I am about to apply for a US Visa in Dec 26, 2017. I scheduled it at 7:15 AM and followed your advice. This is very helpful. I’ll let you know of the result my fellow Iska!
Hey Monica! Belated Merry Christmas! How was your application??
Hi, Dear I have to read all the way of your message,and am very thankful for your tips ,especially for question and answer, it is a big help for me as a new applicant, , I have more Q.pls.email me so I can send my Q. Thank u and GOD BLESS
Good luck with your application!!
hi I am teacher and doesn’t have any money in my bank. a friend sent me an invitation letter to spend Christmas in New York. I am married and with a Kid.. plus my job as teacher.. that is the only tie I have here. my friend will shoulder everything.
Do u think I’ll be approved..
Hi Mira. They look at everything, which includes ties to the Philippines and a good reason for going to the US. When are you planning on applying?
Do you know anyone who got a US visa who has a tnt parent?
Ohhh I don’t know anybody. Maybe someone else can answer you?
Do you think I’ll pass?
Hi! Thank you for this blog. I already booked an appointment and from Iloilo. 25 years old, female and single.
I’ve got an invitation from my client and they invite me to go to US for a team building and a speaker for a seminar and business proposal. Will stay there for 1 week.
I am a self employed individual working at home (online job) as a market researcher (job title) in this company based in the US for 1 year and half right now. I donโt have travel records outside of the country but has savings account and investments in the bank and stock market. Will be getting a certificate of business registration from BIR soon and professional tax receipt from LGU. For the expense of the trip, my client will pay and book the accommodation for me and for the ticket I will be the one to purchase it and will be reimbursed later.
Questions
Is getting a BIR certificate of registration and Professional tax receipt justify my strong ties in the country (for the interview)?
Is travel records is a big factor?
Hi Jam. Sorry for the late reply. How was your application? If you’ll be there for business, with supporting documents from your employer, there’s a high chance you’ll get the visa.
I am an OFW working in UAE for an American company for more than a decade now. I just got my 10 year multiple B1/B2 US visa two weeks ago here in UAE. I want my wife and kids to apply for their US visas in the Philippines this December. Would their chances be higher considering that I already have my visas and I have established myself here in UAE already.
Hi Ms. Aleah,
I’ve been reading comments from the day I opened your blog about getting a US-NIV.
I’m planning to set an interview schedule this month or November. My purpose of travel is to attend to my cousin’s wedding in December, 2017. My question is, which is better to indicate in DS-160: self support or with sponsor?
My uncle is willing to accomplish the documents needed but I am doubting this would cause for denial of the visa? Not sure and upon reading some comments/stories shared here, there are applicants with relatives in the US who got denied. I have been to 5 countries in Asia. I have been working/ or been with the company for 5 years. I have a business (Uber Car).
What do you think? Appreciate your reply. Many thanks! ๐
Thank you sa blog na to at sa mga nag comment at sa mga tips! I just had my interview this morning and thank God na approved for the 2nd time. Just be confident and true nga lang talaga gaya ng sabi nila, wag din kabahan and most importantly don’t forget to pray. pag kinabahan ka kanta ka lang ng joyful song sa isip mo para pang tanggal ng kaba hehe.. it works for me baka sakaling effective din sa mga planong mag apply.
God Bless and good luck for those who will be applying for their US visa!
hello sayo ? anong question sa iyo ng consol? may relatives ka sa US? invite kasi ako ng boyfriend ko nagkita na kami in person. sya gagastos sakin lahat. do you think maapprove ako? reason ko dun ako mag hholiday sa kanila and to meet his family.
Hi naaproved po na yung visa nuo that time? I have the same situation po, need ko po ng tips, salamat ????
Hi! I’m 25 F, Single and currently employed. I wish to travel to the USA (DC or WA) over the Christmas break (Dec 23-Jan2) and just wondering how much would I need to go around? Would like to know a reasonable amount for a travel fund.
I am planning to schedule for a visa appointment soon, so your answers/recommendations would be of great help.
Thank you!
Plane tickets would be around $1k to $1.2 k but if you get a good deal, there are airlines that offer as low as $700. Im not sure sa hotel stay coz holidays will more likely be expensive. But an average nice and safe hotel will be about $100 to $150/night. Of course there are cheaper hotels. Your pocket money can be $500 then the rest sa credit card nalang icharge kasi they consider credit cards rin as ready cash. Just stick to a budget para hindi ka magoverspend. You will need money for food, tips(important), fare around the city or you might rent a car, personal groceries, entrance fees sa museums and such, shopping if you want and emergency fund. I suggest cash of $1000 for everything but pwede lang rin ang $500 then the rest credit cards. More or less $2,500 for everything.
I will add my story next time ลฑ i got denied and went back after a month.. now i got a 10 yr pass..
Tips:
(1) state your true intention
(2) choice of words is very important.
(3) relaxxxxxxx (wag pahalata na kinakabahan ka ลฑ) kaya be yourself… they dont care about your grammar… and dont mind the people around you kahit naririnig nila ang sinasabi mo ลฑ pag labas mo naman ng embassy, hindi na naman kayo mag kikita ลฑ makipag rapport… keri lang yan sus… 5mins lang te… ge ka sayang ang visa fee.. ikaw din ลฑ
Part of my interview i said “… it says on your banner over there that there’s no secret in applying for a US visa… so ask me anything… i am willing to share it all (insert genuine smile.. ung ngiting wagi)
(4) be confident
(5) supportings docs are NOT a requirement… but you can brings those if you want… confidently beautiful lang dapat ang sagot.. yung kapanipaniwala para walang hingin na docs ลฑ wag ung sobrang yabang ลฑ
VO: whos going to pay for your trip?
ME: MYSELFFFFF (insert ngiting wagi… wala akong kapera pera kaloka.. waley bank statement… lakasan lang ng loob.. bumenta.. palibhasa nadala ng rapport at ng intro…
(6) practice…. totoo to…. mag practice.. day before the interview… 4am na ata ako nakatulog.. taz 10.45 sched ko.. naka isang kaha ako ng yosi.. more na more practice…
(7) mas ok ang late na sched kesa sa maaga… yes ang choke point e sa interview at matatagalan ka… pero thats ok… para makapag practice ka pa sa loob ลฑ para ma relax ka sa loob ng embassy ลฑ
Hi Aleah, question lang po, I want to travel with my parents both are Senior Citizen no travel history both have business and have new passport, then in my case I am single working in a company for 3yrs I can have an ITR and COE but my problem is I dont have that sufficient amount of money. Do you have any Idea how much should we put in our savings account? Also if we are to show bank statement should it be individual?
In my case and most people I know, the Consuls do not ask for bank statements, but if it will make you feel comfortable you may bring it as supporting document. The amount may be estimated for how long you will be staying in the US (not really sure).
Hi Aleah and to everyone from the comment section.
I hope someone here can help me.
I am getting married this December 2017 to an American and I’ll be applying for Spousal Visa (immigrant) by January 2018. The spousal visa usually takes 8-10 months and so we’re planning that after we apply for the Spouse Visa and finally receive a Notice of Action, I will apply for a tourist visa so I can visit him 2-3x while waiting for my immigrant visa.
My question is, is that even possible? Applying 2 visas, one immigrant and one tourist while waiting? I was hoping it could be easier to apply for a travel visa when I am already married to him, and is actually on the process of applying as an immigant. I want to enter and live there legally, and at the same time, travel to US while waiting.
I hope someone here can help me. Thank you.
If you have an ongoing immigrant application, the best thing to wait for it. Applying tourist visa is more chances to get denied.
hi, if you have not applied for a tourist visa ,don’t do so, for sure you will be denied.Just wait for your spouse petition to be approved as you will be wasting too much money. I know a lot of people got denied that have the case like yours. Come to think of it … No consul will approved as tourist if you have pending immigrant application coz they think you will stay there till you get your spouse petition.The point of entry as immigrant should be the country where you filed the application.
Hi Aleah,
I got denied before when I was a graduating student. The Consul said she cannot see strong ties on me with Phils. since I am still in college and unemployed. She asked me when is my graduation. My mom told me to tell them 2 years from now but I remembered I put in the form that I will be graduating on March next year. We had our interview on November. I got scared to lie at that moment. and yes I got denied. And now I am a CPA and currently working in SGV&Co. for 2 years. I am also taking up my first semester in my MBA starting this month. Do you think I could apply again and get a VISA?
Hello po ms.aleah at sa lahat po ng makakabasa po nito..plan ko po sana mag apply ulit us tourist visa next year last year po kc na denied po ko..i’ve been travel to5 countries last year and have a computer business..now po andito ako sa thailand nagwowork as teacher..dito ko na dn po sana plan mag apply..may chance po ba na maapprove ako?
You will never know kung hindi mo i-ttry… try lang te…. check my prev post…
Hi, wala pa pong tatak ang passport. Means hindi pa ko nakakapagtravel outside Philippines, is there any possibilities po kaya na ma-approve ako? Thank you po.
Hi Mrs George, hindi lang naman po basehan para maapprove is yung stamp sa passport. at there are some na may stamp nga, pero na deny. Pwedeng pwede ka maapprove kahit di ka pa nakapag out of the country basta ung intention mo, basically, is bumalik ng Pilipinas kapag binigyan ka po nila ng visa. ๐
Hi Aleah, Thank you for your blog and to those who shared their experiences. These helped me a lot in the preparation and actual interview. If I were to give a tip, just be confident and true!
Sharing to you my interview experience:
I just handed my valid passport. The consul did not ask for any document, not even my old passports.
Q: Why are you going to US? A: I want to go on a trip.
Q: Where to? A: In New York.
Q: Are you travelling with someone? A: Yes, my sister, Sir.
Q: Does she has a visa? A: Yes, she has a visa.
Q: Are you married? Do you have kids? A: (both) No, Sir.
Q: Who will be paying for your trip? A: (with confidence) I will be paying for my trip Sir.
Q: What do you do? A: I work as an Specialist in (a bank).
Q: How long have you been there? A: I’ve been with the bank for 10 yrs now.
Q: How much is your monthly salary? A: My basic monthly salary is xx.
Q: How long do you plan to stay in US? A: Two weeks or less Sir.
Q: Have you traveled outside the Philippines? A: Yes, Sir.
Q: Where to? A: To Singapore and Hongkong with a side trip to Macau.
…and his last question, i feel, is some what a verification
Q: When did your sister get her visa? A: I’m just not sure of the exact date…
…and he cut me, clarified his question
Q: Is it recently? A: ah No Sir, she got it way way (years) back and she already traveled to US.
Consul: Ok, you are approved. Expect your passport next week.
Me: Thank you very much Sir… all smiles
After two days, I got my passport with the visa!
By the way, the day of my interview was my birthday :)) What a perfect birthday gift!
I have the same questions as yours… verifying if my travel companions have visa already. In my case, I will be traveling with my sister and aunt. The consul asked me if my sister has visa and when it was granted. Good thing i had anticipated that question will be asked of me and i was prepared. He asked me if my Aunt has visa also, I told him that my aunt is a European citizen. When he asked me of who will pay for my trip, I told him, myself. That’s when he asked me of my salary (which is not that big). I also told him I have a business which earns this certain amount. When I told him my income figures, i could read that he was not convinced that I can afford my trip. I told him, that I have been paying for all my trips even my trip in Europe. That was I guess the magic word as he asked me the how long I stayed in Europe (3 weeks) and the other countries I had been to. He the told me, “Enjoy your vacation, we will mail your passport in a week!”
Hi Mai, Congratulations! Reading your experience made me reminisce the day I had my interview ๐
May I ask, how did you apply for a European visa?
Hi Aleah! Since you mentioned that you’re a freelancer, did you have an ITR in hand? I am an online freelancer too but with no ITR yet. I am just wondering if this would affect my visa application. I have traveled outside the Philippines (11 countries including Japan and South Korea) — during our last visa application (for SK), I was still employed so I had an ITR that I could easily submit but right now, I don’t have that anymore. Just wondering what you prepared for.
Same question for my husband. I have a US visa na rin and my i want my husband to go with me when i travel.
Hi. Just wanna ask a question. I’m a former J1 visa holder. I just arrived last July 12. I’m planning to apply my B-1/B-2 visa immediately to visit my friends that I met in the USA but I have some hesitations since I’m still a student and unemployed.
question, if you are working online ano ang need ilagay sa employment part ng ds-160?, the CS cant answer this. not sure lang if need ko ilagay ang current company ko w/c is outside PHIL. or lagay ko na lang not employed? or “OTHER” and lagay ko info ng online work ko?
I have the same question. Sana mapansin po to?
Hi Kat. I didn’t put not employed. I put freelancer.
Hi Aleah. I had a 10:15am schedule yesterday ; pumila ng matagal at tiniis ang init. Nung tinawag na ang color green which I belong, nakahinga na ako ng maluwag. Pero, unang window pa lang, hahaha di daw nila natanggap online application ko.
My problem now is how can I re-schedule an appointment. I was able to successfully submit my online application but, I cannot see any link for the calendar to choose the date and time of the appointment.
What do I do???? HEEEEELP!
Hi Annie. Hope you found the answer? That’s so weird that they didn’t receive your application!
I have the same question as yours ๐
Hey Maggie. I just put freelancer. ๐
Hi Aleah,
Thanks for your blog coz it is really informative and helpful sa amin who are thinking of applying for a tourist visa. Asked ko lang if you have any idea if there is a chance of approval kasi I overstayed in UK for 2 years before I came back to Philippines and before I worked here I also travelled to Singapore and Indonesia for a short visit with my family. Let me know. Thanks
Hi Ann. I’m not sure what to say about your case. I don’t know kasi if the US embassy will know about your overstaying case. Probably not, unless they’ll ask about it? After all, they do ask where you have traveled.
hi mam aleah.i have a question regarding my son’s birth certificate. married kasi nakalagay sa birth cerfiticate ng anak ko although married kami, hindi lang nakaregister sa NSO. 5 years n kaming hiwalay ng ex wife ko. so parang single kami, kasi walang record sa NSO. just in case sa application form, may married ba or separated nakalagay. or during interview at nag ask if i have a child, or married ako, kailangan ko ba pakita NSO bc at mc. Or pwede ko na lang sabihin sa application form na single ako at walang anak, since lahat naman ng visa ko single ako,. Baka kasi makita pag sinabi ko about my son then hanapan ako bc then makita sa bc married ako,. or wag ko na lang sabihin na married ako at my anak ako sa application form.. baka lang kasi makatulong if my anak ako. apply ako august after my trip to australia this july. what do you think mam?
I’m extremely thankful for your blog and for the ppl who commented. I was very nervous about this visa application, mainly coz I was already denied before. I procrastinated applying until I couldn’t anymore coz the family is planning to go to US this May. Yes, I’m the only 1 without visa. The night before the interview, I was full of bad vibes, all I could think of was I was just wasting money. I also hated the idea of me begging just to go to visit and tour another country. But when I read this blog and the comments in it, I got a little bit more hope.
My background: I stayed in the US for 1 year at 1 point and 5 months at 1point. Been there 3x. I was really just bumming around, I was young and had the luxury of time ๐
C: So, whats ur purpose of going to the US?
Me: Attend the baptismal of my nephew and tour around
C: So, what’s your job?
Me: I’m a xxxxx. I also own a small business.
C: Business? What is the nature of your business?
Me: xxxxx
C: So, as a xxxxx in your job, how many people report to you?
Me: xxxxx
C: How long have you been with the company?
Me: 8 years
C: So, you stayed in the US for 1yr and another time for 5months, why did you stay so long?
Me: I was young and all I wanted to do was travel.
C: So, you said you’re going to attend a wedding?
Me: No, baptismal of my nephew
C: Typing on his computer…
C: So, how long are you staying this time?
Me: About a month
C: Typing again…
C: So, you said you’re going to attend a wedding?
Me: *looking at him like he was nuts* No, baptismal of my nephew
C: Typing again for the nth time..
Hearing the sound of that keyboard was just nerve-wracking.
C: Okay your visa is approved. It will be delivered to you in about a week.
Me: *meekly said* Thank you.
My head was spinning and I couldn’t believe that I was given one this time. But very thankful. My parents were more happy than me coz I finally get to go with them this time.
I prayed a lot and couldn’t really sleep well the night before. I also prayed a lot while it in the Embassy. All I could think of was that Lord, if You want me to go, then I’m thankful and I know my parents are going to be happy. If not, then I understand. It’s all up to You.
Sorry for the long post ? Just wanted to share my experience & background bcoz reading all the comments helped me calm myself that time. Hope my experience is also helpful for somebody out there.
Hi aleah. I’m 26, single, and working as performnce reviewer for an american bank for 6 years now. I never had travel history abroad. My aunt is at CA and i’m planning to visit her. Does she needs to send me any requirement or invitation letter? And do you think there’s a chance that a visa will be granted? Thanks aleah! ?
Hi Anne. No need for the invitation letter. Just say you’ll go there as a tourist, after all, that’s what you want to do, right? To go around? You have a solid employment and that counts a lot.
Hi aleah! I’m confused about filling up DS 160 form. I’ve seen DS160 form asking for previous travel abroad for the last 5 yrs but when i fill up the form it didn’t ask for my previous travel. Ang lumalabas lang is previous us travel. Is that ok?What should i do? Hoping for your response! Thanks ๐
Hi Florence, same problem here. Yong bang previous work and educational details nag appear din sayo? Sa akin wala din. Di ko matapos DS 160. Ano po ginawa nyo? Thanks
Hi Florence and Mia, it’s ok if there’s no question about your previous travel, as long as you have completed everything else in the DS-160, you’re good to go. The Consul may ask you that question in the interview, like in my case ๐
I didn’t know that you can see the earliest available date for an interview, I just follow the steps posted in their site. I accomplished my DS-160 and I put there that I am a student right now (but I’m graduating in June), and the earliest available schedule is August (wherein I’m no longer a student). Do you think I will have a problem during my interview since it is said in my DS-160 that I’m a student but on August, I’m not anymore? ๐ I’m really worried.
Hi aleah! thanks for ur blog. It really helped me on how to schedule an appointment online. the first time we got a visa, I was still on 6th grade and had to line up ard 3am just to be interviewed. Now, we finished the whole process ard 20 mins as I was with my “senior” parents. they gave us an “E” card which served as a fast pass. ๐ its true that you just have to be confident when being interviewed. when the consul asked me about the salary, I said, well, may parents arent suppose to know this, but its xxxxxx. We started laughing and he was saying I should have went separately. haha. well, we just renewed our visa. ๐
Hi Cedric! I’m also accompanying my mom (she’s 61) to the US this coming June. How did you schedule your interview together?
Hi ms. aleah, i’m planning to apply for b1/b2 visa with my 2yrs old daughter, to visit her father (we’re not married) in US his a green card holder for a year now and he will be the one to Sponsor our trip.. the only thing i worried is im unemployed for 2yrs now bcoZ me and my partner decide na i’ll be focusing to our daughert since his going to work in US. but i have a small eatery for almost 1 1/2 yr and usual if you have small business we dont file a business permit right.. my question is how can i prove to them that i have small business since i dont have the neccesary paper to show it to them, but i have my active bank accounts..my business not that much have earning i mean sakto lang for extra expenses and to pay my helper.. what do you think i can show to them or prof that i have a business or strong tie that we will come back here, since my daughter will be studying na dis coming school year.. a picture of my eatery will be enough nba n prof na may small business ako kahit papaano and school registration form ng anak ko to show them n tlga babalik kmi.. your advise will be a big help.. thanks in advance
Hi Aleah!
I just want to tell you how extremely helpful your blog is. I applied for US Visa for my family of six and we were approved! I think applying with your family gives you an edge because they instantly know your intent of going back. It also pays that we have babies and senior citizen in our group as we breezed through everything without falling in line. (yay!) I just have a few more pointers to add for family visas, which are:
1. If you have a visa already and applying for your kids, make the online profile in your kid’s name. I had a mistake of entering my name in the initial registration. It made me call the call center pa to make sure it had no conflict. It was ok naman as long as everything is consistent with your passport. Napraning lang ako.
2. Do not make multiple login accounts as they tag the information you entered and you wont be able to personally untag it if you made mistakes in the previous profiles. You have to call the call center to do this for you.
3. You can only schedule for immediate family members (uncles, grandparents are not immediate family members) for one online profile. I had to schedule 3 times. One for my kids, one for my in-laws and one for my mom and bro. But its just the scheduling. You can go together in one interview, which is great!
4. You can only pay for one (1) person via BPI Online, so I ended paying in the bank. Make sure the teller is also conscientious in filling out the needed forms and numbers. Error in numbers can be disastrous as the teller told me. Plus, if youre in a hurry to schedule, pay the amount already. I made my payment at 11:00 am. I was waiting for my payment to be posted at around 4pm so I can schedule right away. Turned out, it was posted the next day at 8am.
5. Make sure you upload a picture that fits the criteria. As in get it done professionally (photo studios that are familiar with US Visa reqts.) and ask for a digital copy that you can upload online if you dont have a scanner. There was a girl in front of us who didnt upload and bring the correct photo so she ended up getting another photo inside the embassy. (After our interview, we were surprised to see her still queuing for her turn at the photo booth!)
6. Do not bring any gadgets whatsoever! This includes CALCULATORS and digital thermometers!!!!
7. When going from one area to another, always look for the staff in each waiting area to check if you are in the right one. Some people waited in the outside area for a long time only to find out they should’ve went inside already.
8. Go to the embassy exactly 15 minutes before your scheduled time. There were people from the province who waited for hours before they were accommodated. They shouldve went to nearby malls to kill time instead of waiting outside in the scorching heat.
That’s about all I can remember, Thanks again Aleah! This blog is like Bible to US Visa application!
Hi, regarding point 4. I paid thru BPI online for 4 person and didnt have any issues. I mean you will still get different reference number per transaction. correct me if I’m wrong.
thanks!
Really? Whoa! I dont know why it wont push thru. Maybe my internet connection?
Hi, I’m going with my mom (she’s 61) for the interview. How do we apply for the interview together? We filled out the DS-160 form separately.
HI Patricia, I think you can schedule an Appointment by group, in your case, with your mom. and yeah, i think it is just correct that you have a separate DS-160 ๐
Have you had your interview?
Thank you for your post! Frankly, its been a big help ๐
I have a question. I’m filling up the DS -106 for a tour/visit relatives trip. The form is asking for the surname, should I include my middle name (maiden surname) or just my (married) surname? And is our SSS number the National ID Number they’re asking for?
you should put whatever last name appears in your passport. They dont accept hyphenated surname. (i tried. lol) and no, philippine SSS number doesnt apply to them. Social Security in the states are only issued to US Citizens. just answer no.
I also completed my family’s DS-160 a couple of weeks ago. Just to be safe, I called the CS to clarify and their advise was to indicate the SURNAME as is on the passport (NO MIDDLE NAME). If you want to include your middle name on the DS160, it should be part of the GIVEN NAME/S. ie: John Paul S (Santos) Martinez will show as:
Surname: Martinez
Given Name: John Paul Santos
Culturally, the US does not subscribe to having the Middle Name (our Mother’s last names before marriage) as part of their names. What is considered as middle names are second names. In the PH, John Paul S Martinez; in the US, it would be John P (Paul) Martinez.
Hope this helps. ๐
I filled in my DS160 with my married name and ticked on the box for ‘Other Names’. I added my maiden name here. This makes more sense to me as I just got married 3 years ago and my older passports have my maiden name.
Good evening MS. Aleah. Just want to ask? May mga nabasa kasi ako comment about DS-160 na may portion na nagtatanung ng previous travel. Bat nung nag fill up ako wala ako nakita na ganun part. Ang tinanung lng is previous travel to US and when will you travel and how long will you stay? Im sure naman na fill up ko lahat ng tanung sa DS-160. Wala talaga ako nabasa na ganun tanung about previous travel to other countries
Cuttysgirl
I’m confused about the same thing! What did you do?
same problem here. Yong bang previous work and educational details nag appear din sayo? Sa akin wala din. Di ko matapos DS 160. Ano po ginawa nyo? Thanks
same problem here. Yong bang previous work and educational details nag appear din sayo? Sa akin wala din. Di ko matapos DS 160. Ano po ginawa nyo? Thanks
Did you find an answer to this? Maybe you need to either refresh or use another browser?
Hi May, okay lang yun. Wala rin akong nasagutan about previous travel sa DS-160. Anyway, you may or may be asked sa interview na. Ako kasi, tinanong yun sa interview ๐
Here’s what I found out: If you answered ‘YES’ to questions about your relatives in the US, you will get prompted to answer the previous travel, educ attainment, work hist, etc questions. I completed my DS160 and got none of these (all immediate family here in PH); when my husband was filling out his form, he got these questions (parents and sister are in the US). So, if you don’t get the ‘additional’ questions, don’t sweat! It may be asked in the Interview as batbatzz said.
This reply may no longer be relevant to the folks above, but hopefully this helps others. ๐
Hi! I just got my passport renewed this january. Can I apply for us visa right away or need to wait for 6 months?
No need to wait. Where did you read about the 6 months thing?
Hi! I just had my interview 3 days ago, and I’d like to post my experience on here since all the comments on this page, and the original blog itself helped me a lot.
I’m 21, single, I work in a call center as a multilingual agent. I think my advantage was that I’ve lived in China for 10 years, and I’ve travelled a couple of countries. My parents and my sister still reside in China. So here’s how it went:
C: Where do you plan on going in the States?
M: I’d like to go to Philly first then fly over to Washington State.
C: What are you going to do there?
M: I’ll be attending the wedding of my best friend and our high school reunion (I made sure to mention this so she would ask the next question that she sure enough did.)
C: High school reunion? You went to high school there?
M: No, I grew up in China and lived there for 10 years and I was homeschooled, so all my friends in that group are American.
C: I see, where are they now?
M: The couple getting married are in college at George Fox.
C: And where’s that?
M: I think it’s in Washington? Oregon? Sorry I’m not sure about the state. I have a couple of other close friends in Seattle, they go to the University of Washington.
C: Do you have any relatives there?
M: Yes, my mom’s half sister.
C: Are you married?
M: No.
C: Kids?
M: No
C: In a relationship?
M: Yes.
C: How long?
M: 2 years this September.
C: So you work here or..?
M: Yes, I do.
C: What do you do for work?
M: I’m a multilingual conference coordinator for *******.
C: How long have you worked there?
M: 2 years this May.
C: How much net do you make?
M: xx,xxx if you include my tutoring on the side.
C: No, just the main job.
M: Oh, xx,xxx.
C: What course did you finish?
M: I’m actually still in school.
C: Oh, what school?
M: It’s an open university called xxxxxx. Do you wanna see my ID?
C: No that’s okay. Alright, your visa’s approved, it will be sent to the address on file within a week.
*DEEP SIGH TRYING TO CONTAIN MY HUGE GRIN*
All the tips are right, have good and honest intentions of going, smile, and be confident with your answers. The guy before me was scolded by this consul and she looked so stern, and did not smile at him one bit! I was so worried and debated running off to the exit.
But alas, she smiled at me before I left and approved my visa!!! *dances*
Basically, all my friends are in America, so this is a huge deal since I wanted to see them all. Maybe not on a one time visit, but at least i have the visa to keep going back!
Oh wait, correction:
She also asked me if I have travelled outside, and I said:
“Yes, I mentioned I lived in China, I’ve been to Hong Kong, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Brunei, and I’ll be heading to Korea next month, just got my visa!”
She probably saw that pasted on my passport too ๐
When given the 10 yr multiple entry US Visa, can you to the US a year after being given the visa? or should you leave within 3 months?
Thanks!
I think there is no time deadline when to leave after you received your visa. Having a US visa is a privilege so It is somewhat important that you visit US atleast once because if there’s no stamp and you’d like to apply again /renew, it may have a bad score in your application. Just my opinion.
Hi, i juz want to know if u started ait all thru online only? I mean no need to go to embassy for the application?
Hi, Aleah and readers! Do you have any tips on visa applications for sponsored US visits? My boyfriend (a green card holder) wanted me to visit him in New York where he works as a nurse, for a quick 2-week tour and quality time together. I only earn 30,000 a month, and this honestly makes me anxious about getting a tourist visa. I think that I might not be earning enough to be considered as someone with established Philippine ties. Hehe. Boyfriend will pay for my airfare and I will be living in their house during my entire stay. Basically, he will cover all my expenses. Do you think my savings/bank situation will matter? ๐ Thank you so much!
Hi Louise,
My monthly income is pretty much the same with the figure you mentioned. I took a chance. I applied for the visa last December 2017, and now I am planning for my trip late this year,
Go lang girl….
Maam tanong konlang po , kakatapos ko lng mainterview sa us embassy but when got home they called me, and i have to go back there , with no reason mentioned. Can i have a clue ?
How was it girl?
Your process seemed so easy. But I’m guessing it has something to do with the fact that you’ve gone to 18 countries. We both have similar situations, but I have just been to one country. But I am employed, do you think I might have a chance in getting a US visa?
Hi Kaye,
I do have that advantage of having traveled to 18 countries at that time. However, there are also first time travelers who have been granted a visa. It just boils down to how the consul sees you as a risk. If you are employed, have a reason to come back to the Philippines, and can answer confidently, your chances of getting a visa is higher. When are you applying? Let me know how it goes!
Thanks for your blog! Really helpful, got approved just today! ๐ Here’s my story, gave credits to your blog. ๐
http://eatdrinktravelandlive.blogspot.com/2017/01/7-day-challenge-my-us-tourist-visa.html
Congratuations, TJ!
hi, i have question,bec im filling up the DS160 form,in the section Present Work/Education/Training, the form only asking for Present work wala na ung ibang question na previous work and education,ganon po ba talaga, tps napansin ko din na di din nya ko hiningan ng if nakapagtravel na sa ibang country.wla na po ba tlgng ganong mga question sa DS160 form,,
thankyou po
Hi Aiz,
as I just filled up an application a few days ago for my renewal, I think I can help answer your question.
regarding your work experience, I think I was able to add at least three of my past jobs on that section. You just need to click that Add button located just under those boxes that needs to be filled up. Same for the countries you’ve visited within 5 years.
Thank you! ๐
Good day Ms. Aleah! I am 21 years old and on my 5th year in Dentistry. One more year and I’ll be graduating. I delight in travelling and my aunt wants me to visit them before I get a professional license hehe (to have a strong reason for me to come back to Ph). I have been to South Korea thrice. My parents & sisters (both working abroad as nurses) will cover the travel expense. I am the youngest in the family. unemployed but have a small online business. I want to apply but too scared to do so huhu Do you think I stand a chance, Miss Aleah? ๐ Thank you very much!!
Hi Bryan. Everyone has a chance, of course. It depends on a lot of factors. I know someone who has never traveled outside the country, was his first time to apply for a passport, and yet when he applied for a US visa, he was granted one. So yes, go ahead and do it. Just be mindful of the tips here. Good luck!
Big thanks to this blog! I was scheduled for interview last January 10, 2017 at 10:00 AM. I arrived at 9:40 AM and was immediately assisted on which line to go to. After going through the initial process, I was assigned to the next available window. I am not sure if it was window #26. Two indian looking guys were currently being interviewed by an american guy consul who seems to be sleepy or I don’t know if he is bored. While beside that window were female Asian looking consul officers who kept issuing blue slips. ๐ Anyway, I have been waiting for about 15 minutes already and was tempted to change window but decided not to. I just told myself that it was my destiny to be on that window. Also, remember patience is a virtue. Haha! Besides I don’t want the consul to see me being impatient. They might take it negatively. But, imagine the nervousness building up that I kept comforting myself with positive thoughts.
Anyway, after 20 minutes the applicants before me were denied. Here’s how my interview goes:
Consul: Good morning.
Me: Good morning, Sir.
Consul: What is your purpose of travel? (while checking the pages of my passport.)
Me: To attend business meetings with the company partner and client. Aside from that I will be attending an expo.
Consul: That’s a lot. (with a hint of smile)
Me: Ah yes. ( smiling)
Consul: How long is your visit?
Me: for a month.
Consul: What do you do?
Me: I’m a Project Manager at __________.
Consul: How long have you been there?
Me: 11 years
Consul: Are you going to work there?
Me: It’s more of a business meetings for requirements gathering. And to check on a faulty functionality on the system that we developed for a client. (me realizing that I used a wrong word)
Consul: Faulty functionality? (frowning)
Me: (the opportunity to correct myself) It’s actually more of a bugs that we can’t recreate in the Philippines so I need to personally check on it.
Consul: Are you going to fix it?
Me: No. I just need to know the cause of the problem and will discuss it with the developers. Probably a compatibility issue.
Consul: And they are going to fix it here?
Me: Yes.
Consul: Have you traveled outside Philippines?
Me: I’ve been to Germany, Hongkong, Macau, Thailand, Malaysia, and Singapore. Two of them are business trips. (me expecting to be asked for my old passports)
Consul: Ok, your visa is approved. Expect your passport in a week.
Me: Thank you Sir. (Is that it?I’m actually stunned and took me a few seconds to respond.)
The interview lasted for 2-3 minutes only and no documents and old passports asked. My tips: Be prepared and pray before going to the interview. As for me, I prayed that I will have a short interview but approved visa. I also made an answer of all possible questions that the consul might ask especially about my different project & business meetings that I need to attend to in the US. I know they don’t have all the time to understand what jargon words I am going to say to them so I made simple yet clear to understand answers for them to have a better picture about my purpose of travel. If you have been practicing how are you going to present yourself to the consul then it will become natural for you to talk about yourself and your intended travel. Be confident and have no second thoughts about your answer.
Actually, I am more concerned about me being single and having a sister in the US but he didn’t even ask about it. Thank God!
Today, I just got my 10 year multiple entry visa. I forgot to pray for it before the interview and I am grateful that still God gave it to me on the 3rd day after my interview.
Just an additional info, don’t check your visa status in CEAC website a few hours after your interview as it will appear the dreaded Administrative Processing. It might cause you unnecessary trouble. It did to me.Hehe. Seems to be it is a default status and will change 24 hours after your interview.
To everyone who are applying, Goodluck and be confident!
Congratulations! So happy for you. Thanks for sharing your story here. I’m sure it will help others!
Thank you for sharing your experience and tips ๐ Goodluck to me, today is my us embassy interview for tourist visa..
Hi Cielo. How was your application?
Hi!
Just want to share my experienced. I had my Interview yesterday January 5th, 2017. Well, I guess the process has been changed that Instead of you waiting for your number to be flashed on the screen, now they will have you form a zig zag line and someone from the embassy will point you to whichever window is vacant.
I was pointed to head to window 28 and I was waiting for the person ahead of me to finish, I was just about two meters away and He was approved. It was my turn and I got so nervous that someone ahead of me got approved and maybe the next one will be denied.
Here comes the Interview:
Me: Hi Happy New Year!
Consul: Same to you! Please state your full name
Me: stated my full name blah blah
Consul: what is your purpose in going to the US?
Me: My mom and I will be attending my sister’s Jewish wedding ceremony.
Consul: Oh Is she Jew?
Me: Yes, she just got converted last December:
Consul: So when is the wedding?
Me: This coming Feb 16th, exactly the 3rd anniversary of their wedding here in the Philippines.
Consul: So, what do you do for living?
Me: I am a Real Estate Virtual Assistant for 2 US Real Estate Companies.
COnsul; How much do you earn?
ME: For both companies combined, I am earning $1400/ month.
Consul: Are you married or have kids:
Me: No, I am single.
Consul: What car do you have?
Me: I have suzuki alto
Consul: IS it paid off:
Me: not yet, got one more year to go.
Consul: Great! you will paid it off in a short period of time. After that the consul check my passport and checked every page maybe looking for any stamps for the countries I visited before. (I haven’t been to any country yet)
Consul: Have you traveled abroad before?
Me: I didn’t and It will be my first time If ever.
Consul: Why not? You are earning that much
Me: I had been tied up with my job since I am working 16 hours in front of my computer so I didn’t have much time. I just asked my boss this time for a 2 week vacation leave since this is an Important event.
Consul: Got you… Where is the wedding?
ME: In the Chabbad house.
Consul: No, what I mean is where in the US?
ME: I am sorry for that, It will be in New York.
Consul: In Manhattan?
Me: No, It will be In Port Washington Long Island NY.
Consul: When is the wedding again? March, right? ( trying to catch me If I was lying)
Me: No sir, It will be on the Feb 16th.
Consul: VISA APPROVED. Congratulations!
My background: I haven’t been to any country. I am working as a VA for 2 real estate companies based in the US. I am earning $1400/ month.
Tips: Just be sincere and honest. Don’t be nervous as long as you speak well the conversation will just be smooth. I didn’t notice that the consul doubted me. Just show that you are honest to what you are telling the consul. my Interview was finished in 2 minutes. I went out with a smile and teary eyed. ๐ Have faith, pray pray pray. I went to Simila in Cebu to pray a month before my Interview. God has been so good. Mama Mary will always intercedes If we ask her help. to pray with us and for us regarding our petition.
Congratulations! Thanks for sharing your story here. I’m sure it will help others!
Hi! I worked as a market researcher in a company based in the US for 1 year now. Now they want me to go there for a team building seminar. Should I put their address on my primary work occupation when I filled out the DS-160 form? On the contact information I put my clients address. I don’t have travel records right now but has money and investments in the bank. I am not based in Manila either.
Looking forward to your reply and for anyone who can help me.
Hi Jheoff! As a VA, what did you put as primary occupation when you filled out the DS-160 form? Did you put both of the companies you worked with and their address in the US as well? Looking forward to your reply and for anyone who can help me.
Thanks!
Are there any requirements in getting US tourist visa, I will be attending the wedding of my niece?
Hi Jheoff! As a VA, what did you put as primary occupation when you filled out the DS-160 form? Did you put both of the companies you worked with and their address in the US as well? My client is located in the US. Looking forward to your reply and for anyone who can help me.
I found your blog months ago when I was preparing my application for a US NIV – and sure it did helped a lot!!!
I did had my interview yesterday, 9:00AM. Process was fast and interview just took over a minute or so. Just to share the experience:
Consul: Good morning!
Me: Good morning.
Consul: So, you’re going to the US?
Me: Yes mam. (Types on her computer and flips my passport)
Consul: I see you have travelled a lot.
Me: Yes, mam. I believe I wasn’t able to include Thailand, Cambodia and Laos when I filled my DS160 but you can check my old passport for my entry and exit stamps mam. (Asks for my old passport)
Consul: Hhhhhhmmmmm … And what’s your most worst experience in your travel?
Me: It happened in Osaka, Japan on my way to Kansai Airport. I did not know that first 4 cars of the train I boarded was to go straight to Wakayama and the rest to the Airport. I was in the 1st car and I did went straight to Wakayama. I missed my flight back to Manila, had to spend another day in Osaka and had to spend 36K yen for my flight back home. Bummer eh? (I did really said it as it is my expression, to which the consul nodded with expression. =D)
Consul: (types on computer) Okay. Your visa has been approved and we’ll have it delivered within a week in the address you have specified in the application.
Me: Thank you very much mam!
I only brought my DS160, Appointment Confirmation, Old passport, COE and Bank statement. I actually felt uneasy when I saw other applicants stack of folders with them whereas I only brought few docs placed on a leaf of a clearbook.
You’re right when you say be concise and honest. It did sure worked on my favor.
Congratulations! Thanks for sharing your story here. I’m sure it will help others! Re Osaka, I’m glad I listened to the announcement when I was there. I also didn’t know beforehand that the cars would split. That’s such an expensive mistake haha
(Exena sa Window 25)
Consul: Good morning!
Me: Good morning! (All smiles ala Pia Wurtzbach. Kahit super kabog na ng dibdib ko at di pa nakatulong na ang gwapo ni kuya. Laban!)
Consul: Why are you going to the united states?
Me: I’m going to NYC for a holiday and some well-deserved time off from work.
Consul: So where do you work and what exactly do you do?
Me: Uhm… I work as a telephone and online banking specialist for HSBC.
Consul: For how long now?
Me: I’ve been with the company for more than 5 years now. And I intend to stay for as long as I possibly can.
Consul: What did you do in Singapore and Korea.
Me: I went there for tourism. Korea will always have a special place in my heart mainly because of the Korean films and dramas I grew up watching. I visited some of the famous filming locations.
Consul: Do you have relatives in the US?
Me: I have aunts who were all based in the west coast.
Consul: So why did you say no on the application form?
Me: Uhm… uhm… the form I filled out asked me if I have immediate family members in the US. By your form’s definition, an immediate family member must be a parent or a sibling. I said no because none of them are in the US. (At this point, grabe na yung kabog ng dibdib ko. Ang neutral ng fez ni kuya pero ang sarap niya pa rin.)
Consul: Okay. Fair point. How long will you be staying in the US?
Me: Less than 2 weeks I guess. I don’t think my employer would allow me to go on leave longer than that.
Consul: Congratulations! Your visa has been approved. Enjoy!
Me: (Natulala ng mga 5 seconds. Di makapaniwala. Lutang… lagging…) Thank you! Have a nice day.
And that’s it! The consul never asked for my employment and banking documents which is a good thing na rin kasi wala naman ako ganung kalakeng pera sa account ko. He didn’t even ask how much my monthly salary is. God is good talaga for giving me the strength na malagpasan ang challenge na to. Dun ko na realize ng bonggang bongga na di mo talaga kailangan maging mayaman para makapag travel ka sa mga dream destinations mo. Courage, tiwala at syempre pananampalataya kay God. Laban lang ng laban mga besh!
And Aleah,
Super thank you for this blog and sa mga comments and insights mo sa mga questions ng readers. You’ve no idea how much it helped us.
Thank you for letting me know, Reggie. You’re (my readers) the reason why I’m still blogging after 7 years. Charot hahaha
i am planning to apply for a us tourist visa this month sponsored by my sister , but i am hesitant because i overstayed my dubai visit visa 2 years ago because i was commenced an employment visa but i eventually got back home after 2 months , i am afraid that the us embassy might track my travel history in dubai. please help
Hi Grace. Did you push through? How was your application?
Hi Aleah,
Im planning to apply for US visa next year. Im a single mom. Been to 10 countries already. Question: if i apply as a family with my daughter, will my daughter be interviewed also? Is the length of stay will matter in granting the 10yr multiple entry? What if we will only stay for 1-2weeks?
Hi. Did you apply already? You have to bring your daughter during the interview. And no, the length of stay won’t matter.
hellow aleah,
i want to know. did you apply for 10 years or they give you 10 years visa??
Hi. Sorry for the late reply. They just gave me 10 years visa (it’s the norm I guess), I didn’t ask for it.
Thank you, Ms. Aleah! Had my interview last friday and just received my passport with multiple entry(10 years)
โSingle
โ21 y/o
โUnemployed
โRegistered Nurse
โFreelance tutor
โSponsored by mom
Questions asked:
1.Purpose? – To have a tour and visit relatives
2. Work? – Freelance tutor
3. How long? – 6 months
4. Salary? – *****
5. Travel History? – been to 4 countries
** type lang ng type yung consul habang kinakabahan ako kakahintay kung anong sasabihin niya.
Consul: Congratulations! You will receive your passport after 5 working days. Don’t work there(while pointer her finger on me while smiling).
Me: Thank you, Happy thanksgiving! ๐
Consul: Happy thanksgiving
Scary lang while waiting kasi you can hear a lot of people getting denied even they are qualified enough, Pray lang kay Lord pinganglaban ko ๐
Hi Reey, ayos naman yung sayo 6 mos
6months sa work po? Hehe fresh grad po kaso ?
CONGRATULATIONS! And thanks for sharing your story here ๐
Hello po! ๐
Sinabi nio po kasi dinala nio all old passports. Paano po kung nawawala ung old passport. Okay lang po kaya yun?
Okay lang but you can’t prove you’ve been to other countries already.
HELLO ALEAH
been reading about your blog and other’s comments and your replies today.
just wanna ask if which one is much easier to apply is it the tourist visa or working visa.
Hi aleah. Thank heavens for you and your blog. Got approved at the us embassy this morning.??? would u believe it after reading ur blog one evening…the ff day I filed na my application.lol. tho the waiting time for my schedule of interview gave me time to prep documents- just in case.thats about a week…and during the interview, i was not asked a single document.lol. anyway, the consul said my passport will be delivered w/in 5days.dko lang alam kung single entry lang yun or what.
One question tho: hindi kinuha yung mga forms like appt form,visa application confirmation and yung pics ko na 2pcs. Un new passport ko lang ang kinuha. Ok lang naman yun no?
Will update here nalang once my passport is here.
Ang saya lang. Thanks talaga sa iyo. Binigla ko lang din un application. Ung blog mo ang nag trigger.hahaha
More power!godbless!mwah!
(thanks to you, ill celebrate my bday in vegas sa may2017.pag makaipon ng isang duffle bag na pera.hehe)
Thanks again! xoxo
Hi Gerd,
COngrats ha.. Baka po pwede malaman ung experience mo during interview. Like anung questions and answer na sinagot mo.. That would help us all na gusto mag apply ng US tourist VIsa.
TIA
Hello just want to ask hows your interview the questions ask to you hihi my interview is on monday hihihi
Hi! I applied for a US visa. I am already on the payment portion. Paid over the counter around 3:35 today. So what time do I need to make my appointment in this case? I’m kinda confused because in the customer copy instructions, it states there that after payment wait for 4 hours before scheduling an appointment. For payments made after 3pm, wait for the next banking day (around 1pm) before scheduling an appointment. in my case, I paid after 3 pm today. So Does this mean that I will schedule my appointment Tomorrow?
hi ms aleah, so interesting to read all the comments and replies…i hope u can help me someday soon also by replying when i ask something…thank u and may God bless u..
Hi Ms.Aleah, do you think puwede gamitin yung passport ko due to expired next march to pay the visa fee and get early appointment for the interview (planning to travel this january) while waiting for my new passport to be renew this november. Then, dalin ko nalang yun bago passport sa interview at yun old passport na ginamit ko sa DS-160 at visa fee or can i edit/change DS160 after submission para baguhin ko sana yun passport details. I’m hoping to be interview this year.
Looking forward for your advice/suggestion.
Thank you.
Hi Aleah! I’m in the process of creating an account in the U.S. Department of Stateโs Bureau of Consular Affairs website. But I can’t seem to save my personal data since I don’t know what to indicate under the DS-160 confirmation number. Where can I find it? I’m actually doing this so I would know how to renew the US visa of my boss. Appreciate your help.
Hi I’m A Grade 10 Student,I’m 16 years old ,and my Aunt from New Mexico want me and my 20 year old brother which is still s 4th year college student to go to US and have a vacation for atleast 2-3 months My Auntie is a business owner and a contractor of AAFES (Army Air Force Exchange Services.) and my Uncle is a 28 years US Airforce retired. My classmates already told me that they already got rejected twice, my other classmate got rejected twice to but got approved on his third try. Pls help me thank you.
Thank you.. ๐
Hi, Aleah! I’m glad I’ve read this post before deciding to renew my US Visa. Renewal has been long overdue. I got my visa in 1997 with my mom and expired in 2007. I was hesitant to renew because I was about to turn 18 that year. From 2007 up to this date, I travelled to HK twice and just recently got my Japan visa. I’m planning to renew this year but I was again hesistant because I am a registered nurse. My mom’s friend told me that she saw a signage inside the embassy that BSN graduates is automatically denied. How true is this because I really wanted to renew my visa. I am a Communication Specialist in a university, I’ve been with them for 4 years now. Thank you in advance. ๐
Hello! Maybe what your friend saw was the TV set that flashes common myths and the actual facts about getting a US VISA ๐
Yes, it’s not true. What was written on the TV is “even though you are a nursing graduate, even though you are single, even though you have no travel history, you can still qualify for a US visa” – not exactly the words written there but its something like that. Got approved last week and the process is so fast. I got there at 8:45 am and was finished at around 9:30 am. The embassy already improved their process. You just have to be there 15 minutes before your schedule. The Consular Officer told me that I can get my visa within 5-7 days, and i got it 4 days after my interview. I picked it up from 2go Megamall.
Good luck to you guys. Just be confident and answer truthfully. ๐
HI Ms. Aleah,
First I wanna thank u so much for a very informative ideas, when applying US visa. We already applied for NIV but unfortunately we were denied, to the fact that we have bring all the docs needed, Im also working and been in the company for 14 yrs and my husband is 4 yrs in Casino at Pasay city. We have also bnk account, COE , Bir taxes , land title, we were so sad that the consul told that they cannot give us Visa because US is so strict,… The question that really comes the reason is that “who would take care of the children and my husband answer My Mother. and also the salary coz, mine is 35k and he’s 40 ..I really got confused. Right now I have an interview again this OCt 20, just wanna know if its ok that i have put the ETA to New york is Nov 22, is it ok a month only.. im so worried that they might rejected me once again..
If granted, you can get the visa within one week, so applying a month ahead is not a problem. In your second interview, make sure to address the problems in the first interview, otherwise you will just get denied again.
thank you Ms. Aleah ..
Hi again. Thanks for the reply from my first inquiry.
But I am curious to know, what tips can you give us in preparing for travel?
Where do you book flights and accommodations?
have you tried booking at Travelocity? Is it safe and trustworthy?
Hi. Re flights, I use Skyscanner or Cheapoair to check for the cheapest flights. Also Expedia and Traveloka. I haven’t tried Travelocity yet. Have you read the reviews?
How bout cheapoair ba yun?trustworthy ba yun?any feedback. Thanks!!!
Hi Aleah,
My name is Cherry, and my boyfriend wants me to visit in US, he is A foreigner. And then she wants me to get Us tourist visa? My change kaya ako? I’m working as a freelance too and my online business ako. But i guess to be honest, hindi ako nag babayad ng tax ๐ which is true, and then ung Mom ko nag wowork sa HK as a DH and ung Dad ko driver xa sa Manila and my 1 brother still in school. My chance kaya ako? Although sabi ng bf ko lalagyan nya daw ako money din sa bank account ko. Please let me know if i have a chance! ๐ THANKYOU!! ???
Hey girl. Everybody has a chance, but whether you get approved or denied depends on several factors, primary of which is whether the consul will assess your ties to the country. Being a freelancer isn’t a problem in itself, like me, but again it depends. In my case, the consul saw that I had been to 18 countries and never overstayed, so she thought I won’t stay illegally there. When is your interview?
hey, same tayo ng situation, as in SAME.. sana update ka sis kung anu ng nangyare sa VISA application mo.. balak ko din kasi mag apply.. thanks!
Hi Aleah,
My sister and I will be applying for visa this October, attending my cousin’s wedding. I’ve been to 12 countries this year (SE Asia, 3 months Eurotrip and Korea) and just got a visa to New Zealand but my sister has traveled only once. Though we are flying together to Korea next week. Do we have a good chance? Btw, I’m also working online.
Thank you
Hi are you done with the interview?
How was your interview? You have a good travel history, but of course the results will depend on the consul. I know someone who has been to only one country get a multiple entry for 10 years. I guess it’s up to you, how you will answer the consul’s questions. Do update us!
Hi Aleah,
I am planning to apply for US tourist visa with my son with me 20yrs sya. Ofw ako sa dubai for 10yrs na nagdecide ako sa pinas mag apply ng visa para andon hubby ko (ex na) pala pero not annuled pa. Dito kasi sa dubai mahirap makakuha kapag complicated amg marital stats, btw, may 10yrs multiple visa na ex ko dahil pinadala sya ng previous employer nya. ano kaya possibility magtanong sya bakit nasa dubai ang work ko at hindi ko sya kasama dito? Sympre hiwalay na kami pero hndi ako magpapahalata sa consul na hiwalay na para hndi dudahan na hndi babalik sa pinas or dubai. Isasabay ko sa application ko son ko 20yrs old but still studying pa din. any chance baa deny ang hiwalay sa asawa?
hoping for your answer
Hi Aleah. I am so glad to have read your post about your application for NIV US Visa. I felt excited but at the same time nervous coz we really can’t predict the consuls mood of approving visas. Anyway, I have a scheduled interview end of October with my mother and my 5yo son. Hopefully we will be interviewed together,. I am a single mom and I work in a insurance company for 9mos already and my mother is a senior citizen with pension and properties. We are planning to go to the US for Christmas and stay there for 5weeks. my mom was issued tourist visa before but that was way back 1991. she was with my dad that time for business invitation. they stayed there for 6weeks. Also, we have travelled to HK Nov of last year. do you think we can be granted a visa? hehe.. Hope you could reply. ๐
When I was there, the consul who eventually interviewed me granted all the families applying together. So maybe you’ll get lucky too. Of course, it still depends on your circumstances plus how you respond to the consul’s questions. Good luck and let us know the results!
hi aleah…just wanna ask in presenting bank statement…do u know how much the bank account should atleast have to be approved?..thanks..
Hi Ms. Aleah! Nakaka inspire naman po ang blog nyo… Ask ko lang po, balak kasi namin mag honeymoon ng husband ko, nagpakasal kami 3mos ago engr.seaman po sya at yun ang source of income namin and nakapag save naman kami for travels. Pareho kami 25yrs old & I’ve been to many southeast asian countries that don’t require visa. Unemployed po ako kasi I decided na mag stay at home “housewife.” Wala pa kami anak, may chance kaya po kami ma approve?
Hi Mika. I have no idea actually, haha. It all depends on the consul and how you answer the questions. Make sure you give a good reason for traveling there so that tataas chances nyo of getting approved. When are you applying?
Hi Ms. Aleah, my aunt and uncle are going to Guam on November 8. I still don’t have a schedule for them. ๐ I’ll try to wake up at 2 in the morning. Anyway, my question is this. You said that they can apply for a schedule as a family. How would they pay the fee? Individually? Or is the $160 fee for the two of them already? Thank you and hoping for your reply. ๐
PS: This is a very informative blog. Thank you for your effort. ๐
Hi Czarina. The fee is for each individual application. When you apply (see screenshot above), there’s a portion where you can list family members who are applying with you. Have you been interviewed yet? Your trip is a month away. ๐
Hi Aleah,
Im a freelancer in real estate and in HMO (healthcard) and i’ve never been in other countries.
im going to visit my sister and her family in Vegas, and they will give me an invitation. I am the one who will finance my trip. since i have savings and plus the commission i get. our plan is summer next year (July 2017) for 2 months.
Im going to apply for US tourist Visa / B2 when i renewed my passport. will expire on feb 2016. and my schedule of renewal is nov 2016.
is it okay to give me an invitation, because some that i read its a NO NO to say the sponsorship thing.
and is there a chance for approval?
my also reason for ties in the country are:
my responsibilities in work
my parents are old enough ( since Im the only child here in the phil)
and im getting married on 2018.
thanks =)
Hi Fei. Honestly, I don’t know about being sponsored there. A lot of people said that yes, you could get denied if you say you have a sponsor. If you have enough savings in the bank, why don’t you apply as a tourist? And say you’ll only stay there for a month? Make sure you have a good reason to visit though, like during Christmas or NY.
Hi, gusto ko lng din pong mag ask if possible na ma approved ako if i apply us visa even if my whole family are there na my mother,father, sister, lolo and cousins. Nandun sila dahil na petition sila ng lolo ko..so sad di po ako include dahil over age. My sister will cover my trip.
Hi Rachel. I don’t know eh. It all depends on your circumstances, how you answer questions, and the assessment of the consul. Have you scheduled an interview yet?
Hi!
This helped me to know paano mag apply ng US Visa. I’m a freelancer and my client wants me to go to LA so we can discuss the project they wanted to put up and assigned to me. this will be my first time to travel outside PH and have to process alll docs first including passport.
My husband wants to go with me kasi I can’t travel alone and to think sa US pa. Same lang ba na visa ang kukunin namin (B1/B2)? Mine is business and him for travel. We will be there for 2 weeks lang naman. are there any other things we need to prepare aside from those mentioned above?
Hoping to get these travel docs done in less than a month. Praying for it!
Thanks!!!
Yeah, usually they combine B1 and B2 together. In the interview, make sure to bring your client’s invitation letter + itinerary + guarantee that your client will sponsor your airfare + accommodation. Make sure that you have enough savings to cover your husband’s expenses. When is your interview?
Hi po. Gusto ko sanang mag apply for interview pero parang wala akong confidens na maaprobahan ako. Ano po ba mabuting gamit o ihandang requirements? Second courser na po ako. Nurse yong first ko pero d ako nag nurse nag shift ako to another cors. So ngayon employed ako under my parents busines and my isang busines under my name. My brothers family ay imigrant sila las 2015 umalis. Som of my relatives r der also. Nakapag pasyal na rin po ako sa asia 4 countriess. Ano po mabuting ihanda ko? Nag iipon lang ng lakas ng loob. Tnx po
Hi. You really need to be confident when you face the consul. Assure them with how you speak and how you answer questions that you won’t stay illegally there. In your application, it would be important to show that you have a business here, so that will show them that you’re coming back. Kelan interview mo?
Hi Ma’am Aleah,
May interview po kami next week-Sept 20, 2016. kababakasyon lang po namin sa Europe (Germany, Denmark & Switzerland) 1 month stayed. Advantage po ba ang merong approved Schengen visa?
Interview po for US visa:-)
Oo, it’s a big advantage. However, it still depends on the individual consul and how he/she assesses your responses during the interview. Update us ha kung ano ang results. ๐
Hi aleah! Ive been reading blogs about applying a visa.uhmm ill be applying this october. I had a visa before 10yrs but naexpire na shempre heheh 6yrs ago na. I overstayed there for less than 160 days due to medical reasons.i took the risk of overstying because im worried somthng might happen to me ang my baby during the travel .my i94 is valid till jan 28 2009 i arrived july 2009.i was about to go home but this contrctions of mine got worsten. I was brought to the er jan 12 weeks bfre i go home.maybe i got to excited to see my daughter back home.i was packing when i felt it.then i decided to stay until i gave birth i dont want to take the risk.so there i gave birth a week aftr my stiches is healed no more pain i got my son a passport so we can go home. I looked fpr an early ticket but again i was brought to the er 1st week of may due to an infected post op.i was given antibiotcs and advised to rest again. So there i got a ticket may 22 arrived in pinas 23. 6yrs passed ill try to reapply again my son is been wanting to see a real snow so my aunt invted us to spend holidays with her all.expenses covered by her.i was hesitant bcoz im afraid ill get rejected. I just told my self theres always 2nd chance. Hehe..God is good. Im actually working n a family bussness as an hr man. I have 3 kids, and my husband will take care of them while me and my son are away for a couple of weeks.approved na ang leave form ko. May mga cases ka din ba na nakasabay na ganyn.. im really nervous.ive been to embassy last aug 30 i renewed my sons passport. The consul.ask me where is he born i said md and he ask what im doing there i said im on vacay.. and he just said i dont thnk we have a problm. He said ill get my sons passport in 2 weeks. Btw nalagay kona na sponsored ang trip ko by my aunt e. Do u think ill be granted a visa again .what are the chances.. pahingi pong lakas ng loob heheh..
Hope to hear from ypu aleah.. God bless
Hi. Sorry ha, I don’t have any idea whether they will take it against you na you overstayed before. BUT, you have ties in the Philippines, and your son is a US citizen, so those may count in your favor dahil alam nilang babalik at babalik ka dito. Just practice answering potential questions. Remember, don’t look and sound desperate hehehe Good luck and let us know ano results ng interview mo!
hi, after payment and preparing the documents and set a consul interview. do I need to lodge my documents first before the interview? I have a bad experience in EU visa. lodging today next day interview. How about the US set up?
thanks
Applying for the US visa is not like Schengen where you have to bring very thick documents. All documents in the US visa is submitted online. You only have to bring proof of payment etc (please check my post) to the interview. And the schedule of the interview can take weeks o months, depending on what is available online.
Hi Aleah,
It’s me again! I’m trying to fill out the DS-160 form now. Dun sa given name field, do I include my middle name? I can’t seem to find a concrete answer kasi.
Thanks!
Hi Reggie. I think I only put in my first and last names.
Hi Alea.
I’m just curious to know, is there an employment period to which the consul base their decision?
I just got regularized from my first work last month and for some reasons I am so excited to apply for a tourist visa.
I was granted a j-1 visa before but I know it is not an assurance, right? So I am carefully deciding on when and should I apply for tourist visa soon.
Your blog is informative and helpful. keep up the good work and happy traveling ๐
Hi. The consul will consider a lot of things, one of the most important of which is your tie to the Philippines. The job can be that (among other things), so theoretically, the longer you have worked, the better it would be for your prospect to get the visa. It’s not an assurance though, since I myself am not employed (am a freelancer). But it will count.
Hi there Ms. Aleah.
Your blog helped a lot.
Sa totoo lng ang dami kong mga binabasang tips and blogs review para makakuha ng tips. Me and my mom are scheduled for interview b1b2 application on fri sept16. i want to accompany her during her travel as she enjoys her retirement while she can and to visit my sister there.
Same sa mga post sa mga feelings nila. pero it was a relief for me to pursue and overcome on it.
i am also a free lancer. I do financial assistance by lending money sa mga small entrepreneur, they have their income and me as well by paying back with interest in installment payment. kaya medyo takot na madenied dahil im not employed. pero hindi pla un ang reason for u na madenied.
The questions and answers are prepared. (ofcorz i answer it honestly at kung ano un nilagay ko sa application BE CONSISTENT),
but after reading this blog. kailangan ko bawasan ang mga isasagot ko para maconvince sla na babalik ako sa pipilinas.
ginawan ko din ng Q&A interview, almost everyday ang kanyang mock interview sa akin hehehe. i just want her to be prepared, pero babaguhin ko ulit.
“LESS TALK LESS MISTAKES”
“HUWAG PANGUNAHAN ANG CONSULAR OFFICER, for sure may follow up questions)
“ANG PAG SAGOT NG HINDI pa Tinatanong ay hindi nila un ikacoconvince. lalo lng sila mag wawander napaka defensive”
“answer it only if it is answerable by YES or NO. no more blah blah for them to convince, and ofcorz be honest”.
“huwag magpakita ng takot dahil makikitaan ka lng na desperate ka magpunta sa US”
“be confident but not boastful. ”
Yan ang mga tips na na-gather ko dito sa blog mo. and hopefully mabigyan kmi ng VISA ng mama ko…
i am still hoping. and praying very hard.
Sana ma-apply ko lahat, … Thanks
Jerome, your interview is tomorrow!!! Good luck. Be cool. Be honest. Don’t appear desperate hahahaha Let us know the result, okay?
Hi there ms. Aleah.
Here how it goes
We both interviwed at the same time.
Me and mom: good morning.
Consul: silent looking at his computer. And says whats ur purpose?
Me: tour visit and complying an invitation.
Cosul: how long u will stay?
Mom: 30 days.
Consul: how may children u have? Are u married?
Mom: 4 im widowed.
Cosul: so u have ur 3 children here and 1 in the US?
Mom: yes.
Consul : do u have any relatives in the US?
Mom: my sister.
Then the consul ask me..
Consul: what do u do?
Me: im doing financial assistance by lending money and buy and sell.
Consul: silent. Look at his computer typing. Then he ask again. Are married?
Me: no
Consul: do u have kids?
Me: no
Then he pause for awhile and says.
Well i have good news and bad news. Your mom will get her visa. US is strickly blah blah. Then returned my passport.
And thats it.
… what went wrong? Is it because i am single and no kids? I know they already reviewed my status in application. And the reason is under 214b. I didnt even got a chance to defend and justify my strong ties in the country. But i am very happy because my mom got her visa next week. And her happiness is not that complete because she is afraid to travel alone. . . What will i do? Any suggestions?.. TIA
Im a government employee for 3 yrs. with a salary of 28,000. I have an interview this october and this blog helped me a lot. Thnx.
Good luck. Remember the tips you’ve read in this post and apply them. Please let us know the result of your interview and any questions you will remember. Thanks!
Yes i will let you know. Not so sure though since salary is low but i have other income. I hope this will be asked. Thnx
Hi aleah? Just want to share my experience.
Consul: hello. Purpose of going to us?
Me: vist some relatives and friends
Consul; where are they?
Me: california
Consul: where do u work? How long? And income?
Me: govt employee, 3 years, 28,000
Consul: where have you been?
Me: 5 countries
Consul: scanned my passport
Visa approved. You can get it in 5 days
Hi! I have a boyfriend in the US.He never been here in the Philippines.He invite me to go there in their country.All my expenses he will provide it.What kind of VISA I need to apply the Tourist VISA? Thank you! Your reply highly appreciate it.
Just the Tourist visa since the US doesn’t have a Visit a Friend visa. Good luck! When is your interview?
Hi elsie, just wondering what happened to your visa application 2 yrs ago? Does it helped to say that u were being sponsored by ur bf? Im asking cuz i might undergo the same journey. Thanks!
Great informative post! I also wrote about my experience.
I applied for work (training abroad) and they only gave me a single-entry visa.
Not bad though, at least I got approved!
Next time, apply as a tourist so you can get a 10-year multiple entry. Congrats though!
Hi Aleah,
My parents and I are planning to visit my brother in US for a short vacation. He’s been working there for almost 10 years. My father applied first because we want to see how it goes. We were hesitant to apply all together and end up the 3 of us getting denied. He is retired and has traveled to European countries.
His visa was approved valid for 10 years.
My mom and I will apply next. Mom and I have been to 3 SE Asian countries.
As for me, I am 23 y/o working for more than a year with salary of 30K. Mom is unemployed.
My brother in US will sponsor our trip. With my dad already approved, do you think we still have a big chance of getting denied because of my short working experience, salary and mom’s unemployed status?
Thanks..
Hi. You can apply together and tell the consul that your father has a US visa already. Bring his passport so you can show it in case they ask. Also make sure to tell them about your brother in the US. It may help. When is your interview? Good luck!
Hello Everyone,
Ask ko lang po, kapag hindi ibinalik yung PASSPORT at Application FORM, Anu po ibig sabihin nun Approved po ba o Denied ?
Thanks in advance!
Kung kinuha nya, that means approved ang visa application mo. If denied kasi, sasabihin nya, “I’m sorry but I can’t give you a visa today.” Standard line yun, tapos bibigyan ka ng piece of paper.
So, congratulations! Expect your visa to be delivered in less than a week.
Hi Aleah,
So I paid the visa application fee online today as it is the option that’s more convenient for me. Now my concern is the receipt. What would serve as my official receipt which I will present at the embassy on the day of my interview? Should I just print out a screenshot of the email confirmation I received from BPI Family?
Salamat ng marami!
Yes, screenshot the email and have it printed. That’s what I did since I also paid via BPI’s online banking platform.
Wala akong malalapit n kamag anak sa U.S..yong fiancee ko lang tlaga ang pwedeng mag sponsor skin pra makapunta don…of course sa intrview ang fiancee ko ang bibisitahin ko kasi hindi sya makakapunta dito dahil inoperahan xa.nagtravel na ko sa persian gulf,At nakapunta na rin ako sa london…may 3 old passport po ako,Hindi po kaya Ko madeny kung mag aapply ako tourist visa pra bisitahin ko ang fiancee ko…..addittional information lang po kasi,pampadagdag kaalaman,thank you so much….
Kung sa tingin mo, mas papasa kapag mag-aapply ka as a tourist (which means may reason kang ipapakita sa consul na babalik ka talaga dito sa Pilipinas), e di wag mo na banggitin ang BF mo. May mga nagsasabi kasi na pag may sponsor, nadedeny. Wala akong experience dyan though, so di ko masasabi. Nasa consul na lang talaga kung maconvince sya na bigyan ka ng visa. Kelan ba interview mo?
Hello,my fiancee wants me to go to U.S The reason why his surgery stop him to visit here in the philippines,thats why we dicided that instead my fiancee visit me here,why not me applying for a U.S tourist visa!So I started searching and reading.Is it possible that my fiancee is the reason for me to visit in the U.S?sana hindi ako madeny…..pwede share mo some idea pa.thanks and nakatulong ng malaki ang mga nbabasa ko dito.
Hi Marrizze. Have you already met in person, or is it an online relationship pa lang? I’m pretty sure kasi the consul will ask that. Primary reason for rejection of visa is kung makita ng consul na walang magpapabalik sa yo dito sa Pilipinas. Marami na rin kasing nag TNT sa U.S. So I guess kailangan mo lang talagang makumbinse ang consul na babalik ka dito. As a tourist kasi ang reason for visit ko dun, not to visit a friend, kaya di ko alam ano mangyayari sa interview mo.
bad naman experience ko, sabi sa akin nag nag interview
kasi pinaexplain sa akin in details kung anu-ano gagawin ko during my stay in the US. sabi ko may alignment meeting kami at sinabi ko pa ibang details kaya aabot ng 2 months ung duration ko,
parang hindi naman daw ganun katagal dapat, masyadong mahaba.
Sabi nya sa akin: ” I’m not convinced” pero
kinuha nya yung passport ko at Ds-160.
diko tuloy malaman kung approved o denied ung application ko
Kung kinuha nya, that means approved ang visa application mo. If denied kasi, sasabihin nya, “I’m sorry but I can’t give you a visa today.” Standard line yun, tapos bibigyan ka ng piece of paper.
So, congratulations! Expect your visa to be delivered in less than a week.
Consul: are u still a student?
Me: yes
C: what year?
M: 4th yr college student
C: in what school?
M: answered
C: where are your parents?
M: they’re an ofw in greece
C: both of them?
M: yes
C: what do they do?
M: they’re both domestic helper.
C: i’m sorry but you dont have strong ties…
Why? ๐
So sorry to hear that, Pat. Maybe because you’re still a student and have nothing to bring you back here in the Philippines? Will you apply again?
I’m invited by my aunt, a US citizen, to visit the US this December.
I’m a 5th year college student, graduating after 1 semester and then off for board exams. My aunt said it’s a good reason for me to come back here since I need to finish my degree and get my license. My aunt will also finance my whole US tour.
But upon reading the comments, declaring that relatives will finance the stay as well as Pat’s comment (above) made me confused with everything.
Any insights? Thank you so much!
Hi Gia. Primary reason for rejection is when the consul sees that you don’t have any ties to the Philippines. Since student ka pa at di ka milyonaryo, applying as a tourist may not also work. Pwede namang tama ang aunt mo. The thing is, no one can be sure whether you’ll be given a visa. it all depends on the consul and on how you answer the interview. So be confident, don’t appear desperate for the visa, and you might just get one. When are you applying?
Has anyone checked for schedule last week? What was the earliest schedule last week? Need to go to US in October and the earliest schedule at the moment is October 7 ๐
Hi AR. That happened to me. What I did was check everyday at 2am. I got lucky and got an earlier schedule (like a month earlier). Try it if you can wake up at that time.
I had no idea you replied to my post and just found it today. Scheduled for interview on Thursday. Thank you for all your help ๐
Hi Aleah! I had my interview last August 18. My visa got approved and I’m hoping na 10 years siya pagbalik ng passport. Yehey! Just want to share my experience:
Background: Online English tutor for five years and recently became a Licensed Real Estate Broker. I’m 27 years old and still single. I have been to the US in 2012 under a student visa. I went to UCLA for a short study program. This time I applied for a tourist visa B1/B2.
Questions:
What’s the purpose of your visit?
How long do you plan to stay in the US?
What do you do for a living?
How long have you been teaching online?
So what did you study in UCLA?
And what has that led you? (Like anong nangyari after mo mag aral dun?)
Are you married?
It was a very short interview and the consul didn’t ask any of my documents.
Thank you Aleah for your sharing your tips! ๐
-Jara
Congratulations Jara! Did you get your passport back? I’m 100% sure you’re given a 10-year visa. Thanks for sharing your experience with us here!
10 years Ms. Aleah! haha Again, thank you and hoping to read more from your blog. ๐
HI Ms. Aleah and Ms. Jara, pwede po bang humingi ng tips from you. I’m about to apply for a student visa this coming October. Kakareceive ko lang po ng Acceptance Letter from University of Hawaii. Ano pong pwede nyong maibigay na advice for me to successfully get a student visa. Salamat po! ๐
Hi Aleah,
I’m single, working in middle east for almost 5 years as an Accountant and been to Dubai, Thailand, Indonesia, Bosnia, Jordan, India and Slovenia ( Schengen visa) and have good savings already . My working visa validity til August 2017 then will renew after. I don’t have any relatives or friends there just for tour only . Do you think I have a chance to get US tourist visa ?
Thank you,
Hi Sancard. If you have a working visa in the Middle East and will apply there, I think you’ll have a very good chance of getting a visa. A lot of my friends from there said it’s really easy. It’s only in the Philippines that they make it so hard for us to get a visa. Do let us know when you apply and what the results are, okay? Thank you!
Any update on your application?
Hi thanks for posting this Aleahโค๏ธ
I am a Filipina holding an expatriate pass here in Malaysia and when I was interviewed all they asked me was the reason I was leaving and a bank statement and that’s it I got a ten year multiple entry visa. And I guess it’s a lot easier than getting a US visa back in Manila.
Hi Jacky. That’s what other people have told me, too, that it’s MUCH MUCH EASIER to get a visa if you’re based outside of the Philippines. Sucks. But congratulations! When are you going?
I think what made it easier for you is because you traveled in 18 countries already. But what if you only traveled for the first time? This is the most crucial for all filipinos.
well I only travel for 10countries (but all asian countries). hopefully I can big chance.
I hope hindi ako kabahan and most importantly I hope I can convince the officer.
pray for me.
my interview will be on aug.22
I mean I can have a big chance.
Hi Dreamer. You’ve had your interview, right? How was it?
Hello Dreamer how’S your interview?
Hi Eds. I don’t know. I mean, based on what people have told me and what I read and what I’ve heard there, I think there’s less chance of getting it as a tourist. Better chances if you’re going there for business, like you’re sponsored by your company for a conference or whatever. Of course, it also depends on whether the consul will like you during the interview, and whether they will think that you have ties here in the Philippines to bring you back. When will you apply?
I have a question, In the past 2 years I travel 18x Internationally and I’ll been in 10 countries already and I will visit Singapore for 2time (19th travel) and 6times in thailand (20th travel), 5days before my interview.
I been in Thailand (5th times), Malaysia (3times), UAE (2times) Indonesia, Cambodia, Vietnam (2times), Hongkong, Macau, Singapore, Taiwan. (TAKE NOTE IN JUST 2YR & 4months)
also I have unused japan visa (everything is set but I got sick on my travel date so I decided not to go and pursue it next year)
The twist is this:
I’m only 23, SINGLE MAN
I only have around 100k in my bank
I never been employed. I took entreprenerial management in college (graduated 2014) because I don’t have any desired to work in any company or any organization.
after I graduated in college I start – tshirt printing business that run for a year (only barangay permit/ and I lost it already but I have picture of my stall before), then my current business is
computer shop & printing services (register my mayors permit and dti just this june but my barangay permit starter nov. last year NO BIR AS WELL SINCE I ONLY PUT IT IN BARANGAY)
also I sell tour package and discounted airline tickets online.
do you think I have a big chance to get a B2 visa or I will be denied??
I dont havea BIG personal ties in this country but I’ll travel in 10countries already in past 2years without overstay or violating law on that countries.
also “I WILL STAY ON MY AUNT TO LESS MY TRAVEL EXPENSES”
please rate 1-100% on my chance.
PS: I dont have desired to stay for so long in US.
I just want to experience christmas and new year in new jersey and drop ball in new york time square. after than just directly go back to the philippines.
sorry for my grammar
please reply PO NG TOTOONG TINGIN NYO, AT PRANGKAHAN po
thankyou
Sorry for the late reply. I think you already had your interview, right? How was it? I hope you got it!
Hello pareho tayo i have small business and i only have brgy permit how your interview?
Hi Aleah,
Good Day! Glad I found you blog! Me and my mom are planning for a US vacation in 3 years.. Yes in 2019. This is how anxious I am about the visa application process. It excites me to hears approved visa stories but at the same time nervous about the denied ones knowing that it might happen to me. I’m a licensed and registered Architect working in the local government of with the same position. My mom is also a government employee for 30 plus years and will retire in 3-4 years. Before she retires we talk about going to the US for a vacation. We have relatives in the US, my mom’s siblings actually. Three of them were in Louisiana and the other one is in California. I have worked in Qatar for a very short period of time before and I’m also planning to travel to Asian countries just to add up stamps on my passport before I push to this dream US vacation. So my question is, with these little background of mine, what are the chances that me and my mom will have approved visas? Thank you very much and I’m hoping for your reply.
I have heard that government employees who have been employed for years have much better chances of getting a visa, probably because they have a stable job with pension, etc. Why don’t you try applying before your mom retires? Apply as a family too and let us know here the results of your application. Good luck!
Hi aleah planning to get my visa this aug i dont have any travel since i got my passport this june i didnt apply my passport before because got a wrong spelling in my name but i decided to just use the spelling indicated in my birth cert .
im a bank officer i will just have a vacation for 2 to 3 weeks this oct to spend my bday with my uncle and his family he will be the one to pay for my trip.
Hi Anne. If you have a stable employment, that could be to your advantage. Let us know the results of your interview, okay? Good luck!
Hi Aleah,
Thanks for the very useful information. I feel they will help greatly during my interview.
But a question- Something that’s been bothering me since I submitted my DS-160. Since you are a freelancer, did you give the average salary on the application when asked about “monthly income”? I ticked “not applicable” because as freelancer this varies. I was thinking about putting the average (annual divided by 12 months) but felt it wouldn’t have been truthful. Also, what did you put in the “national identity number” portion? I ticked “not applicable” because I didn’t think we had any. I researched online and many did the same.
Thanks! ๐
Hi. I just put in an average number under monthly income. Also, I ticked NA to the national identity number. When is your interview?
Hi.I will have an interview this coming August 9? together with my 2 year old son.Do you think there’s a line specifically for applicants with toddler? And do you think we have better chance to be approved since I have a good reason to be back in the Phils.? They said its all about ties? I am just feeling pressured right now because me and my son are the only ones who does not have US tourist visa in the family and we are all set to tour the island of Guam. Another pressure is my baby might feel bored and throw some tantrums ? Thanks.We had experience traveling abroad as well.
Hi. I don’t think there’s a special line. I didn’t see any. Make sure to bring a lot of toys. No idea whether having a kid increases your chances of getting a visa. Consuls are sometimes unpredictable. 2 more days na lang. Will you let us know here the result of your interview? Good luck!
do u advise getting a plane ticket before applying a us visa?
Wait for the result of Interview before getting a plane ticket. Its a waste of money getting a plane ticket without visa approval.
hi aleah , so what documents should i be bringing on the day of my interview?
Hi Ivy. It’s listed in the blog post above.
Hi! I just want to share my experience yesterday during the interview.
The consul asked me a few questions about my purpose for the travel, for how long, who’ll be paying for my trip, my job and how long I’ve had my job. My interview was very quick and easy (he did not ask me for any supporting documents, whatsoever). After all the questions he had me waiting for a few seconds while he type something on his computer then after that, he said, “Your application has been approved. You’ll be getting your visa after a week. Have a good trip!” I said, “Thank you! Have a nice day!”
YAY!! I’ll be travelling solo and this will be my first trip to the US. I applied because I wish to spend my 25th birthday in Nevada where my aunt lives. She’ll be sponsoring my travel. ๐
I want to say thank you! Your guide helped me a lot while preparing for the interview. ๐
MY TIPS:
1. Try answering the possible questions the interviewer might ask you beforehand, familiarize yourself with the information you’ve filled out on your forms. Practice speaking in front of the mirror to get the feel of it.
2. Your 2X2 picture is as important as your application documents so if you want to save time and avoid the hassle of paying for the Kodak services inside and lining up again, make sure you follow the standards for the picture.
3. It’s important to make good eye contact with the interviewer, try to hide your nervousness with a smile. Calm yourself and be confident in answering the interview questions.
4. Be truthful and concise with your answers.
5. Pray! ๐
Xx
Thanks for sharing your experience! Have fun in the USA! xx
Hi!
Thanks for this informative post!
May I ask if it’s okay to apply 6 months before my intended date of travel?
Thank you!
Sure. I applied in June, and I told the consul my intended date of travel was December to January.
My sister just have a fiancee visa and will be leaving this sept and their wedding will be on october. Is it ok to apply 1month before the intended trip? Thanks
Hi Aleah,
This blog post has encouraged me to apply for a US Visa. Praying that I get approved. I plan to visit my family in the US and spend Christmas with them this year since I am the only one left here in the Philippines. I am currently petitioned as an immigrant since 2008 and still have to wait for another 3 years for it to be processed. I am currently employed for 5 years. I never had the guts to apply since I’m scared that I might be disapproved given that I am single and petitioned for an immigrant status by my parents. Do you have any tips as to what I can do on the interview and what documents should I bring? I have already traveled to other countries within Southeast Asia like Thailand, Malaysia and Singapore. I’m still thinking if I should pursue applying for a visa.
Thank you!
-DR-
Hi DR. I’m sorry but I have no experience with applying for a visa while being petitioned. Maybe someone else can chime in here.
Hi Aleah, you mentioned that you told you were not employed at the time of your interview, so what did you put in your application (DS-160)? Thanks for replying! ๐
I put in Freelancer. ๐
Hi there! My boyfriend is a permanent resident in US and I want to visit him every once a year for our anniversary..
I’m a college student at UPLB, my whole family’s here in the Philippines tho my mom is in Malaysia and my dad is in Dubai working but they go home here every summer, and I’ve been to Malaysia and Singapore, and also planning on having a trip in HK and Japan before I apply for a US tourist visa, we don’t have a business but my grandparents agreed to cover my travel expenses in US (They don’t have a business but they have a lot of savings because they are retired US citizens). Do you think I have high chances of getting approved and if not, what do I need to do? And do you think it’s a good idea to tell them that I’m visiting my boyfriend?
Hoping for your reply.
Thanks a lot!
Hi Aleah. Thanks for writing this informative post. I am scheduled for the visa interview on jul 15. I am a freelance graphic artist but i do have a dti, mayors permit, and bir. Would it be ok if I will tell the consul that my income is coming from abroad?
Hi Joy. As I said in my post above, I told the consul I’m a freelancer, and that I have clients all over the world. They still granted me a visa. Will they do the same to you? I don’t know. It all depends on your circumstances.
Good luck with the interview and let me know how it went!
Hi,
Thanks for the informative blog. I just wanted to check. You mentioned in the blog that you can see the available schedule even prior to appointment. I’ve already created an account and updated the profile. However, it’s already asking me of the payment receipt reference and does not show the available schedule.
Would you know how I can see the schedule first? Thanks.
Have you tried it again? In my experienced, when I went back to “Home,” it would show the schedule on the lower left hand side. Try it.
I would like to apply for a tourist visa to tour around new york. I dont have a bachelors degree but studied diploma in hotel management in singapore for a year. Also worked in abudhabi for almost 2 years as a waitress. Do you think I will have a chance to get approve?
Hi Andy. They will look at your circumstances and see whether you’ll come back to the Philippines. Do you have a chance? Of course, but it all depends on your situation, on how you fill up the form, and how you answer the consul’s questions. Good luck!
Hello Aleah,
We have a similar experience when I applied for US visa last monday June 21 for a business visa. Luckily, i got approved but It’s sad to see people who got denied.
Congratulations, Jeremy! Care to share any tips?
Hi Aleah.
Here’s the entire conversation between me and the consul.
Consul: why are you visiting the United States?
Me: I’m going to the US for training and business meeting with our managers and technical leads.
Consul: for how long will you stay?
Mr: 3 months
Consul: can I have your training plan.
*** handed the training plan ***
Consul: what is your position to the company?
Me: i’m ****** (my current position in the company)
Consul: how long you worked with the company
Me: 7 months (at the time)
Consul: how about on your previous work?
Me: i also worked as a mobile developer and web developer.
Consul: how long have you been working as a **** ?
Me: all in all, 8 years. I spent most of my **** work with “a defunct social networking site” in 2008.
Consul: oh! “a defunct social networking site” **smiled**, so what happened with “a defunct social networking site”?
Me: sad story, they can’t compete with “famous social networking site” anymore and they concede.
Consul: **laughed** really? Ok so you just go there for training?
Me: Yes and the work proper will happen after I go back here in the Philippines. It’s just important to visit because I will conduct some series of knowledge transfer after the training.
Consul: ok, got it. Just training then you’ll train them afterwards. Ok your visa is approved.
Jeremy. Paaano po un requirements mo and ung business visa? Ako kc i will attend wedding of my sister i have business almost 8months n but i recently got my dti brgy and mayors permit due to the deal ng pinagfranchisan ko n after 6mons if i survive ung pagmamanage ng business then i would be able to change it to my name… I do have bank accounts i have land but deed of sales pla kakatapos ko lng ung hulog 2months ago. I used the salary sa pgbili ng lupa when i was ofw for 2 yrs. im 25 yo any tips po sir jeremy and ms aleah?
Hello Sha,
There’s no such thing as business visa in the US. The term business that I am referring is the “purpose” on why I am visiting the US. They will give you B1/B2 visa when your purpose is for training/business like me. My whole expenses will be shouldered by my company here in Manila and I handed them my “training plan” indicating all the things I will do during my stay.
Hi Aleah,
Great to read your story, we almost have the same experience and i must agree, its so easy to get the visa as long as you know how to answer the consul, i got my visa last Dec. 2015, and i travelled recently to SFO, LA and Hawaii.. I would suggest to those who wish to apply is that just be honest with some things like, you wanted to have a holiday and visit your relatives or your parents. Period. but you can exaggerate some things like your salary or ypur source of income, DONT tell the consul that your relatives will finance your trip its a NO NO… Oh and those big tv screens inside the embassy, keep watching it till you reached the final window, ypu can get some tips from there…
Btw, i was surprised they let me in wearing shorts and running shoes…
Thanks for sharing your experience! Yeah you were lucky they overlooked your attire. ๐
Hi. I’m planning to apply this month for a non-immigrant US visa. My mom is in the US and I wanted to spend christmas there. I’m employed but I’m single. I would like to ask if my mom being a permanent resident and not a US citizen could affect my application. I will also take note not to tell that my mom will finance the trip. Thanks for the reply.
Hi Jay,
I think there’s a question in the online application asking who will sponsor your trip.
Since you said we must not mention our relatives will be financing the trip, does that mean it is recommended to just state in the application that you will be the one sponsoring your trip?
Thanks.
Hi, Ms. Aleah!
I am planning to apply for a US tourist visa, but still waiting for my passport which will be released June 16, lost my passport 2005 and never reapplied. I have never traveled outside the country. I am a full time mom of 3 boys, ages 8, 3 and 7 months. My husband is in the US now for a working interview/ training. Our plan is for me to follow early September and spend his birthday and have a short vacation there then come back end of September. We are supposed to travel on September for a short vacation but he was asked by the employer to go there early May for a working interview thus he will just wait for me there if ever I will be granted visa. Fortunately he was given a 6-month stay. Would like to ask if that will not affect that my husband is already there? Thank you very much!
Hi Sheila. I don’t know if it will affect it or not. In any case, just answer honestly when the consul asks for your reason to go there. When is your interview?
Thanks for your informative and encouraging blog post! I applied for a visa with my husband at 7:15am. The consul was friendly and jolly, and even was holding his coffee cup during the interview. We got less than 10 questions. They didn’t ask for documents.
Got our passport with visa 3 days later.
Congrats! I’m glad my blog post has helped you. ๐
Hi,Miss Aleah!…I am planning to visit my American boyfriend in the States…He is a Surgeon(Military Doctor)…Do I need to have a invitation letter from my boyfriend?…I really want to surprise him…No problem with my Bannk account as a proof that I can afford to visit my boyfriend…?
Hello, Miechar!
I just had my interview last Monday, and my visa got approved. Never ever tell the consul you are going to visit your boyfriend in the states. I have read so many confessions from my friends who are in the same situation as you are. They all had the same story. If you can, I think it will be better if you tell them you are just going to visit the US for a short vacation then show them your proof of income.
Finally, I want to say thanks to Aleah! I have been reading this blog for a while now and it has been very helpful. I am a freelancer too and I plan to travel full time this year. ๐
Diana
Thanks for sharing your experience, Diana. And yay to us digital nomads!
Hi Ms. Aleah
As an extra source of income, i’ve been helping my friends and relatives to obtain their visa applications (US, UK, Schengen, Australia, etc.). And the information i got from your blog really helps me a lot to let them realize that it is not at ALL hard to obtain one. We appreciate that you will also post updates if those embassies impose new regulations… Good luck ๐
I’m glad my blog post has helped. If you know of any changes, let me know as well. ๐
Nakakuha na po ako dati ng US VISA, J1 visa. Nakapunta na ako ng US for 3 months lang. Meron din po akong social security number. Ask ko kang po, makakakuha ukit kaya ako ng tourist visa?
Depende what the consul thinks about your current situation. Usually (tho not always), pag may previous visa na, mas madali na ang next. Try mo lang and let us know the results. Good luck!
Hi.. I’m in the same situation here. I’ve been in the US just this March- July 2016 using a J1 Visa( summer work and travel) parang OJT. I have a social security also. Tanong ko Lang madali Na ba makakuha Ng Tourist Visa pag galing Na Sa US? Fresh college graduate p Lang Ako at Wala pang work.
Hi Aleah,
This blog post really helped me a lot. I applied for a US B1/B2 Visa and my interview was on 23rd May 2016. The consul approved my application (yay!), then on 26th May, I received my passport with a 10-year multiple entry visa (double yay!). It’s just less than a week or 3 days after the interview to be exact.
Anyway, I highly recommended your blog post to my friends because it really guided me from the start to the finish.
Thank you for sharing your experience!
Chai
Hi Chai. Thanks for letting me know my post has helped. It keeps me inspired to know that people have been benefiting from my site. Do continue to share my blog if you know someone who needs it. ๐
Make sure to bring the following with you:
Visa deposit slip- done
DS-160 application confirmation- how about this po? what link should i get this? magkaiba po ba ito sa appointment confirmation?
Appointment confirmation- done
2ร2 pictures – done
pls help me. thanks po! ๐
hi po Ms Aleah Im Christine. thank you po sa informative sequence ng application for US tourist visa. tanong ko lang po magkaiba po ba yung number sa confirmation id ng DS 160 and yung nakalagay sa appointment confirmation na DS 160 number or the same? done ko na po kasi na fill out yung appointment confirmation and may appointment date na rin po ako upon payment. Magka ibang application din po ba yung ds 160 confirmation? pls help me. thanks po!
Iisa lang po ang DS 160. When is your interview? Update ka ng results kung tapos na.
Hi Ms. Aleah,
My interview is scheduled on June 9. I been denied two times Dec2011 and January 2012 reason due to cannot established strong ties in the Philippines (I believe because I already resigned to my job before my interview so I was unemployed by the time of my interview). My purpose of visa application before was I was invited by my Sister and her husband to help them take care of my dying nephew (he already passed away July 29, 2012). Now they are inviting me again just for tourism good for 20days. I been to other countries like Singapore, Thailand, Hongkong, Macau, South Korea, Japan, Denmark, France, Italy, Poland and Germany. I am employed to my current employer for 4 years and 2 months with average salary. I am kinda nervous again thinking that they will turn down my application just like what happened few years ago. I hope for the best and positive result for next month.
Update with regards to my application.
My interview
Consul : hi
Me : hi with smile
Consul : Purpose of travel
Me : Visiting my sister and family
Consul: have you been outside the Philippines
Me: Yes (Mentioned all 11 countries)
Consul: Who pays for previous travel
Me: My Fiancรฉ
Consul: Are you pregnant
Me : No but hope when I’m married
Consul: I am sorry but I have to ask
Me : smiling and says hoping one day yes
Consul: you have relatives in the US
Me : yes
Consul: is she a U.S. Citizen
Me: yes since 2012
Consul: how many siblings
Me : 2 half sis and 2 half bro
Consul: the sister you will visit is your half sister
Me : yes on my mother side
Consul: where are your parents, do they lived here or deceased
Me : deceased since 1996
Consul: does your fiancรฉ lived in the Philippines
Me : no (told the consul his from this country and he lived and worked there)
Consul: what do you do for living
Me : told him I worked as (position) and the name of company
Consul: how long you been working for this company
Me : 4 years and 4 months
Consul: how long you want to stay in the us
Me : about 2 -3 weeks but still depends on my employer if they will approve my leave
Consul: I am very sorry US government is very strict we cannot give you a visa
Me : it’s ok thank you
So sorry to hear that. ๐ I wonder why they denied your application? You have employment naman, your travel record is good. Could it because your employer hasn’t given you an approved leave of absence?
Perhaps, it’s because she has family ties in the US. In that case, consul will consider overstaying there as there will a place to hide (family). I’m sorry to hear about it.
Hi Jack/Aleah. Can you share your thoughts on my situation?
Parents and I plan to visit my brother in the US. Father applied first and has been granted 10 year visa. Mom and I will apply next. We have traveled to 3 SE Asian countries. However, I am working just for over a year and mom is unemployed.
I’m really not sure if my father getting approved first is an advantage. Do you think it will seem like we are planning to settle in the US?
After hearing Ken’s story I was a little worried considering his employment and travel history are better than mine. Aren’t these enough proof that he will come back to the Philippines?
hI!
Kudos to you! im happy that someone post a not soo good experienced about visa application..
thank you.. ๐
Hi! I am planning to visit america this december.. I want to spend christmas with my boyfriends family.. Ive been to america twice but not as tourist, im one of the delegate of the softball team who particpated in world series. I also traveled in UAE,SINGAPORE and this coming august in hongkong.. I am a free lance event coordinator abd a cake designer. Do i have a chance to visit america? Can anyone give tips?
Hi. Anyone has a chance to be given a visa. Of course, not all will be approved. Just read the tips above, as well as the comments of other people here. Good luck and let us know when you get it!
Hi Aleah,
I was planning on applying for a toursit visa to go see my boyfriend. I do have a pending application for an immigrant visa to Canada though, Would that affect my chances of getting a visa? Also, I have never traveled and I was a freelancer but not anymore.
Thanks!
Hi Shiela. I have no idea if your Canada application will affect your visa app. Why don’t you try? I mean, it’s expensive, yes, but it’s worth it to see your BF right? ๐
Hi! Ms. Aleah, Good day! I’m planning to get US visa with my wife and 6 months old son. I like to ask if you have any idea for family application. should i need to register 3 separate application?
thanks.
Hi. You can apply as a family, and you will be interviewed together. Good luck and let us know where when you get the visa!
Thank you for posting this tips…I have my plan of applying US Visa this year. This is a great help for me. Thank again! God bless!
Good luck, Grace. Let us know when you get it!
hi ms aleah!
first i’d like to thank you for this great article, i’ve been reading this so many times so as to keep my hopes up in getting a us visa. what’s bothering me is that i’ve never traveled abroad since i’m just a newly licensed doctor and had been focused on my studies before and recently on my career. now that i’m currently working as a general practitioner for about 2 years with good salary, i could say that i’m pretty able to finance my travel (i’m only planning for a 2-week trip before i go into specialty training in august, which i believe is a good socioeconomic ties for me). another problem is that my mother has been in the us for years as an overstaying nonimmigrant, and unfortunately i have to declare that in my ds160, which may not be good for my background.
i’m single with no children but with a fiance working here, the rest of my family are also here, and i have a concrete plan of establishing my career here, given the idea that being a doctor in the us would be a very tedious and expensive feat. i’m just interested to know your opinion on my case. thank you.
Hi. Your best bet is to apply. Your profession doesn’t make it sound likely that you will stay illegally there and bus tables, does it? So you stand a good chance of getting the visa. HOWEVER, as I always say here, no one knows how the consul will react to your application, esp with your mother’s situation. But if you don’t try to apply, you will never know.
So good luck, and let us know what the result of your application will be. ๐
Hi! same case here! My dad is also an overstaying immigrant. Did you try to apply for your US visa? How did you deal with the situation of your mom in the application and during the interview? Will be very happy to hear from you! ๐
Same here …what happen po ntuloy po b kayo ng interview?
Just a few questions for you, I am an American who has been involved in a relationship with a Filipino girl for over 2 years and we have spent lots of time in Asia together. She visited me in Taiwan 7 times and we also went to other places together so she has taken probably 10 or so trips outside the Philippines all with me. Is it going to hurt her chances now that I am in America and she would be visiting me here and she also has a daughter that we are not sure if we should apply for a visa to bring her as well to visit me because my thinking is leaving the daughter in the Philippines is a reason for her to go home but I also want to see the daughter.
Hi Chris. No reason why visiting you would hurt her chances of getting a visa. The fact that she has traveled so much will be in her favor. Good thinking to let her visit you alone first, because of course, a child is perfectly good reason to come back.
Hello, just wondering if I have a big chance to get tourist visa if I apply for pleasure only without any friends and relatives in USA.
My source of income is my newly open business here in ph and also from my online work ( my employer is base in japan ) which i have an income range frm 36k to 41k / month.
Im an OFW in taiwan and japan before with good record.
Nakapagtravel narin ako as a tourist sa Thailand, Indonesia, Singapore , Macau, Hongkong and recently this April kakauwi ko lng for my 15 days holiday sa japan as a tourist visa holder.
I’m married with 2 kids.
I don’t have plan to overstay or work in US..
Mahilig lng talaga ako pumunta sa ibang lugar….just love to travel..
Any advice po pls….
Thanks ๐
Hi Weng, given your travel history, family in the Philippines, and income, I think you have a good chance of getting the visa. Of course, that’s not 100% sure since it depends a lot on the consul who will be reviewing your application. Let me know when you get it!
Hello! I know its clear on your blog that you’re travelling to Peru but then I would like to clarify again if I will be able to get US visa, then I can be able to use it in North America, Central and South America? Im actually planning to go on August to Sacramento and on November to Chile and Argentina.
I thought I need to get a separate visa for the South Americas? I just want to make sure.
Thanks alot for this. Truly helpful ! ๐
Hi. We need a visa for Chile and Argentina, but in some places in North and Central America, if we have a US visa, we are exempt from applying for it in advance, for example, Mexico. There are a lot of countries in South America which doesn’t require a visa from Filipino citizens, e.g., Brazil, Peru, Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador.
Hi Aleah. Im just wondering what to do if i lost my 2 previous passports with trips to thailand, singapore and hongkong in them. would showing pictures help? thanks for the tips.
No, they won’t ask for pictures. They’ll base their decision on your application form and the interview.
thanks for all your help! got my 10-year visa!
My B1 visa application was denied yesterday under 214(b). The purpose of my trip is training in our headquarter company in the US. However, when the officer asked if I do have a training plan, I told her that I do not have yet since we are still finalizing the timeline of the trip. Now, our contact in the US already provided the training plan.Can I reapply immediately? Is there a chance that my visa application will now be approved?
Hi Gia. Too bad you didn’t have all the requirements when you had your interview. Did you apply again?
Hello Gia! Did they ask whether you have purchased a ticket too? Does purchasing a ticket guarantee that you already have a training plan aside from a timeline? Thank you!
Hi Aleah! Grabe, nagkaroon ako bigla ng konting pag-asa dahil sa blog post mo na ‘to. I am a freelance photographer, no contract involved, and dad ko nagbibigay sa akin ng work. For extra income, stay in tutor din ako. Do you think those are enough reasons for me not to overstay??
Hi Kristin. I don’t know haha You have to convince them that you’ll be going back to the Philippines. When are you applying?
Hi Aleah! Thanks to God..my visa was aporoved!it was an easy interview i got..just a few question regarding my husband and my previous travel..then the consul says ” OK ..your visa is approved! “..thanks for this blog..it helps me a lot..as you said..just be yourself and be honest..;) thanks Aleah..am leaving for California this month end..so excited! hehe
CONGRATULATIONS!! Enjoy California! Never been there myself, hope to visit someday hehe
Hi Aleah..i’ve been wanting to apply for a US visa but very hesitant to do so because of my fear of being denied. I am confident tho that i have all the reasons to return here in the Phils – am a single parent and my kids are here with my mom and i am employed. But after reading your blog, it kinda gave me a ‘push’ to finally give it a shot. I have relatives living in the US, would that help me get a YES? Thanks much! I hope everything goes well with my application..
I was afraid of being denied too (it’s expensive!) but you will never know if you don’t try. Having relatives is not an assurance though. Good luck!
Your blog’s great! My US B1B2 visa has expired a looong time ago. Ha ha! Ayokong pumila that’s why I never bothered to reapply. I know this is petty but are all waiting areas in the US Embassy air conditioned?
Thank you and here’s wishing you more adventures!
Hi Manang Annie. The waiting areas inside, yes, of course, they’re air-conditioned. But you still have to wait outside for a short while, and that’s not air-conditioned. It doesn’t take long though, so no worries!
Just got approved for a US visa. This blog was a lot of help. I had been denied 2 times (2009 and 2010).
The consul asked the following questions:
Purpose of travel, previous US visa denials and reason (twice, not enough ties to stay in the Philippines), trips to other countries (HK, Singapore, Macau), how many years in my job (5 years).
Didn’t look at any of the supporting documents I brought. She was mainly referring to what I have indicated in the application.
I seriously thought that I wouldn’t get it again because half of our conversation was about my previous denials for a visa. But I was honest about my previous applications and answered what was only asked. Then the consul finally said: this time your visa is approved!
And of course I prayed hard. It really helps! ๐
Congratulations, Len! So happy for you! And thanks for letting us know what the questions were. I’m glad this blog was able to help you. ๐
I was denied twice too year 2011 December and January 2012 using expedited scheduled interview due to emergency matter my sister and her husband needs help to take care of my late dying nephew and his younger sister. Now my sister and her husband ask me to try visiting them just for tourism purposes (20days) interview is scheduled on June 9, 2016. I am kinda nervous and afraid that consul will refuse to approve my visa application again. I been working with my current employer since March 2012 that was after two months I got denied with us visa application. I hope and pray that I will be lucky this time just like you. By the way I also been to other countries like SG, HK, Macau, Thailand, S. Korea (Multiple Visa) Japan (Multiple visa 5 years), Denmark, France, Italy, Poland and Germany.
Hi Aleah, I just finished reading your article and you answered almost all of the questions I have in mind. My boyfriend is American but he is already working here in the Philippines with his working visa for 2 yrs. I am working as a freelance Dive Master on the same company as where he is working. We will visit his family this fall and wish to come back here after. I don’t have any travel history outside the Philippines.. Question is, can he go with me during interview so he can answer personal questions regarding his issues? Do I have to bring something aside my passport? Do I have the chance to get a US Visa too? Thank you in advance.. Janine
Hi Janine. Anyone has a chance to get the visa, of course, but it depends on the consul if they’ll believe you will come back to the Philippines. Unlike in other embassies where someone can accompany you, I didn’t see any companions in the US embassy. So you really have to do well during the interview, and tell the consul that he’s working here etc etc. Good luck in your application, and let us know if you get it!
Hi Aleah! Thanks for lifting my spirit..Tomorrow is my interview..feeling nervous but just like you said..nothing to worry about..no lies ..and just relax ๐ Hoping for a Yes.!.hehe
Hi Ms. Aleah,
Thanks for sharing this. I’m planning to visit my boyfriend in NYC though as I’ve read your post, can you give me like an idea about these 2 points:
1.) If I were to ask by the consul if I’ve been to other countries, coz I’ve been to Thailand but I overstayed there and work. I’ll be getting a new passport. Do you think I should still tell it to them? But yeah, no plans of overstaying there tho..
2.) Would it be easier to get a VISA if I am employed? Tho just earning 17k/month or just easier if I can just say I have my own business here in the PH.
Thanks for your insight!
Hi Michelle. If you tell the consul that you overstayed in Thailand, for sure you won’t get the visa! You already have a history so they’ll think you’ll do the same in the US.
Re number 2, I wasn’t employed when I applied for a visa, and I still got it. I told the consul I was a freelancer.
Good luck!
Hi Aleah! Thanks for sharing this to your readers.
It helped a lot.
My parents, me & my brother are applying for US visa this year. We already booked our tickets last week for our US trip next year. My question is do we get interviewed as a family or individually? In your observation, is it really the parent/father who answers in behalf of the family?
Thank you so much!
Hi JCee. As I said in my post above, there were a lot of families who were interviewed together, so yeah, you can do that. Anyone can answer but of course, it’s up to your family to talk about who responds.
Hi! Regarding working online, I also work with my dad’s company and most of the time i work online. On your interview, did you mention it to them? (in my case, i have a job but i earn a lot online) Do you think its ok to declare it when asked?
Hi. As I said in my post above, I told the consul I work online, and it didn’t seem like a big deal. I think though (not sure) that you can’t work even online when you’re on a tourist visa in the US so keep that in mind during the interview.
Hi Ms. Aleah!
I was just wondering, do you think I have a chance to get approved? My bf is living in Texas and I plan to visit him some time in July this year. I’m planning to get a visa appointment but then having second thoughts about it. I work as an audit associate for about 2 1/2 years now. However my main concern is about my salary. I’m just getting 15k each month. and my savings aren’t that much. do you think I can get a visa?
Hi Noreen. Why don’t you try? They might not look at your salary because your purpose is to visit your BF. Just remember to be confident during the interview so you can convince them that you won’t stay illegally there.
I just want to add that i am an ofw for 4 years. I ended my contract Last August 15, 2006 after that I went home for good and after 3 years put up my own business 2009 up to present. My net income range to 45k to 50k and my most recent traveled country are Hongkong and Macau. Thanks
Hi Rina. Given that you have a business and a fiance (thus, with ties to the Philippines), you may have a chance of getting the visa. Of course, no one can be sure of that. After all, I was sure I would get rejected. ๐ So, just fill out your application form, take note of my tips here, and feel confident so that they will sense that you don’t have any plans of staying illegally there. Good luck with your application and let us know the results. ๐
Hi Aleah. I am planning to apply for a tourist visa to US but I’m kinda hesitant because I’m single. But I just got engaged to my 5 year leaved in partner and hopefully we’re getting married end of this year. I’m a business owner for almost 7 years now. I will be travelling with my EU citizen mother, as we are invited by my cousin to visit them in the US for atleast 1 month long term period. Do you think in my case, i will have chance to grant a visa? Thanks ๐ โก
Thanks for this article, Aleah! It’s really useful.
I just want to clarify one thing: So I can apply for a U.S. visa even if the intended trip is more than 3 months away? The general rule in most visa applications is to apply at least three months before the travel date kasi.
That’s right. I applied in July 2015, and I told the consul I would go to the US in December.
Hi aleah. I am curious to the result of my interview this day, the consol denied and only two question 1.have you travel outside the philippines ?( i replied no) last 2. How much do you earned (i replied my monthly salary). Is the travel outside the php. The big impact? And what should i do. I have invitation letter and all cost will shoulder of my friend, an american citizen. What is the best to do? To have us visa because my friend brought a ticket for me this june 2016. Hope to read you feedback. Many thanks. Roxy
Hi Aleah,
Thanks for your Tips it helped me alot. I just had my interview today (March 1,2016 @10am) very fast transaction and 1minute lang ang interview ko. And the consul said “enjoy your stay in New York”
Congrats, Dessa! I’ll have some posts on NYC soon. Hope you’ll read them!
Hi Aleah,
Im a married of 2 girls..one is working in cruise line and my youngest is still studying..ive been to a dif countries for tourist only..my husband is a seaman ..i am planning to get a US visa for pleasure only..would they approve me? huhu
Given that your husband is a seaman, and you’ve traveled abroad already, i think there’s a big chance you’ll get approved. ๐ Just read my tips again to help you.
hi ms. aleah lapit na interview ko sa friday na 50k un suweldo ko here enough na ba un but i have bank account and dollar account pamana ng lola ko saakin,. nakapagtravel na ko sa malaysia hongkong china and macau korea and japan sana makapasa me. employed nako for 5 years same company
How was your interview? They don’t really look at the bank statements, and your salary is more than enough. I’m guessing you got the visa?
Hello! I stumbled upon your blog. I’m a 22 year old, single, a nurse but currently unemployed because I’m planning to go to med school next year. I’m currently living in Dubai as a resident sponsored by my Dad. I’m planning to get a US visa on my own because my relative will be undergoing knee cap surgery in New York and she asked me to be her travel companion/assist her post-operatively.
I have travelled to Thailand, Singapore (2015), got my residence visa in Dubai (2015) and just came back from a European trip last week. I’m confused as to where should I apply the US visa — here in Dubai or in Manila? My dad told me to apply in Manila to avoid being questioned by the consul (I’ll be going home this March) since my relative who’s sick is in the Philippines (We’ll both fly out to NYC together). I’m confused and scared that I would be denied because I’m a nurse and unemployed and my first time to apply on my own. I don’t have sufficient funds, nor land titles or even a job. I could sense being denied already!!! ๐ My dad lets me travel for the meantime while waiting for med school.
The consul might think I would overstay which I can’t because of my existing UAE residence visa which has a rule of invalidity if I’m out of the UAE for more than six months. Is there a huge chance of me getting approved or denied?
Hi Gale. I would suggest you apply there in Dubai first, since you have a residency there. I’ve heard from friends that it’s easier to apply when you’re living in other countries. If you get denied, you can always apply again here in the Philippines. As I said in my post, the US embassy doesn’t just look at funds or properties, but at your general profile as a whole. Good luck in your application and let me know how it goes!
Hi Aleah,
Thanks for sharing your experience, it will help me a lot. My schedule of Interview will be on March 21, 2016 8:00 am. I also plan to bring the docs what on stated on my confirmation letter. Again thank you for sharing
Sonny
Hi Sonny. Good luck with the interview. Let me know how it goes!
Hi Aleah. Apology for the late reply. With regards to my interview I was given a 10 year multiple visa. Although the consul was very strict and serious. She asked me 4 questions without asking any docs from me. Just a tip for those who wants to apply… Just be honest, answer only what is being asked… eye to eye contact is very important, believe me this will work. BTW, I already booked my flight to NY on Sept.19.
Thanks and God Bless
Hi Sonny, I just would like to ask if the appointment letter is the same as the appointment confirmation they send you after booking a schedule. For me, they sent a document titled appointment confirmation with details, barcodes, and map. Is that the one I need to print and bring to the embassy with me for the interview?
Hi Mark! Sorry for the late reply.. with regards to your question yes the confirmation details with barcode are the one you have to bring during your interview. Goodluck on your interview.. GOD SPEED!
Hi! Good evening! Me and my mom is planning to apply for us visa. I just have some questions, is it true that its easier to be granted a visa if applying as family? If me and my mom will apply together with my two cousins, are we all going to be interviewed together? Lastly, so we can bring any documents for the interview? I mean that there is no specified documents. Thank you so much ?
Hi Ali. That was my observation during my interview, that the consul I was observing approved families more than individuals. Obviously, it depends on your circumstances and the consul. I didn’t bring any documents aside from my passports, and based on my observation, none were asked to show documents. If it will make you feel more at ease, of course, you can bring some. When are you applying? Good luck!
Thanks for explanation. I will recommend these guidelines to my contacts in Manila
Thanks, Bruce!
Hi! Would you know if the US embassy conducts background checks? Do they call your employer to see if you are really employed there? I just submitted my application, but I might resign soon. I don’t have plans of overstaying in the US though, I’m just worried it might look kinda fishy.
I’m sorry but I have no idea if they will call your employer. I was told they do background checks. I don’t think you have to worry about it though. I mean, if you applied while you’re still with your employer, then you didn’t lie, right? In any case, do well in the interview and you will get that visa.
Hi Aleah!
Thanks so much for this post! I, too, am quite hesitant to apply since I work freelance. I have traveled in a couple of countries in SEA and your post gave me the nudge to really do it! *fingers crossed*
Hi Mayeeta. Have you applied already? Let me know how it went!
Hi Aleah,
I’m a Filipino who’s going on a long-term backpacking trip to Peru next year. I have a connecting flight in the US. Would I really need a transit visa? If so, do you know anyone who has applied for such? Some friends recommend that I apply for a tourist visa, instead, since both types of visa have the same price, anyway. But I don’t have plans to visit the US anytime in the near future, as my travels are mostly centered on language learning. If ever I decide to apply for a tourist visa, I wouldn’t know the reason to state. Haha.
By the way, you are an incredible writer. I would love to meet you in person! ๐
Hi Ryan! Sorry for the late reply! If you’re passing by the US, yes you need a transit visa. Your friends are right; apply for the tourist visa instead of the transit one. If your application is granted, you will have 10 years of multiple entry to the US, which means countries in Central America will be open to you, too, without a visa as long as your US visa is valid.
hi, just a question, I’m trying to apply for a tourist visa for my parents and will pay the visa fee online. Will it affect their visa application if I am the one paying for the visa fee and not them?
Thank you.
Hi Nicky! Sorry for the late reply. I think it doesn’t matter who pays for the visa. They only need to present the receipt that the visa fee has been paid.
Wow! Good for you! One of the reasons I’m not so enthusiastic about going to the US is the Visa application. Parang gusto ko tuloy mag apply for the sake of applying. Hehehe
Go, Estan! With your travel history, it will be a piece of cake.
That was amazing! I would never have guessed a US visa was easier to get than a Schengen but after reading your post, it made sense. When I applied years ago, it was to attend a tradeshow, not even to travel, granted naman din. Kakaiba talaga ang mga requirements ng EU ‘di ba? Mas gusto ko din Schengen na multiple na taon sana haha Pero the last I applied, 3 months multiple entry lang binigay. When you choose to come to Australia, let me know. Madami din ako tips haha
Hi Karla! Hope to go there in 2018. Knock on wood. hehe
Hi! Just a few questions, what if i’m just planning to visit my friend in US, and i dont have any travel or any experiences outside the country, what type of visa should i apply? thank you.
If you’re going there for tourism (or to visit a friend), apply for the tourist visa. It doesn’t matter if you’ve traveled abroad or not. What matters is your purpose in going to the US.
Hi Aleah i’m glad i saw you blogs. i have same scenario with Kreesteen above, i don’t have any travel experiences outside country too. My brother in-law invited me to visit them in Florida so i applied for B2 visa and my interview will be on December 19. I have read that less chances of approval if someone sponsor you. What will I do then? will i just say that i’ll sponsor my trip? i only have P400k in my bank account. I’m currently employed too. i have my invitation letter also from my brother in-law and i’m going to stay with them during my 2weeks visit.
hi ms. Aleah thank you for this post im also planning to go to New York this Christmas or next year. It’s true this your posts give us so much info and hope in getting visas. I also wrote before about India and thanks to your post i got confidence and been there 6times already.
Now a new adventure awaits haha. So im also planning not to bring anything aside from the required things to bring but im wondering what if the consul ask for supporting docs like bank statement or salary slip or whatever, and i dont have anything with me,what should i say? or maybe it spells doomsday for me? hehe. thank u in advance. God bless you.
Hi Cha. In the hours I spent listening to consuls, I have never heard one ask for a bank statement or deposit slip. Not one! Still, others brought documents. If you think you’ll be more confident with them, feel free to bring. Just in case, di ba. ๐ Thanks for following my blog. Hope you will continue to read my posts!
Hey Congratz Aleah! Now we’re enticed to apply for US Visa. Didn’t expect that was much easier than Schengen and the rest..
I should say, it’s all about confidence and how you able to convince them you’re going back to Philippines.
Saude!
Go, go, go. If you apply in Malaysia rather than in the PH, it may be easier to get as well.
My experience would probably the easiest, only one question, “what would u like to go to the US”, i was approved, i applied in Riyadh.
Hey Paul. According to what I’ve been told/what I’ve read, it’s easier to get a visa outside the Philippines. Don’t know why. Sigh. Congrats on getting a multiple entry, 90-day Schengen visa! I will try to apply here in South America next year.
Congrats Ms Aleah ur article is very encouraging. Long time I really wanted to apply for a US visa ๐
Hi Paul, I really wanted to apply B2 thru jeddah consulate. Can u please help me how? Im sure Riyadh n jeddah follow d same procedures. Maraming Salamat ๐
Next year nako magapply hehe, pero ang fortunate mo siguro hindi ka hiningan ng mga kung ano ano na documents haha, kung madeny schengen ko baka US visa na lang kunin ko :))
Yo Joshua. I’m confident you can get a US visa more easily than a Schengen. Kainis ano. I would actually rather go to Europe than the US. hehe
Wow! Congrats Aleah.. thanks for sharing.. anyway im already in India now, do u remember me? I read some articles of you that helps me a lot to get my visa. And thank you for always replying to all my emails. I hope i can also apply in US for a trip. Have a nice day!
Hey Joy! I’m happy you made it to India! Not all of my readers who wrote me got their visas. Have fun there and ingat!
Hi gud morning im just to ask you how to get the tuirist visa .. Marami po ba kailangan dito ano po requirment ano po ba mas madali fiancies visa ur tourist visa pls help me
Thank you
Maria
You are truly an inspiration, Aleah! I’m a freelancer too and I’m very hesitant to apply for any visas because as what they said, it’s nearly impossible to get one especially if you are unemployed. But your article gave me hope! I will be backpacking in Southeast Asia with my partner early next year and planning to apply for either Schengen or US Visa after our trip! ๐
Much easier to get a US visa than an Schengen visa huhu But it’s good you’re applying after your backpacking trip. They will see your passport stamps and won’t give you a hard time ๐
Congratulations Aleah! I also plan to apply for a US visa as soon as I fly back to Manila. The practical post gave me hope ๐
Hi Mica! You will easily get it, too, given your travel history. ๐
This is my first time travelling to the US and its only for 3 day convention..Will it also be easy to get one?? I mean its my first time to travel outside the Philippines
Depends on whether the consul will believe that you won’t stay illegally there. Visas for business trips are usually easier to get but who knows? When are you applying?
I remember when I had my interview, granted that it was for a greencard, I was very anxious. I believe I was asked a total of 3 questions and that’s all folks :). I’m glad you wrote this for the many people who get denied entry over and over again. My friend got married over the summer and her sister could not even come for the wedding.
Anyway, you are my sister! I majored in Psy in college and took a few classes in UST for masteral but didn’t pursue it.
Aww, too bad for your friend! They really make it difficult. Iยดm also not using my Psych education now but hope to go back to it someday.
Hi aleah, I’m 23 yrs old and kaka start ko pa lang sa bagong work
Ko pero may work experience nako for 2 yrs. gusto ko sana mag apply ng us tourist visa ang kaso wala pa akong history of travel abroad. May chance ba na maapprove ito. I’ll try to visit kasi my friend sa US.
Hi. Kris, ako din e i haven’t travel abroad yet, would it be a hindrance? para maapproved yung application?