My B1/B2 Tourist Visa Application Experience

Many of us are afraid to apply for B1/B2 Tourist Visa because we heard lots of stories being denied and they become so disappointed no matter how many supporting documents as an evidence of ties to prove that they will be going back to the Philippines.

Definition of a B1/B2 Tourist Visa:

B1 visas are for business trip such as training, negotiation, buy goods/material, appear on court trial, business conference, etc. While B2 visas are for general pleasure/tourist travel, visit relatives, visit for rest or medical treatment. 

B1 and B2 are combined together in one visa type. It is just being classified separately whether B1 or B2 upon arrival and interview at US Port of Entry.

In preparing for B1/B2 Application, as always, it is recommended to refer to the main legitimate link from Manila US Embassy for the Procedure on how to apply for B1/B2 Tourist Visa. My blog is not a primary procedure on applying for Tourist Visa, it is just only an experience being shared to you. Click here about B1/B2 Tourist Visa and How to Apply?

RELATED TOPIC:
My B1/B2 Tourist Visa Interview Experience
My Mom’s Successful Tourist Visa Story

From these two links, as a successful B1/B2 Tourist Visa Applicant, here are some steps and useful tips to successfully passed the B1/B2 Tourist Visa Application based on my experience.

1. Have a Sponsor: This is optional and is not necessary, but since  I have someone to pay for my trip and expenses and I don’t have show money – I decided to have a sponsor document. My sponsor  completed a Form I-134 Affidavit of Support together with the supporting documents below and sent it to me to be shown to the american consul on my interview.
   1. Copy of his latest Form W-2 Wage and Tax Statement
   2. Copy of Bank Statement of Account and letter from the bank confirming the account
   3. Deeds or Receipt of the Assets (House, car, etc.)
   4. Certificate of Employment or Employer Letter
   5. Copy of Passport
   6. No filing fee
2. Pay Application Fee: On my behalf, I paid $160 cash for B1/B2 Tourist Visa (prevailing Philippine peso equivalent) at BPI near my area.
   1. Before going to BPI, print the USA Visa Deposit Slip first that match to the Visa Application and bring it to BPI upon payment. Click here for  Visa Types and Application Fee Amount from US Travel docs and click here to find BPI Deposit Slip.
   2. Always check the latest fee from USEM in applying B1/B2, click here → for the latest USEM Application Fee. It should match the table link above from US Travel docs.
   3. Note: Visa Application fee is non-refundable, the payment is valid for 1 year after the actual payment therefore interview must fall within that 1 year validity.
3. Gather Required Documents:
   1. 3 Major Requirements
      1. Passport with at least 6 months validity from the date of intended departure from US, in good condition and photo is not damaged.
      2. DS-160, should be completed on line. Click here for DS-160 Form from Consular Electronic Application Center. Provide latest 2×2 passport style photo to be uploaded in DS-160 on line.  Photo Standard Guide. You can always save and continue to fill-up the form later.
      3. Photo. 2×2 colored standard passport style photo taken within 6 months of the current appearance, ears should be exposed without earrings, taken in front of plain white background with a neutral facial expression and both eyes open. This should be a no-brainer since most of the Photo studios knows what is required in passport style photography.
   2. Other Supporting Documents: Evidence of ties to prove that I am going back to Philippines. I provided all of these documents below however during the interview, the consul DID NOT check any of the paper nor to bother ask what are the supporting documents / evidence that I can show to prove I will be going back.
      1. Land Title and PAGIBIG Fund Housing Receipts
      2. Certificate of Employment
      3. BC of my son and his passport to show that he doesn’t have a visa.
      4. I don’t bring any Bank Statement with me since I have a sponsor
      5. No Physical Examination Needed. .
4. Schedule an Interview. Click here to schedule an interview. Make sure to keep the B1/B2 Visa fee receipt as this is necessary in making an appointment..
5. During the Interview: Of course this is the most awaited part of the process right?! Click here for My B1/B2 Tourist Visa Interview.
6. If Issued a Visa: After the interview, the consul will take the passport and will return to the provided address together with the Visa, this is the only time you will know if you are issued a single or multiple entry.

My B1/B2 Tourist Visa in Multiple Entry for 10 years

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