Visa Interview Experience at the US Embassy Manila

As a travel coordinator for several years, I've already processed visa applications to different countries, and for different nationalities. My stand is that, when you submit all the required documents, chances are you'll get positive results. Except for US Visa -- where they say everything depends on the mood of the officer who will interview you. I've heard so many success stories, and failed dreams too.

In our case, I consider it luck, fate and faith. Thankfully we had a pleasant experience all throughout our interview. And since sharing is caring, let me share our experience with a hope that it will be able to help Visa applicants in one way or another.

Our interview was scheduled on a Friday morning, 6:30AM. Since my daughter is nocturnal, we needed to change her pajamas into a more proper outfit for an interview even while she was still sleeping. When she woke up -- we were already inside the Embassy. We arrived at the Embassy around 5:30AM, it was still dark and the queue was not that long yet. There are separate lines for seafarer, immigrant visa and non-immigrant visa. We queued at the latter.

The line started to move at 6AM, two personnel checked our passports and appointment confirmations and pasted stickers with our names onto each of our passports. Since we have a toddler, we were told to stay in front of the line. Applications with children, senior citizens and people with special needs are prioritized.

Around 630AM, we went inside already and passed by the security check. Contrary to my initial research, you can actually bring a bag inside as long as you don't carry any of the restricted items. Baby milk/formula and baby strollers are allowed inside but adult foods aren't, instead a canteen is available inside where you can grab snacks if you feel like eating before your interview. After the security check, you will pass by three steps in order to complete the visa application.
1. Getting a number -- ours was 2006, only one number for our family of three
2. Partial interview / Registering your biometrics -- only hubs and I did this. Not required for babies/kids. We were asked to state our names and birth dates
3. Interview

By 7AM, we have already finished steps 1 and 2 and waited until the interview windows opened at 7:30AM. Priority applicants have special "EXPEDITE" seats near the interview windows so we got to hear the ongoing interviews.

There were few interviewees before us, and luckily all throughout our stay, I've only heard one person who got disapproved. The officer said this person wasn't able to establish his ties to return to the Philippines :( When it was our turn, we were greeted by a young, good looking Consular Officer and here's how our interview went:

Officer (O): Good morning! Thank you for waiting. How are you?
Me (M): We're good. Thank you.
O:  What's your name Sir and what do you do?
Hubs (H): ----------------------------------------
O: How about you Mam?
M: ------------------------------------------
O: What's the name of your child and how old is she?
M: (to Lia) What's your name? (She answered: "IYA")
       (to Lia) How old are you? (She answered: "TWO")
O: What is the purpose of your trip to the US?
H&M: Holiday
O: Where specifically are you going to the US?
M: New York
O: Why New York?
H&M: Because we want to see the Statue of Liberty (with a very wide grin on our face)
O: Oh, that's pretty impressive. Who will be paying for your trip?
M: My husband!!! (in sync with hubby's--)
H: Us.
O: How is she on a plane (referring to Lia)
H: Well, she walks around. She watch cartoons.
M: And tears the inflight magazine :) She's been travelling with us since she was seven months old.
O: Oh, so she's learning already.

(pause)

O: Okay, the interview is finished. Please wait for your passports. It will be delivered to you within 7 days. Thank you.

We said thank you and left the Embassy with amazement. The officer didn't even ask for any document to support our application. Our bank certification, property docs, NSO documents and other employment papers just remained inside my clear envelope (as of this writing).

I read on the US Embassy website that all visa applicants are presumed to be immigrants so the actual key to your application is to prove that you are returning to the Philippines. Demonstrating ties is indeed very essential.

In general, Consular Officers are friendly and really tries to make every applicant comfortable during the interview. I even heard one speaking in our native tongue because the interviewee wasn't able to communicate well in English. Embassy personnel are also available around to assist you in any questions that you may have.

Meanwhile, there is no perfect formula in getting a US Visa. But based on my experience, the following, in some way, may be of help:
1. Accomplish the application form thoroughly. This is very crucial as the interview will be based (majority) on the information that you provide in your application form.
2. Come EARLY! I highly suggest to get the earliest schedule available where the possibility of having long queue is low. Arrive at the Embassy at least 45minutes ahead of your schedule.
3. Make sure not to bring any of the restricted items as it will slow down the security checking procedure.
4. Bring an umbrella. This will be very essential while waiting in line outside the Embassy.
5. During the interview -- Be Honest! And make sure you remember what you wrote in your application form.

For more information and FAQs, please check here.

Meanwhile, it's time to save up for our American dream. Haha! :)

--------------------------------------------------

Update as of 2/18/14

Read about our US adventure here.