U.S. TOURIST VISA APPLICATION Necessities & Course of for Filipinos + Interview Questions

Planning to journey to the US for the primary time? You’ve come to the fitting place! Welcome to our step-by-step US Visa Utility Information for Filipino vacationers. On this article, we’ll stroll you thru your complete utility course of from reserving an appointment to nailing the interview on the US Embassy.

For Filipino nationals, any plan to journey to the US begins with a visa. And the US visa is among the most extremely coveted for a lot of causes. First, the US has an enormous Filipino diaspora that almost all of us know somebody there. Second, the American affect on Philippine tradition is plain. Many people dream of stepping foot in New York or Las Vegas or California. And lastly, it’s also a robust visa to have. When you’ve a US visa, you’re allowed entry not simply to the US but in addition a number of different nations that in any other case require a separate visa.

It’s no surprise that at any given day, there’s all the time a protracted queue on the US Embassy in Manila. However for many people, the US visa isn’t significantly simple to safe. That’s why we’re half-grateful and half-relieved once we lastly obtained ours. Sure, we have been simply granted a US B1/B2 visa. Right here’s how I obtained it.

WHAT IS A B1/B2 U.S. VISA?

A B1/B2 visa is a non-immigrant short-term visa that can allow you to enter the US for enterprise (B1), for tourism (B2) or BOTH.

You need to use it to do any of the next:

• BUSINESS (B1)
  Assembly with enterprise associates
  Attending a convention, seminar or conference
  Negotiating a contract or settlement
  Settling an property
• TOURISM (B2)
  Trip (leisure/vacation)
  Visiting family or associates
  Attending social occasions (live shows, festivals, exhibits)
  Medical therapy

You can not use a B1/B2 visa to check, work, or keep for good in the US.

A B1/B2 visa is often:

• multiple-entry
• legitimate for 10 years

Sure, the 10-year validity is the very best half. When you’re granted a visa, you gained’t have to renew or apply once more for a very long time.

I utilized for a B1/B2 visa, so each factor you’ll learn on this article is about that particular sort of visa. If you happen to’re making use of for a piece visa, scholar visa or inexperienced card, we gained’t be of any assist as a result of they’re outdoors our private experiences.

HOW TO APPLY FOR A U.S. VISA?

Right here’s the total utility course of when making use of for a US B1/B2 visa.

Observe that Steps 1 to three are literally interchangeable. However I consider that how I organized it under is the order that makes probably the most sense.

Step 1: Create a USTravelDocs.com account.

To join an account, go to this web page.

1. Click on NEW USER on the backside of the web page.
2. Enter your electronic mail tackle and full identify on the following web page.
3. Set a password.
4. Click on SUBMIT.

USTravelDocs.com is the official visa appointment service portal of the U.S. State Division. That is the web site the place you’ll guide an appointment, however you don’t want to do this this early. You gained’t be capable of safe a slot till you’ve paid the visa payment. For now, all you’ll want to do is create an account.

Why? As a result of as quickly as you’ve an account, you’ll be capable of see the EARLIEST AVAILABLE APPOINTMENT DATE.

That is particularly vital in case your journey dates should not versatile: say, you’re attending a marriage, a live performance, or a convention. Having visibility on the earliest out there date will permit you to gauge in the event you’ll be capable of get a visa in time on your journey and resolve appropriately.

The very last thing you need is to pay the hefty visa payment solely to seek out that there aren’t any extra appointment slots earlier than your supposed journey date.

Observe: The earliest appointment date modifications infrequently, when candidates guide, transfer or cancel their reserved slots. So simply because there aren’t any slots in your goal month doesn’t imply there gained’t be sooner or later.

If all the things appears to be like good, then proceed to Step 2.

Step 2: Accomplish the DS-160 Type.

The DS-160 type serves as your utility type. To fill it out, go to to this web page.

Each visa applicant should full a DS-160 type. If you happen to’re touring as a gaggle, every one among you could fill it out individually.

Observe these steps:

1. Beneath LOCATION WHERE YOU’LL BE APPLYING, select PHILIPPINES, MANILA. Enter the CAPTCHA code under it. Then click on on the crimson START AN APPLICATION button.
2. On the following web page, you’ll be assigned an APPLICATION ID.
3. Choose a safety query and enter a solution. DO NOT neglect your reply to this to keep away from getting locked out of your account.

Then it’s time to lastly fill out the DS-160 type. It’s a really prolonged type — with 10 pages — so allot loads of time. If you happen to really feel such as you gained’t be capable of end, simply save your progress. Don’t rush it. And ensure each reply is correct. These are the main points you’ll want to put together:

1. PERSONAL DETAILS. Identify, start date, start place, and so on.
2. TRAVEL DETAILS. You’ll be requested to pick out the aim of your journey. Because you’re making use of for a B1/B2 visa, select Momentary Enterprise Pleasure Customer. Beneath SPECIFY, choose Enterprise & Tourism (Temperoary Customer).

   Beneath it, provide the main points of your journey. When you have a concrete journey plan, enter your journey dates. If you happen to haven’t finalized these but, simply choose an supposed date of arrival within the US and supposed period of your keep.

   Please take a screenshot of this half so that you gained’t neglect the main points you entered. The consul/visa officer can be asking you about your journey particulars when it’s time for interview.



3. TRAVEL COMPANIONS. Declare the individuals with whom you can be touring to the US.



4. PREVIOUS US TRAVELS. If it’s your first time touring to the US, simply reply NO. You’ll even be requested in the event you’ve been denied a US visa earlier than or denied entry into the nation. Reply honestly as a result of they’ve a report of it anyway.
5. ADDRESS. Enter your present tackle.
6. CONTACT INFORMATION. Apart out of your contact numbers, you’ll additionally want to offer your social media account handles/usernames together with Fb, X (Twitter), YouTube, and Instagram. You’ll additionally enter your passport particulars right here.



7. U.S. CONTACT. If you understand somebody within the US, present their identify and your relationship with them. Ideally, this particular person ought to be capable of confirm your identification if deemed essential.



8. FAMILY. Enter the names and start dates in case your mother and father. When you have family in the US, you must also present their particulars right here.

   If you happen to don’t know anybody within the US, simply enter the identify and tackle of an institution that you simply plan to go to as a part of your journey. It may be a museum, a theater, or a theme park, so long as it’s a part of your itinerary.

9. WORK AND EDUCATION BACKGROUND. Checklist down your present and former employers and work experiences (together with job descriptions) and universities/faculties you attended. Sure, this half really feel such as you’re constructing a CV.



10. SECURITY AND BACKGROUND. Final web page! Reply a sequence of questions in regards to the nations you visited, organizations you’re affiliated with, and navy connections, if any. You’ll additionally reply health-related questions.

After this, you’ll be prompted to UPLOAD A PHOTO. It needs to be in shade and brought inside the previous six (6) months. No eyeglasses, hats, or head cowl (aside from faith or medical causes). The hyperlinks under can information you:

After importing a photograph, overview all the knowledge you equipped. Make certain each single factor is right. If that’s the case, submit your utility.

⚠️ IMPORTANT! The second you hit SUBMIT, you gained’t be capable of make any modifications to the shape, so guarantee each bit of data is right. If there are nonetheless particulars that you’ll want to double-check or verify, you may simply save your utility within the meantime and simply return to it when you have already got the right knowledge.

After submitting the shape, the following web page will show your DS-160 CONFIRMATION PAGE, which comprises your affirmation quantity and barcode. You could have the choice to print it out or electronic mail to your self. (I selected to electronic mail it to myself so I might get again to it anytime sooner or later.)

You’ll have to current this DS-160 Affirmation Web page on the U.S. Embassy when it’s time on your interview.

Step 3: PAY THE VISA FEE.

The U.S. Visa payment prices USD 185 (roughly PHP 10,800 on the time of this writing).

There a couple of methods to settle this payment however I selected to pay through PesoNet.

1. Go surfing to this USTravelDocs web page. As quickly because the web page hundreds, it’ll generate a reference quantity.
2. Save the reference quantity. You possibly can take a screenshot of it or copy-paste it someplace. You’ll want this quantity when it’s time to ship the cost.
3. Observe the step-by-step cost directions on the backside of the web page. As a result of we’re speaking about paying an enormous quantity right here, no want for me to repost the steps right here as some particulars may change sooner or later. Simply comply with the steps on the web page to a tee, ensuring that you simply’re getting into the right reference quantity.

That’s it! It’d take some time for the cost to mirror within the system. In keeping with the web site, it ought to register on the following enterprise day, after 1:30 PM.

However in my case, I needed to wait a pair extra days earlier than I might transfer on to the following step.

Step 4: BOOK AN APPOINTMENT.

Assuming your cost is already within the system, chances are you’ll now guide an interview appointment. Log into your USTravelDocs.com account on this web page. This is similar portal on Step 1.

On the left sidebar, it’ll show the earliest out there appointment date. This may be months from now. In my case, I utilized in September however the earliest out there schedule was in January of the following yr. However don’t lose hope. Now and again, some candidates cancel their appointments and new slots open up. We discovered that this often occurs within the wee hours of the evening. True sufficient, after staying up at evening, we have been capable of snag an appointment in October, which was only a month away.

Anyway, in the event you’re lastly able to guide an appointment, simply comply with these steps:

1. Click on on NEW APPLICATION/SCHEDULE APPOINTMENT on the left sidebar. On the following web page, choose NONIMMIGRANT VISA after which choose BUSINESS/TOURISM.
2. Fill out the following type together with your private particulars and your DS-160 Affirmation Quantity. Ensure you’re getting into the right quantity as a result of the system will use it to hyperlink your appointment to the fitting DS-160 type. When you have dependents who can be with you on the interview, enter their particulars and their very own DS-160 affirmation numbers.
3. Select the way you need to obtain your passport again: FREE PICK UP or DELIVERY. The latter entails a separate payment, to be paid money upon supply.
4. On the PAYMENT web page, enter your RECEIPT NUMBER. In case your visa payment cost is already within the system, it is best to be capable of guide an appointment. In any other case, simply come again to this web page one other time. Don’t fear, it can save you all the information you entered so that you gained’t have to fill out the shape once more while you log in once more.
5. Choose the date lang that finest works for you. You possibly can change or reschedule it later in the event you discover a higher date.

That’s it! You have already got an appointment.

USEFUL TIPS:

• You possibly can reschedule your appointment. Simply click on on the RESCHEDULE APPOINTMENT button on the left sidebar and choose an earlier or later date. Sure, it’s attainable to probability upon an earlier schedule. That’s what occurred to me.
• GROUP APPOINTMENT choice is offered, however I haven’t tried it but, so I don’t know the way it works. However in the event you’re making use of with a gaggle, strive clicking the GROUP SCHEDULING REQUEST button on the left sidebar.

Step 5: GATHER THE U.S. VISA REQUIREMENTS.

Whereas ready on your interview appointment date, collect all of the required paperwork.

1. Legitimate passport
2. Appointment affirmation web page
3. DS-160 affirmation quantity
4. your MRV payment cost receipt quantity
5. Current ID photograph (2×2)

These are the fundamental necessities. In lots of circumstances, these three are all you want. BUT — and it’s an enormous however — it’s finest to have all the opposite attainable supporting paperwork listed on the embassy’s web site:

6. All of your outdated passports
7. Proof of revenue, property possession, ITR
8. Letter out of your employer detailing your place, wage, and so on.
9. Journey itinerary

And others, relying in your goal of journey. See screenshot of the official web site under:

I indicated “attainable” supporting paperwork as a result of in some situations, they don’t ask to see these docs. In actual fact, I accomplished and introduced all of those however they didn’t test any of those, apart from my passport and appointment affirmation. In Vins’s case, the one different factor they checked was his 2×2 photograph.

However it doesn’t imply that you simply’ll expertise the identical. A few of the candidates subsequent to me on the road have been requested to current a few of these supporting paperwork. It’s actually finest to be ready.

By the best way, in the event you discover: the US Embassy doesn’t require financial institution certificates, financial institution statements, or any proof of funds. They’re not on the record, so don’t trouble. It’s not wanted in any respect.

Step 6: INTERVIEW

On the day of your appointment, present up on the U.S. Embassy for the interview. Right here’s the tackle:

Embassy of the US of America
1201 Roxas Blvd, Ermita, Manila, 1000 Metro Manila

Arrive at the very least quarter-hour earlier than your schedule. Really, they begin letting candidates in an hour earlier than the indicated schedule.

Site visitors is horrible in Manila, so allot loads of lead time. If you happen to’re coming from far-off — particularly in the event you’re flying in from the province — and also you’re in search of a spot to remain, think about a resort that’s near the U.S. Embassy. There are a whole lot of good selections within the surrounding space. SEARCH FOR MANILA HOTELS HERE! ✅

However bear in mind these:

• Devices or objects with batteries and ON-OFF swap are NOT ALLOWED inside. Sure, that features cellphones, tablets, laptops, and even digital watches (Apple watch, and so on.).
• Meals, sharp objects, crayons, and markers are additionally prohibited. You might be refused entry and your account could also be locked for 30 days in the event you’re caught sneaking any of those in.
• No lockers or baggage counters within the neighborhood. One of the best factor to do is to go together with a companion and ask them to attend for you someplace shut. There’s a Starbucks cafe and McDonald’s on the opposite facet of the highway. Simply agree to satisfy at a sure time, old-school-style.

When you’re gadget-free, chances are you’ll now go inside. You’ll have to fall in line each step of the best way. Listed here are the steps:

1. Current your printed appointment affirmation web page on the employees outdoors. They’ll affix a sticker with a QR code on the again cowl of your passport.
2. Enter the constructing for the safety test. They’re very thorough, so don’t try to sneak in something prohibited.
3. Observe the indicators and the employees to the following constructing. You might be requested right here to current your passport and a few of your necessities. In my case, they solely checked my passport. In Vins’s case, passport and a pair of×2 ID photograph.
4. Endure biometrics scan. They’ll take your fingerprints at one of many counters. After that, you’ll be assigned one other counter for the interview correct. Queue up at that counter and wait on your flip.
5. Interview correct. This often simply takes round 5 minutes. It’s very fast as a result of most likely, functions have been evaluated even earlier than the interview. It’s very possible that they have already got a tentative choice previous to your appointment and the interview is only for validation or to settle any doubts, if any. It’s also a possibility to test supporting paperwork ought to they really feel the necessity to. In my case, they didn’t test something. However a few of the different candidates within the space have been requested to current supporting docs. I’ll share all of the questions within the subsequent part under.
   – In case your utility is accredited, they are going to take your passport so they might affix the visa sticker.
   – In case your utility is rejected or denied, they are going to inform you proper then and there. (Sure, inside listening to vary of different candidates on the queue.)

Step 7: WAIT FOR YOUR VISA!

You need to obtain your passport with a visa just some days after your interview.

In my case, I obtained mine by LBC Padala simply 2 days later. If I used to be interviewed on Monday, I obtained the visa on Wednesday morning. I paid PHP 440 upon supply.

If you happen to selected PICKUP while you booked an appointment, chances are you’ll declare your passport/visa at LBC Mall of Asia.

U.S. VISA INTERVIEW QUESTIONS

Right here’s a rundown of all of the questions the consul/visa officer requested me through the interview.

• The place within the US are you going?
• What’s the aim of the journey?
• How lengthy is the journey?
• Are you married? Do you’ve children?
• With whom are you touring?
• What do you do for a dwelling?
• How lengthy have I been doing this job?
• What’s the identify of your employer?

That was it. Eight questions. Or 9. Vins obtained even fewer questions: six.

The officer’s tone was very informal and pleasant, so I responded in the identical trend.

After the final query, the officer typed one thing on the pc, confronted me once more, and mentioned, “OK, your visa is accredited. We’ll simply mail the passport to you.”

However as a result of the interview is carried out in an open space, whereas I used to be in line, I might really hear the questions that the opposite candidates have been getting. These embrace:

• Will you be visiting somebody within the US?
• Have you ever visited different nations earlier than?
• The place in (state) are you going?

⚠️ IMPORTANT! These questions that the officers/consuls are asking are the identical questions on the DS-160 type, so it’s essential that you understand and bear in mind the solutions you entered while you have been engaging in it on-line. They’re not asking as a result of they need to know — they already know — however they most likely are simply making an attempt for verify or take a look at in case your solutions are constant.

The issue is, when a whole lot of time has handed between the day you achieved the DS-160 type and the day of your interview, it’s simple to neglect the main points. So make a copy of your solutions on the DS-160 type.

There you’ve it. That’s your complete U.S. visa utility course of as I skilled it.

Earlier than I finish this text, I simply must commend the individuals working on the U.S. Embassy for the sleek course of and nice expertise. From the Filipino employees and the American interviewers, each one was pleasant, light, and respectful. Even once they have been delivering rejections, they did it in a manner that weren’t condescending or belittling. At different embassies, I’ve seen fairly excessive horses when making use of for a visa, so this was actually a breath of recent air. Kudos to all the employees on the US Embassy!

The place to Keep Close to the U.S. Embassy Manila

If you happen to’re coming from the province and also you need to spend the evening at a resort near the U.S. Embassy, listed below are some properties across the space.

Seek for extra Manila Inns!