us tourist visa application for philippines

How To Apply for a US Visa in the Philippines: An Ultimate Guide

With Uncle Sam tightening its immigration policy more than ever before, US visa application can be a nerve-racking experience, especially for first-timers.

It’s not unusual to hear about applicants who entered the US Embassy oozing with the confidence only to come out later with the bad news of rejection.

No less than President Rodrigo Duterte can share his own horror story of having his US visa application rejected .

US visa is, without a doubt, one of the most difficult to obtain among the foreign visas. But is there a way to increase your chances of getting approved?

In this definite guide, we’ll discuss in great detail every step involved in the US visa application, plus tips to boost your chances of getting approved.

Table of Contents

What is a us visa, a. immigrant visas, a. business/tourist visa, b. work visa, c. student visa, d. exchange visitor visa, e. transit/ship crew visa, f. religious worker visa, g. domestic employee visa, h. journalist and media visa, i. treaty investors and traders visa, 2. check if you’re qualified to apply for your chosen us visa, general requirements, supporting documents, other supporting documents (according to us visa type), 4. fill out the us visa online application form, option 1: over-the-counter payment, option 2: online payment, option 1: online, option 2: over the phone, 7. show up at the us embassy on the date and time of your interview, 8. wait for your passport to be released, tips and warnings, 1. do i need to have ‘show money’ when applying for a us visa what is the minimum amount of money that i need to show in my bank account, 2. my visa got denied. what happens next.

• 3. My visa application has been denied. What can I possibly do to reverse the decision? 

4. I was found ineligible for a visa. Can I get my money back?

5. when can i re-apply for a us visa, 6. is there a time limit as to when i can re-apply, 7. what could make the consul change his mind and grant my visa on re-application, 8. how can i apply for a us visa for my yaya/caregiver/secretary, 9. how can i apply for a us visa for my baby/infant, 10. how long is the validity of the us visa, 11. i set an appointment with the embassy but made a mistake in my application. what should i do next, 12. i’m a fresh grad with less than php 30k on my bank account. will my visa application be denied, 13. is it possible to be granted a us visa to visit a significant other.

• 14. The validity of a US visa is 5-10 years. With that said, if I renew my passport, will I still have the remaining years of my visa or not?

15. Can anyone recommend a reliable US tourist visa agency to help me get a visa?

16. is it possible to submit a family or group application.

Anyone who wants to go to the US either temporarily (for work/pleasure) or permanently as an immigrant is required to obtain a US visa.

A visa isn’t like your Philippine passport with multiple pages. Rather, it’s an endorsement placed within your passport which proves you can enter, leave, or stay in a foreign country for a specified period of time.

A US visa looks something like this:

It should be noted that citizens from countries that participate in the Visa Waiver Program can travel to the US visa-free.

Unfortunately, the Philippines is not one of them. And for a good reason.

Filipinos with short-term visas have been notorious for overstaying and eventually seeking employment in the US illegally, so much so that we have a colloquial term for them– TNT which is short for “tago ng tago”  or constantly hiding from immigration authorities.

US visa is a way for Americans to protect their country not just from illegal immigrants but also from threats of terrorism, human trafficking, and the likes.

If the US Embassy is extremely selective when screening applicants, it’s only because of a lot of Filipinos in the past who betrayed them.

Therefore, Filipinos with an ulterior motive when applying for a US visa must be warned: the US Embassy is always ready to deny your application at the slightest chance they get.

How To Apply for a US Visa in the Philippines in 8 Steps

1. identify the appropriate visa for the purpose of your trip.

There are different types of US visas.

For your application to become successful, ensure that you’re applying for a US visa that aligns with your purpose of traveling to the US.

There’s no point in applying for a tourist visa when the purpose of your trip is to study and possibly get a permanent employment in the US.

In general, US visa has two types: Immigrant visa and Nonimmigrant visa.

Immigrant visas are granted to those who intend to live permanently in the United States.

To apply for this visa, an employer or a family member who is already a US resident or citizen must first submit a petition to the US Embassy or the US Citizenship & Immigration Service (USCIS) on your behalf.

Once granted, you can use the visa to stay in the US as a Legal Permanent Resident and eventually acquire US citizenship.

b. Nonimmigrant visas

By contrast, nonimmigrant visas are issued to specialty workers, tourists, students, and business people who are planning to stay in the United States for a limited period of time.

The following is a list of common nonimmigrant visas:

B-1 and B-2 visas are granted to foreigners who are visiting the United States temporarily.

B-1 is for those who are going on a business trip (e.g., attending conventions/conferences, consulting with business associates, negotiating contracts, etc.). B-2, on the other hand, refers to the “tourist visa” given to those coming to the US for a vacation, family reunion, medical treatment, etc.

While B-1 and B-2 visas differ in terms of purpose, they’re combined and issued as one visa, also known as the B-1/B-2 visa.

A work visa is intended for those who have been petitioned by an employer or agent to work in the United States temporarily.

There are different work visas for different kinds of jobs:

• H-1B (specialty occupation)
• H-2A (seasonal agricultural workers)
• H-2B visa (skilled and unskilled workers)
• H-3 (trainee)
• H-4 (dependents)
• L-1 (intra-company transferees)
• L-2 (dependents)
• O (people with outstanding ability/achievements in sciences, arts, education, business, athletics, motion picture, and television production)
• P (artists and entertainers)
• Q (people who are participating in an international cultural exchange program).

As the name suggests, a student visa is issued to Filipinos who have been approved to study in a legitimate educational institution in the United States.

It comes in two varieties:

• F-1 visa, for those who are pursuing academic studies.
• M-1 visa, designed for those who wish to engage in a non-academic or vocational study/training.

Also known as a J visa, this type of US visa is given to those who have been accepted and approved to participate in exchange programs in the US. An exchange program is designed to promote the interchange of persons, knowledge, and skills in the fields of arts, sciences, and education.

Aside from the principal visa holder (J-1 visa), dependents who wish to accompany him/her for the duration of the trip may also apply for a J-2 visa.

The transit or C visa is used whenever you’re passing through the United States en route to another country. It’s like a tourist visa except that you’re only allowed to stay in the US for a relatively shorter period of time.

Crew or D visa, meanwhile, is designed for the crew members of a ship or an aircraft who will likewise transit or pass through the United States.

In most cases, the crew members use a combination of transit/crew visas (C-1/D). Should they wish to spend more time in the US for vacation or during time-off between flights/cruises, they have to apply for both transit/ship crew visas and the B-1/B-2 visa.

A religious worker who belongs to a recognized religious group or organization may apply for this visa (also known as R visa) to stay in the US temporarily. The visa will allow the religious worker to conduct religious worship and other activities within the limits of his/her occupation.

A domestic employee is defined as a personal or domestic servant who is accompanying or following an employer to the United States.

In this case, the Filipino worker may be eligible for a B-1 visa, regardless of whether the employer is an American citizen or not. If the employer is a government official or a foreign diplomat, the domestic employee may qualify for an A-3 or G-5 visa, depending on the employer’s visa status.

Domestic employees include, but not limited to, nannies, au pairs, valets, chauffeurs, cooks, butlers, housemaids, footmen, gardeners, paid companions, etc.

The media or I visa is for Filipino reporters or representatives of local media who want to travel to the US temporarily to cover news or engage in activities related to their profession.

Because the Philippines is one of the countries that maintain a treaty of commerce and navigation with the United States, Filipinos can travel to the US with an E-1 (Treaty Trader) or E-2 (Treaty Investor) visa.

This visa will allow you to come to the US to invest capital, develop and direct operations of an enterprise you’ve invested in, or carry on substantial trade (including trade in services or technology).

Before getting an appointment with the US Embassy, ensure you have valid reasons for applying for the type of visa you’re aiming for.

The embassy official who will conduct the interview will scrutinize your application and can reject it if you’re unable to prove you have the necessary qualifications.

From this point on, we’re going to focus on the more popular nonimmigrant US visas. If you want to know the qualifications and requirements for the immigrant visa, please refer to this guide .

a. For Business/Tourist Visa: You must prove to the consular officer that you intend to visit the US for a limited period of time by showing proof of funds to cover your travel expenses and solid ties to the Philippines like properties, business, or employment.

b. For Work Visa:  To qualify for a work visa, your employer or agent must first file a Petition for Nonimmigrant Worker on your behalf. The petition or Form I-129 must be approved by the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).

Upon approval, applicants must present their petition receipt number during the interview at the US Embassy. Take note, however, that having an approved petition doesn’t guarantee visa approval.

For a complete list of work visas and their respective qualification requirements, check out  this link .

c. For Student Visa:  F-1 and M-1 visa applicants must prove that they’ve been accepted and approved to study in an accredited educational institution in the United States.

Keep in mind, however, that Filipinos (and other foreigners) are prohibited by US law to study in a public elementary school (from kindergarten to 8th grade) or a public adult education program. For more information about US student visas, visit Education USA .

d. For Exchange Visitor Visa:  To apply for this visa, Filipinos must first be accepted by an educational institution or a program sponsor in the US who will then provide the applicant with the necessary documents needed for the visa application.

Exchange visitor visa applicants can be one of the following: students, on-the-job trainees, teachers, professors, research scholars, professional trainees (medical and allied fields), etc.

e. For Transit/Ship Crew Visa:  To get approved for this visa, you must prove to the consular officer your intention by showing the following: proof of funds to support your transit journey, permission to enter your destination country, and the ticket or other documents that will prove you’re en route to the said destination.

f. For Religious Worker Visa: Filipinos who are interested to apply for this visa must be a member of a tax-exempted nonprofit religious organization (or its affiliate) recognized by the US.

You must be a member of the denomination for at least 2 years prior to the visa application. If you’ve previously spent five years in this category, you must show to the consular officer that you reside or physically present in the Philippines for the immediate prior year.

g. For Domestic Employee Visa:  As an applicant, you must prove to the consular officer that you have compelling ties to the Philippines and that you intend to go back to your home country once your contract expires.

You must also secure an  employment contract signed by you and your employer. For a complete list of qualifications for a domestic employee accompanying a US citizen or a non-US citizen, please refer to this checklist .

h. For Journalist and Media Visa: To qualify for this visa, you must be a representative (e.g., reporter, editor, film crew, etc.) of a local media and the activity you’ll be doing in the US should be informational in nature like news gathering and reporting.

If you have a spouse or unmarried children less than 21 years old who wish to accompany you on the trip, they may apply for a derivative I visa.

Freelance journalists may also qualify for the media visa, provided that they are under a contract to a media organization, hold a credential issued by a professional journalistic organization, and the content they’re working on isn’t intended for commercial entertainment/advertising.

i. For Treaty Traders and Investors Visa:  Click here for a complete list of qualification requirements for E-1 and E-2 visa.

3. Know the US Visa Application Requirements

The requirements listed here are applicable to nonimmigrant US visa applicants. If you’re applying for an immigrant visa, please go here instead.

The consular officer will treat every application as unique. Therefore, the number of requirements that will be requested from you depends on your personal circumstances and the type of US visa you’re applying for.

a. Duly accomplished DS-160 Form or Nonimmigrant Visa Electronic Application Form (more on this later).

b. A valid Philippine passport . The validity date should be at least 6 months beyond your intended period of stay in the US.

c. One 2″x2″ ID photograph which you are required to upload as part of the online application. You should also bring extra copies during the interview in case the consular officer requests for additional ID pictures.

The photo must meet the following criteria:

• Must be recent or taken within the last 6 months .
• Your eyes must be open and looking straight toward the camera. They should be anywhere between 1-1/8 inches and 1-3/8 inches (28 mm and 35 mm) or about 60% from the bottom of the photo.
• Must show your head from the top of your hair to the bottom of your chin . Hats, head coverings, and eyeglasses must be removed except if used for religious purposes (hats) or if the eyeglasses can’t be removed for medical reasons, in which case a medical certificate/statement must be provided.
• The entire head should be at the center of the frame . It should measure 1-1-3/8 inches (25 to 35mm), filling between 50% to 70% of the photo.
• The background must be either white or off-white . It must be uncluttered with no shadows either in the background itself or across the applicant’s face.
• Your face must show a relaxed and natural expression .
• The photo must be in color . Black and white photos aren’t accepted.
• You should wear normal clothing or something you wear on a daily basis . Uniforms and camouflage attire aren’t allowed except for religious attire that is worn every day.

d. Receipt showing payment of the USD 160 non-refundable nonimmigrant visa application fee (paid in Philippine pesos).

e. Interview appointment letter c onfirming that you’ve booked an appointment with the US Embassy online.

Update: Aside from the general requirements above, the US Embassy now also requires visa applicants to submit their social media information and all of their previous contact information as part of the visa application process. Applicants are required to submit information on social media accounts that they have used in the past 5 years. This will give the US government access to the applicants’ previously shared locations, photos, dates of births, dates of milestones and other information that can be found on social media profiles. Applicants will also be asked to provide all of their previously used telephone numbers and email addresses, as well as all of their previous and current international travel and deportation status. This requirement has been added for the purpose of checking if the applicant or any of his family members has been involved in terrorist activity.

For nonimmigrant US visa applications, supporting documents will provide strong evidence that the applicant intends to go back to the Philippines at the end of the trip.

Not all applicants will be required to present these documents. In most cases, all vital information that the consular officer needs are already provided in the application form and by the interview itself.

However, supporting documents may not be required only on a case-to-case basis. If your application raises some red flags, the consular officer may request some documents to strengthen your profile.

Hence, it’s better to come to the US Embassy fully prepared for the worst.

In general, supporting documents are classified into two categories:

Proof of funds, which will prove to the consular officer that you are financially capable of carrying out the trip; and Proof of strong ties to the country which provides evidence that you’ll go back to the Philippines after the trip and have no intention of overstaying in the US and live there illegally.

Proof of funds

a. For employed

Show that you can afford the trip and you have a job to go back to by providing the following:

• Certificate of Employment/COE (stating your position, salary, and tenure).
• Recent payslips (usually for the past 3 months).
• Income Tax Return (ITR) for the previous year.

b. For self-employed

The consular officer must see that you’re in good financial standing and that your business/freelance job is stable through the following:

• Business permit or a copy of the official business registration .
• Bank certificates/Bank statement/Book of the company and Financial Reports from the past 3 months.
• Tax statements and/or tax-paying certificate.

c. For students or minors

• Certification from the school or educational institution providing the grant (for US student visa), showing the specific details of the scholarship .
• Sponsorship letter from parents/legal guardians with attached proof of their solvency or financial capability to cover the expenses of the trip.

d. For retirees

• Business permits and other requirements for self-employed, if applicable.
• Evidence of pension (e.g., receipts).
• Financial assets and proof of investments.
• Retirement certification.

e. For unemployed

• Sponsorship letter with proof of the sponsor’s solvency.
• Copies of bank statements, bank certificates, and personal credit cards from the past 3 months.

f. Additional proof of funds

If you want to increase your chances of getting approved, you can also try the following suggestions:

• Especially if you’re a freelancer or self-employed, it doesn’t harm to add a sponsor even if you can afford the trip. This sponsor doesn’t necessarily need to cover your expenses. If anything, he/she can serve that role only on paper. The goal, after all, is to strengthen your application in any means possible.
• Provide proof of accommodation by making hotel reservations on websites like Agoda which offer free cancellation. You can also show your return tickets to prove you’re scheduled to go back to your home country after the US trip.

Proof of strong ties to the country

Proof of strong ties shows that you have enough and compelling reasons to return to the Philippines after your trip to the United States.

The US Embassy uses this to prevent the proliferation of illegal immigrants in the United States. Requirements under this category vary depending on the applicant’s financial resources, travel plans or history, and personal circumstances.

• Leave of absence.
• Certificate of Employment.
• A letter from you explaining the reasons why you won’t overstay.
• Business registration .
• Scheduled business meeting or company events that you’ll attend upon return, if applicable.
• Land title and other proof of properties/real estate you own.
• A letter from you detailing the reasons why you won’t overstay.
• School enrollment certificate.
• A letter from you and your parents/legal guardians explaining the reasons why you won’t overstay.

e. For the unemployed

• A contract/job offer from the company you’ll be working for in the Philippines, if applicable.
• A letter from you explaining the reasons why you won’t overstay. Valid reasons may include opening a business, enrolling in a school, etc. (with authentic documents to support them).

Ensure that all documents you’ll bring are authentic. Submitting fake documents will result in permanent ineligibility to apply for a US visa. If confidentiality is a concern, put all documents in a sealed envelope.

While you can’t predict which supporting documents will be asked from you, it’s better to bring as many of them as you can to show the consular officer that you didn’t come unprepared.

Depending on the type of US visa you’re applying for, you may be required to bring other documents apart from those already mentioned above.

For quick reference, here’s a list of different US visas and links to their specific requirements we might have missed:

• Business/Tourist Visa
• Student Visa
• Exchange Visitor Visa
• Transit/Ship Crew Visa
• Religious Worker Visa
• Domestic Employee Visa
• Journalist and Media Visa

All nonimmigrant US visa applicants regardless of age are required to accomplish and submit a Nonimmigrant Visa Electronic Application (DS-160) form.

There are two reasons why.

First, you can’t set up an appointment with the US Embassy without the alphanumeric barcode number which is only generated once you’ve completed the DS-160 form.

Lastly, you won’t be allowed to enter the US Embassy for the interview without the printed DS-160 confirmation page. Handwritten or typed applications will not be accepted.

I can’t mention enough the importance of the DS-160 form. As a matter of fact, some Filipinos get rejected by providing incomplete or inaccurate information on this form.

In case you need help in filling out the form, please consult a translator or an immigration lawyer. If you’re ready to complete the DS-160 form, please follow the procedure below.

Prepare the requirements/information that you will need for the completion of the DS-160 form.

• Soft copy of your ID picture (see step 3)
• Résumé or Curriculum Vitae (for information regarding your education and employment history)
• International travel history/dates of your last five trips to the United States, if applicable
• Travel itinerary, if you’ve already made travel arrangements
• Other information specific to the US visa you’re applying for. For students and exchange visitors, for example, you will be asked to provide the school address and your SEVIS ID, both of which can be obtained from your I-20 or DS-2019 form.

Access the DS-160 form online

To get to the DS-160 form, go to the Consular Electronic Application Center website.

In case you’re having difficulty accessing the page, try switching your browser to either Firefox or Internet Explorer.

If the page is displaying correctly, go ahead and select your location (i.e., Philippines, Manila), enter the captcha code provided, and click “Start An Application.”

Complete the DS-160 form by providing all requested information

Ensure all your answers are complete, accurate, and written in English.

If you want a preview of the type of questions that will be asked in the application form, click here . Expect the DS-160 form to be comprehensive with questions falling under the following categories:

• Personal information (e.g., name, gender, marital status, address, contact information, passport information, etc.)
• Travel information (e.g., the purpose of your trip, travel companions, previous trips to the US, etc.)
• Family information (e.g., details about your parents, spouse, etc.)
• Work and education history
• Security and background (e.g., any mental/physical disorder or communicable disease you’re currently afflicted with, criminal background, etc.)

Upload your ID photo

Ensure the photo has the right size and follows the specifications required by the US Embassy. For more information, see step 3 of this guide.

Review your application before submitting it.

The system will give you an opportunity to review all the information you’ve provided before submitting the form.

Make sure that they’re all complete and accurate as you won’t be able to change anything once the DS-160 form has been submitted.

If you’re confident about your application, enter your passport number and the captcha code provided. These will serve as your E-Signature.

Finally, click “Sign and Submit Application.”

Print your DS-160 confirmation page

All applicants are required to bring the printed confirmation form to the US Embassy during their scheduled interview. The alphanumeric barcode number located on the upper right corner of the page will enable the consular officer to retrieve your DS-160.

Without this confirmation page, you will not be allowed entry to the US Embassy and your application will be automatically forfeited.

It is also recommended to keep a backup copy of your duly accomplished DS-160 form in case things go awry. To secure a copy, simply hit the “Back” button on your browser and then email yourself a copy of the form in PDF format.

Additional reminders related to the DS-160 form:

• Only use letters in the English alphabet. Hence, if your name contains “ñ” as in the case of “Niña,” you must spell it using the equivalent letter in the English alphabet (i.e., Nina).
• While filling out the DS-160 form, always click the “Save” button or download the unfinished form to your computer. Otherwise, you can potentially lose all the data you’ve provided as the page “times out” after 20 minutes of inactivity.
• Every time you complete a page in the application, it is automatically saved so you don’t have to worry about losing the data when the Internet connection is interrupted. You can also save a partially completed application in case you want to run some errands. To continue where you left off, simply return to the Consular Electronic Application Center website and click “Retrieve an Application.” You will then be asked to enter your application ID number and answer the security question.
• In case you want to take more time, you can also download your incomplete application to your personal computer. Return to the website within the next 30 days and then select “Upload an Application.” Follow the instructions to resume the application.

5. Pay the US Visa Application Fee

At this point, you’re only one step away from scheduling an appointment with the US Embassy for your interview.

To book an interview, you must first pay a non-refundable, non-transferable Machine Readable Visa application fee (or MRV fee).

All US visa applicants are required to pay this fee. This is because the online appointment will ask for the receipt number (proof of payment) before you can move forward.

The amount of MRV fee depends on the type of US visa you’re applying for and the current US dollar to the peso exchange rate. To view the list of US visa types and their corresponding application fees, please go to this page .

As of this writing, the most common types of US nonimmigrant visas like the tourist visa cost $160 whereas petition-based visas like religious and work visas require an application fee of $190 .

Meanwhile, the most expensive US visas are the K visa (Fiancé(e) or Spouse of US Citizen) and the E visa (Treaty Trader/Investor) with application fees amounting to $265 and $205, respectively.

To pay the US visa application fee, you can choose from two modes of payment: Over-the-counter or online transactions.

If you choose this method, you can pay the visa application fee in cash at any BPI (Bank of Philippine Islands) branch near you.

To make a payment, you need to present a printed copy of your US visa application deposit slip. You can find the deposit slip on this page .

Apparently, there’s a unique deposit slip for each application fee. Choose and print the deposit slip that corresponds to the cost of your US visa application fee.

The deposit slip is valid for a single transaction. It also has an expiration date so make sure you make the payment before it becomes invalid. In case it expires, you can generate another deposit slip by returning to the page I’ve mentioned and re-clicking the link to the deposit slip.

After making the payment, ensure you keep the receipt as you’ll be needing the receipt number to schedule an appointment.

For a faster and more convenient way of paying the MRV fee, you can use either the BPI or Bancnet online bill payment services.

If you have an account with either of the two, you can quickly pay the fee without going to the bank.

To make the payment, simply go to the BPI or Bancnet website. For this transaction, you will be asked to provide a reference number:

• 48160628 (for BPI customers)
• 35887923 (for Bancnet customers)

For complete instructions on how to pay the US visa application fee online, please refer to the following guides:

• How to Pay US Visa Application Fee Online with BPI
• How to Pay US Visa Application Fee Online with Bancnet

Avoid making lump-sum payments when paying for your family or a group of applicants. Instead, make the payments individually to generate a unique receipt number for each applicant which is needed to secure an appointment with the US Embassy.

Once the payment has been accepted, you’ll then receive an email confirmation which you need to print and bring to the US Embassy on the day of your appointment.

6. Schedule an Appointment With the US Embassy for Your Visa Interview

After paying the visa application fee, it’s important to know that you can’t schedule an appointment right away.

Depending on the mode of payment you used, it may take anywhere between four hours to a whole day before you can make an appointment.

For over-the-counter bank transactions, you can already book an appointment/interview after four hours from the time of payment.

Online payments, on the other hand, may take longer depending on the time of payment and whether you used BPI or Bancnet for the transaction.

The tables below summarize their processing times and exactly when you can schedule an appointment:

For online payments made with BPI

For online payments made with Bancnet

After the waiting period has passed, you can now schedule an appointment.

There are two ways to secure an appointment with the US Embassy: online via the US Department of State’s Bureau of Consular Affairs website or over the phone with the help of a customer service representative.

To schedule an appointment online, you must first ensure that you have the following information on hand:

• MRV fee payment receipt number
• Passport number
• The ten-digit barcode number in your DS-160 confirmation page

Once you’re ready, go to the  US Department of State’s Bureau of Consular Affairs website and register/create an account.

After creating an account, log into the system and click “Schedule Appointment” on the left-hand side menu.

On the succeeding pages, you will be asked to provide vital information like the visa type you’re applying for, personal data, DS-160 confirmation number, names of your family members (in case you’re traveling with them), how you prefer to receive the passport, visa payment confirmation, and the appointment schedule.

Take note that you can’t book an appointment unless you’ve already paid the visa application fee and completed the DS-160 form. This is also the reason why I’ve included them in the earlier steps.

Alternatively, you can ask for the assistance of a customer service representative to book an appointment.

The call center is available during weekdays, from 8 AM to 8 PM, except during the Philippine and US holidays. You can talk to the agent either in English or Tagalog, whatever is comfortable for you.

Here are three ways to talk to a customer service representative directly:

• Telephone: (02)5488223 or (02)7928988
• Web call: If you’re using Firefox, Google Chrome, Safari11 or Opera, you can call directly through your browser by clicking the green button on this page .
• Skype: Please add  ustraveldocs-philippines to your list of Skype contacts.

Additional reminders regarding appointment scheduling:

• Choose the earliest schedule to avoid getting stuck in traffic and the long queues.
• Plan your visa application carefully as you’re only allowed to reschedule twice (excluding the initial appointment). If you cancel your second rescheduling attempt again, you’ll be barred from making a new appointment for the next 90 days.

We’ve finally arrived at the most critical part of your US visa application: the dreaded interview.

In this section, I’ll give you an idea what to expect on the day of your appointment.

For tips and strategies to pass the US visa interview, please refer to this guide where I’ve compiled all the insights from some Filipinos who survived the interview and got their visas approved.

Before heading to the US Embassy, make sure you bring all the requirements needed for your US visa application (see step 3 of this guide for the complete list).

Arrive at the US Embassy at least 30 minutes before your scheduled interview. If possible, bring a companion with you who will keep your phone, camera, laptop, and other electronic devices, all of which are prohibited inside the Embassy.

Upon arrival, you will be subjected to initial security checks. Applicants will fall in line to have their bags and requirements checked by the security personnel.

Afterward, you will be directed to another queue where you’ll wait for your turn to undergo the following procedures:

• Pre-Screening : In this step, a consular officer may ask you a few questions regarding your application such as the visa type you’re applying for, the purpose of the trip, and personal data like your name, birthday, and marital status. They may also request additional photos so make sure you have extra copies of your ID picture just in case.
• Fingerprinting : A consular officer assigned in this station may ask you to provide your passport and state your name and birthday. Then, you’ll be instructed to place your fingers on the fingerprint scanner one by one to get your biometrics.
• Interview : The last step is also the most important one. After waiting for your turn, you will be assigned to an interview window where a consular officer will assess your visa application using your answers to the DS-160 form and the interview questions. On average, the interview may last for a few minutes but it can be relatively quick if you have a strong application. For a list of commonly asked questions during the US visa interview, please go to this link.

After the interview, you’ll get an immediate feedback whether your US visa application has been approved or denied.

For successful applicants, expect your passport to be issued after 5 working days.

Passports of approved applicants are released at the chosen 2GO branch. You’ll receive a text message from 2GO once your passport is available for pick-up at the specified 2GO location.

In case you’ve changed your mind and want to pick up your passport at another 2GO branch, you only have until midnight on the day of your interview to update the Documentation Delivery Instructions (see step 6).

To claim your passport, you need to present a government-issued ID.

• All applicants, regardless of age, are required to show up at the US Embassy for the visa interview. Minors (17 years old and below, unmarried) must be accompanied by at least one parent or a legal guardian.
• Only bring original, authentic documents. In the case of government-issued IDs, make sure they’re valid and not expiring anytime soon. Submitting fake documents will not only get your visa application denied but may also permanently ban you from applying for any US visa in the future.
• When it comes to submitting documentary requirements, it’s better to overdeliver. While a lot of applicants who got approved can attest that the consular officer didn’t even bother to ask for supporting documents, remember that visa applications are approved on a case-by-case basis. The more requirements you can bring, the better prepared you will be in case the consular officer request additional evidence to strengthen your application.
• Filipinos who are well-traveled are more likely to get approved for nonimmigrant US visa compared to those who don’t have extensive travel history. By showing your passport stamps, travel tickets, or bookings, you’re making a positive impression to the consular officer that you always come back to the Philippines every time you travel overseas.
• Arrive at the US Embassy 15 to 30 minutes before your scheduled interview. Take note that this applies to all applicants, regardless if you picked an earlier schedule or not. It doesn’t make sense to go there at 6 AM when your schedule is still at 9 AM. Remember, they don’t accommodate applicants on a first-come, first-served basis. The US Embassy prioritizes applicants who have secured an early schedule, not those who arrived at the gate early.
• You have a better chance of getting your visa application approved if you’re applying with your family, especially if you already have previous travel experiences together . While there’s no concrete explanation for this, it is probably because a family of three or four are less inclined to overstay their welcome, especially if all of them have strong ties to the Philippines.
• Pregnant women who will be traveling to the US on tourist visas and with the intention of giving birth so their babies will be granted birthright citizenship will now be treated as foreigners coming to the US for medical treatment. This means that the applicants must prove that they are coming to the US for medical treatment and have the means to pay for it. The new visa restriction is designed to limit the popular practice known as “birth tourism”, which, although considered fundamentally legal, has led to the proliferation of birth tourism agencies, some of which have been arrested for visa fraud or tax evasion.

Frequently Asked Questions

3. my visa application has been denied. what can i possibly do to reverse the decision.

It varies depending on the consul that will be assigned to handle your application. It can be a Single-Entry or Multiple-Entry Visa. Therefore, the validity of the visa ranges from 3 months up to 10 years.

First, fill out a new application form and make sure that all the information you’ve provided is correct. Then, you should call the hotline of the US Embassy where you’ve set your appointment and explain your situation. Provide the application number of the new form that will then replace the old one with errors.

If you’re a minor, then you can use your parents’ credentials and bank statements when you apply for a visa. But if you’re no longer a minor, then your own credentials will be assessed.

Your application will most likely be denied but you can improve your chances by gathering evidence of ties to the Philippines for a couple of years. Once you have done that, then you can apply for a US visa. To increase your chances of getting an approved visa, do the following:

• Get a good job and stay long enough for it to be considered as a long-term job. This is to increase your salary and to prove that you have ties to your country.
• Travel as much as you can to other countries. If you have an impressive travel history, it will increase your chances of getting approved for a visa.

If you really want to apply for a visa now and you’ve been to the US before, as well as other countries, then you can give it a try. To improve your chances and prove that you will definitely come back to your home country, mention future plans like going to graduate school, starting a business, or anything like that.

If your parents will sponsor your trip, you can consult a lawyer and draft an Affidavit of Support that you can present to the consul. Make sure to bring all the necessary documents to support your application like you and your parents’ bank statements and titles.

Unfortunately, your chances are slim if ‘visiting a significant other’ will be your reason for going to the US. All the red flags are there if you are single and have a US citizen partner.

If you’re already engaged, then you can apply for a different visa category instead. On the other hand, if you have a child together, then you can try the Family Reunification approach.

You can increase your chances of getting an approved visa if you have a stable job in your country, have an impressive travel history, and a good amount of savings.

14. The validity of a US visa is 5-10 years. With that said, if I renew my passport , will I still have the remaining years of my visa or not?

Yes, your visa will still be valid even if you change your passport.

According to the US State Department website, you just have to bring your old passport with you when you travel to the US. You can even purchase a passport jacket that can hold both your old and new passports together so it’ll be more convenient to bring them with you during your travels.

You don’t need to look for a reliable agency to process your visa for you.

Getting the services of an agency will not improve your chances of getting approved . The agency’s only role is to apply on your behalf.

In order to increase your chances of getting your visa application approved, you only have to show that you have substantial ties to the Philippines like a stable and high-paying job, properties, investments, money in the bank, and family.

Yes, you can submit your applications together as a family or as a group.

On your ‘Confirmation’ page, click ‘Email Confirmation’. You’ll be redirected to a ‘Thank You’ page where you will see an option to create a family or group application.

Applicable information from your application will automatically be imported when you create a new application. It must be noted that even though it will be a family or group application, you’ll still need to create an individual application for each family member or individual.

Read our other travel visa guides:

How to Get Japan Visa in the Philippines: A Complete Guide for First-Time Tourists

How to Get Korean Visa in the Philippines: A Complete Guide for First-Time Visitors

How to Apply for Schengen Visa: An Ultimate Guide for Philippine Passport Holders

How to Apply for an Australian Tourist Visa: A Complete Guide for Filipino Tourists 

Written by Luisito Batongbakal Jr.

in Juander How , Travel and Leisure

Luisito Batongbakal Jr.

Luisito E. Batongbakal Jr. is the founder, editor, and chief content strategist of FilipiKnow, a leading online portal for free educational, Filipino-centric content. His curiosity and passion for learning have helped millions of Filipinos around the world get access to free insightful and practical information at the touch of their fingertips. With him at the helm, FilipiKnow has won numerous awards including the Top 10 Emerging Influential Blogs 2013, the 2015 Globe Tatt Awards, and the 2015 Philippine Bloggys Awards.

Browse all articles written by Luisito Batongbakal Jr.

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How to apply for or renew a U.S. tourist visa

If you visit the U.S. for tourism or business, you may need a visitor visa, also known as a tourist visa. Learn how to get and renew this type of nonimmigrant visa.

Find out if you need a visa to visit the U.S.

Check if your country participates in the U.S. Visa Waiver Program (VWP) . If it does, you can get a waiver and will not need a visa. If you do not see your country listed, you will need a visitor visa.

Visitor (tourist) visas and other travel documents for entering the U.S.

The visitor visa is a type of nonimmigrant visa for people who wish to temporarily enter the U.S. There are two categories:

• B-1 for business travel
• B-2 for tourism and medical treatment

Learn about B-1 and B-2 visas , including:

• Reasons you would need each type of visitor visa
• How to apply
• What documents you will need
• Application fees
• How to prepare for your interview at your U.S. embassy or consulate

Along with your visa, you must bring a passport issued by your country of citizenship. When you arrive at your port of entry into the U.S., officials will issue you a Form I-94, which electronically records your arrival and departure dates. Learn more about Form I-94.

How to renew a visitor visa

The process to renew a visitor visa is the same as getting one for the first time. Follow the process to apply for a visitor visa from the Department of State.

Find the contact information for your nearest U.S. embassy or consulate and contact them for visa renewal information.

Understand expiration dates for visas and I-94 forms

• The date you must depart the U.S. will be shown on your Form I-94. This date is determined by the Customs and Border Protection officer when you arrive at the port-of-entry into the U.S. 
• Only diplomatic visa holders and their dependents can renew their visas while they are in the U.S.

LAST UPDATED: May 31, 2024

Have a question?

Ask a real person any government-related question for free. They will get you the answer or let you know where to find it.

How to Apply for a U.S. Tourist Visa as a Filipino

Embarking on a journey to the United States for leisure is a dream for many Filipinos, and obtaining a tourist visa is the first step towards turning that dream into reality. Navigating the application process can seem like a daunting task, filled with paperwork, interviews, and stringent requirements. However, with the right guidance and understanding of the process, securing a US tourist visa from the Philippines becomes a manageable and rewarding experience. In this comprehensive guide, we will walk you through the essential steps, tips, and insights to help you successfully apply for a US tourist visa, ensuring that your travel plans to the Land of the Free unfold seamlessly.

From deciphering the intricate forms to preparing for the crucial visa interview, each stage of the application process demands careful attention. Whether you’re a first-time applicant or seeking to renew your visa, this article aims to demystify the complexities, offering practical advice and valuable insights to empower Filipino travelers in their pursuit of a memorable visit to the United States. Let’s embark on this journey together, as we break down the process and equip you with the knowledge needed to navigate the intricacies of obtaining a US tourist visa from the Philippines.

Table of Contents

Disclaimer: The information posted here is based on the personal experiences shared by the OFW in the video below. Please let this post serve as a guide only. If you have specific questions, you may ask the OFW by commenting on their video on their accounts.

A Comprehensive Guide to Applying for a US Tourist Visa from the Philippines

Embarking on the journey to acquire a US tourist visa from the Philippines involves navigating a step-by-step application process. Here are the six main steps that will guide you through the intricacies of obtaining your US tourist visa:

• Accomplish the DS-160 form
• Create an account in portal.ustraveldocs.com
• Pay the US Visa Fee
• Wait for payment confirmation
• Schedule interview date
• Go to the embassy for the interview

1. Accomplish the DS-160 Form

The DS-160 form serves as the cornerstone of your US tourist visa application. Access the application form here. This comprehensive form captures essential information about your travel plans, background, and other pertinent details.

2. Create an Account at portal.ustraveldocs.com

After completing the DS-160 form, proceed to create an account on portal.ustraveldocs.com. This account will play a crucial role in the subsequent steps of the application process. You can upload a passport picture and initiate the process of filling out the DS-160 form.

3. Pay the US Visa Fee

Navigating the intricacies of the US visa fee is a crucial step in the application process. As of the latest information, the US visa fee for each individual stands at 10,570 pesos (PES). It’s essential to stay informed, as exchange rates may impact the final amount.

Payment Channels for the US Visa Fee

Several payment channels are available for settling the US visa fee, providing flexibility for applicants. The primary options include:

• BPI (Bank of the Philippine Islands): Utilize BPI’s online platform or visit a physical branch to make the payment.
• RCBC Bank (Rizal Commercial Banking Corporation): This bank offers both online payment options and in-person payment over the counter.

Obtaining the Payment Reference Number

Regardless of the chosen payment channel, securing a payment reference number is crucial. This unique identifier is necessary for completing the payment process. Whether you opt for online payment or visit an affiliated bank such as RCBC, ensure you obtain a separate reference number for each individual applicant.

Payment on the Online Portal

For those utilizing the online portal, enter the obtained payment reference number during the payment process. This step is paramount, and it’s essential to follow through for a seamless payment experience.

Important Note for Family or Group Applications

While a single representative may handle certain steps for the entire family or group, paying the US visa fee requires individual attention. Each family member or applicant must acquire a separate payment reference number. This meticulous approach ensures a smooth transaction and expedites the processing of your visa application.

Now that you’ve completed the payment, proceed to the next steps with the assurance that you’ve successfully navigated the intricacies of the US visa fee.

4. Wait for the payment confirmation

• After successfully making the US visa fee payment, allow at least one day for payment confirmation.
• Delays in payment confirmation, especially with online channels, may occur. Be patient during this stage.
• If delays exceed two days, consider proactive communication by reaching out to the US Embassy via email.

Dealing with Payment Confirmation Delays

• If facing an extended wait, especially with online payments, reach out to the US Embassy via email.
• Compose an email to notify them of the delay, and await their prompt reply for guidance on the next steps.

Email Communication with the US Embassy

• Clearly communicate the situation in your email and provide details such as the payment reference number and proof of payment.
• A timely response from the Embassy is crucial for expediting the confirmation process.

Response from the Embassy

• Upon receiving the necessary information, the US Embassy will review your case for payment confirmation.
• If everything is in order, they will confirm your payment, marking the completion of this step and readiness for the next stages of your visa application.

After successfully making the US visa fee payment, it is crucial to allow at least one day for the payment to be confirmed or posted. Delays in receiving payment confirmation, especially when using online channels, are not uncommon, and it’s advisable to be patient during this stage. In some instances, applicants may experience delays exceeding two days before confirmation is received.

If you find yourself waiting for an extended period, particularly when utilizing online payment methods, proactive communication becomes essential. In such cases, it is recommended to reach out to the US Embassy via email. Compose an email notifying them of the delay in receiving payment confirmation. The Embassy’s prompt reply will guide you on the next steps.

When emailing the US Embassy, clearly communicate the situation and inform them of the delay in payment confirmation. The Embassy will respond to your email, requesting essential details such as the payment reference number and proof of payment. Providing these details promptly is crucial for expediting the confirmation process.

Upon receiving the required information, the US Embassy will review your case. If everything is in order, they will confirm your payment. This confirmation is a pivotal moment, marking the completion of the payment step and signaling readiness for the subsequent stages of your visa application.

Now that your payment is confirmed, proceed to Step 5 with confidence, knowing that you’ve successfully navigated any potential delays in the payment confirmation process.

5. Schedule an interview appointment

Once your payment is confirmed, the next crucial step is to schedule an interview appointment. For first-time applicants, attending a face-to-face interview at the US Embassy is mandatory. Unlike previous arrangements with a DropBox option, first-time applicants need to present themselves for the interview.

Booking the Interview Slot through the Online Portal

Utilize the online portal to schedule your interview appointment. The portal typically offers a range of interview slots, and you can choose the one that best fits your schedule. Keep in mind that the available interview dates may vary. For instance, if you schedule an appointment in December, the earliest interview slots might fall in March or April of the following year.

Flexibility in Rescheduling

The online portal allows a degree of flexibility when it comes to rescheduling your interview date. You can reschedule up to four times, providing ample opportunity to align your interview with your preferred time or address unforeseen circumstances. It’s common for interview dates to appear sporadically, so regularly checking the portal, especially during off-peak hours, is advisable.

Pro Tips for Scheduling

• Check the online portal at midnight for a higher chance of securing an early interview slot. Often, new dates are released during this time, giving you an advantage.
• Monitor the portal during weekdays when there might be fewer users, increasing your chances of finding desirable interview slots. Weekday mornings or afternoons tend to have lower traffic.
• Set up email alerts or notifications to be instantly informed about newly available interview slots. This proactive approach ensures you’re among the first to know when new dates become available.
• Be flexible with your schedule. Having a broader range of availability can make it easier to secure an interview slot that aligns with your preferences.
• Consider time zone differences. If applying from a different time zone, be mindful of the time difference when checking the portal, ensuring you don’t miss newly released slots.
• Regularly refresh the portal page. Interview slots may appear sporadically, and refreshing the page can help you spot new openings quickly.
• Plan ahead. Aim to schedule your interview well in advance of your intended travel date to allow for any unforeseen delays or rescheduling needs.

For those seeking an early interview date, a pro tip is to check the portal at midnight. This strategy may increase your chances of securing an early interview slot. Remember, your interview date is a crucial element in the overall process, so take the time to find a slot that aligns with your preferences and plans.

With your interview date scheduled, you’re now poised for the final step in the US tourist visa application process. Let’s delve into the last step to ensure a seamless journey toward your dream US visit.

6. Go to the US Embassy for the interview

The culmination of your efforts brings you to the US Embassy for the pivotal US Visa interview. This is the moment where you will discover if your application has been approved or denied by the US Embassy consular officer.

Pre-Interview Process and Visa Interview Experience

Before delving into the actual interview questions, let’s explore the pre-interview process and share an actual interview experience. For context, let’s consider a profile example: AK, a 23-year-old recent college graduate, currently unemployed and preparing for a board exam in accountancy.

Interview Experience Details: Interview Date: November 13, 2023 Time Slot: 12:45 p.m. First Available Interview Date: March 2024

Upon reaching the US Embassy on the scheduled date, there are specific requirements to fulfill:

• Appointment Confirmation: Present the confirmation of your interview appointment.
• Payment Confirmation: Provide proof of the payment of the US visa fee.
• Passport: Ensure you have your passport with you.

Entry Requirements and Restrictions

Upon arrival, you may encounter specific entry requirements and restrictions set by the US Embassy. These typically include restrictions on bags and electronic devices. Large bags are discouraged, while small bags are acceptable. However, electronic devices such as smartwatches, cell phones, and digital watches are not allowed inside the embassy premises.

Document Verification and Sticker Placement

After meeting the entry requirements, proceed to the document verification process. A sticker will be placed at the back of your passport, indicating that your documents are in order. Once this step is complete, you’ll enter the embassy waiting area, where you may wait for around 30 minutes.

The Interview Room Process

Upon entering the interview room, you will undergo a three-step process:

US Visa Interview Process

• Initial Interview: The first step involves an initial interview, where basic information may be confirmed.
• Document Review: Your documents, including the stickered passport, will be reviewed.
• Consular Officer Interview: The final step is the interview with the consular officer, who will ask questions to assess the purpose of your visit to the US and other relevant details.

The outcome of this interview will determine whether your US tourist visa is approved or denied. Be prepared, stay confident, and present your case clearly to enhance your chances of a successful outcome.

Step 1: Preliminary Interview

In the preliminary interview, the vlogger experienced a straightforward process that involved answering four essential questions. The first inquiry focused on the purpose of the visit or travel to the US. Subsequently, the vlogger was asked to provide their full name, and the fourth question pertained to their birth date. Additionally, the completion of this step required the submission of the passport and passport picture.

Biometric Procedure

Moving on to the next phase, the vlogger proceeded with the biometric step, a standard part of the US visa application process. During this stage, individuals typically undergo the collection of biometric data, which may include fingerprints or other identifying information. The biometric data contributes to the overall verification process and enhances the security measures associated with the visa application.

Understanding and navigating these preliminary steps ensures a smoother progression through the US tourist visa application process. As the vlogger continues to share their journey, each step brings them closer to the ultimate goal of obtaining a US tourist visa for their planned visit.

Step 2: Biometrics

In the subsequent phase of the US visa application process, the vlogger proceeded to Step 2: Biometrics. In this crucial step, families and applicants are required to approach the designated window, where they present their passport for scanning.

Biometric Data Collection

Following the passport scan, applicants are then requested to provide their fingerprints, marking the collection of biometric data. This step is an integral part of the security measures implemented in the visa application process. Once the biometric information is successfully captured, individuals are directed to proceed to the next stage of the application.

As the vlogger progresses through each step, the meticulous process ensures that all necessary information is gathered to facilitate a thorough evaluation of the US visa application. The journey continues, bringing them closer to the final determination of their visa status.

Step 3: Interview

Moving forward in the visa application process, the vlogger, along with individuals aged 2 years and above, proceeded to a designated window. In this phase, families and applicants are assigned to specific windows for their interviews.

Window 28: Q&A Session

• Consular officer at Window 28 greeted the vlogger warmly with a “good afternoon.”
• Q&A session commenced with a question about the intended destinations in the US, including Texas, Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Las Vegas.
• The purpose of the visit was clarified as an awarding ceremony, followed by plans to tour California and Las Vegas post-awarding.
• Clarification was provided that, although having relatives in the US, the visit was not specifically to meet them.
• Duration of the stay (15 days) was mentioned, a crucial detail for confirmation aligned with the DS-160 form.
• Consistency in responses was emphasized to avoid discrepancies in the application.
• The consular officer sought an explanation about the nature of the award, requiring clear and concise communication.
• The vlogger navigated this segment, providing necessary information to support the US tourist visa application.
• Subsequent inquiries included the vlogger’s travel history, acknowledging past visits to several countries.
• Visa status of the vlogger’s parents was confirmed to establish a broader context for the family’s travel history.
• The consular officer shifted focus to inquire about the vlogger’s current employment status.

Upon reaching Window 28, the consular officer greeted the vlogger with a warm “good afternoon.” The Q&A session commenced with the consular officer asking about the intended destination in the US. Responding confidently, the vlogger mentioned plans to visit Texas, Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Las Vegas.

The next question focused on the purpose of the visit. The vlogger explained that the primary reason was an awarding ceremony, and post-awarding, they intended to tour California and Las Vegas. When asked if they would be visiting someone in the US, the vlogger clarified that, while they had relatives in the country, the visit was not specifically to meet them.

A follow-up question inquired about the duration of their stay, to which the vlogger mentioned a 15-day plan. This question is crucial for confirmation purposes, ensuring alignment with the details provided in the DS-160 form. It’s essential to maintain consistency in responses to avoid discrepancies in the application.

As the interview progressed, the consular officer sought an explanation about the nature of the award. Clear and concise communication during this phase is pivotal to provide a complete picture of the travel plans. The vlogger navigated through this segment of the interview, providing the necessary information to support their application for a US tourist visa.

Following inquiries about the purpose and duration of the visit, the consular officer continued the interview by asking about the vlogger’s travel history. The vlogger acknowledged having traveled to several countries in the past, providing a comprehensive list of these destinations.

Next, the consular officer inquired about the visa status of the vlogger’s parents, seeking to establish a broader context for the family’s travel history. After confirming the information, the consular officer shifted focus to the vlogger’s current employment status.

Addressing Employment Status and Academic Background

When asked about the vlogger’s occupation, the response navigated the delicate situation of being currently unemployed. Instead of stating a lack of employment directly, the vlogger explained that they are currently reviewing for a board exam scheduled for the next year. The consular officer continued the discussion, inquiring about the vlogger’s educational background. The vlogger shared details about the school from which they graduated and specified their degree in accountancy.

Final Approval and Conclusion

The consular officer then sought information about the upcoming board exam, asking for the exact date. The vlogger informed that the exam is scheduled for May of the following year. Following these questions, the consular officer swiftly announced the approval of the visa. In a courteous manner, the consular officer concluded the interview, informing the vlogger to expect the visa delivery within a week. Expressing gratitude, the vlogger thanked the consular officer, concluding the interview that transpired in a remarkably brief span of 3 to 4 minutes. Despite the brevity, the interview covered a range of questions, mainly focusing on follow-up inquiries for clarity.

Q&A of Parents

The consular officer continued the interview with two to three follow-up questions, seeking additional clarification on the vlogger’s travel plans. The questions were consistent, focusing on the intended destination in the US and the purpose of the visit. The vlogger and their parents reiterated their plans for awarding and tourism.

Clarification on Awarding and Family Presence

Upon mentioning the awarding aspect of their visit, the consular officer sought to understand further, asking if the daughter was already in the States. The vlogger’s parents clarified that their daughter was also present for the interview. The consul inquired about the nature of their business, the number of employees, and properties owned in the Philippines.

Inquiries About Relatives in the US

The consul asked about the presence of relatives in the US. The vlogger’s mom mentioned that their brother resides in New York, while the vlogger’s dad stated that they currently have no relatives in the US.

Conclusion of the Interview

Concluding the interview, the consular officer informed the vlogger’s parents to anticipate the arrival of their visa within two weeks. Expressing gratitude, the vlogger’s parents thanked the consular officer, marking the end of the interview. Both interviews, although brief at 3 to 4 minutes each, were characterized by concise responses and the avoidance of unnecessary details to minimize potential red flags. Despite the series of follow-up questions, the vlogger’s family was fortunate to receive approval for their US visa application.

Tips & Suggestions

In offering advice to individuals with upcoming US Embassy interviews, the vlogger underscores three key points. First and foremost, thorough review of the DS-160 form is essential. Answering all questions on the form diligently ensures preparedness for potential inquiries during the interview.

Document Preparation

The second piece of advice revolves around document preparation. Although the vlogger notes that the US Embassy generally doesn’t request supplementary documents during the interview, it is prudent to bring them along with the required documents. This preparation enhances overall readiness and ensures applicants are well-equipped to address any unforeseen circumstances.

Joining Facebook Groups

The third recommendation involves joining Facebook groups dedicated to US Visa applications, specifically those tailored for Filipinos. The vlogger emphasizes the wealth of information available in these groups, including shared experiences, actual questions asked during interviews, and valuable insights. Engaging with these communities provides a platform for applicants to seek advice, share their experiences, and gain a better understanding of the interview process.

Preparation and Confidence

Given the interval between DS-160 submission and the interview date, the vlogger emphasizes the importance of being adequately prepared. This preparation significantly enhances the chances of a successful interview, whether it be for approval or denial. Confidence, gained through preparation, is key to navigating the interview process smoothly.

In conclusion, the vlogger extends good luck to individuals preparing for their upcoming interviews. The hope is for every applicant to successfully obtain their tourist visa, paving the way for exciting tours and experiences in the United States.

U.S. VISA APPLICATION Requirements & Interview Questions in the Philippines

For Filipino nationals, any plan to travel to the United States starts with a visa. And the US visa is one of the most highly coveted for many reasons. First, the US has a massive Filipino diaspora that most of us know someone there. Second, the American influence on Philippine culture is undeniable. Many of us dream of stepping foot in New York or Las Vegas or California . And lastly, it is also a powerful visa to have. When you have a US visa, you are allowed access not just to the United States but also several other countries that otherwise require a separate visa.

It’s no wonder that at any given day, there’s always a long queue at the US Embassy in Manila . But for many of us, the US visa isn’t particularly easy to secure. That’s why we’re half-grateful and half-relieved when we finally got ours. Yes, we were just granted a US B1/B2 visa . Here’s how I got it.

WHAT'S COVERED IN THIS GUIDE?

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

A B1/B2 visa is a non-immigrant short-term visa that will enable you to enter the United States for business (B1), for tourism (B2) or BOTH.

You can use it to do any of the following:

• BUSINESS (B1) Meeting with business associates Attending a conference, seminar or convention Negotiating a contract or agreement Settling an estate
• TOURISM (B2) Vacation (leisure/holiday) Visiting relatives or friends Attending social events (concerts, festivals, shows) Medical treatment

You cannot use a B1/B2 visa to study, work, or stay for good in the United States.

A B1/B2 visa is usually:

• multiple-entry
• valid for 10 years

Yes, the 10-year validity is the best part. Once you’re granted a visa, you won’t need to renew or apply again for a long time.

I applied for a B1/B2 visa, so every thing you’ll read in this article is about that specific type of visa. If you’re applying for a work visa, student visa or green card, we won’t be of any help because they’re outside our personal experiences.

HOW TO APPLY FOR A U.S. VISA?

Here’s the full application process when applying for a US B1/B2 visa.

Note that Steps 1 to 3 are actually interchangeable. But I believe that how I arranged it below is the order that makes the most sense.

Step 1: Create a USTravelDocs.com account.

To sign up for an account, visit this page .

• Click NEW USER at the bottom of the page.
• Enter your email address and full name on the next page.
• Set a password.
• Click SUBMIT.

USTravelDocs.com is the official visa appointment service portal of the U.S. State Department. This is the website where you’ll book an appointment, but you don’t need to do that this early. You won’t be able to secure a slot until you’ve paid the visa fee. For now, all you need to do is create an account.

Why? Because as soon as you have an account, you’ll be able to see the EARLIEST AVAILABLE APPOINTMENT DATE .

This is especially important if your travel dates are not flexible: say, you’re attending a wedding, a concert, or a conference. Having visibility on the earliest available date will allow you to gauge if you’ll be able to get a visa in time for your trip and decide appropriately.

The last thing you want is to pay the hefty visa fee only to find that there are no more appointment slots before your intended travel date.

Note: The earliest appointment date changes from time to time, when applicants book, move or cancel their reserved slots. So just because there are no slots in your target month doesn’t mean there won’t be in the future.

If everything looks good, then proceed to Step 2.

Step 2: Accomplish the DS-160 Form.

The DS-160 form serves as your application form. To fill it out, visit to this page .

Every visa applicant must complete a DS-160 form. If you’re traveling as a group, each one of you must fill it out individually.

Follow these steps:

• Under LOCATION WHERE YOU’LL BE APPLYING, choose PHILIPPINES, MANILA . Enter the CAPTCHA code below it. Then click on the red START AN APPLICATION button.
• On the next page, you’ll be assigned an APPLICATION ID.
• Select a security question and enter an answer. DO NOT forget your answer to this to avoid getting locked out of your account.

Then it’s time to finally fill out the DS-160 form. It’s a very lengthy form — with 10 pages — so allot plenty of time. If you feel like you won’t be able to finish, just save your progress. Don’t rush it. And make sure every answer is accurate. These are the details you need to prepare:

• PERSONAL DETAILS. Name, birth date, birth place, etc.

Under it, supply the details of your trip. If you have a concrete travel plan, enter your travel dates. If you haven’t finalized those yet, just pick an intended date of arrival in the US and intended duration of your stay .

• TRAVEL COMPANIONS. Declare the persons with whom you will be traveling to the United States.

• PREVIOUS US TRAVELS. If it’s your first time traveling to the US, just answer NO. You’ll also be asked if you’ve been denied a US visa before or denied entry into the country. Answer truthfully because they have a record of it anyway.
• ADDRESS. Enter your current address.
• CONTACT INFORMATION. Aside from your contact numbers, you’ll also need to provide your social media account handles/usernames including Facebook, X (Twitter), YouTube, and Instagram. You’ll also enter your passport details here.

• U.S. CONTACT. If you know someone in the US, provide their name and your relationship with them. Ideally, this person should be able to verify your identity if deemed necessary.

• WORK AND EDUCATION BACKGROUND. List down your current and previous employers and work experiences (including job descriptions) and universities/schools you attended. Yes, this part feel like you’re building a CV.

• SECURITY AND BACKGROUND. Last page! Answer a series of questions about the countries you visited, organizations you are affiliated with, and military connections, if any. You’ll also answer health-related questions.

After this, you’ll be prompted to UPLOAD A PHOTO. It has to be in color and taken within the past six (6) months. No eyeglasses, hats, or head cover (except for religion or medical reasons). The links below can guide you:

• US Visa Photo Guidelines
• Examples of Acceptable and Unacceptable Pictures for US Visa
• Photo Composition Template

After uploading a photo, review all the information you supplied. Make sure every single thing is correct. If so, submit your application .

⚠️ IMPORTANT! The moment you hit SUBMIT, you won’t be able to make any changes to the form, so ensure every bit of information is correct. If there are still details that you need to double-check or confirm, you can just save your application in the meantime and just return to it when you already have the correct data.

After submitting the form, the next page will display your DS-160 CONFIRMATION PAGE, which contains your confirmation number and barcode. You have the option to print it out or email to yourself. (I chose to email it to myself so I could get back to it anytime in the future.)

You’ll need to present this DS-160 Confirmation Page at the U.S. Embassy when it is time for your interview.

Step 3: PAY THE VISA FEE.

The U.S. Visa fee costs USD 185 (roughly PHP 10,800 at the time of this writing).

There a few ways to settle this fee but I chose to pay via PesoNet .

• Log on to this USTravelDocs page . As soon as the page loads, it will generate a reference number .
• Save the reference number. You can take a screenshot of it or copy-paste it somewhere. You’ll need this number when it’s time to send the payment.
• Follow the step-by-step payment instructions at the bottom of the page. Because we’re talking about paying a big amount here, no need for me to repost the steps here as some details might change in the future. Just follow the steps on the page to a tee, making sure that you’re entering the correct reference number.

That’s it! It might take a while for the payment to reflect in the system. According to the website, it should register on the next business day, after 1:30 PM.

But in my case, I had to wait a couple more days before I could move on to the next step.

Step 4: BOOK AN APPOINTMENT.

Assuming your payment is already in the system, you may now book an interview appointment. Log into your USTravelDocs.com account on this page . This is the same portal on Step 1.

On the left sidebar, it will display the earliest available appointment date . This can be months from now. In my case, I applied in September but the earliest available schedule was in January of the next year. But don’t lose hope. Every now and then, some applicants cancel their appointments and new slots open up. We found that this usually happens in the wee hours of the night. True enough, after staying up at night, we were able to snag an appointment in October, which was just a month away.

Anyway, if you’re finally ready to book an appointment, just follow these steps:

• Click on NEW APPLICATION/SCHEDULE APPOINTMENT on the left sidebar. On the next page, select NONIMMIGRANT VISA and then select BUSINESS/TOURISM.
• Fill out the next form with your personal details and your DS-160 Confirmation Number. Make sure you’re entering the correct number because the system will use it to link your appointment to the right DS-160 form. If you have dependents who will be with you at the interview, enter their details and their own DS-160 confirmation numbers.
• Choose how you want to receive your passport back: FREE PICK UP or DELIVERY. The latter entails a separate fee, to be paid cash upon delivery.
• On the PAYMENT page, enter your RECEIPT NUMBER. If your visa fee payment is already in the system, you should be able to book an appointment. Otherwise, just come back to this page another time. Don’t worry, you can save all the info you entered so you won’t need to fill out the form again when you log in again.
• Select the date lang that best works for you. You can change or reschedule it later if you find a better date.

That’s it! You already have an appointment.

USEFUL TIPS:

• You can reschedule your appointment. Just click on the RESCHEDULE APPOINTMENT button on the left sidebar and select an earlier or later date. Yes, it is possible to chance upon an earlier schedule. That’s what happened to me.
• GROUP APPOINTMENT option is available , but I haven’t tried it yet, so I have no idea how it works. But if you’re applying with a group, try clicking the GROUP SCHEDULING REQUEST button on the left sidebar.

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

While waiting for your interview appointment date, gather all the required documents.

• Valid passport
• Appointment confirmation page
• DS-160 confirmation number
• your MRV fee payment receipt number
• Recent ID photo (2×2)

Those are the basic requirements. In many cases, those three are all you need. BUT — and it’s a big but — it’s best to have all the other possible supporting documents listed on the embassy’s website:

• All your old passports
• Proof of income, property ownership, ITR
• Letter from your employer detailing your position, salary, etc.
• Travel itinerary

And others, depending on your purpose of travel. See screenshot of the official website below:

I indicated “possible” supporting documents because in some instances, they don’t ask to see these docs. In fact, I completed and brought all of these but they didn’t check any of these, other than my passport and appointment confirmation. In Vins’s case, the only other thing they checked was his 2×2 photo.

But it doesn’t mean that you’ll experience the same. Some of the applicants next to me on the line were asked to present some of these supporting documents. It’s really best to be prepared.

By the way, if you notice: the US Embassy does not require bank certificates, bank statements, or any proof of funds. They’re not on the list, so don’t bother. It’s not needed at all.

Step 6: INTERVIEW

On the day of your appointment, show up at the U.S. Embassy for the interview. Here’s the address:

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

Arrive at least 15 minutes before your schedule. Actually, they start letting applicants in an hour before the indicated schedule.

Traffic is horrible in Manila, so allot plenty of lead time. If you’re coming from far away — especially if you’re flying in from the province — and you’re looking for a place to stay, consider a hotel that is close to the U.S. Embassy. There are a lot of good choices in the surrounding area. SEARCH FOR MANILA HOTELS HERE! ✅

But remember these:

• Gadgets or items with batteries and ON-OFF switch are NOT ALLOWED inside. Yes, that includes mobile phones, tablets, laptops, and even digital watches (Apple watch, etc.).
• Food, sharp objects, crayons, and markers are also prohibited. You may be refused entry and your account may be locked for 30 days if you’re caught sneaking any of these in.
• No lockers or baggage counters in the vicinity. The best thing to do is to go with a companion and ask them to wait for you somewhere close. There’s a Starbucks cafe and McDonald’s on the other side of the road. Just agree to meet at a certain time, old-school-style.

Once you’re gadget-free, you may now go inside. You’ll need to fall in line every step of the way. Here are the steps:

• Present your printed appointment confirmation page at the staff outside. They will affix a sticker with a QR code on the back cover of your passport.
• Enter the building for the security check. They are very thorough, so don’t attempt to sneak in anything prohibited.
• Follow the signs and the staff to the next building. You may be asked here to present your passport and some of your requirements. In my case, they only checked my passport. In Vins’s case, passport and 2×2 ID photo.
• Undergo biometrics scan. They will take your fingerprints at one of the counters. After that, you’ll be assigned another counter for the interview proper. Queue up at that counter and wait for your turn.
• Interview proper. This usually just takes around 5 minutes. It’s very quick because most probably, applications have been evaluated even before the interview. It’s very likely that they already have a tentative decision prior to your appointment and the interview is just for validation or to settle any doubts, if any. It is also an opportunity to check supporting documents should they feel the need to. In my case, they didn’t check anything. But some of the other applicants in the area were asked to present supporting docs. I’ll share all the questions in the next section below. – If your application is approved, they will take your passport so they could affix the visa sticker. – If your application is rejected or denied, they will tell you right then and there. (Yes, within hearing range of other applicants on the queue.)

Step 7: WAIT FOR YOUR VISA!

You should receive your passport with a visa just a few days after your interview.

In my case, I got mine through LBC Padala just 2 days later. If I was interviewed on Monday, I got the visa on Wednesday morning. I paid PHP 440 upon delivery .

If you chose PICKUP when you booked an appointment, you may claim your passport/visa at LBC Mall of Asia.

U.S. VISA INTERVIEW QUESTIONS

Here’s a rundown of all the questions the consul/visa officer asked me during the interview.

• Where in the US are you going?
• What’s the purpose of the trip?
• How long is the trip?
• Are you married? Do you have kids?
• With whom are you traveling?
• What do you do for a living?
• How long have I been doing this job?
• What’s the name of your employer?

That was it. Eight questions. Or nine. Vins got even fewer questions: six.

The officer’s tone was very casual and friendly, so I responded in the same fashion.

After the last question, the officer typed something on the computer, faced me again, and said, “OK, your visa is approved. We’ll just mail the passport to you.”

But because the interview is conducted in an open area, while I was in line, I could actually hear the questions that the other applicants were getting. These include:

• Will you be visiting someone in the US?
• Have you visited other countries before?
• Where in (state) are you going?

⚠️ IMPORTANT! These questions that the officers/consuls are asking are the same questions on the DS-160 form, so it is crucial that you know and remember the answers you entered when you were accomplishing it online. They’re not asking because they want to know — they already know — but they probably are just trying for confirm or test if your answers are consistent.

The problem is, when a lot of time has passed between the day you accomplished the DS-160 form and the day of your interview, it’s easy to forget the details. So keep a copy of your answers on the DS-160 form.

There you have it. That’s the entire U.S. visa application process as I experienced it.

Before I end this article, I just have to commend the people working at the U.S. Embassy for the smooth process and pleasant experience. From the Filipino staff and the American interviewers, every one was friendly, gentle, and respectful. Even when they were delivering rejections, they did it in a way that were not condescending or belittling. At other embassies, I have seen pretty high horses when applying for a visa, so this was really a breath of fresh air. Kudos to all the workers at the US Embassy!

Where to Stay Near the U.S. Embassy Manila

If you’re coming from the province and you want to spend the night at a hotel close to the U.S. Embassy, here are some properties around the area.

• Bayview Park Hotel. Check Rates & Availability! ✅
• New Coast Hotel Manila. Check Rates & Availability! ✅
• Red Planet Manila Bay. Check Rates & Availability! ✅
• The Manila Hotel. Check Rates & Availability! ✅
• Diamond Hotel. Check Rates & Availability! ✅
• Red Planet Manila Malate Mabini. Check Rates & Availability! ✅
• City Garden Suites Hotel. Check Rates & Availability! ✅
• Sheraton Manila Bay. Check Rates & Availability! ✅
• Regency Grand Suites. Check Rates & Availability! ✅

Search for more Manila Hotels!

More Tips on YouTube ⬇️⬇️⬇️

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• United States

How To Get Tourist Visa For USA From Philippines

Published: November 9, 2023

Modified: December 28, 2023

by Magdaia Wolcott

• Plan Your Trip

Introduction

Are you a resident of the Philippines dreaming of visiting the United States of America? The USA has no shortage of attractions, from iconic landmarks like the Statue of Liberty and the Golden Gate Bridge to bustling cities like New York City and Los Angeles. If you’re planning a trip to the USA, you’ll need to obtain a tourist visa. This article will guide you through the process of getting a tourist visa for the USA from the Philippines.

Before we dive into the details, it’s important to note that the process of obtaining a visa can vary depending on individual circumstances. However, the general steps and requirements outlined in this article will provide you with a solid foundation for your application.

Getting a US tourist visa involves several stages, including completing the DS-160 online application form, paying the nonimmigrant visa application fee, scheduling an appointment for a visa interview, preparing the necessary documents, attending the interview, and waiting for the visa to be processed and approved. It may seem like a lengthy process, but with careful preparation and attention to detail, you can increase your chances of obtaining a US tourist visa.

In the following sections, we will break down each step in detail, providing you with the information you need to successfully navigate the application process and increase your chances of obtaining a tourist visa for the USA.

Requirements for Tourist Visa Application

Before you begin the process of applying for a tourist visa to the USA, it’s important to familiarize yourself with the necessary requirements. Meeting these requirements will increase your chances of obtaining a visa and ensure a smoother application process. Here are the key requirements for a US tourist visa application:

• Valid Passport: You must have a valid passport that is not set to expire within six months of your intended stay in the USA.
• DS-160 Confirmation Page: You need to complete the DS-160 online application form and have the confirmation page with the barcode.
• Proof of Residency: You must provide evidence of your residence in the Philippines, such as utility bills, bank statements, or lease agreements.
• Travel Itinerary: Submit a detailed travel itinerary that outlines your planned activities and destinations during your stay in the USA.
• Financial Documentation: You need to demonstrate that you have sufficient funds to cover your travel expenses in the USA. This could include bank statements, employment letters, or other proof of income.
• Proof of Ties to the Philippines: It’s important to show that you have strong ties to your home country and that you have reasons to return after your visit to the USA. This could include evidence of employment, property ownership, family ties, or other commitments.
• Photograph: You must provide a recent, color passport-sized photograph that meets the specifications outlined by the US embassy or consulate.
• Nonimmigrant Visa Application Fee: Before scheduling your visa interview, you need to pay the nonimmigrant visa application fee, which can be paid online.

It’s important to note that these are general requirements, and additional documents may be requested based on your personal circumstances. It’s crucial to carefully review the embassy or consulate’s official website for specific information pertaining to your visa application.

Now that you have a clear understanding of the requirements, let’s move on to the step-by-step process of applying for a tourist visa for the USA from the Philippines.

Step 1: Complete the DS-160 Online Application

The first step in applying for a tourist visa to the USA is to complete the DS-160 online application form. This form is used by the US Department of State to collect necessary information about your background, travel plans, and other details.

To start the application process, visit the official website of the US Department of State and locate the DS-160 form. Fill out the form carefully, providing accurate and complete information. It’s important to double-check all the details before submitting the application, as any errors or inconsistencies may result in delays or rejections.

The DS-160 form includes sections for personal information, travel details, security and background information, and a photo upload. Make sure to provide all the requested information and answer the questions truthfully and to the best of your knowledge.

During the application process, you will also be required to upload a recent photograph that meets the specified requirements. It’s essential to follow the guidelines for the photograph, as any non-compliance may result in the rejection of your application.

Once you have completed the DS-160 form, review all the information entered and confirm the submission. After submission, you will receive a confirmation page with a unique barcode. It is important to print and keep this confirmation page, as you will need it for the next steps of the application process.

Now that you have successfully completed the DS-160 online application, you are ready to proceed to the next step: paying the nonimmigrant visa application fee. Make sure to keep your confirmation page and have it readily accessible throughout the application process.

Step 2: Pay the Nonimmigrant Visa Application Fee

After completing the DS-160 online application for your tourist visa to the USA, the next step is to pay the nonimmigrant visa application fee. This fee is required for processing your visa application and is non-refundable, regardless of the outcome of your application.

To pay the visa application fee, you will need to create an account on the official website of the US Department of State’s Visa Appointment Service. Once you have created your account, you can log in and select the option to pay the fee.

The fee amount will depend on the type of visa you are applying for, so make sure to select the appropriate category. The fee payment can be made online using a valid debit or credit card. Once the payment is successfully processed, you will receive a payment confirmation.

It is important to note that the visa application fee is subject to change, so it’s advisable to check the official website for the most up-to-date fee amount before making the payment. Additionally, keep in mind that the fee payment does not guarantee visa approval; it is a mandatory step in the application process.

After paying the visa application fee, be sure to keep the payment confirmation receipt, as you will need it to schedule your visa interview appointment, which is the next step in the process.

Now that you have paid the nonimmigrant visa application fee, you are one step closer to obtaining your tourist visa for the USA. In the next section, we will discuss how to schedule an appointment for your visa interview.

Step 3: Schedule an Appointment for Visa Interview

Once you have completed the DS-160 online application and paid the nonimmigrant visa application fee, the next step is to schedule an appointment for your visa interview. The interview is a crucial part of the visa application process, as it allows the consular officer to assess your eligibility and intentions for visiting the USA.

To schedule your visa interview, you will need to visit the official website of the US embassy or consulate in the Philippines. Locate the section for Nonimmigrant Visas and follow the instructions to schedule an appointment. You will be required to provide the following information:

• DS-160 confirmation number
• Passport number
• Payment confirmation number

Once you have provided the necessary information, you will be able to select a suitable date and time for your visa interview. It’s advisable to schedule your interview well in advance, as appointment availability can vary, and there may be a wait time for available slots.

After scheduling your visa interview appointment, you will receive a confirmation letter or email that includes the appointment details. Make sure to print and keep this confirmation for your records, as you will need to present it on the day of your interview.

On the scheduled interview date, make sure to arrive well in advance at the designated embassy or consulate. Bring all the required documents and be prepared to answer questions related to your travel plans, purpose of visit, financial situation, and ties to your home country.

Remember to dress appropriately and professionally for the interview, as it is important to make a good impression on the consular officer. Be honest, confident, and concise in your answers, and provide any requested documents as needed.

Now that you have successfully scheduled your visa interview, it’s time to move on to the next step: preparing the required documents. We will discuss this in detail in the following section.

Step 4: Prepare the Required Documents

Preparing the necessary documents is a crucial step in the process of obtaining a tourist visa for the USA from the Philippines. It’s important to gather and organize all the required documents to present during your visa interview, as they will serve as evidence of your eligibility and intentions for visiting the USA.

While the exact document requirements can vary based on individual circumstances, here is a list of commonly requested documents:

• Valid Passport: Make sure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your intended stay in the USA.
• DS-160 Confirmation Page: Print the confirmation page with the unique barcode obtained after completing the DS-160 online application.
• Visa Interview Appointment Confirmation: Bring the appointment confirmation letter or email that includes the details of your scheduled visa interview.
• Photograph: Carry a recent, color passport-sized photograph that meets the specifications outlined by the US embassy or consulate.
• Proof of Travel Purpose: Provide evidence of your travel plans, such as flight itineraries, hotel reservations, or tour bookings.
• Proof of Financial Means: Demonstrate that you have sufficient funds to cover your travel expenses in the USA. This could include bank statements, employment letters, or other proof of income.
• Proof of Strong Ties to the Philippines: Show that you have significant ties to your home country and intentions to return after your visit to the USA. This could include documents related to employment, property ownership, family ties, or other commitments.
• Previous Visa Documentation: If you have traveled to the USA or any other country before, carry your previous visa documents to showcase your travel history.

It’s important to note that these are general document requirements, and additional documents may be requested based on individual circumstances. It’s crucial to carefully review the official website of the embassy or consulate where you will be interviewed to ensure that you have all the necessary documents.

Make sure to organize your documents neatly and have multiple copies on hand, as you may be required to submit them during the visa interview. Being well-prepared will help you present a strong case for your visa approval.

Now that you have gathered and organized all the required documents, you are ready for the next important step: attending your visa interview. We will discuss this in detail in the following section.

Step 5: Attend the Visa Interview

Attending the visa interview is a crucial step in the process of obtaining a tourist visa for the USA from the Philippines. The interview is an opportunity for the consular officer to assess your eligibility, intentions, and sincerity in visiting the USA. Here are some important tips to help you prepare for the interview:

• Be Prepared: Review your application and supporting documents thoroughly before the interview. Familiarize yourself with the information you provided and be prepared to answer questions about your travel plans, purpose of visit, and ties to your home country.
• Dress Professionally: Dress appropriately and professionally for the interview. Choosing formal attire helps create a positive impression and demonstrates that you take the interview process seriously.
• Arrive on Time: Make sure to arrive at the embassy or consulate well in advance of your scheduled interview time. Arriving late can cause unnecessary stress and may result in missing your interview appointment.
• Stay Calm and Confident: Remain calm and composed during the interview. Answer questions honestly, confidently, and concisely. It’s important to maintain eye contact with the consular officer and speak clearly.
• Provide Clear and Concise Answers: Keep your answers focused and to the point. Avoid rambling or providing excessive information. Provide specific details when necessary and avoid vague or generic responses.
• Be Honest: Answer all questions truthfully. Providing false information can lead to serious consequences, including a visa denial and potential future travel restrictions.
• Submit Additional Documents Promptly: If the consular officer requests any additional documents during the interview, provide them promptly. Being prepared and having the documents readily accessible will help expedite the processing of your visa application.

Remember, the purpose of the interview is for the consular officer to assess your eligibility and intentions. Stay focused, demonstrate your ties to your home country, and showcase your enthusiasm for experiencing the United States. A positive attitude and a well-prepared demeanor can make a significant difference in the outcome of your visa application.

Once the interview concludes, the consular officer will inform you of the next steps in the visa application process. It’s important to follow their instructions and provide any additional documents or information as requested.

Now that you have successfully attended your visa interview, the next step is to wait for the visa processing and approval. We will cover this in detail in the following section.

Step 6: Wait for Visa Processing and Approval

After attending your visa interview, the next step in obtaining a tourist visa for the USA from the Philippines is to wait for the visa processing and approval. The processing time can vary depending on various factors, including the embassy or consulate’s workload, the time of year, and individual circumstances.

During the waiting period, it’s important to remain patient and avoid contacting the embassy or consulate to inquire about the status of your application unless necessary. Most embassies and consulates provide an estimated processing time on their websites, so it’s advisable to check these for reference.

While you wait for the visa approval, make sure to keep your passport and other important documents in a safe place. Ensure that you do not engage in activities that could jeopardize your visa application, such as making changes to your travel plans, providing false information, or engaging in unlawful activities.

If additional documents or information are required, the embassy or consulate will contact you to request them. It’s important to respond promptly and provide the requested documents to avoid any delays in the processing of your application.

Once a decision is made on your application, the embassy or consulate will notify you of the outcome. If your visa is approved, you will be provided with instructions on how to collect your passport with the visa. If your visa is denied, the embassy or consulate will send you a letter explaining the reasons for the refusal.

If your application is approved, congratulations! You may proceed to the final step, which is collecting your passport with the visa. On the other hand, if your application is denied, it’s advisable to carefully review the reasons for the refusal and consider seeking legal advice or reapplying in the future, addressing any issues that may have led to the denial.

Now that you have successfully completed the visa interview and are waiting for the visa processing and approval, it’s important to remain patient and hopeful. Remember to check your email regularly for any updates or instructions from the embassy or consulate.

In the next section, we will discuss the final step: collecting your passport with the issued visa.

Step 7: Collect your Passport with Visa

Congratulations! Your tourist visa to the USA has been approved. The final step in the process is to collect your passport, which now includes the issued visa. Here’s what you need to know:

1. Notification: Once your visa is approved, the embassy or consulate will notify you by email or SMS. This notification will include instructions on how to collect your passport. Check your email regularly, including your spam or junk folders, to ensure you don’t miss any important communication.

2. Passport Collection: Follow the instructions provided in the notification to collect your passport. Depending on the embassy or consulate, you may need to schedule an appointment or visit during specific collection hours. Make sure to bring the original receipt or any other proof of identification that may be required.

3. Additional Fees: Some embassies or consulates may charge a passport delivery fee or other service fees for passport collection. Be prepared to pay these fees, if applicable, and have the exact amount in the required currency.

4. Verify the Visa: Once you have your passport in hand, carefully inspect the visa page to ensure that all the information is correct. Check the spelling of your name, the visa category, validity dates, and any other details. If you notice any errors, immediately contact the embassy or consulate to rectify the situation.

5. Travel Preparation: With your passport and visa secured, you can now proceed with your travel preparations. Ensure that you have a copy of your visa and other important documents in case of any emergencies or inquiries during your journey.

6. Visa Validity: Take note of the validity dates indicated on your visa. Plan your trip accordingly, making sure that you enter the USA within the specified period and depart before the visa expires. Overstaying a visa can lead to serious consequences and may affect future visa applications.

7. Additional Documentation: Depending on your individual circumstances, the embassy or consulate may request additional documentation or conduct further checks upon your arrival in the USA. It’s essential to familiarize yourself with any specific requirements and ensure that you have the necessary documents prepared.

Now that you have successfully collected your passport with the issued visa, you are ready to embark on your journey to the United States. Ensure that you comply with the terms and conditions of your visa and enjoy your time exploring the wonders that the USA has to offer.

Safe travels!

Obtaining a tourist visa for the USA from the Philippines may seem like a complex process, but with careful preparation and attention to detail, it can be successfully navigated. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can increase your chances of obtaining a visa and fulfill your dream of visiting the United States.

Remember to familiarize yourself with the requirements for a tourist visa application, including having a valid passport, completing the DS-160 online application, paying the nonimmigrant visa application fee, scheduling a visa interview appointment, and preparing the necessary documents.

During your visa interview, remain calm, confident, and honest. Answer the consular officer’s questions clearly and provide any requested documents promptly. Keep in mind the importance of demonstrating your ties to the Philippines and your intentions to return after your visit to the USA.

Once your visa is approved, collect your passport with the issued visa and verify the details for accuracy. Plan your travel accordingly, adhering to the visa’s validity dates, and ensure you have any additional documentation required for entry into the USA.

It’s important to note that the visa application process may vary based on individual circumstances and the specific requirements of the embassy or consulate where you apply. Thus, it’s crucial to consult the official website of the embassy or consulate for the most up-to-date information.

We hope this guide has provided you with valuable insights and assistance in navigating the process of getting a tourist visa for the USA from the Philippines. Now, go ahead and embark on your exciting journey to explore the diverse landscapes, iconic landmarks, and vibrant cities of the United States.

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Visa Requirements to Visit the U.S. from Philippines

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USA Visa Tips for Filipinos (Non-Immigrant B2 Visa)

If you are a Filipino who wants to travel to the United States of America, you will need to get a visa to enter there. Here’s a guide on USA Visa Application Tips for Filipinos .

USA is undeniably in many Filipino’s bucket list. We know at least one person who works or lives in the US; personally, I got relatives who have become US Citizens. There are many good and comforting points in going to the US; language is not hard as we speak English, flights available (some even direct), and big Filipino communities there.

• USA B2 Tourist Visa Applications – 20 Consul Interview Questions You Could Be Asked and How Best to Answer Them
• Rent-a-Flight for Onward Travel Flight Bookings and Visa Applications
• DENIED USA VISA – 7 Most Common Reasons for US Visa Rejections
• What Will Happen if You Overstay in the USA? Consequences of Overstaying with your US Visa
• Guide to B2 Interview Questions – USA Visa Application To Visit Boyfriend or Girlfriend

Many are scared to apply for a US Tourist Visa; we have heard of denial stories, especially being speechless during the interview. Understanding the process of application will be a key, which will be in this article. Read our tips so that you have a closer chance of getting your US Visa!

1. Know which visa type you are applying

There are two categories of visas – Immigrant and Non-Immigrant Visas. Types then depend on the purpose of travel: work, vacation, cohabitation, etc. What most Filipinos get are the temporary visitor visas (Category B). Under that are B1 Visas for business, B2 for tourism, and B1/B2 for both. In this article, we will be tackling the B2 US Visas as many visit the US for sightseeing or visiting relatives.

2. Fill up your DS-160 Form Properly

The first step in applying for a US Tourist Visa is filling-up the Form DS-160 or the Non-Immigrant Visa Application. This is very important as the interviewer’s questions will be based on what you have entered. If you are not sure what you have typed, you can save it and go back to it later. Make sure to double-check it before submitting it.

Here’s an article on how to fill up your Form DS-160 .

P.S. You will be uploading also a passport-sized picture, so have it prepared. You’ll also be submitting that during the interview.

3. Pay the Exact Amount

The Visa Application Fee for a US Visa is USD 160. However, the exchange rates may change, so before going to the bank, ready your deposit slip. Pay before the expiration. There’s also an online banking option. You can refer here .

P.S. Take note of the receipt number as you will be using it when you book an appointment. No payment, no appointment.

P.P.S. It’s non-refundable, so you better make sure you will be at the Embassy on the date of your schedule.

4. Book on a date you are comfortable with.

If your DS-160 form is ready and you have already paid, you can book an appointment for the US Embassy interview online . Make sure you are comfortable with the schedule, and you have ample time to collect your supporting documents. Usually, the Embassy is fully booked, so you have to do it in the next months. If there is a vacancy within a week or two, make sure you will be ready with everything by then.

You don’t want to be on your interview and stressing out because your supporting documents are incomplete, baka mablanko ka during interview . If you are not near the Embassy, make sure you are there at least a day before; there may be flight delays, so at least di ka na ma-stress if ma-late ka kasi next day pa yung interview .

5. Prepare Supporting Documents

You might need the appointment letter, your passports, a photograph, and your DS-160 confirmation page are required when you go to the Embassy. But preparing supporting documents will also be a key to getting the US Visa. Some may not be asked, but it’s better to have it rather than saying to the consul, “I don’t have it with me.”

Supporting documents for your application may be Bank Certificate or Bank Statement (your own, if you will be paying for your trip or your sponsor’s if they are paying for you). For those with jobs, then a Certificate of Employment or a No Objection Letter may be asked. Business owners may be asked for a registration and Income Tax Returns. If you have a sponsor, you may prepare an invitation letter , proof of relationship, US passport or residency permit, etc. You may also be asked of Flight Reservations or Hotel Bookings . But it’s not limited to those, marami pa .

What the interviewers ask may differ from applicant to applicant. So better be prepared with everything. I have heard of someone getting denied because he said in his interview that his parents were sponsoring him, but he only bought is Bank Certificate and not theirs. Some weren’t even asked for anything but their passport for travel history and got approved. It really depends on the interviewer, your answers, and how it goes.

6. Get ready for your interview.

One of the crucial parts, if not the most vital, is the interview. Though you have prepared complete documents and filled-up the DS-160 form, you’ll get denied if your answers are not consistent or not the same as the form. What do you have to do to avoid this? Get ready for your interview. How? Well, you can check out these sample questions and answers . Here’s another one for those with partners in the US .

Write your answers and practice them in front of the mirror. So when you are there in front of the interviewer, you will be at ease and confident. Make sure your answers corroborate with what you have typed in the DS-160 form and your supporting documents. If you have a boyfriend and will be meeting him in the US, as per the form, then don’t say you’ll be meeting a relative or nobody. Be honest!

7. Be on time

Don’t be late for your interview; however, don’t be too early either as they won’t let you in the Embassy yet. You can be there 15-30 minutes before your schedule. Ready your documents and make sure you do not wear watches or bring phones as they are not allowed inside. When you’re off to the interviewer, smile, be polite, be honest, and keep positive (and pray). They will tell you that you will be accepted or rejected for your US Visa after your interview.

Those are US Visa Application for Filipinos , and could be useful for foreigners, too! Applying for a US Visas may sound scary, but once you know what to do and what the flow is, you’ll be a step closer to getting one. In case you need help in your application or want to be coached by Ms. Kach, who has helped many clients get their US Visas, you can check this link .

• How to Apply for USA Tourist Visa
• Visa Free Countries with Valid USA Visa on your Philippine Passport
• Consul Interview Questions and How to Answer them for US Tourist Visa Application
• How to Travel and Work in The USA Legally – Complete Guide on Getting J1 US Visa
• 10 USA Visa Denial Rumors – Is it a Myth or Fact for USA Visa Application of Philippines Passport Holders??

About the Writer

Hey, I’m Lyza! I once was a person who just imagined going to places “one day” but decided to pursue my dreams. My first travel abroad was in Japan, solo, last 2018, and fell in love with the journey since. I’m aiming to visit 10 countries before turning 30 and 2 new places in the Philippines every year. Besides traveling, I love organizing trips, photography, reading, and making new friends. Follow my adventures through my  Instagram .​​

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357 thoughts on “ USA Visa Tips for Filipinos (Non-Immigrant B2 Visa) ”

Hello po tanong ko lang po mayroon po akong boyfriend from USA gusto niya po akong pumunta sa kanya ano po ba ang pwede visa po ang pwede kong gamitin papuntang USA at ano ano po ang documents na kailangan,.

Thank you for this! I will try to apply next year to attend a conference. God willing

Meron po ba dito na UAE issued un tourist visa, pero ngfly from PH?

Hi Nicole! I have done this multiple times, visa issued from UAE and traveled from PH. Not only US visa, Korea and Japan as well.

Thank you so much for this article for I lived in the Philippines when I was 15 my father was a pilot near Force I lived in Angeles City.. also known as Clark Air Force Base, that was 1983… I have a lot of friends there with kids and I would like them to visit me so this has been very informative thank you so much I will be getting in touch very soon

Has anyone applied for a US visa after ECQ (enhanced community quarantine) and was approved?

Did the consul ask the same questions as mentioned in this blog?

Is it harder to get a visa because COVID19 is still ongoing?

I would really appreciate if anyone can answer as this will also help other applicants as well. Thank you! ?

By the way, my interview was initially set last March 2020 but got cancelled. I reapplied but the earliest available date is August 2021. Base on my observation, the embassy only caters 5 scheduled appointments per day with 10 applicants per sched. Each schedule is 15 minutes apart. 8:15am 8:30am 8:45am 9:00am 9:15am

Hi, thanks so much for your blog on how to procure a US tourist visa. Very informative indeed. May I just ask, if the person who sponsors me in getting a tourist visa is an american citizen, can I still apply for it?

Hello po,.just wanna ask po kung anong requirements kylangan pag apply ng visa,.im an ofw,we met in korea.pero ngayon po nasa pinas ako at nalipat naman na yung job nya sa hawaii,gusto po nya kong papuntahin sa hawaii para mabisita sya,pano po b gagawin at ano po kaylangang documents para mag apply ng visa o kung anong klaseng visa,before pandemic nakakauwi sya dito sa pinas to visit me pero ngayon nasa hawaii na kasi sya nag work, he’s a civillian working in army base sa hawaii.sana po matulungan nyo ko

Question: How did you prove that you have “strong ties” to the Philippines and that you will return? That seems to be the key and why most applicants get rejected during the interview. However, the embassy officers refuse to explain to me what exactly they consider to be “strong ties”. It seems to be vague and arbitrary, or perhaps it’s a trade secret and they don’t want to say. How did you prove that you have strong ties enough to come back home?

Hello Ann, my name is José, well I am very anxious and I hope you understand me. I met a Filipino girl, going through the internet; and we have fallen in love. I can’t leave the US because I only have a permit to live and work, here; but of course I can support my girlfriend if she comes here, to the US. Do you think it is possible for her to opt for a visa?

Yes, you can. If you need assistance you can avail of our visa application bundle service .

Hi po? Good day. Mayroon po akong mga katanungan 1st question, magkano ba dapat ang bank statement ko as a self sponsor mga two months stay? Kasi susurprisahin ko yung boyfriend ko sa US need ba ng proof or kailangan pa nilang tawagan yung boyfriend ko?

How much money or other documents does a filipino need besides a visa to travel to america

Chances of getting tourest visa: My female friend is a certified teacher but no job at present. She had worked for private school but wants to teach at public. She is assistant to pastor at church and outreach church. She takes care of elderly parents but wants to tour US for a few weeks. She has money saved for trip. She will come back to her country as she has strong ties there. Thank you

mam, i need your suggestion, do I need to book a flight or air bnb before our interview? coz we’re planning to visit US next year, after our son’s graduation, hopefully our visa application get approved before this year end.. i followed ur advice to research on places for a tour, do i need to pre booked all of them? starting from tour and accommodation?

thank you very much and hoping for your response.

Very disturbing the way they rejected my wife for a visa to go to the US. Im a US citizen We have a pending I-130 that takes 8-10 months for her interview. The rejection unfair. I been here three times in the past year once to perpose to her in april of 2019 then came back for three months built an apartment on to her family home Got an extended visa for this for three months. I Left in October 20th an again returned December 5 in hopes of her to come to the US to meet my family. Now I have to return without her. What make me angry is the fact that they rejected her for being not well grounded in the Phillipines. How can this be.? Ahe owns two homes a business and has a church Building Family owned and Some American Who I was not able to question told he she doesnt qualify because she doesnt have strong ties.

It’s because she has a pending petition and the consul might think you’d just “adjust her status” and would not leave the States. Unfortunately, other people are doing it which is the reason why they are stricter with Filipinos and other nationalities.

Thanks for sharing! Tanong ko lng po, nka-visit nba yung American boyfriend mo d2 sa pinas o wala pa? Kasi yung American bf ko hindi pa sya nkapunta dito sa pinas. And married yung status ko pero separated ako sa Korean husband ko 7yrs ago na. But recently nakuha ko na divorce paper ham in sa Korea kaso lng hindi yata valid ang divorce paper nmin sa Korea d2 sa pinas. Sa tingin mo mkakuha kaya ako ng tourist visa to visit my bf po? Salamat sa pagsagot ?

Thank you for sharing! But may i ask. Do they need invitation letter if my relative invites me there? ITR – any substitute to this if i dont have yet. It’s not the same when i was applying to EU visa. I just gave them letter why i don’t have itr (Self-employed)

Hello! Thank you for sharing! ☺ but may I ask, will there be other documents required for a government employee to be submitted other than the above mentioned requirements?

same question, i am working as a government employee. will they ask for additional documents if ever? TIA 🙂

Hi Anne,. Thank u so much for sharing this as I’m planning to visit in US and my friend will sent me invitation to get in there.. This helps us how to get in there and meet.

You said “Before going to the bank, print the applicable US Visa application payment slip and take it to the bank to pay the fee.” where/what site can I see it to be able to print the payment slip?

It will be a big help for me if you answer my question. Thanks a lot!

I read in your reported experience getting a Visa for travel in the USA that you traveled to see your boyfriend, now husband.

We may be wrong, but have only heard that admitting to the US Embassy that you are traveling for the purpose of seeing your boyfriend is a reason that a Visa will be denied !

What type of Visa exactly did you apply for and what did you say to the U.S. Embassy Rep. who interviewed you about the reason for your travel to the USA? Did you say it was to see your boyfriend?

Visiting a boyfriend won’t automatically get you denied! Read our other article here – https://mrandmrshowe.com/lifestyle-blog/visit-boyfriend-usa-tourist-visa

did you tell them you have a boyfriend there?

I have question po.

Ung B.certificate ko po kasi. May 2letters po na mali ung name ng papa ko and 1letter po na mali ung name ng mama ko.

Need ko pa po ba ipayos ung b. Certificate ko or affidavit nlang po?

I want to make sure lng po na hndi magkaka problema pagkumuha ako ng Visa. Or chinicheck dn po ba ng US embassy ung b.certificate.

Hi! Good Day! just wanted to ask. When you applied for visa. were you sponsored by your then BF? Hoping for your response. Thank You.

Hi. It was so lucky of you that despite saying that you will visit your boyfriend they approved your visa. I tried last year but was denied. And i was employed anf already a regular employee for 4 years. ?

Do we ned Invitation Letter from relatives or friends when applying for Tourist Visa?

hi! I’m planning to visit my boyfriend this coming October and I’m kinda nervous on the questions they will be throwing at me. I will apply for a tourist visa here in Thailand and hopefully it will be approved. What are the specific questions they asked u in the immigration since we have the same purpose? If my visa will be approved do I still need to book a hotel, but the thing is I will be living with my boyfriend. thanks for the response!

Hi, I am a united states citizen, born and raised. I would like to bring my friend from the phillipines for a few weeks. she is not my relative, am i still able to sponsor her?

Hi, I’M 62 YEARS OLD, WIDOW, AND I’M PLANNING TO APPLY FOR A US VISA TO ACCOMPANY MY FRIENDS MOTHER BACK TO US JUST TO GET HER OTHER THINGS BACK HERE IN THE PHILIPPINES, SHE IS 86 YEARS OLD NOW. I’M A FREELANCE TV PRODUCER, I HAVE NO PROPERTY NOR PROOF OF TAXES, TO SHOW FOR DOCUMENTS. HOW CAN I POSSIBLY GET A ONE MONTH VISA?

Hi. Thanks s blog mo. I just want to know ano dpat kong ipresent na docs? And dpat kong gawin.. I am a Virtual Assistant for my US and UK clients. They can give cert of employment sa akin kaso sa bahay lng ako nagwowork may payslips pero wala akong tax na nababayaran pa or 2316 (maliban nung s bpo pa ko 2 yrs ago) .. Ung bibisitahin ko s US ung younger half sister ko kasi graduation nya s Dec 2019.. Other than that pala married ako per hiwalay na (nagasawa na cya ng iba ata) nsa akin mga anak ko, may sarili akong car at ung bahay na hinuhulugan s pagibig.. Ung magbabayad ng tickets at hotel ung Mom nmin ng half sister ko.. Mom ko from Europe pupunta dn ng US, ako d2 galing s pinas.. 2 weeks ang plan n vacation.. Pero di pa ako nkakatravel outside the country. First time to pagnagkataon. Salamat po

IM PLANNING TO APPLY FOR U S VISA NEXT YEAR 2020. IM SPO4 ROBERT G DELANTAR POLICE NON COMMISSIONED OFFICER RECEIVING MONTHLY SALARY AMOUNTED TO MORE THAN 57 THOUSAND PESOS..31 YEARS IN THE PNP SVC..PRESENTLY ASSIGNED AT ANGELIS CITY POLICE OFFICE..FOR MORE INFO I WAS ALREADY TOURIST IN HONGKONG, MACAU, SINGAPORE, INDONESIA, MALAYSIA, THAILAND, CAMBODIA, JAPAN AND TAIWAN FOR THE PAST NINE YRS …QUESTION… CAN I QUALIFIED TO APPLY FOR US TOURIST VISA COZ I HAVE NO SPONSOR OR GUARANTOR TO INVITE ME..? PLEASE,, I NEED YOUR ADVISE MAM.. THANKS..

Hello. Thank you for this helpful blog. I am planning to apply for a US tourist visa this October since I am planning to visit my cousin on March 2020. I just renewed my passport last year and had two stamps from my Korea and Japan trip. I will be back in Japan this June so, that is an additional stamp. However, all my other stamps from my trips (Thailand, HK, Siemp Reap, Taiwan and my first trip to Japan) were on my old passport, should I bring my old passport during the interview or do I need to give it to the Consul together with my new passport? Thank you very much.

Just bring your old passport with you and only give to the Consul if being asked.

applied for the 3rd time and yet still denied. i was answering honestly all the questions asked. Maybe its not yet time for me.

Ann I would like to k os is it still possible to get tourist visa In Philippines if u have no bank account z let me knoe

I lived in the Philippines as a teenager my father was a pilot in the United States Air Force and the bottom line is all about the money…that’s all there is to it that’s the bottom line have all your documents prepared and have all the money you can conjure up…period !!!

Not really, even if the person has a lot of money – but it’s found out that they are borrowing it – they still can get denied.

Some have been approved with bank accounts less than 200K. It really depends on how you do o

Anne, I have an elderly filipina mother. My dad is deceased. We are moving her in with us to take care of her. She is a US citizen. We would like to look to see about the possibility of getting a visa for one of our nursing care relatives in the philippines to come to the US to help us care for her. Is there a particular way to approach this? Is this a difficult thing to do. The caregiver relative would likely be around 25. He/she would live with us in our home and do full time work as caregiver, paid by us. Please advise.

Thank you so much for your tips! Very helpful sya for me. I was interviewed last monday and got approved. Nakakapanlambot na madami na yung nadeny before me pero I kept in mind yung tip mo na be honest and that I shouldn’t be nervous kasi gusto ko lang magtravel. They just asked me a couple of questions and didn’t ask for any document. I received my passport today and I got 10 yr multiple entry visa! I’m so happy! ^_^

Did you know why are they declined? you said there are plenty ahead of you in the line that was not granted the visa.. i was just wondering.. thanks for the share cheers

good morning,,i want to ask about procedures for senior citizen applying for us visa.. thanx po…

Hi po Ms. Anne,

Thank you for this informative blog.

Ms. Anne, i would like to give you a brief introduction for me and my husband, My Husband is an Indian National and we married for the past 5 years no kid so far. We both are working here in Abu Dhabi, U.A.E. My husband is Civil Engineer and working as a Procurement Engineer in his company for more than 2 and half years, but living and working in U.A.E for almost 11 years. I am also working as a Secretary and recently Promoted as Contract Administration Asst. for more than 6 years in my company. We both are earning a good amount to cover our US trip, we been planning to visit New york or Las Vegas, in mid 2019 as we will be having our Anual Leave from our Company. We didnt travel much, i just been in India and now holding an Overseas Citizen of India / Resident permit and U.A.E likewise he has been only in Philippines and U.A.E.

What are our chances on getting DS 160 visa and we are not intending to over stay in US, as we are both contented in our job here in abu dhabi under a reputable company how we can prove it to them in order to pass the interview and one more thing if we apply for family the question or interview is individual or we both are there in the window booth?? just a small confusion.

Hope you can email me back Ms. Anne, looking forward to a positive response from you.

Godbless and more Power

Hi gud evening!

Anyone po pede maka help??

I’m planning po mag apply ng US tourist visa…medyo confused po ako kung isasagot kung yes or no dun sa tanong kung may petition po sa kin… Ang alam koh lng po meron kmi dati yun F4 (sister or brother, ) na pede makasama ang family unless ndi pa kasal ang mga anak at below 21 years old..pero ngayon po ay 27 years old n ako..sa tingin nyo po yes or no?

currently po, nurse dito sa qatar almost 4 years by march..with travel history pong singapore, malaysia, georgia armenia..sa tingin nyo po ma approve kaya ako po? halos lht ng kapatid ng side ng daddy kuh andun po sa US..

and yun daddy ko po possibly mag work din sa US…sa tingin nyo po, better mag apply ako habang wala pa yun daddy kuh dun?

Sorry po super haba and daming tanong…sana po mahelp nyo po aku…

Thank you thank you..

#1 TIP: Just be truthful in all your answers. 🙂

Lahat ng sagot ko sa online application and interview ay totoo lahat 🙂

I got my B1/B2 visa last year and nakavisit ako sa family ko sa US, kahit na may pending petition ako. Malaking bagay din na Canadian resident ako and I have a good job in Canada kaya na approved ang tourist visa.

Also, focus on travel/tour places in the US as main reason ng pag apply mo. Syempre pag tinanong kung i-visit mo ang family mo, just say yes.

Be honest and confident sa lahat ng isasagot mo sa interview.

Kaya mo yan!

Am a Nigerian citizen, kindly advice on what to be prepared from interviewers I wish to do family visa… Any information from you please

Hi Anne, Thank you for the wonderful blog. I was planning to apply for a tourist visa to visit my boyfriend we did not meet yet and freshly together. I have a small business for 15 years now, is business permit ITR and DTI will be enough for the requirements. I will be paying for my expenses. Is it safe to say that I am going to visit my boyfriend and to travel around. Is there a chance that I will get a visa? Please give me some advice a badly needed a reply.

I am planning to travel to Philadelphia, USA next year on 28-29th September 2019 for a conference being sponsored by the company am working for as a Company Secretary. My questions are; 1. How long should I state the as in weeks to stay there? 2. what are the ties I personally supposed to be with?

Hi Sir Vincent! I have few questions about travelling as a family. I hope you don’t mind if I ask you some questions. I would appreciate if you could send me an email.

I’m trying to fill up the DS-160 now… i will visit my bf sa US and he will sponsor my trip. Do I list him as Friend or Others sa DS-160 form? Thanks.. hoping for ur help

Bambi. Did you find the information you requested. Kindly reply to me: [email protected]

Hi, I would like to ask if you ticked friend or other? did u have your visa?

Friend is fine.

Great article here It provides a very good article here for visa and their information

Hi I would like to ask on how I can apply for a visa for my self so I could visit my American husband in the US.what do I need to do and where should I go to apply visa.i have been deny before when I apply a tourist visa but me and my husband are not married yet that time.We get married here in the Philippines and we are now married for almost 3years.he applied for me And my son an immigrant visa butit expires coz we didn’t continue processing it coz of some issues that we have.but now I am planning to visit my husband in US hopefully before our anniversary date so we can celebrate together.i hope you can help me.

hi ..Is it true red flag pag sinabi bbisitahin bf? bat kayo po naapprove namn po visa nyo. pede po ko makahingi ng tips.. mlapit nrn po interview ko po..sponsor ako ni bf..my stable job nmn po ko..nkapagtravel narn po ko asian countirs.. nu pa po ba kulang? pede po bgyan nyo po ko ng advise and more tips? thank you so much. have a nice day.:)

Hi Vincent,

Ask ko lang po kung pwede na ba ako mag apply ng tourist visa after ko makuha ang aking passport?Plan ko kasi mag pwede next May 2019 sa Florida.

Hi Ms. Analyn.

Yup, that should be OK. 🙂

Good day! Me and my wife planning to apply tourist visa on January. We always travel together. I am currently registered at LA Marathon on march 2019. I am newly employed and my salary is about 25k a month. I have my own business before for 10 years and now its closed thats why i am new in the job. I dont have ITR. I have some savings in the bank. Ive been and finished my marathon in singapore, vietnam, cambodia and i have multiple japan visa. Is there a chance to get me and my wife a tourist us visa? Tnx

Hi Everyone.

Anyone here who has experienced doing a family application for a US tourist visa? Me, my wife, 2 kids, and mother-in-law will be scheduled for the interview in the next few days. Any tips? Chances of getting approved? Thanks in advance.

Done with our interview last week – myself, wife, 2 kids, and mother in law, all of us got approved. Waiting for our visas to get delivered this week. If anyone here has any questions on how my experience went, just leave a message here or let me know so I can give you my email add. Thanks.

HI! My mom and I are planning to visit the US by Dec or January of next year. Do you have any tips when applying as a group? And what kind of questions were asked during the interview? Thank you in advance!

We did a family application, I believe a group application is different. Questions asked from me were – What company do I work for?/ What my company does?/ my position?/ how long have i stayed in my current company?/ what company did i work for before my current company? My wife was asked the same set of questions. I was also asked if we always traveled as a family and what countries have we visited so far, purpose of going to US? None of our documents were checked. Let me know if I help you with anything else. Thanks.

hello sir Vincent. Congratulations! I would like to ask if you had an itinerary for your trip?

Hi Sir Vincent,

This is my first time to apply for a visa (US visa). I never have overseas trip.Do you have idea how likely will i be approved.

I have work here. i will visit my bf in the US .

Unfortunately, I can never tell – this will totally be up to the consul. But based on the 1-2 applicants that I heard applying for a fiance visa while waiting for my turn – both of them got denied. On the other hand, there are some I’ve read in different blogs/ forums who applied for a fiance visa and they got approved. “If” the 8k application fee is not “too much” for you, I suggest you go for it and hope for the best.

Hi Vincent, Im Ann, planning this 2nd week of October to apply a us visa tour with my child. Can you help or assist me. Thanks..

Hi Ana Lin,

For starters, you may want to create an account here -> https://cgifederal.secure.force.com/ Once you’ve created an account, you’ll be able to fill up the online application form and schedule your interview. Take note you’ll need to make payments before actually being able to schedule the interview. Please keep in hand your personal information and passport details when creating an account and accomplishing your profile. 🙂

Thanks. Vincent

Hi Ana Lin.

For starters, you may want to create an account here –> https://cgifederal.secure.force.com/ . You’ll be needing your personal information and passport details in creating your account and updating your profile. You can also fill up the online application through this portal. You can schedule your interview on the portal after you pay the application fee in BPI. If you need more information, I can pretty much is discussed on this blog, refer above. 🙂

Hope this helps.

Hi Vincent, Congratulations on getting approved! My dad applied for his VISA a few months ago and I’m not sure if he tries again with my mom and my little brother, they would be approved. What advice would you give if they were to apply for a tourist VISA the second time for my dad, but first time for my mom and my little brother. They’re applying for a VISA so they can attend my wedding. Thanks for your help in advance!

I’m not sure if your dad was provided a letter stating the reason why his application was declined. While we were waiting for our turn for the interview, I’ve seen a number of applicants whose application was declined but was given a letter stating why they were declined. I believe whatever reason was stated in the letter has to be addressed to increase the chances of being approved. I clearly heard a consul asked 2 different applicants “what has changed” since their last application because the applicants got declined on their first application. I assume they will be doing a family application this time. Attending your wedding, for me, seems to be a valid reason to go to the US. They have to prove that they have every reason to come back here after your wedding – through business, properties, etc.

Hello Vincent,

I need your insight lang since depende pa din talaga sa Consul ang final verdict ng US Visa. Plan ko kumuwa ng visa this year for my friend’s wedding tingin mo lang, tingin mo lang sir may chance kaya na maapprove yung visa? Kinakabahan kasi ako iniisip ko pa lang. Ang paranoid ko. Sana mabigyan mo ako ng insight mo regarding dito. Salamat

Hi Vincent! Could I ask you few questions about the B-2 visa application process? My husband and I with our 3 kids are planning to visit my immediate family in LA. Hope you could share your experience. How do I send you an email?

Hi everyone,

Me and my 12 year old niece, and 18 yr old nephew is applying for B2 visa. My sister and her husband gave an affidavit of support and all the supporting documents to the travel I am single and have the same family name with my niece and nephew, could I apply for an interview schedule as a family ?

Can i have you email Address pls. I am currently here in Abu Dhabi, and would like to clarify things please.

Hi sir, My Family is planning to go to Los Angeles, USA to visit my father in law who is already bed ridden. Can you give tips for us to qualify and be able to pass the interview. We are worry that we might not be able to grant visa and will just waste the application fee, Thanks and regards, Richard

Hi., VINCENT

can you please give me some hint bout the question being ask by the consul? and if its ok to apply a US tourist VISA even without traveling to any other country?

Thank you very much for your guide and tips, indeed very helpful. Approved visa for me and my sister, awaiting for our passports with US visa in 5 days. God bless!

wow! thank you for the nice article on how to avail of some Philippine visa and immigration services!

hello im eunice from Philippines. nagmeet na po kame ng boyfriend ko dito sa pilipinas from usa po sya. nagpaplano po kame na mag apply ako ng tourist visa . ok lang po ba na mag apply ako pero wala po akong stable work? nag woworried lang ako baka kase madenied ako dahil wala akong work. pero yung bf ko ang mag sponsor saken. thanks for answering i hope u will read this asap. thank u maam

hello Eunice… any update? nakakuha ka ba Visa? im going to apply din kasi..

Hi Ms Anne, Just want clarification about the “Date of Arrival:” indicated in the DS160 Form… does it refer to the expected Arrival when you come back to the Phil? or the expected Arrival in the US? if given the Visa…

Thank you and good day:-)

Hi Anne, thanks for writing this. 🙂

I’ve already started filling out the online application for a tourist visa to the US. However, I sort of hit a dead end when I got to the purpose of travel. I’m planning to visit my brother (been living there for 2 years pa lang) in the US but the categories/options for the purpose of travel doesn’t include visiting siblings.

I tried calling the helpline at the embassy but I can’t get through.

Also, my other option is to have my mother apply to visit my brother and then I could accompany her (senior citizen). The only problem in that is I don’t think I have enough money in the bank to support both of us. hehe!

I don’t have properties to my name. But I’ve been with my current company for 10 years now and have also traveled to other Asian countries for work. I could get employment certificate easily.

I really want to visit the US and bring my mother there. However, I can’t afford to reapply if I get denied the first time. Haha! So I want to make sure I have higher chances of making it.

What else can I prepare? Thank you so much in advance! 🙂

P.S. If you don’t mind, did you marry the bf you visited? 🙂

Just try ,come what may. It takes 3 to 5minutes interview and most of consul didn’t asked for the supporting documents. Senior citizen has a big chance to get tourist visa.Good luck

Hi, is it easier to get a Canadian VISA rather than US VISA?

Hi! I have a 3 month boyfriend from Chicago and I was planning to visit him this coming January or February 2019. My first travel abroad is on November 2018 which is in Taiwan. I am working for almost 5 years and 2 months. When it comes to savings, I have but not too much. Is there a chance for me to get a tourist visa? Please help me. Thank you so much.

AUGUST 1, 2018 AT 4:47 AM Hi! I have a 3 month boyfriend from Chicago and I was planning to visit him this coming January or February 2019. My first travel abroad is on November 2018 which is in Taiwan. I am working for almost 5 years and 2 months. When it comes to savings, I have but not too much. Is there a chance for me to get a tourist visa? Please help me. And also I dont have any relatives leaving in the US but I have in Canada 🙁

Hi Joyce, gusto ko rin sana visit BF ko sa US. Na approve ka ba?

Hello Ms. Anne,

I am a U.S. citizen who wants a filipina to visit me in the USA with a tourist visa for 1 month. She is employed but doesn’t own property or have a bank account. I will be her guarantor when she is here, but for her proof of assets can I set up a USA Joint Bank Account here so that she can successfully use the Bank Statement at her interview instead of her needing a local individual bank account? A joint bank account is payable to either person, so legally she owns anything in the account.

That would be extremely unwise Donald. What’s to stop her from just withdrawing everything and leaving you holding the bag?

I’m planning to travel to the US with my wife on December and spend some time with my in laws. My wife is a US Citizen and will just stay there for 2 weeks. The trip will be sponsored by my in laws and my wife is staying here with me in the Philippines. How likely will i get approved? Thank you.

Hello. I wanted to solicit opinion from you regarding my 16 year old niece. Her grandma wants to sponsor her to visit US where the grandma leaves. Do you think she can be granted tourist visa? Her mother and younger sister together with her stepdad will also allow her. Are there specific requirements for her being minor? Thank you

The parents must accompany the minor during the interview.. once she get the visa then a different requirement is needed for the airport/ immigration.

Hello po, Magtatanong sana ako tungkol sa tourist visa.. nag fill up ako ng form for ds160 kasi may naka lagay na purpose of travel kaso wala naman travel to visit family (mother and sister). temp.business pleasure visitor, cultural visitor , others( child of a N8 and special.. ) atbp. ano ba dapat ilagay ko don? yon kasi purpose ko sa pag travel to visit my family and tour

waiting for petition napo ako… pero kailangan ko nalang muna mag apply ng tourist visa..

maraming salamat po…

Ms, Kach I would like to ask you about visiting my Aunt in US. She wants me to be there for like at least 1-2 months. we have family business here in Philippines, i have bank acc both dollar and peso. Is there a chance to get Visa Approval? Thank You.

How are you? Hi, Im planning to apply a tourist visa in US maybe this coming august, I would like to ask if i can make my Aunt as my sponsor for my trip coz we are going together if ever i will be approved and she is the one also handling my expenses in US. Im going to apply in US Embassy in Kuwait coz we im living and work here in kuwait and my aunt is a Kuwait Citizen. Looking forward for your answer thank you.

How are you? Hi, Im planning to apply a tourist visa in US maybe this coming august, I would like to ask if i can make my Aunt as my sponsor for my trip coz we are going together if ever i will be approved and she is the one also handling my expenses in US. Im going to apply in Kuwait US embassy coz we are living in kuwait and my aunt is a Kuwait Citizen. Looking forward for your answer thank you.

Hi Ms. Anne! I’d like to ask if you do have any idea about Sponsored US Tourist visa. And if you do, I’d be grateful if you will give me information on how to apply for it. Thank you!

Hello Miss Jewel,

Before anything else I would like to give you some details about me in order for you to understand the whole picture. I’m an OFW based here in Bahrain working as an Accounting Assistant for 2 years and 4 months as of July 2018. My sister is here also and we’re in the same company.

I’m planning to apply for a US tourist visa in the coming months, however I am hesitant weather to declare or not that I have a relative(brother of my Father in NY with his family) there. As much as I want to declare I’m thinking that maybe they will take it against me and think that I will extend my stay or become TNT there since I have relatives. On the other hand what if the consul finds out during their screening that I have relatives there in NY, would that be a big problem and will lead to my rejection since I lied that I don’t have relatives even if I do? PS. we share the same last name and I’m planning to visit New York which unfortunately where they are in also. Please help me.

If the Consul Officer asks you if you have relative(s) in the US then say, Yes if there really is. Usually, the follow-up question is, are you going to visit him/her. This time it’s up to you what to answer… but, remember always answer with honesty.

Me, I said, I have a cousin that I didn’t see for 15 years and no plan to visit him because we don’t have contacts.

But, if your uncle is TNT there that is another story to tell… good luck.

Unfortunately my application has been been denied last August 5, 2018. Below is the detailed transcript of how my interview goes. Please give me advise how to do it better on my application in the future or what went wrong with my answers during my interview.

ACCUPATION: OFW in Bahrain for 2 years and 7 months – ACCOUNTS ASSISTANT COUNTRY VISIT IN 5 YEARS: Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Hong Kong, Georgia and Taiwan.

P.S. I was told by my Aunt that my Uncle petitioned my Grandpa and Grandma(father side – both deceased) before and that both of my grandparents were green card holder, i was in primary school at this time that i even dont know these facts that during my online application and my interview i said I HAVE NO RELATIVES IN THE US. My Aunt told me that maybe they also traced these records as my grandparents listed before all the names of their children when they migrated in US(during online application you need to fill up the name of you mother and father).

CONSUL: Why you want to go to USA?

ME: For tourism purposes.

CONSUL: What state you wish to visit?

ME: New York.

CONSUL: How long have you been here in Bahrain?

ME: 2 years and 7 months.

CONSUL: What do you do?

ME: Im an Accounts Assistant.

CONSUL: In what company?

ME: *************

CONSUL: Do you have relatives in the USA?

CONSUL: Why you choose this particular hotel?(referring to hotel i put on my online application)

ME: The price is affordable.

CONSUL: So why this hotel?

ME: Its near to restaurants and subway stations.

CONSUL: All Hotels in NY is near to subway stations and restaurants.

CONSUL: What countries have you been to?

ME: Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Hong Kong, Georgia and just recently Taiwan.

CONSUL: I don’t see that you have strong ties here in Bahrain and you will come back after your US trip. Unfortunately i cannot grant you a US visa for today, in the future you may reapply if you established your self.

Hi. I’ve been planning to apply for a US Tourist Visa because my bf wants me to visit him in the US since he is scared of flying alone and have’t been to outside US just only on a cruise. He also booked a 5 days Cruise for both of us. I only plan to stay there for 2 weeks since i have a business and manage the business of my parents. i also have a 8 year old daughter who is studying here. No bank account since i invested all my money in business. i was advised by relatives and friends not to tell that i have a bf since we haven’t met in person only talked and video call everyday and might end up being denied for a Visa. hope you can advise me if i’ll declare my bf since he will be the one sponsoring my trip for 2 weeks. thanks in advance.

There is No sponsorship allowed for a USA Visitors visa thats only for a fiance or spouse visa, you must prove that you have funds to pay and fund your trip.The 1 most approved applicants that are showing proof that you have work or a business with a sustainable income esp a career job.

Good info u have left thanks for that. But my question is does she need to have any shots to come here….. Thanks in advance

Hello Eddie…who is applying?

I am planning to apply for a tourist visa this Aug. since im planning to go to NY by Nov. Fall (hopefully) to visit my cousins. I am currently employed for 5 years with my current company and have also visited 6 countries for the past 2 years. I am just quite nervous since its a bit pricey to apply for a visa haha do you think there’s a big chance for me to get approved? I am also confused on what to bring. Bank certificate or bank statements. Also, Im planning to stay about 9 days atleast or 2 weeks at most depends on my employer. 🙁 Im hoping to get a response from you! 🙂

Be truthful and confident and go for a shot. Based on your employment track and travel history you’re more than qualified to get visa approval. I suggest that you bring bank statements for at least 3 months. But, if you can support it with a bank certificate it is much better. Good luck.

Hi! I am confused to answer this question, “Have you ever been refused a U.S. Visa, or been refused admission to the United States, or withdrawn your application for admission at the port of entry?” I was denied before due to lack of evidence such as family ties. Is refused same as denied? Please help me how will I answer the above mentioned question. Thank you in advance, Lovely MAY

Yes po it’s the same.

Hi Ms. Kach! I have plan to spend my vacation in US but this is the first time na magtatravel abroad ako. Do I have a chance na maapproved ang visa ko?

Hello Ms Greta,

Give it a shot

All the best

Hello, Ms. Anne! I am an incoming freshman college student. I’ll be celebrating my 18th birthday this December 2018. Coincidentally, my first cousin’s wedding will be on December too. He is a green card holder and inviting me to attend his wedding as part of the entourage. So, i asked my parents to allow me to go there as my birthday present. My father is working abroad and my mother is a regular housewife. Do i have a chance of being approved if i apply for a tourist visa? Please advise me what to do. Thanks in advance. God bless!

US visa application is mainly based on documentary pieces of evidence plus travel history and means of financial support. But, if you are confident enough then give it a shot.

Hi! I have a question I hope you can answer me 🙂 I just got my visa today in instant! and just less than 2mins hehe thank god. now my question how many days it will take to delivery my passport? then tomorrow is holiday? cos I’m I already book my ticket next week but not in US. I tot I wasn’t able to pass this interview thats why I book. 🙁

I’m kinda worry baka Hindi lang po siya 5days or a week? I read your blog you already receive your Passport days only. my consultant said wait for my visa in a week? is that true?

I just want to ask if you happen to have a Schengen Visa before applying your B2?

Thank you! I hope i could get a reply from you.

Hi,can i ask for assistance, i just want to ask how will i get a guam tourist visa? Thank you in advance.

May I ask your citizenship M’? Thank you

Hi, hoping to receive a reply from you. Do I have a chance getting a U.S. Tourist Visa? Here’s my details.

Single 27 years old Living with Father only With I-130 pending petition (F2B Visa Petition filed by my mother greencard holder) Relatives such as mom, brother, aunt, uncle, grandma, grandpa all living in US Bank Officer Taking Masters Degree (but currently stop for a term) With Savings/Investments With Car Loan under my name

Hello, Jessie! of course You do! everybody does! let me know if you need more help 🙂

Anyone with a pending petition or immigrant visa application has a high chance of denial getting a tourist visa. You can only do one application at a time. Applying for a B2 while on a petition will make them think that you are trying to hasten and skip the immigration process.

Hi Ms Dina!

I just want to ask. In the form it ask if you have friends or family/relatives is the USA.

My question is, I have BUT i’m going there as tourist by myself without asking any help from them.

Do I still need fill-out that part of the form about my friends/relatives information?

Hello, Cathy. Yes you still do.

Hello Miss Ann

Give me some advice please, I’ve been in USA last year for 2months stay with my daughter we came home last year November but its a different visa , than the Visa I am applying right now and we not overstay there in USA. My visa interview schedule will be this coming May 4, B2 visa i am applying this time and i am planning to travel alone to visit my sister that will giving birth to their first child this coming first week of June and i am planning to do some tour too and stay there for 1 month, And my brother in law is my sponsor for my whole trip, my sister status there in USA is still on going AOS. I’ve been in Singapore too last January for tour. My strong ties is i own a business here in Philippines a passenger business car, I am a tax payer, I own a house, and i have my bank account too but i not have a big amount. What else i need to bring? I’ll wait your reply Miss Ann thanks

Hi Ms. Anne,my name is Porsh. I am an online homebased teacher. i would like to ask,is it possible i can get a US Visa even just as a tourist,? how many months will it take to process? Hope to hear from you.

Hello Porsh! Of course you can! I can definitely help you. do you have any more questions?

Hi miss angelica.

I just want to know if i can go and get a visa to see my GF in USA. I’m 22 years old right now and I have 1 year job experience but right now i just resigned and going to have a Homebased Job. I want to visit my GF there but not now cause i dont have enough money but mag iipon naman po ako i just want to know if i can get a visa even if its only a homebased job and also im too young and thats the only reason for my visa to visit my GF? I really want to see my GF there she’s a pilipina but it’s hard for her to go home in philippines because of her mom my edad na and need bantayan yung family nila sa US you think i can pass this VISA or the interview and go to her?

if any one can answer please email me [email protected] Thanks a lot. Godbless please help me. Thanks

Hello po gudam. Tanong lang ,what if yong bf ko low of fenancial? Kc yong pera niya from disability LNG e,. My opinion po ba kayo? Kung my chance po ba na makakuha ako ng visa.salamat

Medyo complicated sya unless you yourself can show proof na you can finance your trip.. Just make sure you have supporting documents!

Is there a required amount po ba? thanks

Hi, I really do encourage about your article. Personally, i tried to seek information through agencies regarding VISA and how to get there in the USA as tourist but when i hear them i was actually discourage. Then i postponed our planned to visit my boyfriend and his family. Now, I just wanna ask something. When you visit your boyfriend before which is your husband now in the USA, have you both met already in person? Either in the Philippines or other country?

Hello Renalgen, I actually have a lot of travel mentoring clients who have never met their boyfriend before but they were able to get a Visa. I usually suggest that you meet somewhere else though!

Check my mentoring here – https://mrandmrshowe.com/lifestyle-blog/travel-mentoring-coaching

Don’t lose hope! =)

Dear Ms. Anne

May I consult with you about getting the B2 visa? I am currently is a college student, junior. I have a best friend who is a male and all other friends such as my host family who I met when I used to study in America for 10 moths in my high school era. I am a Malaysian who lives in Japan and have Malaysian passport holder. I actually applied for B2 visa in 2016 when I just got accepted by my university in Japan, which means that I haven’t enrolled in the university yet and I got denied for B2 from U.S embassy in japan. I would like to give my second chance this summer and should I not say that I am going to stay with my male bestfriend during my visit in US? is it risky to apply for 10 year multiple visa than 6 moths single visa entry? When you applied for the visa did you mention that you were visiting your boyfriend? please give me an advice and thank you so much or your time. your blog has given me a light in my dream to visit US.

Hello, me and my siblings are US citizens even my parents so will there be a higher chance of my aunt to be approved for us visa B-2?

Hi Ms. Kach!

Just recently I was denied to travel to Singapore. I worked there for 7 years and now I’m back here in Philippines for good. I was supposed to have my vacation there for 6 days to visit my friends. I showed the officers all the necessary documents to prove that I will be going back to Philippines but to no avail. I just want to check if that would affect my chances of traveling to USA in the future. I have a 10 year Multiple entry Visa to US, I’ve been there once for a vacation. I have plans of going back to USA to visit my friend but too scared that I will be denied again the chance to travel. Appreciate your immediate response. Thank you!

Hi Mam, WE are planning to visit my sister in the US next year but I have some questions 1. I have a 9 year old daughter, do they have the same requirements for applying a Tourist Visa for her? 2. Im travelling with my 68 year old father, do they need documents from a Senior Cetizen?

3. As of me I travelled to Morocco for five days this February 2018.

hi ms. k! been reading all your post and replies sa mga comment regarding applying visa, mine kasi is different sa ibang nag aapply for us tourist visa. last month yung sister ko na nasa us na bigla nya kong sinabihan na mag attend kami ng 1st birthday ng anak nya sa sept. sabi nya siya bahala sa pamasahe namin and kami bahala sa visa. now heres my situation, im a fulltime mom of my 2 yr old daughter and si hubby ko lang ang may work. dati akong ofw sa uae pero nung namatay mom ko last 2013 nag for good na ko ng pinas since walang mag aasikaso ng mga properties namin dito sa pinas kasi yung father ko nasa saudi til now at yung youngest sister ko paalis na din. so ayun, what can you advise po apply na kami for visa and mag set ng appointment this april or do we need to wait muna for ilang months para yung sa bank account namin malagyan namin ng pakonte konte ulit dahil naubos last month dahil sa bday nung daughter ko. basta po ang reason lang naman namin is to attend ng bday nung nephew ko then stay ng 2 to 3 weeks max siguro. thanks po in advance sa pag sagot.

Hello Ms. Anne!

I was searching on how to get US Visa and would like to ask some question. My situation is different from others who had an american BF or husband. I am applying for US Visa to go to Hawaii, I am invited by my Japanese boyfriend to meet him there while he is on his business trip. Please help me what kind of documents I should prepare other than COE, Bank statement, passport, Income tax, insurance, and payslips? You’re reply would be a great help.

Thank you! Angeline

I trust you are well. I would just like your honest opinion and advise regarding my plans to apply for a US tourist visa. My appointment with the US embassy will be on April. Here are the facts about me:

1. Currently living and working in Dubai, UAE for 3 years now (same company) 2. Traveled countries in the last 2 years: – Maldives (once) – Oman (once) – Hongkong (once) – Singapore (once) – Indonesia (once) – Malaysia (once) – Philippines (twice) 3. Residency in Dubai: I can provide an affidavit signed by my cousin here in Dubai that I am renting the other room in their flat along with our other cousin. I will also attach the tenancy contract certified by a lawyer. 4. My bf and I have already met in the Philippines for 18 days last January 2018. Its our first-time meeting. We’ve been together/in a LDR relationship since January 2017. 5. My reason for applying for a US tourist visa: we want to celebrate our bdays together for 2 weeks on August, and for me to finally get to know his family and touring the states with them.

I want to do everything by the book, and since he has already visited me in the Philippines, I believe it’s now my turn to visit him in his homeland country. I have 3 weeks remaining vacation leave for year 2018, and I want to use 2 weeks of that visiting my bf and his family.

Do you think I have a chance of getting that visa due to that reason? Looking forward to your response.

Hi again! Dumaan ako sa agency kasi i cannot upload the photos but after paying i was told sa agency na di rin nila nauupload ang photos and i just need to bring photo sa interview na lang is it true?

Why do you need the agency’s help? Usually you need to bring as well to make sure na you’re prepared.

Hi Ms. Kach Im planning to launch my application this month and my interview aswell, but im not the one who will going to finance my trip , my friend from the US will sponsor my trip .(He is actually my boyfriend but we are afraid that if i we declared that we are bf/gf i might get denied . What should we do ?? Help please . Thanks.

I can definitely help, Kimberly! Check my coaching service here –> https://mrandmrshowe.com/lifestyle-blog/travel-mentoring-coaching

Good day, Ms. Kach. I would like to ask you about visiting my boyfriend in the US. He wants me to be there for like at least three months. I said I don’t have money, properties etc to present during my interview. He said he will sponsor me. He will provide everything I need for my stay, as my sponsor. How is that po kaya?I read there are documents that he has to provide and send me to prove that he’ll provide for me. Thank you and God bless.

Hi Ms. Cach Im planning to launch my application this month and my interview aswell, but im not the one who will going to finance my trip , my friend from the US will sponsor my trip .(He is actually my boyfriend but we are afraid that if i we declared that we are bf/gf i might get denied . What should we do ?? Help please . Thanks.

hello po, nagapply na po ko last 2 years ago and na-deny po ako. and plan ko po mag apply next month kaso may question po sa form na have you ever been denied (answer YES) then may next question na EXPLAIN, tanong lang po kung ano dapat na isagot dun?

Salamat po.

Isulat mo dun ung palagay mong dahilan kung bakit ka na-deny! Usually sinasabi sayo, pag hindi then isulat mo ung palagay mong naging mali.

Hi Kach! Can i ask tru Mai’s comment? I am applying kasi for a us visa for the whole family thru an agency and ive been having insecurities now that ive paid 60k plus (sayang if denied kami). We’ve got extensive travel history throughout asia and im applying now for a visit to guam. My agent is hesitant with the 4days stay i wrote in the application baka daw di maniwala si consul but thats our usual itinerary kasi we cant stay long because of the business. My eldest is working, second is unemployed and two youngest graduating jn college and senior high. I have a pending petition but petitioner chose to retire here since 2011 pa. do you think we will get approval?

Wow, why thru an agency? They can’t guarantee na you’ll be approved tapos ang USA visa application naman ay only $160 per person.I even had a pending petition but I got my visa approved so hindi batayan having a petition to get rejected. Make sure you just practice explaining yourselves during the interview po and make sure that your interview appointment is at the same time or as a group/family.

Hi Ms. Kach,

I am currently based here in Dubai and I have a good career here. I have a boyfriend who hailed from the U.S. We are planning to get married this year so I planned to apply for a tourist visa first here in Dubai since most of the people I know advised me to apply for the tourist visa first but my application got denied and the officer informed me that the US Visa application was not strong enough.

Now I want to know because me and my boyfriend have decided that I will apply for a fiance visa. How soon can I apply for a fiance visa? Do I need to wait for 6 months to apply again?

Thanks, Juju

Hi! I would like to ask would it be hard for me to pass the visa application if I will go to the US to visit my bf? I don’t have an employment certificate to show since I am managing our family business. The business had been running for more than 18 years. What kind of documents do you think they will be asking? I’ve always wanted to apply for a visa but I’m scared to get rejected.

Hope to hear from you guys! Thanks so much!

Last night I asked my Aunt when can I visit her in New York, and she asked me to do research on what to do in order for me to visit her. So I look to the web and see your article. im currently working in the Hospital in the province of Bulacan. I dont have any travel history. I dont have any property to declare.

what is the minimum financial statement needed in order for the consul to convince that I can support my travel in US?

I wrote it here po – https://mrandmrshowe.com/lifestyle-blog/tips-show-money-bank-visa-requirement

Hi! I would like to ask what are the chances of my daughter getting rejected? I have an existing US Visa and I’m only applying for my daughter. I am still studying and currently on my sophomore year (only 19 years old). Unmarried and I have been to the US before. My daughter’s father is a permanent resident there already. I have been to a few countries before and just recently been to Australia and Hong Kong with my daughter and family. I have no financial capacity and it will be my dad who would be paying for the trip. The only ties I have is that I’m coming back to continue my studies and finish my degree. My daughter will also start school this June. Should I enroll her already for her to have ties as well?

I think your daughter can get the visa esp if her father will provide supporting documents and if he will be the one filing for the application. But if it’s not possible, then I suggest make an arrangement with the tour/ reasons why you’re going to the States with your family and enroll her so you have more proof of ties.

How many months is the minimum visa duration given to a tourist if not given a multiple visa?

Hi. I am not sure if you will be able to answer this but I will try. I got married and is planning to renew my passport using my married name but I am worried that my travel history will not be considered when applying for US visa because I traveled alot before I got married but using my maiden name. Will this affect my visa results?

Hello Anne,

I am planning to renew my B1/B2 visa, and my parents have said that they were not asked to upload documents like ITR, CoE, bank statements, etc for their visa renewal. I am worried because I resigned from my job 3 months ago and I don’t know what to put in my DS 160. I am actively looking for jobs right now and I have been freelancing these past few weeks. I’ve been to the States twice and have been to other countries and I have enough funds in the bank. Is it better if I declare self-employed/freelancer in my DS 160?

Hi I’ve been denied recently due to lack of significant ties. The VO officer only asked about my boyfriend and not about me. He has regular rental income from his properties and he also buy and sell properties. Currently he also applied part time at Macys. Although my boyfriend will not sponsor me because this will be a surprise supposedly. The problem is they didnt even ask for my documents. Im single and with a US citizen boyfriend but I’m a single mom of a 14 yr old kid and an only child. I’m also the breadwinner of the family. All of my family is living here in the Philippines and no relatives in the US. Im currently employed within the same company for almost 13 years and i cant be away from my company and family for too long, I will be lucky enough to get 2 weeks of leave. So I have all the reasons to return. I dont have any travel history outside the country because of lack of time and money before. But now im financially capable to pay for myself and I just want to visit my boyfriend because he cant come to the Philippines next year for his birthday until he settle one of his properties. Can i reapply again asap? Because i really want to be with him on his birthday at least on April. Your immediate response is greatly appreciated

not too soon my dear…you’ll get the same denial…get the chance to get visa from Japan as proof of your purpose as tourist, to travel places…the VO’s thinking is, US is not the only country you can visit, since you are applying for a tourist visa…you need to establish that there has been big changes in your passport and life after getting a denial. just a hint, i did the same thing too 🙂

I am planning to visit my boyfriend in the US, this would be our first time to meet. I do have a stable job here in the Philippines, and I can support myself traveling to US. What is my chance to have an approved visa?

Cathy, I think the comment I left for Charm applies to you as well. Be careful with your documentation, a strong reason to return (where identifying critical documents to prove is important which depends from case to case, I am not a Visa Specialist to guide you on this but don’t go by one rule for all) and most importantly, you shouldn’t be seen as a probable immigrant. As Sid had told me, due to a surge in such incidents, US Govt now is far more vigilant than ever before. Wish you the best my friend, hope you get to meet your BF soon. BTW, having a stable job in Philippines doesn’t carry weight, you got to show through lot other means too.

Hi! I have an American Fiance and we are planning to get married in Florida U.S.A where he is from. An Immigration lawyer adviced him to come to the Philippines and marry me here then we can Go back together as spouses. My fiance cannot leave his work for long. I was a former gov’t employee and I resigned for my purpose of going to US. I have enough funds to support my trip. What is the best solution. Thank you.

Hi there Ms.Anne,

Hope all is well!

Just want to ask, I and my bf are planning to get US Visa here in PH Embassy, my Q is can we go together and get interviewed at the same time? FYI..I have a few travel abroad history (studied in China)My bf had been issued US Visa by his company before but never used it and about to expire soon. (Business Visa). Your response will be highly appreciated. Thank 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 don’t 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?

Travel stamps is a plus factor

Jam, having the client invitation for a business purpose is by far the best. I feel, you have a good chance, just request your client to mention that they are sponsoring you end to end with no cost on you which includes your round trip travel airfare, accommodation and even your daily travel through Uber will be covered. If they can mention, why your visit is important and how they will be benefited by your visit it will help your case. Always remember, US Visa Officers are not an applicant’s enemy, they are just like us, doing their jobs. All that they would like to see is clarity, purpose and definitely your safety when you are far away from your motherland. There is no need to be frightened is what I learned in my training, and I will tell you, I did feel the same. The talk with my visa officer was pleasant, a lovely handsome young man who was less than 40. Couldn’t ask his name though 🙁 hehe Good luck.

Hey, I am really hijacking Anne’s blog, so let me shutup and let Anne handle. I am on FB, will check intermittently, if I see your message, will answer for sure. Pardon me for the delays which for sure will happen. Will try to get back to your messages soon. Sorry Anne. Good luck all.

Hi Jam! I’m interested sa update ng application mo. I also work from home (online job) and my client from the US invited me to visit them. Was your visa approved? Ano yung mga documents na hinanap ng embassy? Thanks!

Just would like to inquire about US Visa unintentionally got stamped (departure stamped) by immigration officer in the Philippines. Would there be any problem when entering the US?

Tanung ko lng po. Applicable paba para satin filipinos ang invitation letter of support galing sa american citizen? Wla kc akung income. Do u think it would help? I can prove to them I’ll go home after vacation. Its just bka kc ndi na applicable and invitation letter

My husband plan to bring me in his home country which is USA we are married 3 years ago but i never been there in his country since he decided to stay with me here , so now he want me to bring there and visit for 1 month , what are the documents we need to secure aside from passport i have a passport already but i didnt change my maiden name to his name…. thank you and Im waiting for your reply as advice…..

No, it will not help. I’ve already proven. The consul will not even ask for it. The applicant has to prove his capability to support himself financially for the trip.

Thank you for your tips.

I plan to reapply and was denied once. Will it help if i have an invitation from my brother, who’s a U.S. citizen?

Yes, letter of invitation is still necessary.but it also depends from the sponsor if they will provide the rest of the needed documents as the Sponsor

Good evening thanks for the info my husband is a U.S marine and want us to visit him there me and our daughter but how can we approve if you need to prove them that u can support your self financially what if my husband is gonna shoulder everything is it possible to approve or get our visa? Hope you reply thanks

Hi, I happened to stumbled on your blog as i was researching about getting a visa to us. My husband and I were denied of visa way back 2015 we are applying before to attend an annual summit for an organization we are both officers of that organization but we are still denied due to lack of significant ties. We are applying again this month to try our luck to celebrate our anniversary and work promotion. we have 2 sons (4 and 6 yrs old) both studying and we owned a small business. our passport is recently renewed and the only travel history we had are malaysia and brunei . do you think this might increase our chances of getting a visa?

Hi miss Anne I’m single Mom and ofw but I hve Boyfriend stay and do work in Hawaii now his invited me to visit him I just want to ask it’s better I do by myself to process my documents than ask a travel agency to help me to process all my documents..tnx a lot

WHAT if I don’t have a property documents?

Just any proof that you have income. I also didn’t have any properties to declare!

hi! I am a registered nurse here in the Philippines and my family and I are planning to spend the christmas holidays in the US. I’ve been to 6 countries with 5 years multiple entry visa in Japan. Do you think I will get approve? what do I need to do to convince the consul I’m just going there to have a vacation with my family 🙁

HI po Ms Anne,

Upon searching for US visa application tips, I stumbled on your site 🙂 I have several questions po, hope you can advise me.

My & hubbys info: Both working in UAE for 9 yrs Me working for 5 yrs in my present company. Hubby is an IT guy but just recently transferred to another company from Jan 2017 but he’s been working for 9 yrs straight and 8 yrs to his previous company. Will his stay at his current company (which is only less than 6 months) will be a factor for denial?

I have completed the form and we have already scheduled on interview.

Thanks! Tinker

Such a nice information on USA Immigration Services step by step procedures. Thanks for sharing you knowledge with us………………

I wish to ask anybody from this forum: – were going to florida, which airport is better ( JFK or LAX ) – what’s the best mode of transportation around

FLORIDA is very far from JFK (NEW YORK) and also waaaaaay far from LAX. You need to choose a flight to MIAMI or ORLANDO.

Best mode of transportation? Renting your own car or flying (taking flights!)

Which part of Florida are you headed? You should consider a flight directly – ORL, MIA, FLL, JAX, etc. etc. JFK is in the East Coast, LAX is in the West Coast — far from Florida. Best mode of transportation once you’re in FL, either rent a car or take a cab or bus.

hi there! if you actually submitted an online US visa application in September 2016 and have not scheduled an interview yet until April 2017, do you need to do another online application?

Excellent and simple, I always thought applying for US visa is not that easy because people always say it’s a big deal, thanks to make things clear and easy, it really gives me confidence to go ahead.

My uncle a U.S citizen who had a stroke and wheel chair bound, requested me to accompany him for medical appointment. The question is their possibility to passed the interview even though I’m single, 27 years old but i have a permanent job. My intended leave of absence is only for two to three weeks. My intention is to accompany him not to have a vacation in the U.S.

thanks.,i’ll wait for your reply..

Hi im going to apply a tourist visa my question is how long it will takes to buy ticket once visa is approved? Thanks wait for your reply

You can buy your ticket as soon as you have the confirmation that your visa application is approve. Just consider the date when you can get your passport back nefore your travel date ?

Hello, I’m planning to get a visa. My bf is inviting me to visit him,he wrote a letter inviting me and my brother for a 3 months stay with him, he was here last month with us. My question is, will there be a problem if I am still married with my ex but separated for 10 years now? But in my application still it appears married for we are not yet legally separated. Will there be no question about that? Another is I am not employed, but my bf will shoulder all the expenses, and lastly, my old passport was lost my last travel was September 2016 , thanks in advance hope you can answer my queries.

I have the same situation…i’m married but separated for 4yrs now. My bf inviting me to visit at houston texas. Not yet annuled so my question is, will it be a big problem to approve my visa? Pls help me with this. Thanks.

i dont have a travel history this will be my first (if given the chance) . will that be a reason for denial with no travel history?

Applicant’s travel history is one of the things the interviewer will ask and it will be a big advantage if you have previous travels but its not all that. You just need to convince them and prove to them that you have the intention to go back to your home country and will leave US as soon as your permitted stay expires.

Hi. Is it really necessary that my passport need to be active for atleast 6 months ?. I just got it last December and im planning to travel this april, will I be denied coz of that ?

yep. less than 6 months then it won’t be allowed in International travel.

It was indicated on one of the websites I read “Q.1 How long does my passport have to be valid in order to apply for a U. S. visa? You must possess a passport valid for travel to the United States with a validity date at least six months beyond your intended period of stay in the United States”

So, another thing pla is that your passport is active for the past 6 months. Meaning you won’t be allowed to get visa or travel internationally if it’s less than 6 months?

Yep and anywhere in the world – always required to have a passport with 6 months validity before you can enter/ travel.

Report ko lang po 🙂

Upon searching for US visa application tips, I stumbled on your site ? I have several questions po, hope you can advise me.

My & hubbys info: Both working in UAE for 9 yrs Me working for 5 yrs in my present company. Hubby is an IT guy but just recently transferred to another company from Jan 2017 but he’s been working for 9 yrs straight and 8 yrs to his previous company. Will his stay at his current company (which is only less than 6 months) will be a factor for denial?

Repost po Sorry

Active as in you have used it? NO. That doesnt matter when you apply for US visa.

Your passport needs to be VALID for at least 6months from the time of tour intended travel.

Hello Rachelle,

No, your passport doesn’t need to be active. What you should be wary about is its expiration because the immigration officers in any country will not allow you to depart when your passport will expire below 6 months.

please help me po I am 22 years old and I have bf for 5 years and he already visited me here for 4 times already 3 consecutive years and next year we decided for me to visit there and see his world but the thing is I dont have bank account but he will be the one to support everything financially. What can you suggest? do you think I can be approved?

by the way he’s in Canada, please I really need help coz I heard agencies will just make money still got chance to be denied

i never traveled outside Philippines, is it a big factor to not get approved?

Its not big factor but it is a factor. Having a travel history is an advantage when you apply for US visa but its not all that.

hi, i have a problem in uploading photo, my photo passed the quality standards but when i continue uploading the photo, lagi nageerror “an error occurred while processing your photo, pls try again later” what dhould i do? thanks.

Hello Miss Anne,bank statement means international account?how about Phil accounts not acceptable and there’s a specific account on it?my friend will do an invitation letter for me there,,is it needful for me?im applying a job there,,

Thank you, Ms. May Anne! Had my interview last friday and just received my passport with multiple entry(10 years)

✓Single ✓21 y/o ✓Unemployed ✓Registered Nurse ✓Freelance tutor ✓Sponsored 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! ? 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 ?

Hi! Did you choose “Not Employed” when you filled up your DS-160 form?

Hi Reyy! Were you required to present ITR?

Congratulations on your visa approval.

May I ask though if you can specify the four countries you’ve visited in the past?

Thank you 🙂

Hi Anne! Im going to visit my bf in northeast india for 6 months.. I’m already stressed everyday how I will pass the visa interview. I don’t know whether I will tell them the truth or not. I’m worried I might not get lucky to pass it and the last thing I want to happen is to be denied. Do u have any great tips for me? Do u recommend me telling them the truth or should I just tell them I will do touring and visit my friends? Pls kindly reply to me. I need badly an advice from u. Thank you and God bless ! You’re so lucky to be granted! ?

Hi maam. I badly needed your advice. Im currently here in US. Im filipino married last july 2016 to a us citizen. We already apply for greencard and it was recieved in uscis last october 5th 2016. So im still waiting for it. But due to some circumtances in my family, im planning to go back home this december in Philippines. My question is, am I allow to return here US? Without my greencard yet? Pls advice me. Thank you so much

I already replied to your email! =)

Hi, I like reading your blog about this US tourist visa for filipino. It gives me hope, really! Because I’m planning to apply for tourist visa by next year to visit my Boyfriend in connecticut. I’m just wondering, based on your blog, when the consul ask you “why are u going to the US” then you confidently answered that you are going to visit your boyfriend. And yes during that time you are still working in the philippines. This exactly my situation! 🙂 Which it gives me hope because the consul grant you a multiple visa right after that short interview, just wow! Now, my question. 1. Do you think the consul that will have me interview for my tourist visa will give me approval as i will answered him/her the same way as you did?because i have reason to come back here, i have work for years already. 2. Do you think if i’m going to tell them that i’m going to the US for vacation and visit my BOYFRIEND will not lead them to think that maybe i will just have to get married there and not to comeback in the philippines. (which i would never do that though, going there for visit only) 3. Is it okay to put in the application online that my boyfriend will be the one to shoulder all the expense of the airfare and so as his US home address where i will be staying during my stay?

I’m so nervous when that time come for my interview, hard to imagine if i will get a denial of my visa and wasting 7thousand plus of peso, haha!. i’ll be broke.

I’m looking forward for your response.

Thank you, Jie About

FF question, nameet mo na ba si boyfriend? I am planning to visit him in the US, this would be the first time na magkikita kami…what would be the pros and cons? TIA

It gives me idea already. I was planning too to visit my boyfriend in USA after we meet here in philippines. Now i know what I’m going to do. Thanks so much for sharing us your exprience, it’ll help a lot to those first timer like me.

How long did the complete process take?

It depends on how soon you can schedule your consul interview! Once you got the interview, that’s the time you’ll know when your visa is approved or not.

thank u. very informative and helpful

Hi! I’m currently studying in Australia and I have a student visa in Australia. My partner is American and we are planning to visit USA during Christmas so I can meet his family, Do you have any idea how do I lodge a visitor visa for USA if I am currently living in Oz? Thank you so much!

I only have Filipino citizenship by the way 🙂

could you help me im a B1-B2 visa holder at asa guam po ako right now for business assistance pinadala po kasi ako ng boss ko dito and where hoping na mka acquire po ako ng 10 years multiple visa my mga tips po ba kayo?? kasi first application was 2 months lng single entry pa tpus pina re new nila ako sa majuro sa Marshall islands and nka renew nga po ako bale multiple entry na sya kaso two months ulit after 2 months nag renew po ulit ako sa palau nabgyan pa rin ako ng multiple visa pero good for 6 months lng panu po mka 10 years?? kompleto nmn ako sa documents tulad ng letter of invitation sa guam for business assistance at approval letter from pinas….same company po yung sa guam at pinas na pinag tratrabahuan ko… kailangan ko lng po ng 10 years multiple pra any time na kailanganin ako sa guam d na ako apply ng apply i hope someone could help me

Which is easier to geta tourist visa or fiancee visa to the U.S.?

Is there another to approved your visa without haven’t met with your fiance? Because he decided to get me here, Hope you reply to my comment 🙂

Hi poh! Ano po ba dapat ilagay ko dun Sa online form question n who pay my trip? Kasama ko kc bf ko mg travelled so name ko ba or name Nya? Thanks

good morning, my one and only sister I have, will be celebrating her birthday on Nov. 23 this year in Florida together with her 2 children,wife and grand children,too.She wants me to be there. NOW i do not have work .only savings account in bdo but no big amount .but I have my house and lot title on my hand. This can be possible can be presented for my documents? thank you very much for your responds

Hi, I just want to ask if it is possible to travel two weeks after the interview (if granted visa approval). Interview date is 5 Dec 2016 and travel date is 15Dec2016?

Yes, once you get the visa approved and they returned your passport then you can travel anytime you want!

hi ate katc medina its me jane 1stym q po mgaply xa n0n imigrant visa.ilang days po bgo mlaman ung result for interview at the embasy.worid po ako anu po ung mga tip ng c0nsul na questi0n pa help naman po thanky0u

hi! thanks for your tips! got my 10-year multiple entry visa today!

Hi, kelan po ung travel plan nyo? Coz im solo travel po aq this coming january 2017 to new york or anyone solo travellers want to join me.

hi ms jane solo traveler din po ako how to join you do you have a usa tourist visa already?

Hi…I want to apply..Please help me what shoukd I do???thanks my dream since I’m a kid..till now I want to vis it us..

Hi, this is very helpful. If ever me and my girlfriend appy for a visa, do we need to fill out the application separately and sked the interview as one?

HI! IM WONDERING IF I CAN DO THE APPLICATION FORM ONLINE FOR MY GRANDPARENTS? ME AND MY MOM ARE STAYING HERE IN THE USA. THANK YOU!

yes you can do it online for the application but she needs to attend the interview at the Embassy or check the rules for Senior Citizen! =)

They do allow help… I just did it for my girl friend, there is a section at the end of the online DS-160 where it asks if anyone helped prepare the application… You would just enter the helpers name there

Me and my friends are planning to visit Portland. My one friend has boyfriend there. So, we as friends would want to come as well. Since we are here in Qatar, may I ask of how much should we prepare minimum amount of money to prepare as I guess, it is one of the requirements in obtaining visa.

If you have any ideas to help us for our plan to visit the country, really glad to hear it.

Thank you so much.

Hello Ms. Anne

I am planning to visit my boyfriend in North Carolina on November and he wants me to get Tourist Visa and he will be the one who will pay for everything. He said that I don’t need to open a saving account coz he will be the sponsor. Do you have any idea if what are the requirents and documents that I need to prepare. And about my job as of now it is already end of contract. Please help me on this.

same situation here. I no longer have job last November I know if that would affect when its my bf paying for everything

Any ideas getting a US visa for Filipino passport holders living in the UK?

Hello Everyone, is it possible to get US tourist visa even without travelling to other countries?

My pinay girlfriend of 2 1/2 years is still married in the Philippines. She is working in Taiwan now . I’ve traveled to Phil and Taiwan three times and stayed with her three months each visit . we are working on getting her anullment in Phil . I would like for her to come to the u.s. to meet my family on her vacation from her job . My question is , can she get a tourist visa to come meet my family if she is still married in the Philippines ..any advise will be appreciated thank you

Hello there! Can you help me with some clarifications. I am a holder of tourist visa b1/b2 with Multiple entry valid for 1yr. I am traveling from Manila to Hawaii for 8 days then fly to Hawaii to New York for 2 weeks then back from New York to Manila. Is it okey to have a flight like this? Aren’t the immigration will question me? I hope you can me with this. Thanks a lot

Both of them are States of USA so they won’t question you!

Thanks for responding me Ms. Kach Medina ?. God bless you ??

is this all the requirements are required? what if kulang ka po nun.. possible din po ba na di ka ma approve? sana po masagot niyo mga tanong ko. salamat

Yung ate ko nag kulang ng isang document pero naka pass Lang sya galingan Lang talaga sa pagsagot and be honest

i need some advice lang po.im working as OFW in abu dhabi united arab as HR COODINATOR one year of this December po nag pa appointment po sa january 4 2018 po interview sa Us ambassy of the phillipines ,meron po ako relatives Us sa new jersey po,and i talk with my uncle already that he will provide the imvitation with Red ribbon na mangagaling sa US,sa company ko po ba sa abu dhabi need po ng NOC AT Salary Certificate of the company,and i need some advice po kung ano dapat gawin..meron din po ko properties sa Pinas at bank stantement and also Uae

And we would also need to have pictures and documentation of our conversation as proof that we are in a relationship. There are so much stuffs to be done but I know we can make it 🙂

I see that there are lots of requirements. As per the blog I read, it would be best if all requirements are all being settled out before setting up an appointment in the embassy. I will be getting may passport on the 15th of Sept. As for the bank account I do not have any since may salary is only low. I think I need to open a savings account for this? What do you think?

Hi Ms. Anne

I am planning to go to NY next yearto visit my boyfriend. He’s a Military and its so hard for him to visit the Philippines. He wants me to apply for a tourist visa but I don’t have that big amount of money in my account. Pls help me.

My question would be do you think I will be aapprove of that? Please help answer this question.I thanks

Hi , we have the same situation. Your savings won’t matter if your boyfriend will sponsor you

hi were you able to get your visa when your bf was the one shoulders everything? coz I dont have work and and no bank account but my bf will shoulder everything and we are already 5 years and he came 4 times already here in Philippines and we decided for me to visit there this time. Do you think I will be approved?

Hi, Anne! I would just like to say, thank you!!! Reading this blog helped me be more comfortable and confident during my visa interview this morning.. I got approved and I am now waiting for my passport to be delivered! ???

Hi! What additional documents where asked from you?

Hi Ms. Jhoanna, May I asked po if what particular docs you prepared for the interview and what did the consul asked you? Thanks po..

Hello po..Dito po ako Dubai ngayon work,di po ako legally separated,may boyfriend po ako sa Florida and he want me to come to visit on him.Unfortunately,wala po ako bank accounts and property ow.ned for supporting documents…Possible po ba ako makaaply ng tourist visa?Anu po dapat kong gawin?Thanks po.

Hi Marycile, Dito din ako dubai now. 9months palang ako dito and still very young, 21 yrs old. May boyfriend ako sa Kentucky and he want me to apply for Tourist Visa. Tanong ko lang if kumusta yung application mo? Na approve ka ba?

Hello, my boyfriend is trying to come over here from Cebu. He is lost on what kind of details to put for the application. Would it be smart to put down my address or should he use a relatives address? And he’s a little choked up on what to say for the interview, I know you said to be honest. Would it be good to say that he wants to spend the holidays and his birthday with me? And that he also wants to experience winter? Haha, any of your feedback would be nice!

Hello! I would like to ask regarding the status we have. I’m here in abroad In Dubai and and my boyfriend is inChicago, we never yet met in person since we started chatting. Everyday we skype and exchange messages . His planning me to go Chicago onDecember but we don’t know what are the requirements needed in US embassy in order I can travel to him. Thus he can petition for me as a fiancé?

hello there! I’m not sure if this reply is still useful as the year is not mentioned on the date of your post. US Visa application for filipino (UAE resident) is quite easy. All you need to do is make an appointment online https://travel.state.gov/content/visas/en/visit/visitor.html . The Consulate is located at the Corner of Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Road and Al Seef Road, Bur Dubai Dubai, UAE. Provide all the informations required on the form and make sure you get your credit card ready for the payment.

Your passport and UAE residence should be valid at least 6 months prior to your travel. Less than that, there will be a huge possibility that your application will be denied.

As you have mentioned, you haven’t personally met your boyfriend yet although you are regularly in contact online. I personally advise that he should visit you first in the UAE and get to know each other before taking a big step of seeing him in the US. I am not saying that he is a dangerous guy but please consider your safety first before travelling.

Hi Kent, I work and live here in Dubai too, Same situation tayo, never pa nameet yung BF. By the way, Kumusta application mo? Approved ka ba?

Hi! Ms. Ann, My husband and I applied for a US visa about 4 years ago and we were denied but we dont know the reason behind the refusal, we were only told by the consul that he thinks we dont have enough reason to go back to the phils and returned our passports to us without giving us the chance to explain or even for us to ask him a question why he thinks that we dont have enough reasons to go back and we were so confused about such outright refusal that left us not wanting to try applying for a visa again, but as i was thinking bout the interview, i can recall that my husband was asked by the consul about where are we going to stay in the US and my husband confidently answered “In hotels” and then the consul asked again bout the names of the hotels and my husband confidently answered “any hotels” and my heart sank coz in our application,we stated that were going to stay in my aunts house but i couldnt butt in coz i was advised that if the consul is not asking me i shouldnt answer or volunter information, I really would like to know if you think that was the one that caused the refusal,and if so,what can we do to correct it the next time we decide to take our chance for an interview again? and should we bring our two young children ages 5 and 2 with us during our interview or we should apply by ourselves first before we’ll apply for their visas?? thanks!!

Hello Ms. Recalynn! I was also a visitor of this website and I was able to read your comment. I applied for my US Visa last year and fortunately I got approved. I am no in any way related to any US embassy but based on your story, I think that the answer of your husband may be a factor on why you were denied because it is not patterned with your us visa application form. Based from my experience, her questions were mostly based from my application form and i just answered her exactly how i answered my form. Example if i wrote in my form that my salary is 12345 and then they asked me about that i should also reply with the exact number of 12345 and not approximately 12000. So i think the best advice i could give you is to review carefully your application form and answer the consuls honestly and confidently (just do not be over confident hehe). I hope that my comment helped you and good luck on your application.. hoping for positive results 🙂

Hi ,thanks fir given a an idea how to apply us visa actually am working abroad i have only one month holday my problem is within the month i can get my visa ,i have a bf and what am saying wants to visit him for a month and go back where i work how am going to get documents like the income tax since i dint have

Hi Ms. Ann,

I read ur blog and i think its a big help for each of us who have questions regarding visa application.

I want to state my case and hoping u can give me a good advice.

Im 35 yrs. Old i have a 13 yr. Old son im separated from my husband for 4 yrs. Now but not legally separated and currently i have a foreign bf whos from the u.s. he was here last oct. Thats the first time we met in real and he went back to the u.s after 2 weeks and now he is here again in the phils. For 4 months now. He asked me to process my visa, knowing that im still married we cant apply for a fiance visa. So thats y he asked me to file for a visit visa. U think my chance b n ma grant ung visa ko? I have a small business here kaya lng due to my situation its not under my name. And how much money do i need to have in my bank.? Hoping for ur response..

Hello miss grace,I’m rea I’m 39 yrs old I’m married but separated for 5yrs I have 14 yrs old son and I have fireigner bf too his from us…I apply tourist visa and I have my schedule interview on July…I write a comment here coz it’s like we have same situation and wanted to ask how r u now and ur bf..and did u apply already for a tourist visa…hoping for ur reply…thank u n God bless…

hi miss anne. i am a student, currently i am in my last year this coming school year. i’ll graduate in 10 months. My bf wanted me to get a visa after my graduation. i am just kind of worried if what shall i do if i am still unemployed. my intention to fly in the us is spend a vacation (graduation gift) so what shall i do?? should i apply for visa while i am still a student or after i graduate?

Hi, lovely… This is Petra, so I want to ask did you get your visa to visit your bf?? I just finished my interview today and I got denied. So I hope you can share me a bit if you got approved, hope to hear back from you. Thanks 🙂

What is your case? Are you a fresh graduate too? I am applying for a tourist visa soon but I am a bit worried because I am a fresh graduate. This is a graduation gift though. Hope you can share your experience with me.

Thanks, Kim

Hi Anne, I came across ur blog while searching about the US visa application. I actually looking for an answer to my one lingering question before I apply for the visa and from reading ur article I feel u have an answer. I also hope u are still updating ur blog. My question is about the contact person part of the application because I dont have close relatives but I have a friend who invited me to go visit her. I will shoulder all my expenses. We are not lovers but just friends (close friend in high school). I is it ok make her my contact person or is it safer to use relatives as the contact person?

HI there! I have the same reason as what you put on your blog. To meet my boyfriend. But unlike you, unfortunately I don’t have any bank statements and some properties to show as supporting docs. Even a job. Coz my boyfie doesn’t want me to work. Anyway, the only assurance that I will be back in PH is my son. Pls enlighten me. I wanna try. I wanna meet him in person and also his family first before we get married. Do you think it’s possible? Thank you for sharing your story btw.

hi Ms. Anne,

Thanks for your blog… I was also planning to apply for a tourist visa this coming June, I wanted to visit my family there, but mostly I want to meet up with my boyfriend. problem is, we haven’t meet in person, and we just started communicating last year December. would it give me more chance to say that I’m visiting him? If so, does he need to submit any kind of documents? By I’m working in Thailand and I only have cousins here, my family is in the Philippines, so the only strong ties here I have here is my job, and I dont have any properties, but I do have savings in the bank. Do you think I have a chance. Do you have any suggestions for me? Thank you so much for your help. May you have more blessings.

Hi,good day to you!I also want to visit my boyfriend who lives in florid,I’m currently working here in Hong Kong, do you think I need to accomplish those bank statements, too,what if I don’t have big money on my account?I hope you can help me,thank you! More power.

Hi anne, Thank you for your blog.. I’ve learned alot of tips. My husband and i were invited by my sister in-law in US ( my husband sister). We are intended to go on march 2017. My appointment date for interview will be May 4 2016.. All my documents are ready. My husband and i worked in same govt hospital. My question is do i prepare so early or my appointment date is so early for my intended date for visit? Do they asked about intended date of visit?

Hope to hear your response.

hello Anne. Im a physician planning to visit my two siblings in Tennessee and New York respectively. i have strong ties to the philippines and income is enough, i think. my current passport contains my trip to Hongkong and Seoul. but i seem to have misplaced my past 2 passports containing my trips to thailand and singapore. can i present an affidavit of loss and police report for the previous 2 passports lost and bring some pictures from those trips to support my case? thanks mucho.

Hi! I have read your tips and liked it as these tips are clearing all my doubts about US visa. This is my first trip to US so there are much more queries and I would like to go for a trip to China. I am travelling alone and I just want to travel for 1 month, is it possible to get visa?

Hi, Anne! I am planning to apply for a tourist visa to meet my fiancè’s family. We already started the application for k1 visa and it’s already in USCIS. But I think it will take us at least 6 months before it’s approved. Hence, we dont want to wait that long to be with each other. Actually, he visits in the Philippines, but it’s another thing to be able to visit him too in his own place.

But I have a few questions for you:

1. How long did it take you to have been approved of your tourist visa? I mean, starting from your application online, how long did you wait?

2. My work is online, and I am not a typical employee. How will I vouch the embassy of my ties in my country?

3. I wanted to ask how much is the minimum amount of your bank account to be able to cover your expenses during your stay in US when you’re going to stay at your fiance’s house? Lol.

4. What property did you show the embassy? I really wanted to know because I really wanted to go and visit my fiance.

5. Did you use fiancee visa when you moved there? I wanted to know I long it took you to have it approved by the embassy.

Thank you so much for taking time to read my comment and answer my questions! Mwa!

Hi anne.. I love ur blog and read most of it.. I am planning to visit states this september.. I am in a relationship with an american for almost 6 mos. we met last february and spent a 3 weeks with him. I just recently got back from sweden too visit a friend there. Would that help and give me a chance to get approve for another tourist visa in usa? I have relatives who are living in states too and im probably goin to pay them a visit, Do you think i stand a chance getting approve?

Thanks and have a good day! KYLE

Hi Ann, Help muna mn ako Sa tip 2x n ako n refuse visa ko Pero Di parin ako Susuko,ahn Punta kmi Ng bakasyon Kasma Ko. Boyfreind Ko Pero nilagay Ko Sa application I’m the paying my trip.its possible ba un?

Hi Anne, My friend needs to travel to the US to take care of her deceased husbands estate. She doesn’t have much in the bank but her son is in the Philippines. I will help her with the travel expenses. She also has the option of applying for a resident visa because she was married to a US citizen. But she really needs to get the US faster to take care of the estate. I feel like if she shows the letter from the lawyer and a copy of the death certificate that she should have a good chance of getting a visa. What do you think?

Ask ko lang po if maapproved po ba visa ko kahit ala akong mapakita na money on my bank account kase fiancee ko naman gagastos ng lahat? Plano ko po kase mag apply ng tourist visa and ndi po kasi namin mhintay yung fiancee visa at mashado po sya matagal maprocess kaya naisipan nalang po namin na tourist visa nalang ang kuhanin.Is it possible po ba na maapproved ung visa ko kht ala mapakita na money on my bank account? And nag apply dn po ba kayo ng fiancee visa or pwde po ba ikasal sa tourist visa? Thankyou po 🙂

We could also help you with all of your questions on our Visa assistance services, https://twomonkeystravelgroup.com/services/

Hi Ms. Anne!

i have something kind of personal to ask you about visas. Is it okay if i can contact you via email? Thanks!

Hi Ms. Anne,

I am planning to go inthe states to visit my friend whom I haven’t met personally, so basiclly it’s the first time that we’ll meet, is there a chance that my application might have more chance in getting denied if I told them that? Aside from visiting, I also want to tour around US.

Hope you’ll get the chance to read this and answer as I am getting anxious if I would go for it or not. Thanks and God bless!

Hi Miss Anne!!! Thanks for the reply… Last question is I have two kids so I need to go back here before June for their school enrolment. My first child is 8years old and second is 4 years old. Is that not enough proof for coming back here in Philippines?

Hoping for your reply…

Im all set for my interview. Gather all of the required documents but I have some questions hope you can reply back. Im scheduled this 28th March for interview.

1. Statements of Account- I have printed my statement of account from Samba website. Is it ok, or do I need to go to the branch and have it stamped by them?

2. Credit Cards- I do have credit cards here in Samba. 2 of them wasn’t used and it has the full amount in them and the 3rd one is almost empty. Do I need to include all of them or it is safe to omit the 3rd one with less balance and show only the 2 credit cards with full amount still not use?

3. Contract Copy. My company give me copy of my contract and there is no company on it. It is dated since 2011 and Im already on my 3rd contract with them. Do I need to sign my re-contract and have my company put stamped on it?

I just want to clarify on the above things. Thank you in advance.

Me and my husband are planning to sponsor my Dad for visitor’s visa In the US, I read about having strong ties in the Philippines to be able to acquire a visa. My question is my dad doesn’t have a bank account or employment. He is 65 years old now and he have a house and a little piece of land under his name. Is this enough for him to qualify for the visa? All expenses will be paid by me and my husband before and after he gets here in the US. I will greatly appreciate any input about my case. Thank you

Hi miss Anne. .. Good day. .. I’m hazel. Ofw of saudi… I’m planning to visit my boyfriend in US for two months.. he will shoulder my expenses during my stay in US including the plane ticket… it is possible for me to get a visa… of course I have my own money.. even my boyfriend will pay everything for my stay in US.

Hi hazel! I’m Kristine from saudi arabia also how’s your plan in going to States please share it with me coz I’m planning to go there too tnx

Hi Anne, the Phil. Passport has as issuing authority: DFA Ncr northeast. In the Ds 160, it’s asking for a city. What do we write? Quezon City or DFA NCR Northeast? Thank you. May I request if you send me an email response too. Thanks

Hi Miss Anne;

Is it allowed to US embassy to get my ticket in Philippines and the departure will start also from Philippines instead to the country that your are applying for US tourist visa.?

Hi miss Anne!

My boyfriend want me to visit him in Portland. I don’t have bank account, or any properties own nor job… He will pay all my expenses and my fare. Then im going to stay there with him for one month. Is it still possible to get tourist visa?

HI Jovelyn, It would be tough for you to get a VISA (even though your bf will cover for all your expenses) as you have to prove that you have enough ties in the Philippines to go back to. Thanks, Anne

Hi, Ms. Anne! 🙂 I’m just wondering if I do have a chance to get a US Visa?

I’m an upcoming 4th year college student from Hospitality industry too and will be graduating on March 2017. I’m planning to apply for a US visa on June and if granted, would be departing here in PH on September and staying in US for 2 weeks only. I still have 2 semesters (bc my school is a tri-sem) by that time to finish my internship and my thesis and of course to grduate. My boyfriend’s dad will be sponsoring my whole trip as an early graduation gift since my parents can only afford my pocket money. And I have been in Singapore and Jakarta before (perks of being an HRM student). Thank you please reply. 🙂

Good day Ms. Ann!Thanks for sharing your experience..My bf is also an American,we are planning to meet up on Oct.in Philippines after my contract here in Riyadh,Saudi Arabia…He is the one who file for my visit visa,is it possible I can go with him back to the US after he’s vacation?or how long it will takes for applying visit visa?

More power..God bless!

HI Maricel, I would say give your self a couple of weeks or a month to prepare all the necessary documents and for the interview. You will be the one to choose for your schedule so it really is up to you. Good luck on your application! 🙂 Thanks,Anne

Hello anne can i ask wat is strong ties u bring in u.s embassy..thanks

I was planning to visit my girlfriend in the US can you tell me what else did the officer asked you? And if possible can i know your answer on those question so i have an idea.. Im very grateful if you response to my post.. Thank you so much! Godblessed! 🙂

HI Bon, Thanks for writing. I have responded to this via PM, but posting here as well for others who can relate:

The consul will mostly like you basic questions such as, what are you going to do in the US, who are you visiting, how long, who’s going to finance for your trip, are you employed, what do you do, how long? The questions will definitely depend on how you’re going to respond. I hope you make it!!! Let me know if you have other questions

Hello Laira, I posted a list of requirements in the blog but please also check US Embassy website for more updated information. Thanks,Anne

Thank you so much for this post. I’m getting married soon to my American fiance. I hope my visa application will be approved..

HI Jessa! Did you apply for a US Fiancee Visa?

I sent you an email. From Joy. We are kinda same reason of applying the tourist visa. But I am applying here in Singapore as am working here. Hope to hear from you.

HI Joy! Thanks for reading and reaching out. Hope you make it! Please let me know!

Hi Anne, Thanks a lot for your information. Like other Filipinos, I do have a plan to visit my friend in U.S. Whom I have not seen for such a long time. Our communication is just through Facebook. I am based in Thailand and I have been teaching here for 9 years already with the same school. I have a few questions regarding the visa thing. 1). Is it necessary for my friend to send me an invitation letter even though I can be able to finance my trip to US? 2). Would it be possible for me to get my visa approved if I would apply here in Thailand ( not in the Philippines)? 3) about the bank statement, may I know what is the minimum of money in my account to prove to the officers that I can finance myself to travel to US?

Thanks a lot Anne. I’m looking forward to hearing from you soon.

God bless you.

Regards, Hilde

Thanks for the comment and sorry for the late reply. To answer your questions, please see below:

1. An invitation letter from your friend who you’re visiting in the US is nice to have but not necessary. Please check the US Embassy Website for the complete list of requirements. 2. YES. You can apply for your US Visa in Thailand and still get approved, it will all depend on the information you will provide and how your interview will go. 3. There is really no specific amount of money that you need to have for you to get your VISA approved. But you need to have “enough” that can cover your fare, hotel, meals, activities, contingencies etc.

Hope this helps! Good luck! 🙂

🙂 I’m just wondering, how long have you been employed when you applied for your b2 visa?

And how much salary/month do you think they’ll consider you for tourist visa?

Looking forward for yourent reply 🙂 thank you

*you’re

I think I have responded to this question via a personal email 🙂 As I always say, there is really no specific amount of money that you need to have for you to get your VISA approved. But you need to have “enough” that can cover your fare, hotel, meals, activities, contingencies etc. I was employed for at least 3 years when I applied for mine, BTW.

All the best! 🙂

Hello, Ms. Anne! I’d also like to ask how much salary and money in the bank account do you think they’ll consider in order to approve a tourist visa? Thank you! 😀

I’m Filipino and French passport lives in the US for over 5 years, I would like to invite my brother and his 13 years old son to visit me here in the US, My brother used to work in Qatar for couple of years as driver and went back in the Philippines about a year ago, and now working as a private/part time driver in Manila ? My brother does not own any properties and he does not have any permanent work and big amount of money in his account as I guess it is useless to deposit money on his account where I’m capable to give my brother but all I want is to apply for a tourist visa for my brother so that he can visit me with his son to get some bond with him as over 30 years I was not in the Philippines anymore, do our financial status with my husband will satisfied consulate ? and we don;t have any intention to have my brother TNT here as I myself is only a green card holder . Please advice ….

A tourist visa* any thoughts..?

Hey there guys..I have an appointment for interview at US consular here in dhahran saudi arabia on the 28th of this month..I’m expatriate, 31 years old, male and single. I’m a nurse manager in one of the goverment hospital here in saudi and i’ve been in this hospital for 8 years..My annual income is $22,500..I have history of travel..i have been in Bahrain, SIngapore, UK, France, Belgium, Netherlands, Germany, Spain and Italy..What do u think guys is my chance of getting a tourist

Hi! I just want to ask if travel history is a requirement if i want to appyy for u.s tourist visa. I am currently based in saudi, been here for a year only. Thanks.

Hi, I’m getting ready to apply for a visitor visa to the US. I live here in Cebu the last 3+ years, after living in the UK for 2 years with my husband – My husband is British and has a British passport and so does our 3 year old daughter (as well as Filipino passport). My baby boy (14 months old) only has his Filipino passport so I will have to apply for his visitor visa too.

Any advice or feedback would be very appreciated. I am a full time mother/house wife (not working) and my husband works online. My mother in law wants us all to visit them in the US to see the grand kids. They want to pay for our flights and have a big house so we will stay with them the whole trip. So basically the trip will cost us nothing.

Anyone had a similar situation or advice on how to best approach this to make sure me and my baby boy get our visas? My husband and daughter can apply under the ESTA program as they both have British passports.

We rent a house here, but do not own property or have any real ties here, except for my entire family live here and I love the kids being able to see my parents often. So how would I best show my intentions are to return back to Cebu where we have lived for over 3 years?

As this is the whole reason for the interview right? To try and show our intent is too return, not stay!

Anyone interested in applying for a visa visit the US Embassy’s website: http://manila.usembassy.gov/mobile/visas.html . All the information will be there. The process usually starts with scheduling an appointment, then by the time you do show up for it you bring all the required documents and submit it to them. On the day of the interview they will ask basic questions such as what you do for a living, where you’ve traveled before, why you want to travel to the US etc. It pays to have traveled to other countries and to show you have strong ties to the PH that you wouldn’t want to go TNT on them. I think it also really pays to be honest, cause then you wouldn’t even have to make up stories and be nervous during the interview. Hope this helps!

I was not even asked for a single document I brought during the 2 times I got my visa- first a single entry, hte 2nd one a 10-year ME. Pero you really do need to prove you have sufficient ties back to the Philippines. In addition, they check some of the information on your ds-160 form that’s why it’s advised not to bring/print the form. Lastly, I think having multiple travels outside the country helped a lot as during the latter part of those 2 interviews, the consul really opened that topic. Good luck!!!

Thank you for sharing, Chris!!! 🙂

Thanks for getting back at me. Last question, what kind of insurance did you show? It is life or medical?

HI Jewel!! I have my personal life insurance apart from the “coverage” I have from my previous employer. The consulate officer didn’t ask for any of my documents though 🙂

Hi Anne, i am happy that you were given a 10 years visa 🙂 i got denied with my interview last November 30 🙁 My question is that, is it important that i have at least 1 travel abroad? I am planning to have my second interview on January, but i don’t know if i could make it 🙁 i just need some advice on how to make it 🙂 Thank you

HI Kharen! Just getting back to blogging after the holiday festivities, hope you had nothing but a wonderful time! 🙂 While it might help that you have traveled outside your home country, the major deciding factor for the Consulate Officer to grant you a US Visa is still your “strong ties” to go back to in the Philippines. When I applied for my Visa, I have only been to HK, and my passport was really fresh and brand new! Hehe! When I got my US visa, then I started traveling all over the US and Japan. Good luck on your interview!!! Please comment back if you have questions 🙂

I would like to ask fe questions, since it’s not advised to book an air ticket and accomodation prior to the US visa application. In the DS-160 form I can indicate an estimated intended travel date as per Help tips at the right side corner of the form but I got confused what to write about the place to stay in the US, since I don’t have any accomodation arrangement yet. Is it possible to indicate undecided/any hotels or hostels that can fit my budget? Hopefully you could give me some advice about this.. You reply will be very much appreciated.

Thanks a lot!

Could you give me

Thank you for reaching out! Yes, it’s not advisable to book your tickets/hotel without having your VISA being approved yet. And Yes, when you fill out DS-160, I suggest that you put the hotel’s name and address where you intend to stay in the US. Good luck with your application! 🙂

Thank you very much for your reply, and now I got relieved…? Thanks a lot!

You are welcome, Kat!!! Good luck!!! <3

Hi, We want to pass the tourist visa to be able to visit my husbands sister and to have vacation. My husband had hes ‘s early retirement. And we don’t know what are the documents that we should prepare to pass the interview. Please help. Thanks.

HI Raquel, Please read the article as I have indicated there the documents you need to prepare before your interview. You should also check US Embassy’s website for further information.

http://manila.usembassy.gov/niv-application.html

Hi. If you just applied for a tourist visa, how come you got a 10 years visa with multiple entry, is it stated on your application? My boyfriend lives in VA and I’m hoping to meet him again when I get back. I’m wondering how? Thank you

HI Mariko, They won’t tell you after the interview if you’re getting a 10 year-validity VISA but you shall be able to see it indicated on your passport when it’s delivered a few days after your interview. Good luck to you! 🙂

Hello Anne, I have a 10 year multiple US visa issued in 2007 and will expire 2017, my last trip to the US was in 2007. Can I still travel to the US? And if yes, up to when would be the best time to travel before my visa expires?

Hi Mon Tim, Wow! Good for you! If your VISA says its valid til 2017, then you should be able to use it from now til then 🙂 Start planning your trip, US is HUGE and there are a lot of things to do here!

Incase of some advise,thanks.. [email protected]

HI Richard,

I am posting my reply here so other readers with possibly similar situation can see. When you begin to apply for your VISA and process the DS-160 online, you will be asked information about who you are going to visit in the US, where in particular you are staying, how long etc. You should also be able to have clear answers to these questions when you get interviewed by a consulate officer. The amount of money you need to bring with you depends on your duration of stay, the cost of your hotel/lodging etc. As first step, I suggest that you try to get more information about your father and start from thereon. Hope this helps. Good luck on your journey!

hi Anne .. my boyfriend wants me to apply a us visa.. how can i possibly get one.. I’m a full time mom with my 7 months old daughter and i don’t have job so he will sponsor my travel in Us.. how can i possibly get one? and I havent travel outside of the country..

I do have some questions. My father is in the us,for about 30 years up to now.. he left me since birth,im 30 y/o right now. And i’ve seen and talk to my father last 2006 in the phil when he came back for he’s mother burial or my lola’s burial. Then we talk about my visit in us,but after he live we never talk again,i dont know why. My mom and my father was not married,but i do have my father surname on my birth certificate,last month i have talk to my father’s brother or to my uncle,he said he’s gonna help me by go to us by talking to my father,but he dont have my father contact number. Until now nothings happen,and right now im in saudi arabia,working. My questions are,what am i going to do if i would like to go to us or to see my father?is that possible for me to go to us w/o my father’s contact number?if yes,how am i going to do that?do i need also a lot of money if im planning to go us?thanks a lot if anyone answered. 🙁

If any of your parents is living in the US they will deny you immediately because of family ties even you are not petitioned. The consul will always presume that you are not coming back even your intentions are honest. No good to apply if they are judgemental all the time but for those people who most likely not returning more often they are given a visa so rediculous. Maybe it’s about time to change their policy. How about putting a bond like 1 million and withdawable in a certain period like 6 months for me that is a very appropriate move to insure equal assessment to people who wants to travel and if ever they will not return within that period the said bond will be forfeited. Does this sounds fair to everyone?

Wow! Lucky you got approved with your reason of visiting your boyfriend. When I was interviewed, the lady next to me was also going to the US to visit her boyfriend and she got declined! I have already visited my boyfriend twice in the US but my reason is always to visit friends, which is also part of my vacation. If you dont mind, i have something kind of personal to ask you about visas. Is it okay if i can contact you via email? Thanks!

Sure, please email me at [email protected] Can’t wait to hear from you!

Hi, i hope you are well. I was also planning to apply for a visa not until my parents applied me and my sister for petition. They said i now have lesser chances for being approved since an existing petition is already in process. Is that true? I just dont want to waste money in case i really have low chances. Thanks.

HI Arnel, How long ago since your parents filed for you and your sister’s petition? I know someone with similar situation as yours who got his US Tourist Visa approved while the petition was ongoing. You may be right, it might be tough to get approved, but its definitely not an IMPOSSIBLE case. Good luck! Anne

I have some questions:

1. On the 10 years validity of your visa, for how long can you only stay in the US?

2. How much money do you need to prepare? Or better how much money per day do you need to have and what they can consider enough?

3. Do you need to have flight and hotel reservations at hand prior to the application?

(1) When you arrive at the First Port of Entry in the US, you will have to go through their Immigration and the Immigration officer will decide on how long you can stay via the passport admission stamp. I was given up to 6 months stay as a Tourist. (2) There is no standard on how much money you need to have for your VISA to be approved. And by experience, I didn’t have a fat bank account when I applied, but I think I was able to convince them that I have enough ties (family, property,insurance and employment) in the Philippines and I must go back promptly after my proposed trip. (3) No. Its not advisable to book your flights and hotel without your VISA being approved yet.

Are you scheduled yet for your US VISA interview? Good luck and please update us!!! 🙂

I am looking for Nanny,Caregiver.Do write me via private email address if Interested with the Said Job Position as soon as Possible.salary per month: $4000 Nanny.Location: (United States)Florida. Age: 6years Old Boy his name is (Alan) Contact Email: roberthandersonhall500 (at) gmail.com

Expect your RESUME if Interested.

Hello,I’m so lucky enough and had a chance to read your email and your looking for a nunny or caregiver who are willingly or happy to accept this job.well, I’m so happy n blessed to apply this job because I love kids.Ive been working care of newborn baby since they were born till adulthood for 30 yrs.im 63 yrs old now, and this is the nature of my living.presently I’m in Manila working ng for 10 yrs to one of the family with 2 kids n now studying at ISM..I’ll be interested to apply with you,f you re interested on me..thank you n godbless you.

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TIPS: What you'll need to apply for a US tourist visa

By Saihjee Galang Published Mar 30, 2024 10:36 pm Updated Jul 11, 2024 7:07 pm

Thinking of going to the United States for a vacation?

Acquiring a visa can be quite taxing as it requires a lot of work, but that shouldn’t hinder you from visiting its picturesque landscapes and vibrant cities.

There are two types of visas that you could apply for in the States. There's the migrant visa for those who are looking to live there permanently, but if you simply want to go for a visit and explore its beauty, the nonimmigrant visa is for you.

Before you pack your bags and book a flight, here's everything you would need to apply for a US tourist visa.

• A valid Philippine passport with a validity longer than your planned trip to the US;
• An accomplished Nonimmigrant Visa Electronic Application or DS-160 form that you can submit online;
• To complete the DS-160 form, you would need a travel itinerary, a national ID from the Philippines, and a social security number.
• Note that the form should be filled out in English. 
• Upon completion, you will receive an alpha-numeric barcode confirmation page that you must print for the interview.  
• A recent 2x2 photo; 
• Receipt of your nonimmigrant visa application processing fee paid in local currency;
• If you are employed, present a letter from your employer indicating your position, time you spent working with the company, authorized vacation, and other business purposes.
• Criminal and court records, if any.

After completing and submitting your DS-160 form online, you would need to create an account or profile in their system that you can access here . Once done, you can schedule an appointment at the US Embassy via a tab that will appear in the dashboard.

You'd be required to present your printed DS-160 form with the confirmation page, the receipt of your visa application fee for application verification, and the ten-digit barcode provided on your confirmation page on the day of your chosen slot.  

Other documents like your valid passport and previous passports and recent 2x2 photo will also be required. Incomplete requirements can cause your application to be void.   

The US Embassy in Manila is located at 1201 Roxas Boulevard. You can contact them at (+63) 2 5301-2000.    

You can check out their official website for more details.

Visa interview and processing

Note that the US Embassy and Consulate are not accepting walk-ins. Applicants are also advised to complete their application early so they would have ample time to prepare and process their visas.

The visa interview questions will revolve around your itinerary, the purpose of your travel, and other personal information to justify the accuracy of your documents. It's necessary to answer all their questions as honestly as possible.

The decision by the consular officer regarding your application will be given on the day of your interview, and " only after all of your documents have been furnished and the results of the medical examination received."

The visa processing fee is non-refundable and non-transferable. Payment transactions can be done through Rizal Commercial Banking Corporation (RCBC) or PesoNet for an online option. Tourist visas usually cost $185 or over P10,000.  

The process time for a visa usually takes three business days, though it may vary depending on the case.  

TAGS: travel visa united states US VISA america Visa guide

Saihjee Galang

Saihjee is an journalism undergraduate who loves anything pop culture, music, P-pop, and fashion.

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Visitor Visa

Visa Waiver Program

Travel Without a Visa

Citizens of Canada and Bermuda

The Visa Waiver Program  (VWP) enables most citizens or nationals of participating countries *  to travel to the United States for tourism or business for stays of 90 days or less without obtaining a visa. Travelers must have a valid  Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA)  approval prior to travel and meet all requirements explained below. If you prefer to have a visa in your passport, you may still apply for a visitor (B) visa.

Visa Waiver Program Improvement and Terrorist Travel Prevention Act of 2015

Under the Visa Waiver Program Improvement and Terrorist Travel Prevention Act of 2015, travelers in the following categories must obtain a visa prior to traveling to the United States as they are no longer eligible to travel under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP):

• Nationals of VWP countries who have traveled to or been present in Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Iran, Iraq, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, or Yemen on or after March 1, 2011 (with limited exceptions for travel for diplomatic or military purposes in the service of a VWP country).
• Nationals of VWP countries who have traveled to or been present in Cuba on or after January 12, 2021 (with limited exceptions for travel for diplomatic or military purposes in the service of a VWP country).
• Nationals of VWP countries who are also nationals of Cuba, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Iran, Iraq, Sudan, or Syria.

Requirements for Using the Visa Waiver Program (VWP)

You must meet  all  the following requirements to travel to the United States on the VWP:

Travel Purpose Must be Permitted on a Visitor (B) Visa

The following are examples of activities permitted while in the United States on the VWP. In addition, transiting through the United States to other countries is generally permitted for VWP travelers.

• consult with business associates
• attend a scientific, educational, professional, or business convention or conference
• attend short-term training (you may not be paid by any source in the United States with the exception of expenses incidental to your stay)
• negotiate a contract

Learn more about  Business Travel to the United States  (PDF - 362 KB).

• vacation (holiday)
• visit with friends or relatives
• medical treatment
• participation in social events hosted by fraternal, social, or service organizations
• participation by amateurs in musical, sports, or similar events or contests, if not being paid for participating
• enrollment in a short recreational course of study, not for credit toward a degree (for example, a two-day cooking class while on vacation)

Learn more about  Visitor Visas - Business and Pleasure  (PDF - 510 KB).

Travel Purposes Not Permitted on Visa Waiver Program – Examples:

• study, for credit
• work as foreign press, radio, film, journalists, or other information media
• permanent residence in the United States

Must Be a Citizen or National of a VWP Designated Country *

You must be a citizen or national of the following countries *  to be eligible to travel to the United States under the VWP.

• Czech Republic
• Liechtenstein
• Netherlands
• New Zealand
• South Korea
• Switzerland
• United Kingdom**

**To be eligible to travel under the VWP, British citizens must have the unrestricted right of permanent abode in England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland, the Channel Islands, and the Isle of Man.

Each Traveler Must Have a Valid ESTA

In order to travel without a visa on the VWP, you must have valid Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) approval prior to boarding a U.S. bound air or sea carrier. ESTA is a web-based system operated by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to determine eligibility to travel to the United States for tourism or business under the VWP. Visit the  ESTA webpage  on the CBP website for more information.

Updating Your ESTA

In most cases, your ESTA will be valid for two years.  You also must obtain a new ESTA if you: (1) receive a new passport, including an emergency or temporary passport; (2) change your name; (3) change your gender; (4) change your country of citizenship; or (5) need to change your responses to any of the “yes” or “no” questions on the ESTA application.

These individuals can apply for visas using regular appointment processes at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate. Consular sections overseas may be able to expedite your interview date if there is an urgent, unforseen situation such as a funeral, medical emergency, or school start date. For more information, please visit the website of the Embassy or Consulate Visa Section where you will interview.

If an individual who is exempt from the Act because of his or her diplomatic or military presence in one of the seven countries is denied ESTA, he or she may go to the  CBP website , or contact the  CBP information Center . The traveler may also apply for a nonimmigrant visa at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection strongly recommends that any traveler to the United States check his or her  ESTA status  prior to making any travel reservations or travelling to the United States. More information is available on the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) website . 

Have the Correct Type of Passport

You must have a passport that is valid for at least 6 months after your planned departure from the United States (unless exempted by  country-specific agreements ). For families, each member of your family, including infants and children, must have a passport. 

In addition, you must have an e-passport to use the VWP. An e-passport is an enhanced secure passport with an embedded electronic chip. The chip can be scanned to match the identity of the traveler to the passport. E-Passports must be in compliance with standards set by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). You can readily identify an e-passport, by a symbol on the cover. See the example below. More information about e-passports is available on the DHS website .

Emergency and Temporary Passports

If you use an   emergency or temporary passport to enter the United States on the VWP, the passport must be an e-passport. This includes VWP travelers who are transiting the United States. 

More information on frequently asked questions about VWP can be found at the following websites:

• DHS Visa Waiver Program Requirements
• CBP Visa Waiver Program

May I apply for a visa instead of using the VWP?

Yes, you may apply for a visitor (B) visa if you prefer to do so or if you are not eligible for VWP travel. Additionally, you need to apply for a visa if you will be traveling on a private aircraft or other non-VWP approved air or sea carrier. Review the  approved carriers list . Also, if you intend to stay longer than 90 days, then you need to apply for a visa. 

I was denied a visa under section 214(b). May I use the VWP?

A recent visa refusal for any reason could result in denial of ESTA authorization, additional review at the port of entry, or denial of admission to the United States. If you are uncertain if you qualify for VWP travel, you may apply for a visa.

Trips to Canada, Mexico, or nearby islands

If you are admitted to the United States under the VWP, you may take a short trip to Canada, Mexico, or a nearby island and generally be readmitted to the United States under the VWP for the remainder of the original 90 days granted upon your initial arrival in the United States. Therefore, the length of time of your total stay, including the short trip, must be 90 days or less. See the  CBP website . Citizens of VWP countries *  who reside in Mexico, Canada, or a nearby island are generally exempted from the requirement to show onward travel to another country *  when entering the United States. Learn more on the  CBP website .

How can a country* join the VWP?

A country *  must meet various requirements to be considered for designation in the Visa Waiver Program. Requirements include, but are not limited to:

• enhanced law enforcement and security-related data sharing with the United States;
• issuing e-passports;
• having a visitor (B) visa refusal rate of less than three percent (for initial designation);
• timely reporting of both blank and issued lost and stolen passports; and
• maintenance of high counterterrorism, law enforcement, border control, and document security standards.

Designation as a VWP country *  is at the discretion of the U.S. government. Meeting the objective requirements of the VWP does not guarantee a country *  will receive VWP designation.

Entering the United States

An approved ESTA allows you to travel to a U.S. port-of-entry (generally an airport) and request permission to enter the United States, but an approved ESTA does not guarantee entry into the United States. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officials at the port-of-entry have authority to permit or deny admission to the United States. Learn more on the  CBP website .

Extending your stay

If you enter the United States under the Visa Waiver Program, you are not permitted to extend your stay in the United States beyond the initial admission period. You must depart the United States on or before the date on your admission stamp when you entered the United States. See Extend Your Stay on the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) website .

Change of status

If you enter the United States under the Visa Waiver Program, you are not permitted to change status in the United States. See  Change My Nonimmigrant Status  on the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) website.

What if I am traveling to Guam or the Northern Mariana Islands?

Citizens of Australia, Brunei, Hong Kong, Japan, Malaysia, Nauru, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, South Korea, Singapore, Taiwan and the United Kingdom do not need a visa or ESTA to visit both Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands because of the Guam-CNMI Visa Waiver Program, though they must complete Form I-736 prior to travel.  People's Republic of China Passport holders also do not need a visa if they complete Form I-736 for temporary admission into the Northern Mariana Islands. For more information on the Guam-CNMI Visa Waiver Program,  click here

* With respect to all references to “country” or “countries” on this page, it should be noted that the Taiwan Relations Act of 1979, Pub. L. No. 96-8, Section 4(b)(1), provides that “[w]henever the laws of the United States refer or relate to foreign countries, nations, states, governments, or similar entities, such terms shall include and such laws shall apply with respect to Taiwan.” 22 U.S.C. § 3303(b)(1). Accordingly, all references to “country” or “countries” in the Visa Waiver Program authorizing legislation, Section 217 of the Immigration and Nationality Act, 8 U.S.C. 1187, are read to include Taiwan. This is consistent with the United States’ one-China policy, under which the United States has maintained unofficial relations with Taiwan since 1979.

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