US visa is one of the best visas that you can get if you are a Philippine passport holder because you will automatically have ten year visa validity once that you are approved by the consular officer.

Applying visa for countries like South Korea, Japan and other European country is usually document based and you have to write a good cover letter. I am grateful that I used my writing skills during those visa applications. However, for applying visa in US, you need to develop your public speaking skills since there are no documents that need to be submitted and US visa application doesn’t require to show your bank account balance. If you are not confident and fluent in English, you can request a translator in the US Embassy.

In this post, I will be sharing my experience. This post aims to help other people to increase their chances of getting an approved US visa. I am not saying that when you read my article, you will automatically be approved. All I can say is, I can give you tips and I will be so happy if you get an approved US Visa by reading my post about it.

After posting and giving tips about how to get a Schengen visa from my previous blog post, here’s another informative content that will benefit every Filipinos who have this so-called American dream. If you are aiming to have an immigrant, work, fiance or fiancee visa, I am so sorry, but this post is solely dedicated for those who are applying for B1/B2 US visa, meaning for tourism and business purpose only.

Remember that there is no one size fits it all because each and everyone of us have different profile, status, work, family background, ties in our country and others that I haven’t mentioned. It was still fresh to me even if my experience happened years ago.

My profile is I am a solo applicant and traveler since my parents or my brother is not interested to have a US Visa that time, but God knows how much I prayed that my family would love to travel also like me. I am a dentist by profession. I have already traveled to different countries. The number of countries I have visited is more than my current age while I am writing this post. Most of the countries are in Europe because I have a European dream in my heart.

During my US visa preparation, some people often said that a solo traveler and a person who is single, not married are usually signs of red flag for the consular officer. Some single Filipinos are looking for a potential partner that is why there is an increase chance of visa rejection for solo travelers and singles. Well, I am a perfect example that it’s not true. I think the way I presented myself is more important than thinking of what other people are saying. Besides, I have a clear intention that tourism is my only purpose in getting a visa. I wanna explore and travel around USA. I also hope to see some of the people I know who are in USA.

If ever that I have other purpose in going to USA like working, I will make sure that I will be getting the right visa. Let say for example, I decided to leave my country. But as of writing this post, my life as a licensed dentist here in the Philippines is enough. If I want to work in the USA, I need to be financially prepared because a foreign trained dentist cannot practice there without studying again and taking licensure examination. I see myself working in the dental field and it is so expensive to be a licensed dentist there. So, I am happy to have leisure trip in the USA and take a break from my daily work as a dentist in the Philippines.

Before, I finally share my story inside the US Embassy in Manila, I would like to share my experience in answering the visa application and getting an appointment date first. I would also like to express my sincere gratitude and thanks to LZKEN Travel and Tours for assisting in my US Visa application on 2024. I actually filled out my form DS-160 but I can’t get US visa appointment in time for my travel plan which is autumn 2025. By the way, for those who don’t know yet, the DS-160 is an Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application form, meaning it is solely for tourism and business purpose. The form is submitted electronically.

The earliest that I can see in the portal if I will do DIY (Do It Yourself) application is on the BER month of 2026. There are some things in life that I am willing to wait but visa application is not one of them. Why? Because I am planning to go and visit USA but I don’t have a valid visa that time. I am very thankful that LZKEN Travel and Tours got me an early appointment date. I only waited for three months after we submitted the DS-160 online. Like what I wrote earlier, I can’t find US Visa appointment in time for my planned travel. A female employee from the travel agency assisted me and gave me one on one coaching via call. She even asked me some potential questions, some questions came up during the actual interview and some didn’t. She gave me an opportunity to practice and boost my self-confidence.

 “Isang tanong, isang sagot” (One question, one answer only.) I am sorry but I don’t believe in this advice. Answering one answer to a question is a no, no for me. I believe that I can answer freely as long as it is related to the question of the consular officer. I don’t believe in answering yes or no only to the question. I also don’t believe in answering just one phrase. I can answer in sentence. I didn’t follow that advice. I got an approved US visa

So, if you are interested in applying for a US visa, there are definitely many travel agencies who can help you, you just have to check the reputation of the travel agency that you will choose. If you want to ask for US visa assistance, I would definitely recommend LZKEN Travel and Tours since I’ve tried and tested their US visa assistance. However, for those people who are tight on their budget, doing DIY US visa application is very easy. You can do that by simply putting and typing all your information in the DS-160 online and creating an online account.

Here comes the date of the interview.

I am physically, emotionally, spiritually and mentally prepared the day before the visa interview. Only some people whom I trusted know that I’m having a US visa interview. Sobrang at peace ko nyan…

You cannot bring gadgets, big bag, sharp objects inside the US Embassy in Manila.

Be early and don’t be late. I arrived almost thirty minutes before my appointment time.

Inside the US Embassy in Manila and while waiting for my turn, I can hear the questions of the consular officers to the applicants. You can also hear the decision of the consular officer. Some people are fortunate to ace the visa interview while others need to try again. You can hear everything inside the room. I think that’s why electronics and gadgets are not allowed inside the US Embassy. There are many consular officers in the room, some are male, some are female, some are white Americans, others are black American, some looks young and some other looks like in their 50s-60s.

Please be informed that you cannot choose who will interview you. I was assigned to go in the line of white American consular officer. He is tall and good looking. While I am still in the line, I can hear that he has soft voice and he has an immediate decision to the visa applicant. The senior couple are approved while the other one before me is denied. I saw that the consular officer was observing me while I am still in the line, I smiled at him and his face has a blank expression.

(I guess the consular officer is already observing his or her applicant’s body movement before the interview.

A person’s manner on how he or she could carry himself or herself is very important before the actual interview. This is only based in my own opinion. I think that it is also a beautiful reminder to all the visa applicants to smile at the consular officer even if he or she won’t return the gesture. Giving a positive vibe to someone not just during a visa interview could uplift someone’s mood. So, smile!)

Here is the most awaited part and probably the frequently asked questions by my family, friends and all the people who know that I have an approved visa. People are usually curious on what the officer asked me during my interview.

Here are the questions asked by the consular officer and my answer to the questions…

I greeted the consular officer first. I told him, “Hello. Good morning.” He asked for my passport while he was typing in the computer.

Question 1: What’s your purpose?

My answer: My purpose is to go on vacation in USA. I love traveling and exploring different places solo.

Question 2: What’s your status?

My answer: I am single right now. I am not married.

Question 3: What is your work? 

My answer: I am a licensed dentist here in the Philippines. I have different kinds of patients. Some patients are orthodontic patients that need adjustment every month. That’s why I can’t go on a vacation and leisure trip for so long.

Question 4: Do you have relatives in the USA

My answer: Yes, I have relatives in the USA. They live in the different states in USA.

Question 5: Do you live in the same roof?

My answer: No, we don’t. We have different houses.

Question 6: Do you have close family in the US? Mother? Father? Brother? Sister?

My answer: No, I don’t have.

Question 7: Upon checking your profile, I’ve seen that you’ve been to Lithuania, do you travel solo there?

My answer: No, it’s actually a reunion tour with my previous Europe tour mates. We decided to have a reunion tour after our Marian Pilgrimage.

That’s the end of the interview. The consular officer didn’t smile to me but he just said congratulations to me. That’s my US Visa application story! 😊

Here are some of my personal tips:

1. Practice your public speakings skills and be confident.
2. Maintain an eye contact with the visa officer because staring at him or her means that you are genuine with your answers.
3. Be honest with your answers. It’s hard to tell a lie and consular officers are trained if someone is not telling the truth.
4. Do not be intimidated with what other people are saying. You know yourself more than anyone. Say no to negative comments and advices. Be affirmitive as much as possible.
5. Please give your best because let’s face the fact that the visa fee is too expensive and non refundable.
6. Do not believe in isang tanong, isang sagot (one question, one answer). My advice is answer accurately, briefly and concisely. Answer only what is related to the question. Don’t answer just yes or no. If you can give valid explanation, then do it. 
7. Be calm. The calmer you are, the better because you can think clearly and your answers to all of the questions of the consular officer would be satisfying. Be calm so your decisions and reactions will come from a place of peace.  
8. Pray and ask for the Lord’s guidance. Remember that if it’s for you, it’s for you. If you fail and got denied in the visa interview, remember that God has other plans. Sometimes, lost opportunity is God’s sign that better is coming and something is not for you.
9. Try again. If you have an American dream and you want to pursue it, do not give up if you failed. You can always bounce back and try again. Then this time, realize your faults, think about what are you lacking, learn from your mistakes and try to improve it.
10. The US visa interview process does not check your bank account balance. The interview is more about yourself. Develop yourself and character.

Remember that the consular officer will get your passport if you are approved because they will put the US visa sticker there. Your passport will be delivered in the address that you’ve given. My passport was delivered to the address of my trusted travel agency in Makati City. Since, I cannot personally visit their office, I paid additional fee for the delivery fee of my passport in my chosen address via LBC. If you got denied, you will get a form since I saw some applicants receiving them. I am not sure if it’s different now.

I think the lines, faith over fear is truly evident that time in my life. I was very brave and courageous that time. I am not sure what tomorrow holds but I believe in God. I have full trust and confidence in the miracle-working God who is always present in my life. This is also something that I want to teach here in my blog. I am not just talking about visa application but in all aspect of our life, we must always have faith that is bigger than our fears. Sometimes, having a positive aura changes everything. It helps you to appreciate all the beauty of God’s blessing. Enjoying every moment and being grateful that your prayers are answered.

If you find this post interesting and helpful, you can message me at ceudent.acdelrosario@gmail.com. You may also ask questions about US visa in my email so I could help. Good luck for those who will be applying for a US visa.

Soon you will see this sign, “Welcome to United States!”

Hope this blog helps other people.

Love lots, A 💕