I recently reapplied for a US Visa (non-immigrant, tourist visa) in Manila (with a Philippine Passport) and had to undergo the interview process all over again. The question I get asked most about this experience is: “What did they ask you at the interview?”
So here I am sharing this info and a glimpse of my entire experience! Hope it helps!
Personal Background
I have been to the United States multiple times and have had 2 visas prior. But my last U.S. visa expired more than 5 years ago already and so, I no longer qualify for a renewal without interview.
I had to submit a new application, complete my biometrics and attend an interview all over again. I applied on my own.
Application Experience
The application was fairly straightforward. Basically you just had to complete the DS-160 form online, pay, and schedule the interview after.
Remember that once you submit the form, you will NOT be able to edit or even view what you wrote. So make sure you answered TRUTHFULLY and that you remember the details of what you wrote (maybe a good tip will be to screenshot your answers!)
Also, note that you need make 2 different schedules: one for biometrics, which comes first, and one for the actual interview.
Questions I Was Asked at the Interview
- Where in the United States are you traveling?
- Purpose of the trip
- Who are you traveling with? (Do they already have their visas?)
- What kind of work do you do?
- I see that you visited Uzbekistan. Why? (My answer was just “It was just for fun, with friends!”)
- How was Uzbekistan like (Haha it was funny, I think he was really just curious!)
They will tell you on the spot if you are approved or not. I was approved, yay!
Questions I Heard Them Ask OtherPeople
*Disclaimer: I did not mean to eavesdrop haha. The staff would speak over a mic so while waiting, you can audibly hear the ones who are being interviewed nearest you.
- Who is paying for this trip?
- Have you traveled outside the Philippines in the last 10 years?
- Do you have relatives in the United States?
- Where are you staying? Are you staying with them?
- How long are you staying there for?
- There were people applying to join a competition in the USA and they were asked: Have you joined other similar competitions before? Where?
Timeline
It took me a while to schedule an interview because I wanted to make sure I had at least a month of no trips so I’m not worried about my passport not making it back to me in time. But it turns out the approval and delivery was super fast! Here’s my timeline:
My first appointment: March 16
My second appointment: March 17
I received my passport: March 20 (I had it delivered to the house)
I still recommend giving yourself at least a month, just to be absolutely sure!
Final Tips:
- Remember that NO electronic gadgets (phones, kindle, even smart watches) are allowed. Best solution is to have someone wait for you outside to hold your items.
- Wear a regular wristwatch if you want to be able to tell the time.
- You may bring a book inside. I had to wait for a long time for my turn so it was helpful having a book.
- I saw tips online saying that you should bring additional documents to give your case more weight but I did not see anyone get asked to show their documents.
- Goes without saying but answer truthfully and confidently! 🙂
God bless on your application! Let me know if this article has helped you prepare for your own interview.