3 Rookie Mistakes I Made When Applying for the B1/B2 Visa

I applied for a business/tourist visa from the United States two months ago for a week-long conference. Plot twist: I received the visa. But I had to go through a lot of hassle for it, and looking back there was a lot that I would have done differently in order to improve the experience.

Rookie Mistakes

Below, I will share the mistakes I made during the application process so others may learn from it.

1. Hiring an Agency. It was an expensive service that could have been done by anyone that can read English and has knowledge of using websites. I also discovered later that applying through an agent means using a separate web function, and that can create bureaucratic hurdles that would not have been there otherwise. 
2. Applying with only a One-month Lead Time. To be fair, I was only told about my US trip about six weeks beforehand, and that's due in equal measures to logistical and management reasons as well as the fact that those who do not need a US visa are not usually aware of how long the process can take. Having just one month to process the visa application makes you vulnerable to problems with scheduling the required personal interview and with the passport and visa delivery schedule. It also does not leave you room to re-apply in case the first application is denied. 
3. Postponing Submitting Requirements.  A month before my trip, I sent over the information needed for the application, except for some details such as my hotel or place of residence (processed by our office and took some time to finalize) and a a new ID photo. I was told by the travel agency, however, that they had to wait about three days more before submitting my application because the US embassy's website in the Philippines was down. That added a few more days of processing time into what is already a tight schedule.

Tips for Application

All's well that ends well for me, however. But from my experience, my hope is that I can share some insights into the process for those who want to lodge an application. 

First tip is of course not to do any of the things I listed above. 

Second is to be sure that the appropriate visa type for your trip  is the US business/tourist visa.

The B-1/B-2 visitor visa is for people traveling to the United States temporarily for business (B-1) or for pleasure or medical treatment (B-2). Generally, the B-1 visa is for travelers consulting with business associates, attending scientific, educational, professional or business conventions/conferences, settling an estate or negotiating contracts. The B-2 visa is for travel that is recreational in nature, including tourism, visits with friends or relatives, medical treatment and activities of a fraternal, social or service nature. Often, the B-1 and B-2 visas are combined and issued as one visa: the B-1/B-2.

Third: DIY the application, and create an account for a nonimmigrant visa. This account registration will be your entry point for the entire process.  Enter the data that will be asked. Here's a list of the information that you need to prepare if you are a Filipino citizen.

Fourth, you also need to prepare two recent 2x2 photos with white background and without sunglasses, copies of your new and all previous passport, employment certificate with designation, salary and length of service, business registration (if owner), income tax return, authenticated birth certificate and/or marriage certificate, bank certificates and statements or copy of credit card statement, guarantee letter, and invitation letter. Lodge your application online, then pay the fee worth about Php9,000.00.

Next, schedule a personal appearance. Most slots are full and usually there is a wait time of about two to three weeks. It is best to get into one of the early morning slots. If you are travelling to the US for an emergency, you can try and apply for an emergency visa. 

For a US trip, try to allot at least six months processing time, to ensure you have ample time to prepare documents, schedule the personal interview, and to redo the process in case the application is denied the first time. 

Seventh tip: be early for your personal appearance appointment. Follow all the rules that will be included in your appointment confirmation email. Don't bring any electronics. Make sure your documents are complete. 

Lastly, practice answering questions that may relate to your trip, such as what you will be doing in the United States, your job or business here in the Philippines, family and other relationship ties here in the Philippines and in the US. Always remember that the presumption is that all who travel to the US has the intent to migrate there, so you need to be prepared to prove that you have very strong ties here in the Philippines and do not have any plans of migrating to the US. Only answer based on what the adjudicators will ask. Be confident and polite.

 

Good luck!