Revenge travel after more than 2 years of lockdowns? I think it's time!
Apart from the Application ID, take note as well of the names of your mother's mother. This one was a struggle for me since I was basically alone handling the application for the whole family. Get ready for some information overload.
Once you're done, you'll need to print the confirmation form to be presented at the bank for payment of application.
OMG I'm so happy to be updating my blog after years! I hope you are all healthy and my only wish this 2022 is that we all get to enjoy the outdoors once more.
Anyway, I am updating this post mainly because I recently applied my daughter for a US tourist visa. I believe that the US Embassy in Manila still has limited options for those applying for a tourist visa. As for renewals, I'm unsure how it works but read online that this can be done through "drop box" option.
Here's how I did it:
1. Sign up and start your application at the State.gov website. You will always need to state your location and enter the right captcha code for logging in. Afterwards you will be redirected to another page where you'll get your Application ID, please take note of that because you'll need that as secondary login detail.
Apart from the Application ID, take note as well of the names of your mother's mother. This one was a struggle for me since I was basically alone handling the application for the whole family. Get ready for some information overload.
2. Once you're in, just answer all the questions. The questionnaire contains basic questions so it's fairly easy to fill up. If you have a relative or friend in the US, you need to put their names there so give them a heads up if you'll use their information. Make sure that you answer correctly and most important of all, HONESTLY. You will also need a 2x2 photo which you'll upload by the end of the application form.
Once you're done, you'll need to print the confirmation form to be presented at the bank for payment of application.
3. The easiest way for me to pay is by going direct to the bank (RCBC) instead of transferring payment online. You must print the US visa application deposit slip available here, click on the Deposit Slip - $160 MRV link. If you're applying as family, you need to print one copy each (you'll notice that each deposit slip has a unique Receipt Number). So as of March 21, 2022, the tourist visa application fee costs ₱8,320 per pax.
4. There are two options for setting your scheduled interview. The fastest would be calling their hotline at (02)8548 8223 or (02)7792 8988. Calling is recommended for those applying solo only but for some weird reason no one has been answering the hotline. If booking a schedule for the whole family, sign up here. They will ask for your passport number, the MRV fee payment receipt number, and the ten (10) digit barcode number from your DS-160 confirmation page.
4. There are two options for setting your scheduled interview. The fastest would be calling their hotline at (02)8548 8223 or (02)7792 8988. Calling is recommended for those applying solo only but for some weird reason no one has been answering the hotline. If booking a schedule for the whole family, sign up here. They will ask for your passport number, the MRV fee payment receipt number, and the ten (10) digit barcode number from your DS-160 confirmation page.
Since I'm applying for a minor, I have the option to drop the application through LBC (check the drop-off locations here.) You must bring the Interview Waiver Confirmation Letter that you get from US Travel Docs website (you can only get this once they confirm payment), DS-160 Confirmation Page, 2 pcs of 2x2 ID photo with white background, passport and other personal docs to support your application.
First of all, you need to prepare the documents needed to support your application. I won't be able to list all the docs here, they usually ask for the same stuff anyway, please refer to my previous posts about visa applications. All of our documents were placed inside a clear envelope.
Moving on, we were scheduled for the 9:45AM interview on a Monday. So by 8:00AM, our car was parked on the empty lot beside Emerald restaurant, which was across the US Embassy. By 8:30AM, we decided to go and luckily they were already accepting applicants for the 9:45AM schedule.
Technically, bags weren't allowed but the Embassy made an exception for those like us who have babies in tow. Speaking of babies, we were automatically lined up in the priority lane which didn't really take long. If I remember correctly, we were done by 11:00AM.
My husband was asked where he works, what was his position in the company, and how much was his monthly salary.
I was asked too, and I humbly said the I was JUST a housewife. The interviewer corrected me and responded that "It's not JUST a job. It's one of the hardest jobs ever!" And I couldn't agree more! Haha. The guy also asked how old was my son.
And for his last question, it was about our previous travel. Lucky for us, my husband and I are obviously well-traveled so we were bragging so much that we've been to Europe last summer and even visited Japan and Australia in the past. LOL
YES. But we didn't asked if we'll be given a multiple-entry that's valid for 10 years. The guy mentioned to expect the delivery of our passports in a week. Take note that our scheduled interview was last September 9 and our passports were delivered by September 11.
Sadly, I've seen some that got denied on the spot. It was kind of easy to see them 'coz they received letters that are printed in a light blue paper. If in case you get denied, don't lose hope. You can always apply again after 6 months if I remember correctly.
Well, I believe that you gotta be honest from the start 'til the finish. I do have a feeling that applicants are prescreened even before the actual interview. Presenting a hefty amount of cash honestly helps too, as proof that you can travel on your own. You must have a reason to come back to the Philippines as well. Like for example, you have a business or working for a company. You basically need to show them that you have no intentions of living the American dream.
That's all for now and good luck with your application! ;)
So what do you expect on the day of the interview?
First of all, you need to prepare the documents needed to support your application. I won't be able to list all the docs here, they usually ask for the same stuff anyway, please refer to my previous posts about visa applications. All of our documents were placed inside a clear envelope.
Moving on, we were scheduled for the 9:45AM interview on a Monday. So by 8:00AM, our car was parked on the empty lot beside Emerald restaurant, which was across the US Embassy. By 8:30AM, we decided to go and luckily they were already accepting applicants for the 9:45AM schedule.
Technically, bags weren't allowed but the Embassy made an exception for those like us who have babies in tow. Speaking of babies, we were automatically lined up in the priority lane which didn't really take long. If I remember correctly, we were done by 11:00AM.
So what questions were asked during our interview?
My husband was asked where he works, what was his position in the company, and how much was his monthly salary.
I was asked too, and I humbly said the I was JUST a housewife. The interviewer corrected me and responded that "It's not JUST a job. It's one of the hardest jobs ever!" And I couldn't agree more! Haha. The guy also asked how old was my son.
And for his last question, it was about our previous travel. Lucky for us, my husband and I are obviously well-traveled so we were bragging so much that we've been to Europe last summer and even visited Japan and Australia in the past. LOL
So do you get an answer right then and there?
YES. But we didn't asked if we'll be given a multiple-entry that's valid for 10 years. The guy mentioned to expect the delivery of our passports in a week. Take note that our scheduled interview was last September 9 and our passports were delivered by September 11.
Sadly, I've seen some that got denied on the spot. It was kind of easy to see them 'coz they received letters that are printed in a light blue paper. If in case you get denied, don't lose hope. You can always apply again after 6 months if I remember correctly.
Tips in order to get an approved US tourist visa?
Well, I believe that you gotta be honest from the start 'til the finish. I do have a feeling that applicants are prescreened even before the actual interview. Presenting a hefty amount of cash honestly helps too, as proof that you can travel on your own. You must have a reason to come back to the Philippines as well. Like for example, you have a business or working for a company. You basically need to show them that you have no intentions of living the American dream.
That's all for now and good luck with your application! ;)
Good day po! In your DS-160, in the Given name section, did you include your first name and middle name? Thank you po.
ReplyDeleteOMG so sorry for the late reply. Yes, I included first name also middle name :)
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