Ineffable.

Random musings of Chie Cerrafon

US Embassy: Visa Application Experience

posted on Tuesday, 20 August 2013 @ 04:30

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My constant prayer within the day was

"Lord, nakakahiyang lumabas dito ng rejected, kaya please, ok?"

"Lord, it's embarrassing to come out here with a rejected application, so please, ok?"

Yeah, I'm kinda tight with my daddy God.

The experience was nerve-wracking. And the long-ass wait did not help at all! I think it even exponentially increased it.

I don't want to relive every step I did, but here are some tips

Bring a 2x2 picture. You shouldn't be smiling, ears must be seen. Otherwise, you could have your photo taken inside, but it's a hassle.
Bring a book. You're not allowed gadgets so no ebooks or games. A book is your best bet for remaining sane while waiting.
Wear comfy clothes. No one is requiring you to wear business attire or party attire. I wore a sleeveless top and pants. Nothing flashy. It was more comfort than style.
Remember your document requirements. For B2: DS160, passport & appointment confirmation page (just to be sure).
Arrive there at least an hour before your appointment, it helps with the queue.
The embassy is a wide building, you can get lost in finding which gate to enter. There are guards stationed every 20 meters and it's advisable that you ask them and nobody else. They may carry big ass guns but they're quite friendly. One even suggested a place where my mom could stay while she waited for me.
Places to wait: Cross the overpass (nearest the entrance) and you could already spot a CBTL and Army Navy. Perfect waiting place for your companion.

There was this girl before me that took forever to finish with her interview, I think it took her more than 10 minutes. So I had time to listen to the other interview scenarios around me in hoping that I could distract myself to stop fidgeting. Apparently, it did NOT help at all cause when you think that the rejection-rate at the US embassy is insignificant...

WELL HELLO. You actually hear more "denied visa application" than "accepted".

Eventually, the girl before me finished (she got issued a temporary refusal and would have to return) and I had to face my biggest encounter for 2013.

My consul was a Caucasian male, about 35-years old. I've been secretly praying to get that type of consul cause I think I'd have a better fighting chance. ;)

Me: Good morning.
Consul: Good morning, how are you today?
Me: I'm doing okay (I would've said "great" but I've been waiting for almost 4 hours, I'm testy)
Consul: So what's your purpose in going to the United States?
Me: Holiday and to visit my relatives there.
Consul: Holiday... hmm. Oh, where do your relatives live?
Me: I have an aunt in New Jersey, another one in San Juan Capistrano, then I have a godmother in Nevada. (consistent with my answer in the DS160 form
Consul: Ok. So, what do you do?
Me: I'm a student.
Consul: Where do you study?
Me: I'm studying in Lasalle, err, De La Salle University here in Manila.
Consul: How long have you been going there?
Me: Right now, 4 years. (I became scared at this point cause 4 years implied that I'm graduating and will be looking for work)
Consul: Alright. What do your parents do?
Me: [yadayadayada]
Consul: Do you happen to know what agency your dad works for?
Me: *thinks* YES! [Dad's agency]
Consul: Okay. Your visa has been approved, we will mail your passport with the visa in 3-5 working days.
Me: *stunned cause it was relatively fast compared to others* OHH.
Consul: Enjoy your trip to the United States! *smiles*
Me: *scurries off* *walks like I've won Miss Universe* *trying not to smile and jump for joy*

My tip for visa applicants is to show them that you have a strong economic tie in the Philippines, that you will ALWAYS return back home cause you are better-off here. The consul people are looking for those who may have an intention of becoming an illegal immigrant or worker. And although that may be far from your real purpose, they need evidence.

Also, consistency and honesty. The truth will always prevail. *mwahahahaaha*

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