
A few weeks ago, I was sitting in the cold chair in the waiting area of the US Embassy. It was like joining a beauty pageant and waiting for your turn to be interviewed. I have never joined any beauty pageant, but I know it was nerve-wracking. I keep on telling my friends how I dread the US Visa application interview. Before the interview I felt like having panic attacks. It was much maddening than my final interview for my first job.
How to Apply for US VISA?
US VISA APPLICATION SUPPORT DOCUMENTS
THE INTERVIEW
(I am more surprised she’s interested about the Canada trip. Probably she thought I could have crossed the border and visit US. But I did not! Someone actually crossed the border for me! Haha)
(Thank you IBM for all the wonderful things!)
She then kept the passport and my application to her side. She did not return my passport! This is it!
To tell you honestly, I was worried I would be denied in the on-set of interview. But during the course of interview, I made sure that I defended my case and established my ties in the Philippines. First, my family ties (I mentioned that it was good to be able to spend more time with family), financial ties (I mentioned I have fund to support myself) and economic ties (which is very weak in my case). But my previous travels did help in testifying that – I would not work in another country and I will be back here in the Philippines. She did not check my old passports and visas. My current passport only has UK immigration stamp on it (my UK visa was even in the old passport). I think it helps that the interview is more conversational and relaxed. I did not sound desperate or hostile (answering one liners). If you are given a chance to speak, share and make it sound like a conversation – not an interview (and always say the truth). But don’t forget to fake the confidence!