By Dan Forteza
This post may contain affiliate links which means if you purchase something through that link, I will make a small commission at no additional cost to you. Think of it as buying a cup of coffee for me on someone else. Thanks & enjoy!
Get your US Tourist B1/B2 Visa ready because you’re going to see what the United States has to offer! Though I understand US visa is probably one of the hardest visas in the world to get but it is all worth it. In this post, I’ll be giving you a step-by-step guide, a list of the requirements, my experience throughout the whole application process, interview questions, and other tips to help you get your US tourist visa!
Read also: My US Visa Interview And How I Answered The Questions
But again, just like in other visa application blogs I’ve written, no one can give you the guarantee of your US tourist visa’s approval – not me, not even a lawyer or a travel agent. If anyone does, is most likely a scammer!
I know you must have heard tons of horror stories from people regarding their denied US visa applications. Because of the huge number of Filipino illegal immigrants, the US Government is very strict about its immigration laws.
It’s alright to feel nervous. I was nervous, too! But for now, let’s set aside those negative thoughts. Let’s be positive so that that positive energy will radiate to the people around you.. even to the interviewer! =)
Anyway, enough of that and let’s get started!
US VISA B1/B2 FOR TOURISTS
The B1/B2 visitors visa is for people traveling to the United States temporarily for business (B1) or for pleasure or medical treatment (B2)
- B1 visa is for attending business conventions and educational conferences
- B2 visa is for tourism, visiting friends or relatives, medical treatment
To be granted a US tourist visa, you must be able to prove that:
- your visit is only temporary
- you have enough money to cover all your expenses during your stay
- you have binding ties that ensure your return to your country
WHEN AND WHERE TO APPLY
WHEN: Application shall be made at least 2 months prior to your intended departure. But since I was on a hurry, I did it all in a month! =) Here is my application timeline:
- Day 1: Read Blogs
- Day 5: Book Hostel Accommodations (I need this information prior to submitting the Application form online).
- Day 6: Get myself an ID picture both digital and hardcopy
- Day 8: Pay for the Visa Fee
- Day 9: Submit Application Form Online (I am rushing, I know!)
- Day 9: Schedule Interview Appointment. Note that I chose the earliest available date which is 21 days away!
- Day 30: Day of Interview. On this day, you’ll immediately know whether you’re approved or not.
WHERE: Application and personal appearance interview will take place at the U.S. Embassy in the Philippines at 1201 Roxas Boulevard Manila, Philippines 1000. Please be at the Embassy gate 30 minutes prior to your interview
GET YOUR US TOURIST VISA IN 5 EASY STEPS
STEP 1: PAY THE VISA FEE
There are 2 ways to pay US Visa Application Fee:
- Online via BPI website or Bancnet website
- Directly at the BPI Bank Branches
In my case, I chose to pay it directly to the BPI Bank Branches.
- Go to the visa info page of the US Embassy website. As of April 2019, the visa fee is USD160. This is the costliest visa fee I’ve ever paid!
- Then go to this page. Download and print your $160-deposit slip. Or click HERE to download directly the slip.
NOTE: There is an expiration date on the deposit slip. Ensure that you pay it before it expires!
NOTE: Visa Fee are non-refundable & non-transferable. After you have paid the visa application fee, keep the BANK receipt for your records. It cannot be replaced if it is lost. You will not be able to schedule an appointment without your receipt number.
STEP 2: FILL UP THE VISA APPLICATION (DS-160) FORM
If you are a solo backpacker like me, you need to book first your room accommodation. You will need this information to answer the form of where you’ll be staying.
TIP: I usually book my hostel accommodation at booking.com. Thus, I recommend you guys trying it as well. Room accommodation ranges from cheap hostels to luxury hotels. Book hostels through booking.com as they have free cancellation or pay-at-the-hotel option.
Use my link to book your hostel and you’ll get 10% of your booking back after your stay. Click this link to get that discount.
Or try Airbnb in finding comfy and cozy rooms! I have used Airbnb on some of my other trips and I loved it!
Have you tried Airbnb? Sign up with my link and you will get up to 42 USD (2,200 Php) off your first stay. Click this link to get that discount.
To start filling up your own form, click this link (DS-160 Form). You can access a DS-160 form sample in this link as your reference.
NOTE: Prepare also your 2″x2″ digital photo. This will be uploaded on your application form.
TIP: Be brutally honest when filling up the application form. The interviewer will base his/her questions on your filled up form. So when he/she caught you lying from something that you wrote in the form, you’re dead! =(
The confirmation number generated after filling up the form is needed to set up appointment. Shown below is my confirmation page, please print this as you’ll be needing this during the day of your appointment.
STEP 3. SCHEDULE APPOINTMENT
After making payment (step 1) and completing the DS-160 Form (step 2), you can now schedule your appointment. Prepare these 3 info: Passport Number, Paid Receipt Number, and Confirmation Number. Go to this SITE to schedule your appointment.
Once done, save and print you appointment letter. The appointment letter should look like this – see below.
STEP 4. PREPARE OTHER SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS
Once you’re done setting up your appointment online and while waiting for your appointment day, you need to prepare supporting documents. In order to support your answer during the interview, the interviewer will most likely ask for proof of documents. Here are the set of documents I’ve prepared:
- Old Passport – To prove your travel history. Your travel history will most likely be asked during your interview like ‘Have you traveled before?, Where and When?’.
- Hostel Booking – I usually book my hostel accommodation at booking.com. They have free cancellation options.
Have you tried Airbnb? Sign up with my link and you will get up to 42 USD (2,200 PHP) off your first stay. Click this link to get that discount.
- Itinerary of planned tourism activities
I can provide you a copy of mine if you like. Just leave a reply on the comment section below.
- Latest Income Tax Return (ITR), Certificate of Employment, Payslips, Bank Passbook / Bank Certificate.
- Travel Insurance – I highly recommend getting travel insurance from World Nomads.
STEP 5: GO TO THE EMBASSY AND KILL THE INTERVIEW!
Visit the U.S. Embassy on the date and time of your interview. Bring a printed copy of your Appointment confirmation, DS-160 confirmation page, One recent 2″x2″ photo ID, and all passports. NOTE: Applications without all of these items will not be accepted.
There are also things NOT allowed inside the Embassy such as mobile phones. Interview proper is next. I created a separated blog post from experience during the interview. Click HERE to read.
After the interview, you’ll know immediately if your visa is approved or denied. By the way, I was approved and got my 10-year multiple entry US visa after 3 days! So I wish you all the best! =)
SUMMARY:
- Visa Type: B1/B2 (Business/Tourism)
- Visa Validity: 10 Years
- Entry type: Multiple Entry
- Visa Fee: USD160.00
RECOMMENDED PACKAGE TOURS
I highly recommend booking tours through Viator which is perfect for your U.S. itinerary:
- Big Bus San Francisco Hop-on Hop-off Tour
- Alcatraz Tour with Relaxed Lunch
- Yosemite National Park Day Trip
- Grand Canyon Ultimate Tour
BOOKING ESSENTIALS
- Hotel / Hostel: Booking.com – ranges from cheap hostels to luxury hotels.
- Airbnb: Sign up with my link to get up to 42 USD off your first stay.
- Flights: KAYAK – usually offers cheap fare rates compared to other booking sites.
Dan Travels 