Ever daydreamed of chasing iconic American landmarks, like The Grand Canyon and Empire State Building? Craving for an epic adventure to the “land of the free”, but don’t know how to apply for a US tourist visa? Well, we’ve got a fascinating surprise for you! As always, we’re going to share a plethora of information to you, so you can go through a smooth and hassle-free US visa application. Of course, we’re going to reveal some valuable tips, to increase your odds of having a successful US visa application. So, are you ready to chase your own American dream?
Popular flights to the US
| Manila to Los Angeles |
| Cebu to Los Angeles |
| Manila to New York |
| Cebu to New York |
| Manila to Illinois |
| Cebu to Illinois |
Before we start, we’d just like to say that this US visaapplication guide is designed for those who are traveling for tourism and leisurepurposes. So, the type of US visa you need for this application is the B-2visitor visa. For more information about the other types of US visa, check out this website.
How early should you apply for a US tourist visa?
The truth is, there’s no specific answer to this question.But, we strongly urge you to apply as early as you possibly can. While the visaprocessing time is generally a week, some cases may take a bit longer due toother special requirements and individual circumstances.
Normally, Pinoys apply 3 months in advance prior to theirdeparture date to the US. We, however, suggest that you should apply at least 6months before your intended date of travel. That way, you’ll still have sometime to reapply in case your US visa application gets rejected (we’re knockingon wood, hoping that won’t happen to you).
US visa application requirements
- A Philippine passport (must be valid at least 6months before your scheduled trip to the US)
- Old passports (if applicable)
- Digital photo (follow these specifications thatwere set by the official US embassy)
- DS-160 confirmation page
- Deposit receipts
- Sample travel itinerary
- Bank certificate
- Income tax return
- Previous US visas (if applicable)
- Property documents
- Professional, employment or business certificates(like employment certificate or business permit)
- Birth certificate
US visa application steps
Ready to kick start your US visa application? Here are thesteps to a hopefully successful and fruitful US visa application.
Register online
Create an account at the official website of theUS Department of State’s Bureau of Consular Affairs. Traveling with agroup? Guess what? You can register everyone in your group using just oneaccount. Additionally, this website is where you verify your payment, check foravailable dates for interview as well as track down your application.
Important notes:
- Since you’ll be traveling for tourism andleisure purposes, select B1/B2 for your visa class.
- Make sure to double check the filled out detailsbefore submitting. Once you’ve finished submitting it, you may no longer changethe info indicated on your account.
Social media accounts
Applicants are, as of 2019, required to list down all theirsocial media profiles (those active for around 5 years) on the US Visaapplication form. Accepted social media platforms include:
- Youtube
- Youku
- Vkontakte
- Vine
- Twoo
- Tumblr
- Tencent Weibo
- Sina Weibo
- Qzone
- MySpace
- Linkedln
- Google+
- Flickr
- Douban
- Ask.fm
Fill out the DS-160 form
Click hereto access the DS-160 form. In essence, the form is specifically fornon-immigrant US visa application. If you can’t finish everything in one go,don’t worry, as you can save the details and retrieve it later when you’reready to proceed with your application.
Speaking of which, the form will assign you a unique application ID, as soon as you start applying online. Don’t forget to save it or take note of your application ID since you’ll need it when you access your online US visa application again.
The DS-160 form is fairly easy to answer. You just have toinput your personal details, such as your work background, passport details,family background, contact numbers and address. In addition, you’ll have toinclude your travel details, like the names of ,your travel buddies, visa classas well as US contact and previous trips to America (if any of them apply).
Once you’re finished filling out the form, upload thedigital picture to your application. Also, review every nugget of information,and ensure everything is accurate before submitting. Afterward, print youronline US visa application form.
Pay the US visa application fee
The standard fee for a US tourist visa application is USD 160, which is around PHP 8, 217 as of June 2019. And, by the way, the fee is non-refundable, regardless of the outcome of your US visa application.
Wondering how to pay your US visa application fee? Here aretwo simple ways to do it.
- Online transaction: You can use either Bancnet or BPI if you prefer to pay online. Just don’t forget the Bancnet reference number and BPI reference number. Then, enroll the US visa application for your online bills payment. Please refer to this file for Bancnet transactions or this file for BPI transactions.
- Over the counter payments: Download and be sure to present this deposit slip to the bank counter as you pay. Keep in mind that these slips have expiration dates, meaning it’s a must to deposit the fee within the required time frame. If you can’t deposit the application fee, you won’t be allowed to pick an interview date for your US visa application.
Confirm your payment
Done depositing the US visa application fee? If your answer is a big yes, then input your receipt number on this web page. Of course, you’ll need to enter your login details to use this service. After your payment confirmation, you’ll have to wait for around 4 hours before you can start booking your appointment date.
Schedule your interview date
Schedule your interview date at the embassy atthis page using your account name. Before you finalize your appointmentdate, however, consider the amount of time you’ll need to secure all theessential US visa application requirements.
To schedule your interview date, see these options:
- Call (02) 792-8988 or (02) 548-8223. Theirofficial numbers are available from 08:00 AM to 08:00 PM, from Monday to Fridayexcluding Philippine and US holidays.
- Online booking. Pick your ideal dates at this pageto book successfully your appointment. Then, print the confirmation email.
Attend the scheduled interview
A US consul will conduct your interview, so don’t forget todress appropriately and look neat. Mostly, the questions will come from the USvisa application documents that you’re going to submit. That’s why it’s soimportant to know all the pieces of information you’ve indicated.
US Embassy Manila address:
- 1201 Roxas Boulevard, Ermita, Manila, MetroManila, Philippines
Reminders and tips
- Respond calmly and appropriately, andcommunicate clearly in English. Avoid one-word or over elaborated answers. And,always flaunt a smile.
- Arrive at the US embassy 15 to 20 minutes beforeyour scheduled appointment.
- Leave your tablets, mobile phone or any othergadgets at home because these things are strictly not allowed inside the USEmbassy.
How long is the processing time?
You don’t have wait for a long time to know the results of your US visa application. On average, the processing time takes around a week. Pretty quick, right?
On top of that, US consuls assigned in the Philippines are known to be pretty straightforward, whether you like it or not. They will look at you straight in the eye, and tell you if there’s something fishy or wrong with your US visa application.
Some applicants have even encountered consuls who would reject the visa application during the interview process itself. While that can sound disheartening, at least they aren’t “paasa” who’ll lead you on only to break your heart a week or two later.
So, if you’ve finished the interview process without being rejected, there’s a good chance that your US visa application will be approved.
What if your US visa application gets rejected?
As the saying goes, try and try until you succeed. If you didn’tget it on the first try, maybe lady luck will be on your side on the secondtime (or the third time). Although youcan’t appeal their decision, you may reapply at any time you want after therefusal of your US visa application.
A word of advice, though, don’t just reapply immediately and hope that a more sympathetic US consul will handle your case. Remember, there’s a good and valid reason why they didn’t approve your US visa application. So, spend some time evaluating your application, and look for more documents that indicate you’re just visiting the US for tourism purposes.
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