| DISCLAIMER: All information, ideas, and thoughts, the entire narrative expressed here are solely based on my personal experience in applying for US Tourist Visa (B1/B2) last December 2018 in Manila. However, this article WILL NEVER GUARANTEE the success of your own US Tourist Visa application. It only aims to provide guidance and awareness of the application process and what will actually happen during the interview. While it’s also not guaranteed that we will have the same experience, I believe that just being aware of these things ahead helps you prepare for your own journey in applying for US Tourist Visa. |
Official Website: http://www.ustraveldocs.com/ph/index.html
To be honest, I don’t really have that screaming interest about visiting the United States. Getting a US Tourist Visa was important simply because having one ridiculously adds value to our (unfortunately) weak Philippine passport. *sigh*In fact, I had second thoughts in applying because it costs a whooping ₱8000+! But I already booked my flight to Manila long before. Silly! I know. So as soon as I got back from Australia last November, I started gathering the necessary information.
Fortunately, my US Tourist Visa application went smooth and I got approved in less than 5 minutes during my interview last December 17, 2018. And I will share with you how I did it all, every step, every detail, all the mistakes I’ve made so you won’t do the same.
Things to prepare ahead before you start your US Tourist Visa (B1/B2) Application
● Soft Copy Photo or Digital Image
Photo Specs:https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/visa-information-resources/photos/digital-image-requirements.html
This is apart from
the physically printed 2X2 photo that you’ll need to bring during the
interview. You cannot submit your DS-160 form if you don’t have this.
And it’s the reason why my application got delayed because I didn’t
prepare this ahead.
What I did: I asked my colleague to take a photo of me using my mirrorless camera, just wearing a dark blue shirt against our office’s off-white wall. To be honest, I didn’t religiously follow the photo dimensions defined in the website as long as it’s square and just cropped base on the sample photos then resize to fit the required file size which is less than or equal to 240 kB. Yes, I know! It’s really small.
Did you know? This is the only file that you will attach in your DS-160 Online Application Form. The rest of the paperwork must be brought during the interview.
● Accommodation / Hotel Information
Secure this information ahead before filling out the DS-160 form as this is a required field. Complete Address and contact number are needed.
What I did: I booked(pay later) a hostel in New York via Agoda that I can just cancel later.
● U.S. Contact Information
If you have friends or relatives living in America, ask for their Full Name, Address, Contact Number and their permission. If you don’t, you can just put the info of the hotel your staying as your reference.
What I did: I wrote my Aunt’s information.
Dilemma: If I tell them I have relatives in the US, will they think that I might overstay? Or worse not come back? What if they’ll ask further about my relationship to the relative I mentioned? Should I prepare an invitation letter from that relative? That’s so fucking hassle! If I don’t tell them and just pretend that no one knows me in America, will they believe?
Fuck overthinking. Whatever will be will be.
Please click each Step below to show the details.
Paying US Tourist Visa through BPI Online
I paid online through BPI as it was convenient for me. This was a bit tricky but I manage to survive. Lol. Below is how I did it.1st - Enroll a Unique Reference number as Bill in your BPI Account.
- Get your Unique Reference Number here: http://www.ustraveldocs.com/ph/ph-niv-bpionlinepayment.asp
- How to enroll a Bill in BPI: http://www.ustraveldocs.com/ph/BPI.pdf
2nd - Check the latest Visa Fee and Pay in PHP accordingly
I mean I know it’s $160.00 … but they have their own exchange rate that is valid for a certain period. Once you successfully enrolled the reference number as Bill in your BPI account, you can now pay the exact amount. Updated Exchange Rate: http://www.ustraveldocs.com/ph/ph-niv-visafeeinfo.asp
How to fill out the DS-160 Non-immigrant Visa Online Application Form?
Go here: https://ceac.state.gov/ceac/ The questions are straightforward and as long as you prepare ahead the things I mentioned above, you're good to go. The DS-160 Online Form is divided into 7 sections and I'll show you my application summary so you'll have idea how I answered it. Don’t worry if you feel like you're not ready to submit your application yet, you can save it and come back later. Remember, the information you write here is vital to the success of you US Tourist Visa application.
Step 4 – Attend your US Tourist Visa Interview – but what actually happens?
A day before my scheduled interview..
I arrived in Manila on the evening of December 16 and checked in at Sunny Bay Suites, just literally few meters across the U.S. Embassy. I was alone and only my family knew what’s going on. I didn’t even tell my closest friends about this so if ever I get denied, I’ll just cry alone for a week then move on like I didn’t waste P8000+. haha. I’m not kidding.
That night, I reviewed my US Tourist Visa application because they say that the officer will base his questions from the information you wrote. And I really did practice how I’m going to answer the possible questions like, “What’s your purpose for coming to the US?”, “How long are you gonna stay?”, “Are you going to meet with your relative?” or “Are you traveling alone?”.
The Big Day – December 17, 8:15 AM Schedule
I’m already wide awake at 3AM, not really sure If I slept at all. But yeah, anxiety attacked. You’ll understand when it’s your turn. So I prepared super early but still had to have breakfast at 7. And you know what’s the worst part? I FORGOT TO BRING A COMB!!!! My goodness Kesha!!! The last thing you want to happen is to look like shit in front of the interviewer.
Did You Know? It’s strictly prohibited to bring a cellphone inside the embassy or any other electronic device that has switch and is battery operated.
After eating breakfast, I also realized I left my watch at home. God! This day couldn’t get any better! I just asked the waiter what time it was and he said 7:40AM. So I left the restaurant hastily and walked my way outside towards the US Embassy.
What documents did I bring with me during my US Tourist Visa Interview?
- Small purse
- Plastic envelope containing:
- Current Passport*
- Old Passport*
- 2X2 Photo* (4 pcs because I’m extra like that)
- Appointment Confirmation*
- DS-160 Nonimmigrant Visa Application Confirmation*
- Bills Payment Confirmation to US VISA* (printed the email notification from BPI)
- Sample Itinerary
- Valid Australian Tourist Visa
- Certificate of Employment
- Bank Certificate ( Bal: 200k+ ADB: 150k+, you’re welcome)
- Payslip for the last 3 months
- BIR 2316 (no stamp)
- Hostel Booking Confirmation from Agoda
- Photocopy of Bio Page of my old passport
- Photocopy of Bio Page of my current passport
- Unionbank Credit Card Statement
- Ballpen
*– mandatory. I know I brought a lot of paperwork but only my passports(old and current) and photo were actually used. I left my phone and other things in my room at the hotel.
So how do you determine which supporting documents to bring during your US Tourist Visa interview?
Honestly, I don’t know. Just bring anything that you think will support your purpose in visiting the United States and proof that you will come back to the Philippines.
The actual process at the U.S. Embassy…
I arrived at the US Embassy around … I don’t really know because I don’t have a watch 😣grr. At the very entrance of the compound, a security guard was standing with a banner that says 8:45 AM processing. I got confused but he approached me first saying(in Tagalog but I’ll translate to English), “What’s your schedule Ma’am?”. “8:15AM Kuya”, I replied. He nodded and let me in. But I was already panicking like AM I FUCKING LATE ALREADY? It was just 7:40AM the last time I checked. I’m pretty sure coming here would only take me less than 5 minutes walking. And that part where “arrive only 15 minutes before your appointment“? OH MY GOD!
1st stop – Confirmation of Appointment(I like to call it like that 😁 ).
I queue myself in the Nonimmigrant Visa line, still outside the embassy but inside the compound. The girl asked for my passport and time of appointment. I said “8:15AM” then she scanned some papers containing barcode stickers with applicant’s info and stopped where the heading says “8:15AM”. Found my name and detached the barcode(reference to my DS-160 online form) sticker, double check if the info matches with my passport then pasted it at the back cover. She then gave me a big blue laminated paper. This took some time as the line was a bit long.
2nd Stop – Bag scanner and body x-ray machine, like those at the airport. Food and water aren’t allowed by the way.
3rd Stop – Chill at the covered court area, according to the color given.
Basically the colored paper represents the time slot, so all applicants for 8:15AM appointment were seated together in blue area(Nope, the chairs weren’t blue, they’re white actually. There’s just a sign😁). Then we waited…for a looong time. There were food stalls by the way in case you get hungry while waiting. Also a photo booth in case you don’t have a 2X2 photo yet because you’re not prepared like that. 🙄
4th Stop – The real deal. Inside the real US Embassy Office.
Went through a bag scanner and body x-ray machine again plus physical body search. YUP. I KNOW. Time check? I’m pretty sure it’s beyond 8:15AM already! But it doesn’t really matter anymore. As long as you’re inside, you will go through the complete process regardless of your appointment schedule.
(Step 1) Pre-screening
The Filipino guy at the booth asked for my passport(current), where I was going and my purpose. I said tourism and I’m going to New York(char). He then asked for a 2X2 photo then scanned it as well as my passport. He gave them both back to me after. No sweat!
(Step 2) Finger Print Collection
A foreign girl at the booth asked to place my passport (with the barcode at the back facing to her) to the transparent glass wall between us so she can scan it from the inside. She then asked for my full name and date of birth. After that, she asked me to place my left 4 fingers on the finger print scanner, then right 4 fingers, then 2 thumbs. “Thank you and have a good day!”, she said after. Still no sweat!😆
(Step 3) THE INTERVIEW
We were standing in line and it was looooong. I got really bored and tired and super sleepy that I forgot I was nervous. I swear! Finally, this lady manning the crowd, distributed us applicants to different booths for interview and she told me to go to booth #20. The set up was like passing through the immigration at the airport.
Short stories of US Tourist Visa Rejection and Approval while waiting for my turn to be interviewed…
This family, composed of mom, dad and a teenage daughter got denied. Their faces were so sad as they exited the office with the mom carrying the blue paper. Even applying as a family has no guarantee. 🙁
On booth #21, the interviewer (super serious American woman) interrupted the female applicant while talking and said like(not exact words)…
Interviewer: (annoyed) “I will have to stop you right there! It seems that you don’t know what you are talking about! bla bla bla”.
(while observing from behind feeling extremely nervous for her, I really thought, “holy shit!!! she’s not gonna make it!! God bless me!!” I can’t help but listen to their convo because they’re a little loud)
Interviewer: “Again, tell me the reason why you’re going back to the Philippines? bla bla bla”
Female Applicant: (speaking nervously) “umm..bla bla.. I wanna work in a big hotel chain or manage a resort.. bla bla bla”
Their interview continued for a couple more minutes and I don’t really like to witness the outcome anymore but damn! she survived and got approved!!! 😉
On booth #20, where I was queuing, the interviewer (hot and gentle American guy on his early 30s) was struggling to understand this male applicant because Kuya cannot converse well in English. So the interviewer asked her Filipina colleague to help him translate so Kuya can redeem himself. Kuya was asked if he is sure that his employer in the States will give him the salary he was promised to and if the salary he will receive in the States will be the same and not increase as here in Philippines which is ₱25000. He answered yes to all with no concrete explanation or details. Kuya already had a US working visa and traveled to California before but the interviewer wasn’t convinced so he denied him.☹️From what I’ve observed, Kuya didn’t come prepared. Oh well.
Still on booth #20, the hot interviewer called the next female applicant in front of me. He apologized to her because the previous interview took a really long time.
Female applicant: (nervously smiling) It’s okay. I’m a little nervous..bla bla bla
Interviewer: Because I look scary?
Female applicant: (laughed and did a little stretched with her arms) Oh no. 😀 bla bla (she managed to compose herself after that)
I was also laughing at the back! He asked her how old is she, when did she graduate. Her age, which is 22, was highly emphasized and he asked about her job and all the other stuff. She explained her purpose and talked about someone who was sick and the interviewer sounded suddenly concerned and asked about the ambulance contact number and if that someone is already okay now. It was a light conversation. 😊😊😊 And yup, he approved her! She was so happy and told him with legit sincerity, “Thank you so much. God Bless! God bless!”. The interviewer smiled and gave a thumbs up!
My US Tourist Visa Interview 🤞
Me: (All smiles😅) Hi! Good morning. (handed over my current passport)
Interviewer: (smiling back at me 😍 ) Hi! Can you also hand me the other passport? (my old passport)
He checked the old one first but didn’t seem interested so he gave it back haha He typed something on his computer, I think it was for my DS-160 application form.
Interviewer: So what are you going to do in the US?
Me: I’m dying to visit New York (charooooooooooooot 😂)
Interviewer: (not paying attention to what I just said while scrutinizing my current passport) Timor Leste? (referring to my East Timor visa, looking amazed and at the same time judging my decisions in life) You went there?
Me: (trying to revive my dignity) Yes. My goal was to visit all Southeast Asian countries. And I did it. (Feeling proud!)
Interviewer: You went them all? (I assumed this part he was impressed😜)
Me: Yes 😁
Interviewer: What’s your purpose again? Sorry I got distracted with the visa (he was so apologetic and I was so starstruck!!!!😍)
Me: Oh I’m going to New York 😊
Interviewer: Tourism?
Me: Yes😁
Interviewer: Are you going there solo?
Me: Yes (with no hesitation 😉)
Interviewer: Okay! (Like no big deal. Just casual small talk with backpackers in a hostel in Bali)
Me: (my eyes went wide with astonishment) That’s it?
Interviewer: Yes. (Smiles at me like he is supporting my endeavors in life! And then he took a white paper from his desk, inserted it on my passport and waved it like a kid in front of me then placed it on the table behind him. uhh! so chill af! I’M SO LUCKY!!!)
Me: Thank you! (with feelings ❤️❤️❤️)
I got approved in less than 5 minutes. I smiled all the way back to the hotel. Overwhelmed. 🙂
US Tourist Visa Tips:
- Pick the earliest appointment schedule. I pick the 2nd earliest schedule and there were already tons of people, it’s stressful! The queue will be long and draining especially if you were asked to stand in line when there are chairs available. grrr.
- Have enough sleep the night before. Try your best to beat the anxiety.
- Don’t forget to bring comb and watch. Trust me, you need them.
- Come at least 30 minutes before your schedule because look at me? When I arrive, 8:45AM time slot was already processing! My goodness!
My US Tourist Visa Application Timeline
December 4
– Filled out and submitted my DS-160 form
– Paid the Visa Fee via BPI Online
– Scheduled an Appointment
December 16 – Arrived in Manila
December 17 – Attended my interview at the US Embassy
December 19 – Received a text from 2G0 saying my visa was ready for pick up. So I went immediately to the 2G0 branch that I chose but they told me that my passport hasn’t arrived yet. They traced the package and found out that it’s still on its way to Cebu. #PAASA
December 20 – Checked the tracking number again online and it said that it has arrived in Cebu already. So I called the 2G0 office and they confirmed!!!So I rushed to their office again and finally got my passport with 10-year multiple entry US Tourist Visa 🙂
Last thoughts..
Life has no guarantee and so is applying for US Visa. But one thing’s for sure, I was very lucky I was assigned to a chill and handsome af interviewer. On a serious note, I don’t really have a concrete advice on how to successfully get a US Tourist Visa. You just really have to try and don’t ever lie. Good luck🤞
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I think it depends on your Interviewer. Mao jud na ingon nila. Second, be honest kay madig-up jud na nila imong tinood na info.
I agreeeee!! Mas better jud na mag honest na from the start para walay mahay..
Wow, Maria!. Gnahan ko mo uban!!! hahaha
hoy beeeeth!!! i miss you!! kron pako kabasa ky naa sa spam imong comment. hahaha April nako larga!! pero 10 years paman ang validity so sa sunod uban naka ha!