2025 U.S. VISA APPLICATION Necessities & Interview Questions within the Philippines

Planning to journey to america for the primary time? You’ve come to the correct place! Welcome to our step-by-step US Visa Utility Information for Filipino vacationers. On this article, we’ll stroll you thru your entire utility course of from reserving an appointment to nailing the interview on the US Embassy.

For Filipino nationals, any plan to journey to america begins with a visa. And the US visa is without doubt one of the most extremely coveted for a lot of causes. First, the US has an enormous Filipino diaspora that the majority of us know somebody there. Second, the American affect on Philippine tradition is plain. Many people dream of stepping foot in New York or Las Vegas or California. And lastly, it is usually a strong visa to have. When you may have a US visa, you might be allowed entry not simply to america but in addition a number of different nations that in any other case require a separate visa.

It’s no marvel that at any given day, there’s all the time an extended queue on the US Embassy in Manila. However for many people, the US visa isn’t significantly straightforward to safe. That’s why we’re half-grateful and half-relieved after we lastly received ours. Sure, we have been simply granted a US B1/B2 visa. Right here’s how we received ours.

WHAT IS A B1/B2 U.S. VISA?

A B1/B2 visa is a non-immigrant short-term visa that may allow you to enter america for enterprise (B1), for tourism (B2) or BOTH.

You should use it to do any of the next:

• BUSINESS (B1)
  Assembly with enterprise associates
  Attending a convention, seminar or conference
  Negotiating a contract or settlement
  Settling an property
• TOURISM (B2)
  Trip (leisure/vacation)
  Visiting family or pals
  Attending social occasions (live shows, festivals, exhibits)
  Medical therapy

You can’t use a B1/B2 visa to review, work, or keep for good in america.

A B1/B2 visa is normally:

• multiple-entry
• legitimate for 10 years

Sure, the 10-year validity is the perfect half. When you’re granted a visa, you gained’t have to renew or apply once more for a very long time.

I utilized for a B1/B2 visa, so each factor you’ll learn on this article is about that particular sort of visa. For those who’re making use of for a piece visa, scholar visa or inexperienced card, we gained’t be of any assist as a result of they’re exterior our private experiences.

HOW TO APPLY FOR A U.S. VISA?

UPDATE! Beginning September 28, 2024, US visa candidates within the Philippines have to schedule TWO appointments:

APPOINTMENT 1: BIOMETRICS ENROLLMENT

First, an applicant should safe an appointment for the biometrics assortment on the Visa Utility Middle (VAC). The what? You learn it proper: Visa Utility Middle or VAC. That is the place you should have your picture taken and your fingerprints scanned BEFORE your interview on the U.S. Embassy on Roxas Boulevard.

APPOINTMENT 2: CONSULAR/VISA INTERVIEW

The applicant will then be directed to the web page to set the appointment for the visa interview on the U.S. Embassy on Roxas Boulevard.

For extra particulars, see STEPS 7 & 8.

Right here’s the total utility course of when making use of for a US B1/B2 visa.

Notice that Steps 1 and a couple of are literally interchangeable. However I consider that how I organized it under is the order that makes essentially the most sense.

Step 1: Create a USTravelDocs.com account.

To enroll in an account, go to this web page.

All first-time candidates and customers within the new system should register first.

1. Faucet the “Visa Login” button on the high proper of the Nonimmigrant Visa utility web page.

   

2. Click on the “Enroll now” hyperlink on the backside of the login web page.

   

3. Set your username and password. Then, enter all of the requested particulars: electronic mail tackle, full title, and many others.

   

4. Learn the Privateness Coverage web page, then press “Proceed”. That’s it!

   

USTravelDocs.com is the official visa appointment service portal of the U.S. State Division. That is the web site the place you’ll e-book an appointment. Nevertheless, you gained’t have the ability to safe a slot till you’ve paid the visa price. For now, all you’ll want to do is create an account.

⚠️ IMPORTANT! It’s finest to begin your utility not less than three months earlier than your meant date of departure to the US. The brand new appointment course of not announce the earliest obtainable appointment date, so be sure that to allot sufficient time in your utility.

Whereas Vins and I utilized for our visa utilizing the previous system, our teammate Asta skilled making use of for hers by way of the brand new utility system. She created her USTravelDocs account, completed her D-160 kind, and scheduled her appointments round final week of November. For biometric assortment on the Visa Utility Middle (VAC) at Parqal, the earliest obtainable date was December 3. In the meantime, for her consul interview on the US Embassy, the earliest obtainable schedule was January 7. Extra particulars on this later.

That is particularly essential in case your journey dates should not versatile: say, you’re attending a marriage, a live performance, or a convention. Allotting ample further time will assist you to gauge in the event you’ll have the ability to get a visa in time in your journey and resolve appropriately.

The very last thing you need is to pay the hefty visa price solely to search out that there are not any extra appointment slots earlier than your meant journey date.

NOTE: The earliest appointment date adjustments every now and then, when candidates e-book, transfer or cancel their reserved slots. So simply because there are not any slots in your goal month doesn’t imply there gained’t be sooner or later.

If every little thing appears to be like good, then proceed to Step 2.

Step 2: Accomplish the DS-160 Kind.

The DS-160 kind serves as your utility kind. To fill it out, go to this web page.

Each visa applicant should full a DS-160 kind. For those who’re touring as a gaggle, every certainly one of you could fill it out individually.

Comply with these steps:

1. Underneath LOCATION WHERE YOU’LL BE APPLYING, select PHILIPPINES, MANILA. Enter the CAPTCHA code under it. Then click on on the crimson START AN APPLICATION button.
2. On the following web page, you’ll be assigned an APPLICATION ID.
3. Choose a safety query and enter a solution. DO NOT overlook your reply to this to keep away from getting locked out of your account.

Then it’s time to lastly fill out the DS-160 kind. It’s a really prolonged kind — with 10 pages — so allot loads of time. For those who really feel such as you gained’t have the ability to end, simply save your progress. Don’t rush it. And ensure each reply is correct. These are the main points you’ll want to put together:

1. PERSONAL DETAILS. Identify, beginning date, beginning place, and many others.
2. TRAVEL DETAILS. You’ll be requested to pick out the aim of your journey. Because you’re making use of for a B1/B2 visa, select Momentary Enterprise Pleasure Customer. Underneath SPECIFY, choose Enterprise & Tourism (Temperoary Customer).
    
   Underneath it, provide the main points of your journey. In case you have a concrete journey plan, enter your journey dates. For those who haven’t finalized these but, simply decide an meant date of arrival within the US and meant length of your keep.
    
   Please take a screenshot of this half so that you gained’t overlook the main points you entered. The consul/visa officer shall be asking you about your journey particulars when it’s time for interview.

   

3. TRAVEL COMPANIONS. Declare the individuals with whom you may be touring to america.

   

4. PREVIOUS US TRAVELS. If it’s your first time touring to the US, simply reply NO. You’ll even be requested in the event you’ve been denied a US visa earlier than or denied entry into the nation. Reply in truth as a result of they’ve a report of it anyway.
5. ADDRESS. Enter your present tackle.
6. CONTACT INFORMATION. Apart out of your contact numbers, you’ll additionally want to supply your social media account handles/usernames together with Fb, X (Twitter), YouTube, and Instagram. You’ll additionally enter your passport particulars right here.

   

7. U.S. CONTACT. If you understand somebody within the US, present their title and your relationship with them. Ideally, this individual ought to have the ability to confirm your id if deemed crucial.

   

8. FAMILY. Enter the names and beginning dates of your mother and father. In case you have family in america, you must also present their particulars right here.
    
   For those who don’t know anybody within the US, simply enter the title and tackle of an institution that you just plan to go to as a part of your journey. It may be a museum, a theater, or a theme park, so long as it’s a part of your itinerary.
9. WORK AND EDUCATION BACKGROUND. Listing down your present and former employers and work experiences (together with job descriptions) and universities/colleges you attended. Sure, this half really feel such as you’re constructing a CV.

   

10. SECURITY AND BACKGROUND. Final web page! Reply a sequence of questions in regards to the nations you visited, organizations you might be affiliated with, and army connections, if any. You’ll additionally reply health-related questions.

    

After this, you’ll be prompted to UPLOAD A PHOTO. It must be in coloration and brought throughout the previous six (6) months. No eyeglasses, hats, or head cowl (apart from faith or medical causes). The hyperlinks under can information you:

After importing a photograph, evaluate all the knowledge you equipped. Be sure each single factor is right. If that’s the case, submit your utility.

⚠️ IMPORTANT! The second you hit SUBMIT, you gained’t have the ability to make any adjustments to the shape, so guarantee each bit of data is right. If there are nonetheless particulars that you’ll want to double-check or verify, you may simply save your utility within the meantime and simply return to it when you have already got the proper information.

After submitting the shape, the following web page will show your DS-160 CONFIRMATION PAGE, which comprises your affirmation quantity and barcode. You will have the choice to print it out or electronic mail to your self. (I selected to electronic mail it to myself so I may get again to it anytime sooner or later.)

You’ll have to current this DS-160 Affirmation Web page on the U.S. Embassy when it’s time in your interview.

Step 3: Pay the visa price.

Go browsing to your USTravelDocs account. Then, comply with these steps:

1. Click on START APPLICATION on the left sidebar. On the following web page, fill out the shape together with your private particulars, contact data, mailing tackle, and passport particulars.

   

2. On the Visa Choices web page, choose NONIMMIGRANT VISA after which choose BUSINESS/TOURISM. Most often, the B-1 and B-2 visas are issued as one — B-1/B-2.

   

3. Enter your DS-160 Affirmation Quantity. Be sure you’re getting into the proper quantity as a result of the system will use it to hyperlink your appointment to the correct DS-160 kind.
4. Reply the interview waiver accordingly, then handle dependents, when you have any. In case you have dependents who shall be with you on the interview, enter their particulars and their very own DS-160 affirmation numbers.

   

5. Select the way you need to obtain your passport again: FREE PICK UP or DELIVERY. The latter entails a separate price, to be paid money upon supply.
6. Lastly, proceed to the fee web page. Select your most well-liked mode of fee.

The U.S. Visa price prices USD 185. On the time of this writing, it’s roughly PHP 10,800. Within the case of our teammate Asta, it’s round PHP 11,500.

Within the previous appointment system, there are just a few methods to settle this price, together with paying by way of on-line switch like PesoNet. However within the new appointment system, not less than what Asta skilled, solely two choices have been offered: Money and Credit score/Debit Card.

Asta selected to pay together with her Credit score/Debit card. By the best way, if in case you may’t pay immediately, you may simply come again to this web page one other time. Don’t fear, it can save you all the information you entered so that you gained’t have to fill out the shape once more whenever you log in once more. Simply pay attention to the pay slip’s expiration.

1. Go browsing to your USTravelDocs web page. On your property web page, click on “Proceed Utility”.

   

2. You’ll then be directed to the Cost Choices web page. Select the way you need to settle your visa price. Asta selected to pay by way of credit score/debit card.

   

3. Test the fee particulars. That is the way it seems for card fee. We’re unsure of the method for money funds. For those who select card fee, you’ll additionally discover the fee slip’s expiration date right here. For those who’re carried out checking, proceed to fee.

   

4. Save the copy of your receipt. You may print it or take picture of it.

   

5. Verify your receipt. Merely, click on “Submit”. After this, you may proceed to setting your schedules for biometric assortment and consul interview.

   

Nevertheless, the fee choices would possibly nonetheless change. In case the net switch choice turns into obtainable once more, right here’s what I did. I selected to pay by way of PesoNet.

1. Go browsing to this USTravelDocs web page. As quickly because the web page masses, it should generate a reference quantity.
2. Save the reference quantity. You may take a screenshot of it or copy-paste it someplace. You’ll want this quantity when it’s time to ship the fee.
3. Comply with the step-by-step fee directions on the backside of the web page. As a result of we’re speaking about paying a giant quantity right here, no want for me to repost the steps right here as some particulars would possibly change sooner or later. Simply comply with the steps on the web page to a tee, ensuring that you just’re getting into the proper reference quantity.

That’s it! It’d take some time for the fee to mirror within the system. In accordance with the web site, it ought to register on the following enterprise day, after 1:30 PM.

However in my case, I needed to wait a pair extra days earlier than I may transfer on to the following step.

Step 4: Schedule your Biometrics Enrollment Appointment.

Assuming your fee is already within the system, it’s possible you’ll now e-book your biometrics enrollment appointment. Go browsing to your USTravelDocs.com account on this web page. This is identical portal on Step 1.

Within the earlier visa utility system, all you wanted to do was to schedule your interview appointment as a result of assortment of your biometrics — taking your picture and scanning your fingerprints — would even be carried out on the day of the interview.

However with the brand new visa utility system, you might be required to schedule a separate appointment to the newly launched Visa Utility Middle (VAC) at Parqal in Parañaque in your biometrics enrollment.

NOTE: For the VAC Appointment, select MANILA OFC. Dates with obtainable slots are marked in inexperienced. You may nonetheless reschedule your appointment.

Step 5: Schedule your Interview Appointment.

If you find yourself carried out setting your appointment for the biometrics assortment, the brand new system will then direct you to the web page the place you may make your second appointment — visa interview on the U.S. Embassy.

It is going to show the earliest obtainable appointment date. This may be months from now. In my case, I utilized in September however the earliest obtainable schedule was in January of the following 12 months. However don’t lose hope. Once in a while, some candidates cancel their appointments and new slots open up. We discovered that this normally occurs within the wee hours of the evening. True sufficient, after staying up at evening, we have been capable of snag an appointment in October, which was only a month away.

As for Asta, she utilized in November 2024 and the earliest obtainable schedule for the consul interview was on January 7, 2025. Once more, it’s essential to allot loads of lead time.

Anyway, simply choose the date that finest works for you. You may change or reschedule it later in the event you discover a higher date.

That’s it! You have already got an appointment.

USEFUL TIPS:

• You may reschedule your appointment. Simply click on on the RESCHEDULE APPOINTMENT button and choose an earlier or later date. Sure, it’s attainable to likelihood upon an earlier schedule. That’s what occurred to me.
• GROUP APPOINTMENT choice is obtainable, however I haven’t tried it but, so I do not know the way it works. However in the event you’re making use of with a gaggle, strive clicking the CREATE GROUP REQUEST button on the left sidebar.

Step 6: Collect the U.S. Visa Necessities.

Whereas ready in your interview appointment date, collect all of the required paperwork.

1. Legitimate passport
2. Appointment affirmation web page
3. DS-160 affirmation quantity
4. your MRV price fee receipt quantity
5. Current ID picture (2×2)

These are the fundamental necessities. In lots of circumstances, these are all you want. BUT — and it’s a giant however — it’s finest to have all the opposite attainable supporting paperwork listed on the embassy’s web site:

6. All of your previous passports
7. Proof of revenue, property possession, ITR
8. Letter out of your employer detailing your place, wage, and many others.
9. Journey itinerary

And others, relying in your function of journey. See screenshot of the official web site under:

I indicated “attainable” supporting paperwork as a result of in some situations, they don’t ask to see these docs. Actually, I accomplished and introduced all of those however they didn’t test any of those, aside from my passport and appointment affirmation. In Vins’s case, the one different factor they checked was his 2×2 picture.

Nevertheless it doesn’t imply that you just’ll expertise the identical. A number of the candidates subsequent to me on the road have been requested to current a few of these supporting paperwork. It’s actually finest to be ready.

By the best way, in the event you discover: the US Embassy doesn’t require financial institution certificates, financial institution statements, or any proof of funds. They’re not on the checklist, so don’t hassle. It’s not wanted in any respect.

Step 7: Go to VAC for Biometrics Enrollment.

On the day of your appointment, head to the Visa Utility Middle (VAC).

Tackle: Visa Utility Middle (VAC), Parqal, Constructing 8, Degree 3, Diosdado Macapagal Boulevard, Tambo, Parañaque, Metro Manila. The title of the constructing is Cogon Constructing. It sits subsequent to The Market.

Working Hours: Monday to Friday, 7:00 AM – 4:00 PM; Saturday, 7:00 AM – 11:00 AM

It’s essential to carry the next:

• Appointment Affirmation Letter
• DS-160 Affirmation Web page
• Legitimate Passport
• Visa Price Receipt

This comes first earlier than your visa interview. Right here’s a walkthrough:

1. Once you arrive on the VAC, you may be greeted by a workers on the constructing’s entrance and shall be given a ticket quantity or queue quantity.
2. Enter the constructing and take the elevator to Degree 3.
3. Coming from the elevator, flip proper. Then, a VAC workers will test your paperwork and appointment affirmation letter.
4. After that, you may be directed to the safety test and ready space.
5. Then, the VAC workers will test your paperwork once more and they’ll affix a sticker with a QR code on the again cowl of your passport.
6. Wait in your flip to have your picture taken and your fingerprints scanned.
7. And that’s it! On to the following step: Interview!

Notes:

• Please arrive not less than quarter-hour earlier than your appointed time.
• The VAC can be an choice for passport assortment/pick-up. That’s, in the event you selected to select up your passport as a substitute of have it delivered to you. No appointment wanted for this.
• Other than biometrics assortment, the VAC additionally accepts interview waiver and/or 221g doc submission. You don’t have to set an appointment for this , too.

Step 8: Go to the U.S. Embassy for the Interview.

On the day of your appointment, present up on the U.S. Embassy for the interview. Right here’s the tackle:

Embassy of america of America
1201 Roxas Boulevard, Ermita, Manila, 1000 Metro Manila

Arrive not less than quarter-hour earlier than your schedule. Really, they begin letting candidates in an hour earlier than the indicated schedule.

Site visitors is horrible in Manila, so allot loads of lead time. For those who’re coming from distant — particularly in the event you’re flying in from the province — and also you’re on the lookout for a spot to remain, take into account a lodge that’s near the U.S. Embassy. There are loads of good selections within the surrounding space. SEARCH FOR MANILA HOTELS HERE! ✅

However bear in mind these:

• Devices or objects with batteries and ON-OFF change are NOT ALLOWED inside. Sure, that features cellphones, tablets, laptops, and even digital watches (Apple watch, and many others.).
• Meals, sharp objects, crayons, and markers are additionally prohibited. It’s possible you’ll be refused entry and your account could also be locked for 30 days in the event you’re caught sneaking any of those in.
• No lockers or baggage counters within the neighborhood. One of the best factor to do is to go together with a companion and ask them to attend for you someplace shut. You’ll discover Espresso Bean and Tea Leaf, Military Navy, 7/11, Starbucks Cafe, and McDonald’s on the opposite aspect of the street. Simply agree to fulfill at a sure time, old-school-style.

When you’re gadget-free, it’s possible you’ll now go inside. You’ll have to fall in line each step of the best way. Listed below are the steps:

1. Hand your printed appointment affirmation web page and your passport to the workers exterior.
2. Enter the constructing for the safety test. They’re very thorough, so don’t try to sneak in something prohibited.
3. Comply with the indicators and the workers to the following constructing. It’s possible you’ll be requested right here to current your passport and a few of your necessities. In my case, they solely checked my passport. In Vins’s case, passport and a couple of×2 ID picture.
4. Subsequent, you may be requested to get your fingers scanned for additional verification.
5. You’ll be assigned a counter for the interview correct. Queue up at that counter and wait in your flip.
6. Interview correct. This normally simply takes round 5 (5) minutes. It’s very fast as a result of most likely, functions have been evaluated even earlier than the interview. It’s very seemingly that they have already got a tentative determination previous to your appointment and the interview is only for validation or to settle any doubts, if any. It is usually a possibility to test supporting paperwork ought to they really feel the necessity to. In my case, they didn’t test something. However among the different candidates within the space have been requested to current supporting docs. I’ll share all of the questions within the subsequent part under.
    
   – In case your utility is permitted, they’ll take your passport so they might affix the visa sticker.

   – In case your utility is rejected or denied, they’ll inform you proper then and there. (Sure, inside listening to vary of different candidates on the queue.)

Step 9: Wait in your visa!

You must obtain your passport with a visa only a few days after your interview.

In my case, I received mine via LBC Padala simply 2 days later. If I used to be interviewed on Monday, I received the visa on Wednesday morning. I paid PHP 440 upon supply.

For those who selected PICKUP whenever you booked an appointment, it’s possible you’ll declare your passport/visa at LBC Mall of Asia.

UPDATE! Beginning September 28, 2024, prices for premium doc supply and premium doc submission shall be revised to Php430 per utility, no matter whether or not you chose the premium service earlier than the stated date.

U.S. VISA INTERVIEW QUESTIONS

Right here’s a rundown of all of the questions the consul/visa officer requested me throughout the interview.

• The place within the US are you going?
• What’s the aim of the journey?
• How lengthy is the journey?
• Are you married? Do you may have children?
• With whom are you touring?
• What do you do for a dwelling?
• How lengthy have you ever been doing this job?
• What’s the title of your employer?

That was it. Eight questions. Or 9. Vins received even fewer questions: six.

The officer’s tone was very informal and pleasant, so I responded in the identical style.

After the final query, the officer typed one thing on the pc, confronted me once more, and stated, “OK, your visa is permitted. We’ll simply mail the passport to you.”

However as a result of the interview is carried out in an open space, whereas I used to be in line, I may really hear the questions that the opposite candidates have been getting. These embody:

• Will you be visiting somebody within the US?
• Have you ever visited different nations earlier than?
• The place in (state) are you going?

⚠️ IMPORTANT! These questions that the officers/consuls are asking are the identical questions on the DS-160 kind, so it’s essential that you understand and bear in mind the solutions you entered whenever you have been carrying out it on-line. They’re not asking as a result of they need to know — they already know — however they in all probability are simply attempting for verify or take a look at in case your solutions are constant.

The issue is, when loads of time has handed between the day you completed the DS-160 kind and the day of your interview, it’s straightforward to overlook the main points. So make a copy of your solutions on the DS-160 kind.

There you may have it. That’s your entire U.S. visa utility course of as I skilled it.

Earlier than I finish this text, I simply need to commend the folks working on the U.S. Embassy for the sleek course of and nice expertise. From the Filipino workers and the American interviewers, each one was pleasant, light, and respectful. Even once they have been delivering rejections, they did it in a method that weren’t condescending or belittling. At different embassies, I’ve seen fairly excessive horses when making use of for a visa, so this was actually a breath of contemporary air. Kudos to all the employees on the US Embassy!

The place to Keep Close to the U.S. Embassy Manila

For those who’re coming from the province and also you need to spend the evening at a lodge near the U.S. Embassy, listed here are some properties across the space.

Seek for extra Manila Inns!

Updates Log

2025 1 10 – Up to date images, steps, and data to mirror adjustments in visa utility and appointment system
2024 9 30 – Up to date to mirror adjustments in visa utility course of that took impact on September 28, 2024
2024 8 4 – First up