I had been receiving a lot of inquiries about tourist visa since mama got here in Arizona to help me out with my baby. Basic questions like, how she did it. What documents she prepared and what questions were asked. And I told everybody that applying for tourist visa is a matter of luck. There’s no guarantee wether you have millions of money in the bank, or you owned 5 houses or you have 10 cars. All of that doesnt matter.
Mama doesnt have money in the bank when she applied for it, but I told if the Immigration Consul will ask you how can pay for all the expenses if you don’t have money in the bank, tell him/her that me and my husbnad invited you here to come in U.S so you can see your grand daughter and that all expense will be paid for, including airline ticket and you also have a place to stay. My husband and I made a letter of invitation although, its not necessary.
We were told by friends that we need to give mama an Affidavit of Support notarized but since does not constitute any ties to the Phil. we didnt do it. AOS, is only required for immigrant visa. Plus, the interviewer is less concerned of how she will support herself during her stay in U.S. but rather show proof that she will return home. So, we didnt waste our time with it.
She prepared all documents that was stated in the Embassy of US website. The most important thing is that you have to prove to the Consul that YOU ARE GOING BACK TO THE PHILIPPINES. Here are some of the list that can prove your ties to the Phil.
EVIDENCE OF TIES
Ties are the aspects of one’s life that bind him or her to his or her place of residence, including family relationships, employment and possessions. In the case of younger applicants, who may not have had an opportunity to establish such ties, interviewing officers may look at educational status, grades, the situation of their parents, and the applicant’s long-range plans and prospects in the Philippines. As each person’s situation is different, there is no set answer as to what constitutes adequate ties.
The interviewing consular officer may request supporting documents during the interview. Be prepared to present evidence of the applicant’s or the applicant’s parents’ (if the applicant is a minor) ties and financial status in the Philippines such as :
1. Bank statements for the last three (3) months and both current and former bank account passbooks
2. Employment certification including salary, tenure and position
3. Form W-2
4. Income tax return with Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) or bank stamp
5. Audited financial statement with BIR or bank stamp
6. Pay slips for the last three (3) months
7. Credit card statements for the prior three months
8. Vehicle registration with official receipt
9. Land titles (no certified copies please)
10. Pictures of family, home or business
11. Wedding photos
12. Marriage certificate printed on the Philippine National Statistics Office security paper, if applicable
13. Birth certificate printed on the Philippine National Statistics Office security paper
14. For students, certificate of school registration
15. Certification of membership to legitimate organization(s)
Due to the large volume of applications processed each day, consular officers may not always look at supporting documents, unless there are points in the application forms or in the interview that need clarification.
INTERVIEW
During the interview, my mama was not asked for any of those documents!! She had a whole bunch of them but the only thing that the Consul was holding is application form. Questions that was asked of her was: Why are you going to US? Who are you going to visit? How long did you intend to stay? Where did you work? How long did you work there? How many children do you have? What does your husband do?
I guess what impressed the Consul most is that mama told him that if he will grant her visa, she is only allowed to visit 3 months because she has to go back to work, and that she working in that company for 32yrs! Also, when the Consul ask what my papa do (job), she told him that papa is retired but before he retired he work in the same company she is working for 39 yrs. That in itself is a convincing factor.
After the interview which only took 5 minutes, she was told that she was approved. But she didnt know that she was given a 10 yr multiple entry visa until she receive her passport in Davao, one week after her interview.
For all those, who thought that their mom, dad, relatives or friends of even those who thought of applying for tourist, why not try. Who knows the luck is yours to grab.
Here are some helpful websites:
http://manila.usembassy.gov/wwwhniv7.html - Overview about Tourist/Visitor’s Visa (B-2)
Non Immigrant Visa Application Procedure
Form DS - 156
Form DS - 157
Maybe I just got lucky..
