It's been a very long time since I last wrote and posted blog entries. After my European travels, I went to other countries and also obtained a multiple-entry visa for Japan. I also travelled to Palawan and other provinces.
I decided to write again since many are asking me how the US visa interview process was, and I was on my second menstrual period when I attended the interview. I want to share how many comfort rooms/restrooms/toilets I saw in line inside the US Embassy.
How to get a US Tourist Visa from the Philippines
Visit the official US embassy in the Philippines website first, as usual, when applying for your US visa to see the latest process and updates, as my application experience will become outdated:
https://ph.usembassy.gov/visas/
Table of Contents
- How I applied for my US Tourist Visa and scheduled my interview (short version)
- I want to update / correct my DS-160 application form. Can I edit or change it after I schedule my appointment?
- Locker or Storage facility in VFS US Visa Biometrics Parqal Mall
- How I Prepared for my US Visa Interview
- Arrived near the US Embassy
- Toilet / CR while lining up at the US Embassy for a visa interview
- Inside the Embassy and the 3 steps for less than an hour
- Interview Questions
- How to check the Visa status
- Public transport / Commute
How I applied for my US Tourist Visa and scheduled my interview (short version):
I filled in the DS-160 form on https://ceac.state.gov/genniv/
It is not required to complete your application form in one sitting; you can save it and fill it in over days, just take note of your DS-160 application ID number. After submitting the form, you can schedule your biometrics appointment (Manila OFC: Parqal Mall) and your consular interview (Embassy/Consulate OFC: US Embassy).
http://www.usvisascheduling.com/
Parqal Mall is located in Aseana City, Diosdado Macapagal Blvd.
US Embassy is located in Roxas Blvd.
I paid ₱11,100 Philippine pesos ($185 USD) for my B1/B2 visa fee. There were many online payment and bank payment options. I chose GCash (₱10 service fee) just to be sure that what I pay is cheaper in case the USD amount was not immediately converted to Php. I should have tried using Maribank debit card for cashback.
After the payment, wait a few minutes to see if the website refreshes automatically and goes to the calendar. If not, remember your username, password, and answers to your security questions before logging out, then log in again after an hour or the next day to book your appointments.
The biometrics appointment should be at least 1 day before the consular interview. Although it often shows on their calendar that the available consular interview slot is at least a week after the biometrics appointment. There is no undo or previous button, which is why think twice or more before you click the date and time of the appointments.
You can reschedule only two (2) times after your initial appointment schedule without additional charge)
I want to update / correct my DS-160 application form. Can I edit or change it after I schedule my appointment?
The good news is you can replace it. The bad news is that you cannot edit it. The good news again is that you can create a new DS-160 application form and open a case in your visa scheduling website account to replace your DS-160 form without paying the visa fee again. I did mine as I need to update my US citizen relative's contact details.
The support team will reply to your case, and when you reply to them, you will open a new case and mention the previous case or case # so the new support can return to your previous message.
When I had my DS-160 form replaced, it took 3 to 5 days (within weekday), but 2 to 3 days before I received their final reply, I rescheduled my biometrics and consular interview to be sure that I can go to Parqal mall with my new DS-160 form. When I received their final reply, they did not mention that my DS-160 had been updated. I just checked my Appointment Confirmation details and saw that my Application form ID number had already been updated.
Some people mentioned that if you are unable to open a case, you can bring your new DS-160 form to your biometrics appointment to have it replaced on the spot, but I never tried it.
Locker or Storage facility in VFS US Visa Biometrics Parqal Mall
If you don't have a chaperone with you or a car, you can leave your things at the Baggage House, also in Parqal Mall (Php 150/day). I made a reservation by sending them a message days before my biometrics appointment. I only took my passport, Appointment Confirmation Letter, and DS-160 confirmation form with me. Some people suggest leaving things in the lockers at BOUNCE near the car park (Php 30 per 30 minutes), but I've never used them.
I arrived 15 minutes before my appointment and waited around 10 minutes (I was one of the last people in line for my time slot) outside, where the Parqal mall fountain was located. Before we went inside the Cogon Bldg., the staff checked our appointment letters. We rode the elevator going to the 3rd floor. It took less than 15 minutes for the biometrics and picture-taking. The picture in your biometrics will be the one to be used when they stamp your visa in your passport.
How I Prepared for my US Visa Interview
It took many years of travel since 2012 for me to apply for a US visa because I often thought I have to prove that I had a steady income and a strong travel history to be considered a tourist. Paying for the visa and going to the embassy for an interview takes a lot of effort, and I do not want to waste my money, time, and effort on an uncertain result. I live in Quezon City, and I have to plan carefully about this, especially for those coming from the province applying for any kind of US immigrant and non-immigrant visa.
The fate of my interview largely depends on the consul's personality and the way I answer questions.
I watched YouTube videos of fellow Filipinos who applied both rejected and approved. I watched some ex-consul video tips.
These are the videos that helped me the most in my profile:
- When the consul is serious and intimidating
ZF Visa (from an ex-visa officer/consul)
- How to answer the interview
Szew Law Group
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HFuRQCXrLSo
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ORh9VbGpx5I
- 1st time to travel abroad (this is where I got the idea of not bringing a large file/folder organizer)
My personal tips to ace your US visa interview
As bags and gadgets (including phones, electronics, and smart watches) are not allowed inside, kindly bring your documents and follow these tips.
- Do not bring a binder, thick clear book, or a
large file organizer, as bringing this might give the impression that you
are desperate to go to the US, whether as a tourist or a worker. I'm not sure
if following this tip also applies to an immigrant visa. Bring a
durable, expandable, long plastic envelope with a handle instead. For organizing the
papers inside, use paper clips and color-coded tape flags/ sticky notes. You may
bring a ballpen, but you really don't need it inside.
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| This is the one I bought (with zipper) in National Bookstore for Php 97.00 |
This is how I organize my files:
- Bring a foldable fan or any small fan without a
pointed handle. You can bring a folded piece of scratch paper in case
your fan did not fit inside the plastic envelope.
- I brought a mini pack of tissues and a mini pack
of wet wipes for hygienic purposes, and put those behind my papers
inside the plastic envelope. I came lining up outside of the embassy with my
hair tied up, and let it down when I reached the line inside.
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| Just a sample, not an affiliate link |
- For ladies who are on their heavy menstrual
period, wear menstrual pants (Kotex, Sisters, or Charmee) and put small winged
napkins on the sides of your menstrual pants for extra protection
against side leaks. You can bring a pair of menstrual pants since there are
toilets inside the embassy. You can change your menstrual pants/pads near
establishments (cross the mini footbridge from the US Embassy to Ermita Center
Bldg.).
- Bring Imodium and a painkiller for emergencies.
- Wear an analog watch to keep note of the time.
- It will be best to wear closed shoes and do not wear sleeveless tops. There is no dress code mentioned, but please be presentable, whether you choose to wear semi-formal, semi-casual, or casual attire. Also, avoid wearing slippers, shorts, and mini-skirts. You do not need to wear formal event or work attire, as doing so will make you uncomfortable and may affect how you present yourself for the interview. You can wear a polo shirt or a clean-looking t-shirt. Wearing a blazer is okay. Avoid flashy jewelry.
- Avoid smelling bad and practice good hygiene
I just wore slippers from Baggage Keepers, crossed the
footbridge, and reached the US Embassy. I brought my plastic envelope with a
handle and also a pair of my black office shoes inside a clear plastic bag.
When I reached the line outside the embassy, I changed my slippers and put on
my shoes. I put my slippers in a clear plastic bag where my shoes came from,
and placed them inside my plastic envelope, behind the papers, along with my
folded scratch paper, tissues, and wet wipes.
Locker or Storage facility outside and near the US embassy
My outfit during my interview:
- Know what you wrote on the DS-160 application form
The consul will review your form and compare what you said
to ensure consistency.
- Have a mock interview with a friend or ChatGPT
I used ChatGPT to look for FAQs and better lines for my
answers. It will also be best to have a friend, preferably one who passed the
interview, as your instructor. Answer questions without sounding or looking
like a robot. Answers should not be scripted-sounding; just answer like how you formally speak in a job interview. Avoid being stiff and record your voice during a mock interview to
hear how you speak. I recorded my voice alone by reading the question and
answering it without looking at my notes, as if I were being interviewed by the
consul.
- Greet your consul and speak confidently.
Voice should be heard by the consul; there is no need to be loud. Listen to the questions carefully, and it is your responsibility to include all relevant information for each question, like in a job interview.
When it was my turn for the interview, I greeted the consul "Good morning" with a smile, and he greeted me back. I answered questions in a single sentence or a single paragraph. Not too long and not too short. I will be posting the questions he asked me later.
Arrived near the US Embassy
My visa interview was scheduled at 9:15pm. I can go inside the embassy 15-20 minutes before the interview, but I am afraid there will be heavy traffic, and I wanted to finish earlier that day.
I booked a Grab car at around 4:40 to 4:45 am. Luckily, the driver will arrive in about 5 minutes. It took only an hour and a bit more to arrive at the Ermita Center Building. If I booked at 5am, it might take me 2 to 2.5 hours to reach Ermita.
I arrived before 6am. I ate at 7-11 (near Ermita Center), went to the Baggage Keepers in Ermita Center, and ate breakfast again (Tea and Cookie) at Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf. There was no CR there, so I had to go outside and climb the stairs to the second floor.
Toilet / CR while lining up at the US Embassy for a visa interview
- There is no toilet outside the US Embassy. You have to cross the mini footbridge to use the toilet / comfort room / CR. There is a CR on the 2nd floor of the building where 7-11 and Coffee Bean are located. I cannot remember if there's a mirror. There is also a CR (with a mirror) inside the Ermita Center ( just ask the guard and mention that you will also be going to the Baggage Keepers). Change your pads, as it will take up to one hour to line up outside the embassy if you want to be among the first interviewed on your appointment schedule.
- There are 2 toilets (2 female and 2 male) inside the embassy. The first ones were after going through security and the baggage inspection detectors; you will be directed to a large, roofed patio-like area with chairs and ceiling fans. The second ones were inside the hall where applicants line up, sit, and go to the large, cashier-like windows.
While waiting outside the embassy (1 hour)
Inside the Embassy and the 3 steps for less than an hour
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| from pna.gov.ph |
Interview Questions
First, observe the consul's personality while you are in line.
When the guy on my front and I were assigned to that consul window, I sensed that the consul looked friendly. An old woman and a toddler girl were being interviewed by the consul. When the girl mentioned her name, he (the consul) said her name was nice or adorable. That's when I knew he wasn't intimidating.
He patiently waited for the woman to get the papers. Their visas were approved, and he told the woman that there was a payment, etc. Maybe they were petitioned or something.
But wait! How did I hear their interview? The consul and the previous staff members in Steps 1 and 2 had microphones. They were not too loud, like a market, but just at an exact loudness level that only people within the line could hear. I am not sure if there were cameras inside beside them. The consuls also have their own computer near them.
The next applicants in line were 3 people applying together for a tourist visa. They were approved by the consul, and no papers were presented. Next, the guy on my front was interviewed, and he will be working in Guam. While in line, I saw the window next to mine (on the left side since my line was on the rightmost part), and the consul there returned his passport with a blue slip. The guy on that line just left, immediately disappointed. No thank you and no farewell greeting.
Anyway, back to the guy on my front. The consul did not ask for any papers, and the guy was approved. The consul gave him a "Know Your Rights" paper slip.
Here are the questions the consul asked me
How to check the Visa status
Public transport / Commute
From Novaliches to Parqal Mall
If you want a faster route and want to walk more, you can ride the same public transportation route, except that you will get off at the LRT Monumento or Fernando Poe Jr. station (former Roosevelt station). You will ride the LRT southbound and get off at Redemptorist Aseana Station. You will walk to Parqal Mall (10 minutes or less).
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