Easy Steps to Get US Tourist Visa for Filipino Travelers 2017 (Part 1)

This is intended to show step-by-step procedures to get non-immigrant tourist US Visa for Filipino Citizen. Only the process to get scheduled for an interview by US consulate will be discussed in Part 1. The tips to win that US tourist visa will be continued in Part 2 and 3.

Step 1:

Pay MRV fee $160 or Php 8320 over the counter or online at any Bank of Philippine Islands (BPI) branch.  As of September 2017, the conversion rate is 1 USD = 51 Php. Print the MRV deposit slip and present it to the bank. Take note of the Receipt Number as it will be needed for registration which will be discussed below.

Reference:

Step 2:

Fill-out DS-160 online form. In the homepage, it will allow applicants to select the location where to apply visa, which in this case, choose PHILIPPINES, MANILA. Then, enter the code as shown in Captcha Bot Detector. Such code is added to the site as a security measure to prevent from attackers. 

Next, click START AN APPLICATION. This will prompt you to your DS-160 form. Take note the Application ID as it will be needed when retrieving or uploading application. It will take 75 minutes to fill out through the form. The form will be expired in 3 months if not signed. 

Tip #1: Answer all fields truthfully, the whole truth and nothing but the truth.

If you need help in filling out DS-160 form, comment down below. I will share more tips and strats.

Reference:

Step 3: 

Upload photo. This is actually one of the steps while filling out DS-160. Strictly follow the photo guidelines as suggested here. When you go to photo studios, they already know the size and details just tell that this is for US visa/passport photo.

Some checklist:

Reference:

Step 4:

Schedule the interview. Create an account at APPLY FOR US VISA. Follow the steps as indicated in creating a new account. Prepare the MVR Receipt number and DS-160 Application ID, you will use it here.

Here’s the procedure to schedule the interview.

3. Visa category is Business/Tourism

4. For Visa class, you may choose either B1/B2 or B2

5. Fill out the form with personal data. Enter the Application ID that was signed. First available appointment is also displayed on the left pane.

6. Add Dependents, if there’s any. Just click Continue button, if none.

7. Choose the delivery option. It is much convenient and safer to deliver the passport at home.

8. Enter the Receipt Number. Click Continue, and they will verify it if paid.

9. Get prompted to interview slots available. 

Tip #2: Choose the earliest schedule available for the selected date. Many believed that consuls are not grumpy early in the morning.

10. Confirm the schedule. Print a copy of the confirmation code which will also be sent to registered email. Also, download the copy of DS-160 form as a reference. But note that, DS-160 form is not allowed to bring during the interview.

Now, you are scheduled for the interview. Prepare all the supporting documents needed and get ready for the upcoming interview.

Check out Part 2 for the documents to prepare and Part 3 for tips on the day of the interview.

Disclaimer: The site and author are not affiliated, associated, authorized, sponsored by, or in any way officially connected with U.S. Visa Information Service for the Philippines and U.S. Embassy in the Philippines. Visa issuance is not guaranteed through all these steps. This is served as a guide only.