How to get a US tourist visa?

Perhaps, one of the most nerve-wracking interviews you will ever have is during your first job application. Well, not until you experience going to the US Embassy to get a tourist visa. This can be the toughest interview, especially for Filipinos whose reputation has been tainted by many fellow kababayans going TNT (tago ng tago) in America. After all, America is the land of opportunity.

We have heard of terrifying stories of many Filipinos getting denied, even after exerting so much effort and money (yes, the application fee is worth P8,000!) just to get that most elusive, most coveted visa in the world. But fear not, before you even apply, study and do your research on how to successfully ace the application process. Gauge yourself before making this big decision; go ask yourself this question, “Am I ready to apply now? Am I confident with my current circumstances?” If the answer is yes, then proceed! If unsure, then maybe you can wait for a little more time to get settled.

I just recently applied for a US tourist visa (type B1/B2) and I submitted my DS-160 online application form in October 2016 (you may apply online here). But before I can be scheduled for an interview, I need to settle the application fee worth $160 USD (download the MRV payment slip here) and pay it at the nearest BPI branch. Soon after, I called the US Embassy hotline: 976-8500 (to 8502) and I was greeted by a friendly Filipina customer service agent, who gladly helped me pick the right schedule. The earliest interview schedule she could find for me was December 5, 2016 at 10:15 AM—exactly two months after I submitted my application form.

Something happened between October and December though—which is the election of Donald Trump as president of the United States. We all know that he is not as friendly to ‘immigrants’ as President Obama was. So at that time I told myself, “oh no, I’m not gonna get that visa!” adding more jitters to my already nervous self. But then hey, I’m not applying for an immigrant visa! I just wanted to tour America and see my relatives there again.

The first time I went to the States was with my whole family back in 1995 and I went back again in 1997 and that was the last. I was really young back then but the fun memories remain with me. Spending two summers in California for vacation was pure bliss.

At the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco, California in 1995

My family (US tour, summer of 1995)

With my Lolo Oscar (standing, second from left) and relatives

At Lake Tahoe which is located between California and Nevada

My US visa expired in 2002 and my dad and I applied for renewal in 2004. My dad’s visa was renewed and mine was denied. The American consul did not ask me any questions at all! I was like, what? why? What did I do? So ever since I just invented reasons in my head. Maybe I got denied because of the post 9/11 thing, or maybe because at that time I was still a minor and the consul must have thought I might seek employment in the States when I turn 18. But I really feel that it’s because of my dad’s way of answering the consul’s questions. Yup, sorry Pop. It was you. Lol.

I think my dad was not very confident and I think he downgraded himself during the interview, for instance, when asked about his profession, he said he was a ‘farmer.’ He could have said he was a businessman who owns farmlands in the province, which is what he really was. He also did not mention that he is a politician and was a former mayor of our town in Tarlac, which could have spelled so much difference (it meant that he had strong social ties to the Philippines). As a result, his visa was renewed with only one year validity and mine was not.

So since then, whenever my family goes to the US, I was left alone. You can probably remember Macaulay Culkin in Home Alone. That was my favorite movie when I was a kid. That’s like me, only there is no snow in the Philippines.

Therefore, the interview portion is the make-or-break part of your US visa application process, so you better start preparing for all kinds of questions that may be asked to you (like, why should you be the next Miss Universe? Lol).

Seriously now, below is the list of questions that were asked to me during the interview and the answers I gave:

1. What’s your full name? (Good thing I didn’t forget my name)

2. Where in the States are you going? (Vallejo, California)

3.  Who are you visiting there? (My uncle)

4.  Who are you travelling with? (my family)

5.  How long are you staying? (two weeks)

6. When are you leaving? (specific date)

7. When are you coming back? (specific date)

8.  Who is paying for your trip? (I am)

9.  What countries have you been to? (I only mentioned the top three countries I quickly remembered at that time: Japan, China, and the US)

10.  When was the last time you went to the States? (1997)

11. What’s your profession? (public relations executive)

12. How much is your monthly income? (confidential for this blog ha ha!)

13. How long have you been with your company? (four years)

14.  Do you have kids? (none)

15. What’s your dad’s name? (Noel Antonio)

16. What’s his profession? (vice mayor)

The consul was looking at his computer most of the time, researching my files perhaps and my dad’s. After a few seconds, the magic words came out of his mouth, “Your visa is approved, you will get your passport back in a week, thank you.”

I walked out of the embassy singing, “I’m dreaming of a white Christmas” and I ordered a lot of food at the restaurant across the street where I parked my car. I was so happy!!! Finally, I can go to the States again! After almost 20 years! I messaged my relatives abroad. They were so happy, too! I called my mom, who even prayed the Novena for me to pass the interview. Lol.

Now, let’s look back at the question and answer portion. Here are some reminders for you to ace that interview:

1. Dress up properly (wear smart casual clothes; not too formal and not too casual either, just make sure it’s comfortable to help you relax).

2. Be pleasant, freshen up and smile! (invite all the positivism on that day).

3.  Arrive early (my interview was at 10:15 AM and I was there at 8 AM, but mind you, you are not allowed to loiter or wait outside the embassy, so I just stayed at the Starbucks across the street. You can start falling in line 30 minutes before your scheduled interview).

4. Don't forget to bring your US Visa Appointment Confirmation form, the DS-160 Confirmation form and the the MRV Payment receipt.

5. Prepare all the necessary supporting documents that may come handy during the interview, just in case the consul asks you to show them (BIR income tax return, bank certificate, certificate of employment or enrollment, NSO birth certificate, credit card statements, old passports, affidavit of loss for old passports and two 2x2 colored photos with white background)

I placed all of my documents inside this file briefcase

I even put labels on each document so that I won't rattle searching for it just in case the consul asks me for it.

6.  Be confident but not overconfident, the consul might think you are up to something. Don’t be too humble either, the key is to highlight all your strengths and to be natural. (Practice your conversational English with your friends, coworkers).

7.  Don’t appear rehearsed or hyper (naka ilang kape ka?). For example, when greeted by the consul with a “good morning,” just greet back with a “good morning,” too. Don’t say, “Good morning! How are you today? You’re looking great! You are so beautiful!”—cringe!!! What are you even thinking?

8.  Provide short and concise answers. Americans are straightforward and they surely do not want to hear your Maalaala Mo Kaya story. The longer your answer, the more that it would look like you are hiding something (take a look at how short my answers were).

9. Be truthful! Don’t say something that would raise a feeling of doubt. The consuls are trained to read body language and tone of voice. They would know if you are lying.

10. Prepare a list of questions in your mind and internalize on your answers. Do not memorize! Otherwise, you will just forget them in your nervousness.

11. Don’t eat exotic food and dairy products before the interview! (I ordered pandesal and Americano coffee at Starbucks with no milk! And yes, lol to the Americano coffee. I told you, invite all the positive energies on your interview day).   

12. Go to the toilet first before the interview, do what you need to do (you don’t want to be interviewed while natatae, right?)

13.  Lastly, prepare yourself for whatever the outcome is (no matter how good you are, accept that there are certain things that are beyond your control).

Based on my own research, here are other possible questions that may be asked, that were not asked to me:

1.  Do you have a girlfriend/ boyfriend? (for single folks)

2.   Are you part of the LGBT community? (because America has same-sex marriage)

3. Why do you want to go to the States? (Just tell your true intentions! Don’t invent reasons)

4. Why do you keep coming back to the States? (for frequent US travelers)

5. How come you stayed for 5-6 months? What did you do? (for those who maximize their 6-month allowable period of stay per entry)

6. Why are you renewing your visa only now? (for those who have not renewed in a long time)

7.  Do you have immediate family members in the US? (is your mom, dad, brother, sister in the US?—say the truth, their records will reveal it anyway)

8. What do you do in your job? (make sure you have substantial knowledge on your field of work. I heard of a seaman getting denied after he was asked about a part of a ship and he could not describe it)

Many Filipinos focus on why they should be granted a visa, but I think you should also think of the reasons on why your application will be denied, so that you can already address these issues now.

On judgement day, all you have to do is prove that you have strong social and economic ties (stable job and financial capability) in the Philippines. Good luck on your application! May God bless you and may God bless the United States of America! Ha ha!

At Yosemite Park in 1997

With my cousin, Tiffany

With my mom at Los Angeles Airport, 1997

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