Best tips and advice for a Non-Immigrant Visa Application

Planning to apply for a US non-immigrant visa application but unsure where to start? How can I apply for a US visa in the Philippines? Where in Manila city is the exact location where can I apply for a US visa? How can I apply for a US visa here in the Philippines? If you have these questions, don’t worry as thousands of other Filipino citizens are faced with the same questions.

First off, if you are going to apply for a US visa here in the Philippines, don’t bother trying mapquest for directions as it is quite easy to locate the US embassy in Manila City. The office of the US embassy is located in a safe and busy part of manila along the main road of Roxas Boulevard. If you are applying for a US visa, then you should also know what department or room you’re going. The exact address of the US embassy in Manila City for visa application is Consular Section, 1201 Roxas Boulevard, Manila, Philippines 1000

US non immigrant application is not that hard or confusing with the right instructions and good advice. However, like any tasks, it would be nice to have a background or idea of the US visa application. So if you got time, suggest to visit the links provided on the bottom of this post.

Before continuing, as the title implies, the information provided here are only tips and advices when applying for a US non immigrant application in Manila, Philippines. If you are living somewhere else and/or not a Filipino citizen, the information and advice mentioned (even on the links) might not be applicable.

Moving on, having the required documents like passports, and POI (proof of identification) is not enough but of course these are important (especially the passport). Be sure to take the following visa application tips and advice when applying for a US non immigrant visa here in the Philippines.

• When applying for the US non immigrant visa, don’t go to the US embassy office, as the application is done online. Phone support is also available but the auto attendant provides too much number to dial that it can become quite confusing. Again, it is advisable to do the visa application online.
• Be sure to follow the photo requirements – filesize, photo dimensions, etc… The DS 160 form will not accept the photo if a single requirement is not met.
• As much as possible, the file size of the photo should not be lower than 160kb.
• Bring a hardcopy of the photo during the interview.
• BPI is one payment option for the fees. Be sure to ask first if the BPI branch is an accredited bank before lining up for payment. It would be quite frustrating to line up on a long line and knowing from the teller that the bank is not an accredited bank.

• When paying for an accredited bank, don’t forget to bring the accomplished printed application form and passport. The teller would tell the details to put down on the deposit / payment slip.
• Scheduling an interview, could only be done after paying the necessary fees. The scheduling process would require the receipt number or code from the payment receipt.
• Visa appointment and scheduling can be done by phone or online. When doing it online, make it early as the slots are quickly filled up. I did it between 6 to 7 am (and by rechecking the visa application slots by 9 am, all are already occupied)
• Be at the US embassy office at least 30 minutes prior to the actual interview time. From first-hand experience, numerous people are already lined up as early as 5:30am.
• During the visa application interview date, there would probably be two lines. For immigrant / seaman applicants and one for the non-immigrant applicants. Make sure to ask for the correct one. This is to avoid any hassle or inconvenience on your part at the end of the line.
• If you have some Chinese or any other heritage, you probably have a native name.
• An example of other names are maiden name and native names.
• Don’t invent things on the application form just to make it longer as this is not important for the interviewer.
• Be HONEST!!!

• Bring as much supporting documents as possible. This may include bank statement, certificate of employment, government IDs, proof of billing, etc…
• Any type of electronic devices are prohibited inside the US embassy office. This may include mobile phones, USB, memory cards, mp3 players, etc…
• Again, any form of ELECTRONIC devices are prohibited inside the US embassy office.
• If by chance, you have brought an electronic device, you may opt to deposit it on the so-called "depositors" – people that roam outside the US embassy, asking applicants if they have any electronic devices with them. Be warned though, this depositors are apparently not connected with the embassy and there is no telling if your electronic gadget is really safe with them. If you still decide to deposit any item to them, be sure to remember the face, ask for some kind of claim stub, and prepare the fee that they will require.
• Bring a ballpen
• Bring a binder where you can organize your things and papers.
• There’s a small snackbar inside the embassy so don’t worry about being hungry during the interview.
• Double check all required documents needed before going to the US visa interview.
• You will know the result if you passed or not right after the interview. If you passed, then the interviewer will inform you when your passport be mailed back to you with the corresponding US visa.
• If you fail, you’ll probably hear the word sorry. This is normally due to your answer is not good enough, you are caught obviously lying, etc…

That’s it. Remember that these are just tips and advices, successful application is not guaranteed. Think more the list as a guideline. At the end of the day, it’s up to you, your confidence, and your response to the interviewer that will make the difference between a successful or "try again" application.

Be sure to check regularly for updates or additional tips and advices. Good luck on the US non immigrant application.