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| source: Google |
If you plan to travel in the US you need to apply for a US visa before you can make your dream travel a reality. Here in the Philippines getting a US Visa is really hard and complicated. Yes, it is not really easy to get one and we hear a lot of stories of visa application being denied . Honestly, it really took me a while (years to be exact) to get one because being single is one of the red flags in getting approved.
But after applying and getting approved after my first attempt I realized it's not that hard after all. I tell you... at first it was nerve wracking but I believe if it's God's will and the timing is right you will surely get it.
Here is my story.
What's the most important thing to do in filling up the application is providing real information. They will know if you are not telling the truth. I filled out the DS-160 form by myself, I just asked a few questions from my cousin who recently got her visa approved.
Before filling up an application make sure you have the following:
- Valid Philippine Passport (at least 6 months validity)
- Recent 2 x 2 photo (digital and hard copy) taken within 6 months from date of application
- Old Philippine Passport
- US Address of the person where you will be staying during your trip
Based from my experience, being honest with the information you put on the application form and proving strong ties with home country like having a job that you are obliged to return to or own business gives you more chances of being approved.
You can also prepare for your proof of financial information, but in my case (even if I brought mine) I was not asked to show any proof or document and those I saw during my interview: I did not see the consular officer asking for any documents. I think what really matters is the one on one interview between you and the consul.
Practice answering commonly asked visa interview questions, you can search for them on the internet. At first I was a little nervous (praying as I wait in line - I just said "God if it's Your will.. thy will be done...") as I stood in front of the consular officer but when he started asking questions my answers just came out naturally.
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| source: Google |
Here are the questions he asked me:
Consular officer: "What's the purpose of your travel?" "Where in the US?"
Me: "Tourism and my high school friends are planning for a mini reunion in California." "I will also be staying with my high school friend in California."
Consular officer: "How many friends are you meeting?"
Me: "Around 6 to 10 friends."
Consular officer: "Are they all from California?"
Me: "No, some of them are from different states and will be flying to California for the reunion."
Consular officer: "Are you working?" "Where do you work"
Me: "Yes, I am an employee at a real estate company (mentioned the name of the company.)
Consular officer: "How long have you been working there?"
Me: "I have been working in the company for 30 years. It's my first job and I am still working there."
Consular officer: "That was long."
Me: "Yes, Sir."
Consular officer: "What countries have you been to?"
Me: "For the last 4 years I have been to Japan, Hongkong, Macau and Thailand."
Consular officer: "Are you married?" --- (The most dreaded question..)
Me: "No Sir, I am single."
Consular officer: "Do you have kids?"
Me: "I don't have kids, Sir. But I have a dog (he smiled)."
Consular officer: "Your Visa is Approved. Wait for it in a week."
Me: "Thank you very much. Have a nice day."
The best phrase to hear that day: "YOUR VISA IS APPROVED."
Please note that most of the questions he asked are based on the information in my application.
As I have said earlier that if it's God's will and timing is right you will get it. It only took me 8 days for the whole process, from the application to the interview - hassle free.
May 9, 2023 : Filled out DS-160 application form, prepared all documents needed such as bank certificates, Income Tax Return form, Certification of employment, had my photo taken at Great Image and requested for a digital copy. Click on the link to fill out an application for Non-Immigrant Visa : https://www.ustraveldocs.com/ph/
May 10, 2023 : Submitted the US Visa application (on the website), Printed the Visa Confirmation sheet. Paid the Visa Fee P9,280.00 ($160 x P58.00) at RCBC then printed the Appointment Confirmation Sheet.
May 11, 2023: Scheduled the interview appointment by creating an account in the US Visa website. https://www.ustraveldocs.com/ph/ Normally it takes 155 to 160 days of waiting to get a schedule. When I logged in the website and clicked on the Schedule an Interview it says - that the first available interview was May 16, 2023, Tuesday, I entered my Receipt Number. There are 2 available for 9:45am and 2 for 10:00am. I chose the 9:45 am schedule.
May 12-15, 2023 : Practiced for the interview, organized my thoughts... Watched and read information in the internet. Bought a clear book and plastic envelope to organize the documents I need to bring.
May 16, 2023: Day of the interview. I prayed... tried to be calm... prayed and prayed more while I was in line. (Tidbits: I arrived at around 9:00am at the US Embassy Manila, they will let you in right away. Just follow the steps there are people there who will assist you.)
***Interview questions and experience may vary. I was not asked to show any document or proof of anything. But remember always come prepared.
May 18, 2023: I received an email from LBC informing me that my Visa/Passport is on the way.
May 19, 2023: I got my Visa/Passport. :)
Here is also a summary of the expenses I incurred for my Visa Application:
If you are planning to apply for a Non immigrant US Visa, I hope this helps. And I pray that your application will also be approved.
***Update starting June 17, 2023 the US Visa fee is $185.00
xo,
Chiq♥
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