USA Visa Guide

Traveling to the US is on most people’s bucket list, and for good reason. It’s a country that has a little something for everyone and you can be sure you’ll be coming home with a story or two.

First time traveling to the States? We’ve created a handy little guide for you to go through before applying for your visa.

When should you apply?

What type of visa should you apply for?

What do you need?

How to Apply

What Not to Bring

1. When should you apply?

At least three months before your intended travel date.

2. What type of visa should you apply for?

The B-2 Visa is for recreational travel, which includes visits with friends or relatives, medical treatment, and activities of fraternal, social, or service nature. In order to be approved for a B-2 Visa, you must prove that:

Your trip is a temporary visit, whether it’s for business, pleasure or medical treatment
You plan to stay in the US for a limited period of time only
You can cover your expenses while you’re in the US
You have other binding social and economic ties that you have to return to

3. What do you need?

A filled out Non-immigrant Visa Electronic Application (DS-160) Form. Get it from the DS-160 webpage. In the form, you’ll be asked basic information such as your address, passport details, and more detailed personal information such as your itinerary, travel companions, previous trips to the US, as well as several pages of security-related questions.
A valid passport for travel to the US with at least six months validity
One recent 2×2-inch photo
The payment receipt for the $160 visa application processing fee, paid in the local currency. You can pay this online via the BPI or Bancnet website or at any BPI bank branch.
The interview appointment letter confirming you booked an appointment. You need to create a profile on the webpage before scheduling your appointment.

4. How to Apply

Pay the visa application fee

Complete the DS-160 form

Schedule your appointment. You’ll need your passport number, the MRV fee receipt number, and the 10-digit barcode from your DS-160 confirmation page to do so.

Visit the embassy on the date and time of your visa interview. Bring a printed copy of your appointment letter, the DS-160 confirmation page, one recent photograph, as well as your current and all old passports

Provide complete supporting documents, such as:

Proof of income, tax payments, property or business ownership, list of assets
Travel itinerary
Letter from your employer detailing your position and salary. If you’re a freelancer, you can ask any of your clients for this

5. What Not to Bring

Mobile phones or any electronic device. Resist the temptation to bring your smartphone, lest you be denied entry into the building.
A large bag. Bring only a bag you can carry with one hand.
Food. Save the snacks for after your appointment.
Sealed envelopes or packages. They are considered security hazards.
Cigarettes, lighters, sharp objects, weapons, and explosives of any kind for obvious reasons.

If you get denied, remember it isn’t the end of the world. For US visas, you can reapply anytime. But due to the high processing fee, it’s best to wait and reassess your situation before you do. A common reason for denial is a lack of ties to the Philippines, whether it be financial or social. Make sure you can prove otherwise before reapplying.

USA Visa Guide Infographic for Malaysians

Disclaimer

The information contained in this article is up-to-date as of January 2020 and may be updated occasionally. Given the changing nature of laws, rules, and regulations of visas, there may be outdated information in this article. The information contained on this webpage is intended to provide general guidance on matters of interest for the personal use of the reader only.

USA Visa Guide

1. When should you apply?

2. What type of visa should you apply for?

3. What do you need?

4. How to Apply

5. What Not to Bring

Disclaimer

Payment Partners

About Traveloka

Follow us on

Products

Other

Download Traveloka App