How to Get a US Tourist Visa for a Filipino Spouse

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A tourist visa to the United States is also known as a B-2 visa and in the Philippines is issued at the U.S. Consulate in Manila. In order for a Filipino spouse to visit the United States, she will need to obtain a tourist visa prior to travel. When making this type of application for the spouse, the emphasis is on demonstrating ties to the Philippines. Getting a U.S. tourist visa for a Filipino spouse centers on making a strong application where the spouse can prove his ties to the Philippines.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

Signed, current passport with at least six months valid time remaining Evidence of financial support and the spouse's ties to the Philippines U.S. Passport sized photo (2" x 2") Forms DS-156 and DS-157, signed and completed
Signed, current passport with at least six months valid time remaining
Evidence of financial support and the spouse's ties to the Philippines
U.S. Passport sized photo (2" x 2")
Forms DS-156 and DS-157, signed and completed

Step 1

Download and fill out forms DS-156 and DS-157. The U.S. Embassy Manila's website indicates that these forms should be filled out online and can then be printed from the website.

Step 2

Schedule a visa interview appointment at the U.S. Embassy in Manila. This can be done through the U.S. Embassy's website or by calling (909) 101-7878. The interview is an in-person meeting with a consular official who has the power to adjudicate your visa based on the information presented at the interview.

Step 3

Gather any supporting documents. For a spouse, it is important to demonstrate ties to the Philippines, particularly if one spouse still lives in the U.S. The U.S. Embassy in Manila offers guidance on appropriate documents for proving ties; these include bank statements to show financial support, certification of employment including letters confirming the position, salary and date of expected return, pay slips, income taxes, land titles, vehicle registration and other information which proves a pressing need to return to the Philippines.

Step 4

Attend the visa interview and present the forms DS-156 and DS-157 along with the supporting documentation. You will need to answer questions asked by the consular officer. If the officer is satisfied, the visa will be approved. If not, a slip providing the reasons for the refusal will be given and the applicant can make a new application if he is able to satisfy the reason for denial.

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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