How to Apply For a Visitor Visa to the US From the Philippines

Making an application for a B-2 visitor visa to the United States from the Philippines can be a daunting task. The U.S. Embassy in Manila handles applications for this non-immigrant visa. In order to make a successful application, the application and supporting evidence must be presented and an in-person interview attended. If the visa is granted, it will be stamped directly into the holder's passport and allow entry into the United States for the purposes of visiting only.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

Forms DS-156 and DS-157 Current, signed passport with at least six months validity 2-inch x 2-inch passport photo Evidence of ties to the Philippines and financial support: three months of bank statements, employer letters, W-2 forms, school schedules, and other information that proves that the tourist will return home Trip itinerary
Forms DS-156 and DS-157
Current, signed passport with at least six months validity
2-inch x 2-inch passport photo
Evidence of ties to the Philippines and financial support: three months of bank statements, employer letters, W-2 forms, school schedules, and other information that proves that the tourist will return home
Trip itinerary

Step 1

Download and fill out forms DS-156 and DS-157. These are the application forms for the visa and will require information such as the residence of the applicant and the applicant's travel plans.

Step 2

Schedule an appointment, either online at the U.S. Embassy in Manila's website or by calling 1-909-101-7878. This will be the interview where a consular officer will grant or deny a visa.

Step 3

Pay the visa application fee at a participating BDO branch (see Resources) or Citi's corporate center branch in Makati. Keep both copies of the payment receipt as the Embassy will need to see this.

Step 4

Attend your visa interview. Present the completed application forms and supporting evidence to the consular officer and answer any questions presented to you. The consular officer will adjudicate the visa; if approved, your passport will be returned to you with the visa stamped into the pages.

Article Written By Gwen Wark

Gwen Wark is a freelance writer working from London, Dublin, and New York. She has been a published writer since 1998 with works appearing in both university and local publications. Her current writing projects include SEO, web copy, print and advertising features. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in English with a minor in history from Rutgers University.

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