For many ordinary Filipinos, going to America even just to pay a visit is the realization of a lifelong dream. Unfortunately, so many Filipino experience frustration and disappointment when trying to obtain a US tourist visa. The US embassy is very strict when it comes to allowing Filipinos to enter their country.
This fact can be blamed by the huge number of Filipinos that are staying and working illegally in America. It is no secret that US consuls can be discriminatory and intimidating when interviewing Filipinos who are applying for a tourist visa.
Many applicants dread the tourist visa interview because this very short question and answer session will determine if one will be granted or denied a visa. Sadly, the numbers of applicants who are denied are far more than the applicants who are given a visa. If you want to go to America for a visit and are nervous about the interview, the following tips might help you:
Tourist Visa Interview Tips
As mentioned earlier, the interview will last only for a few minutes and the questions are mostly related to the reason why you want to visit America. The consuls want proof that you are returning to America and have enough ties in the Philippines to be back.
Your answer must also confirm that you will go to America only for a short period and have no intention to stay as an immigrant. It is a given that people in the working age especially young single women finds it harder to get a tourist visa. Whereas it is common for consul to grant a visa to an applicant who is more than 60 years old, or children below seven years old.
Proper Timing Counts. One tip is to schedule your US trip to a conference or evnt that is related to your area of interest. Then you can reason out that you want to visit US to attend that event. It would also help if you apply for a tourist visa while you are studying because it is a proof that you will return to the Philippines to complete your studies
Be prepared. Some consuls would not even take a look at the supporting documents of an applicant, but it is still recommend that you bring documents thatwill prove your Philippine ties. If you are attending a wedding or a christening, then a copy of the invitation would help. Here are some of the basic documents that you should bring on the day of the interview.
Basic Documents: Philippine Passport, Application Fee Receipt, DS156 form , DS157 form, Required Photo, Birth certificate, Consent to Travel (for minors), Marriage Certificate ( for married people)
Documents That Will Prove Why You Need To Go To US: Invitation Letter (for an event), Travel Itinerary, Hotel Bookings, List of Places to Visit, etc.
Documents Showing Strong Ties to the Philippines: Bank records, ITR, Employment Certificate (indicate high salary and top company position if possible, Certificate of Enrollment, SEC Registration (for businessmen), Marriage certificate or birth certificate of children, etc.
Be confident. Nervousness will bring you nowhere so you must act cool and poised. Think of a really unique answerto the question - why do you want to go to America. Being as honest as possible would help. Your answer must not reveal any trace that you intend to stay for good or intend to work there.
Good luck on your application. However, if for some reason, you are still denied, don't despair too much because there are still many beautiful countries that you can visit besides America.
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