The Quick and Easy Guide to Getting a US Visa for Filipino Citizens

Planning a dream vacation to the United States but confused about how to go through the US visa application? 🛫 Don’t sweat, we’ve got you ! In this quick and easy guide, we'll take you through everything you need to know about US visa requirements in 2023. You’ll be strutting down the streets of the Big Apple or cruising through the roads of the West Coast in no time. 

The US is known for its diverse landscapes, iconic landmarks, and thrilling attractions that are on every traveler's bucket list. And even if you don’t want to head to the big cities, there are also lots of natural wonders to visit like Niagara Falls or Yellowstone Park.  But, before you can visit, you have to fulfill all the US visa requirements. So, read on! Our guide will provide you with a step-by-step process to make your US visa application simple and stress-free. 📝

Now, ready to start your journey to the US visa application process? 🛫 The first step is to register and create an account at the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Consular Affairs Visa website. This is where you can keep track of your application, look at the different US visa requirements, check for available interview dates, and verify your payment. Don't worry, it's easy and free to register! 

Once you're set up, you can begin your US visa application for a B2 US visa. These visas are perfect for people looking to visit the US for pleasure, tourist travel, visiting friends and relatives, medical treatment, conferences, and cultural or sports events . Just make sure to answer all questions truthfully and completely to avoid any delays or rejections.  🤞

When it comes to completing your US visa application, paperwork is a must! The documents that are required to be submitted are the passport(s), a hardcopy of the DS-160 form confirmation page, deposit receipts, appointment confirmation, and a 2×2 photograph. Make sure to include both previous and current passports, and to double-check the information on the DS-160 Confirmation page. 

Also, we highly recommend you bring supporting documents such as a Certificate of Employment, Income Tax Return, Bank Certificate, Sample Itinerary, and Documents of previous visit/visa to the U.S. Just remember that all documents should be the original copies, unless otherwise stated. Don’t forget to also regularly check the official Consular Affairs Visa website to make sure you haven’t missed any of the US visa requirements. 😎

Hop online and fill out the DS-160 form, which is specifically designed for non-immigrant visa applicants. This is the appropriate form for a B1/B2 US Visa application. And don't worry, the form is clear and straightforward. It just consists of personal, travel, and work questions that you need to answer accurately and completely.  

If you can't provide precise or factual information right away, you can always save your application and come back to it later. Once you've completed the form, you'll need to upload a 2x2 photo of yourself with a white background, taken within the last six months. Remember to print it out and bring it with you as it is one of the US visa requirements you present when you arrive at the embassy. 📸

Klook Tip: For the 2x2 photo, we recommend you go for that au naturel look when you take your photo. No colored hair, or accessories, or make up. The U.S. The Embassy also no longer allows ID Photos taken with glasses, so make sure to look as simple and plain as possible. 🤳

Now after all the paperwork, it’s time to pay up. 💳 Thankfully, it’s a pretty simple process. As of writing, the standard tourist visa fee is $185 (around 10,000 PHP). It’s also non-refundable whether your US visa application gets accepted or not. You can pay through Over-the-Counter (OTC) deposits or online transactions. For OTC payments, you need to download a specific visa deposit slip to present to the bank. Be aware that these slips have expiration dates, so pay within the given timeframe, or you won't be able to choose an interview date.

If you prefer online transactions, note the necessary information to process your payments and enroll your US visa for online bill payment. Once your payment has been processed, you will receive an email confirmation, which you'll need as one of your US visa requirements. After confirming your payment, wait for a minimum of four hours before booking your appointment date. Now you’re one step closer to getting that visa, and enjoying the trip of a lifetime! 🗽

You’re almost there! Now, it’s time to schedule your interview appointment date. 📅 First, check out the available dates on the official Consular Affairs Visa website. But hold on, don't get too excited yet!  Make sure you have all your US visa requirements ready before you confirm a date.

Booking your interview appointment date can be done either online through the website or by calling their hotline. 📞 If you choose to book online, select your preferred dates and follow the prompts to successfully book your appointment. You'll receive a confirmation email after completing the process. Don't forget to print it out as it will be part of your US visa application. Whichever method you choose, make sure to arrive on time for your interview.

For your final step in your US visa application, don’t forget the following: dress to impress, arrive early, and speak politely. 😊 Don’t stress but remember that the interview will be conducted by a US Consul, so know your application like the back of your hand. Review all US visa requirements you submitted, as most questions will likely come from them. 

On the day of your appointment, make sure to leave your gadgets at home since these are not allowed inside the embassy (it’ll be a great chance for a digital detox!). Also be punctual, arrive 15 minutes before your scheduled interview. During the interview, make sure to speak English and respond appropriately. Avoid over-elaborating but also avoid giving just one-word answers. And most importantly, don't forget to flash a smile! You are going on vacation, remember?  🏖

Klook Tip: Remember that the US Consul’s main job is to ensure that you will return to your home country and that your visit to the US is for a legitimate purpose. Show that you’ve got strong ties to your home country, such as a stable job or family commitments, to show that you have no intention of overstaying in the US. 👋

Congratulations, you've made it through the US visa application process! Now it's time to sit back and wait for your visa to be approved. 🎉 To check the status of your application, simply go online and access your account. But don't get too antsy just yet – it's important to wait at least three business days following your visa interview before checking on the status of your application. ⏳ Be aware though that processing times for your US B2 visa can vary depending on the country you're applying from, ranging from a couple of weeks to a couple of months. 

Once you have your B-2 tourist, you'll be able to enter the United States and stay for up to 6 months, as granted by US Customs and Border Protection upon arrival. If you're looking to extend your stay beyond 6 months, it may be possible to apply for an extension for up to one year as long as you have the relevant US visa requirements. 🇺🇸