How I managed to get a US Tourist Visa (B1/B2)

Unlike before, applying for a visa to the USA is like a job application for fresh graduates of an over-populated profession. There is a low chance of succeeding. This is because of the strict implementation of President Donald Trump on issuing visas to foreigners as part of security measures to protect Americans. But like any jobs, you get it as long as you meet the minimum requirements and you are optimistic enough to take the challenge. I am writing this blog to give insights on how I got a US Tourist Visa especially for Filipinos to achieve their American dream.
    

Please take time to read the entire blog. This may be long but you will find it easy and informative in the end :)

6 easy steps on how I got my US Tourist Visa (B1/B2)

1. Since all visa applications are through online, I browsed the US Embassy to the Philippines website. For your convenience, here is the quick link direct to the B1/B2 type of visa application http://www.ustraveldocs.com/ph/ph-niv-typeb1b2.asp although you may also access other types of visa on the tabs on the right side of the page. You may read other sections of the page but may also go directly to the "how to apply" section which shows the steps.
2. I paid the visa application fee which is $160 about PhP 8,160 at the time of my application. This varies depending on the foreign exchange rate since all fees are converted into the local currency. I printed-out the deposit slip http://www.ustraveldocs.com/ph/ph-niv-paymentinfo.asp and paid cash at the Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI)-Abreeza Branch.You may also pay it via online banking through your BPI account or Bancnet. Here is the link of visa application fees http://www.ustraveldocs.com/ph/ph-niv-visafeeinfo.asp. Don't forget to keep the receipt as you will need it on the next steps.
3. I completed the non-immigrant visa electronic application (DS-160) form https://ceac.state.gov/genniv/. Don't forget to read the instructions before filing-out the form because there are some requirements needed on the form such as your passport number, ID picture, etc. Important reminder: Fill-out the form honestly based on your real information because the consulate will use this during your personal interview hence any mistake or fraudulent on the form will greatly affect your entire application. To tell you honestly, they will know if you are lying. To avoid, make sure that you are the one providing the information. If you are computer illiterate, make sure that you ask help from whom you can trust. These are the common mistakes done by applicants because most of the time their answers during the interview doesn't coincide with the details on the form. You need not to complete the form on the same day as you can save it and come back later if you need review and revisions before submitting it. 
4. After I completed the form, I saved it in pdf format. You need not to print the entire form because all you need is the 10-digit barcode number on the confirmation page.
5. All interviews are done at the US Embassy in Manila but you schedule it via online https://cgifederal.secure.force.com/?language=English&country=Philippines. You should prepare your passport, MRV fee receipt, and 10-digit barcode confirmation page to schedule an interview. You have to register an active email because they will be sending you the appointment letter on that email. There are only limited slots for each time interval of the day which starts early in the morning till I think lunch. They will indicate the remaining slots once you are already on the page. In my case, I chose 7:15 AM. After that, they will send you the appointment confirmation which contains all the details including all the requirements that you should and should not bring, time and date, location of the US Embassy, etc.
6. Personal Appearance. There is a reminder on the letter that you should appear at least 15 minutes prior to your scheduled time. I appeared 30-minutes prior to my scheduled time and it was a good decision because I have to orient myself on the environment. Since you have to fall in line outside the embassy because they will be screening only scheduled applicants, good thing that I chose the 2nd earliest time as it was still not that hot outside the embassy. Although there are few trees, there were no waiting sheds outside. There are people offering chairs for rent which will cost you 20 pesos per person and 200 pesos for baggage fee if you have to leave something not allowed inside.

Tips: 

1. Eat well because you need energy to go to the battle..hehe. Dress a presentable attire. A semi-formal will do. 
2. Be friendly to other applicants to gather some tips on how to answer the questions because some are reapplying for either renewal or have been previously rejected. A little chit-chat will not cost you money :)
3. Bring all the necessary documents and compile it on a clear book or envelope for convenience. Don't forget your passport because they will ask it in case your visa will be approved and will just send it back on the address you indicated on your appointment after 5 working days via a courier. Bank statement is not necessary. In my case, I brought a lot of documents like billing statements, transcript and other school records, land title, etc. Neither of it were asked by the consulate....lol.
4. Answer the questions honestly because the consulate will know if you are lying. Don't be afraid because they will not bite you. They are a bit strict and most of them are poker face although some are friendly. You are applying for a tourist visa so do not show motivations of settling for good on their country.
5. Take some time to pray. Do your best and God will do the rest!

I think my interview was one of the quickest. As far as I can remember, all in all from entering the embassy until exit; it didn't take more than 30 minutes. It was easier than a job interview...hehe. I only answered 4 questions as follows;

1. What is your purpose of travelling to the Unites States of America?
2. Who are you visiting in the Unites States of America?
3. Have you traveled to any countries outside the Philippines?
4. Are you employed here in the Philippines? Tell me about your work. Your position and its nature.

Consul: Your US Tourist Visa is approved! You will receive your passport in 5 working days on the address you have indicated! Congratulations! Neeeeeexxxxtttt.....

Me: Thank you (3x)..So you will send my passport at home? (Tanga or Gulat Mode?)

Consul: Yes

My 10-year multiple entry US tourist visa (B1/B2)

Fact: For Philippines passport holder, the US Tourist Visa (B1/B2) is powerful that you can use it to have a visa-free entry to some other countries in Asia, Europe, South America, and the Caribbean. On my experience, I visited Mexico using a US Tourist Visa.

Apply your US visa now! Who knows you may also get a 10-year multiple entry right?