VISA Experience - ONE
The first time I applied for a visa to the United States was in 2000 while I was having my residency training in internal medicine.
What encouraged me was the report that visa applicants can now schedule for an interview through the phone. I heard stories of people camping out in the embassy grounds... sleeping on cardboard, at the mercy of the elements... just to secure a slot for interview.
I used to see long queues of people each time I pass by the US embassy and was astonished, every single time , by the show of resilience and determination.
Securing an interview by phone was expensive as every minute was charged but compared to the previous set-up, this was most welcoming.
While filling up my application form, I came to the question on assets.
From what I heard, having assets like land, houses and cars is a major determinant on whether you'll be given a visa or not. I had none of the above. My friend suggested I place my medical books, medical equipments like stethoscope, ENT diagnostic set, BP apparatus, instead as assets. I was not sure these qualify as assets but I was sure that these will not establish my indisputable "ties" to the Philippines. Nonetheless, I listed them for lack of anything else to write.
I should look professional, I was advised so I wore my one and only business suit, a blue blazer with removable shoulder pads with velcro. This happened in 2000 and it was fashionable ( I think) to make the shoulders appear broader using pads which can either be fixed to the blouse or attached using velcro. My friend also insisted I bring her new black shoulder bag to complete my "professional" look.
We were first ushered to the waiting area where we were grouped according to our time schedule. As I was not used to using a shoulder bag, I did not notice that my shoulder pad got loose and fell off. It was only after the guard held up the pad to ask to whom it belonged to that I realized I had one slurping shoulder. I rushed to the guard and hurriedly placed the pad back. It was embarrassing but I did not want to face the consul with imbalanced shoulders.
I was assigned to the window of a young male consul. I came with only one expectation, a denial. Before me, a co-resident who came from an affluent family and had several history of travel abroad was denied for having "insufficient ties" to the Philippines. She said the consul emphasized her being single. I too was single.
Consul: "What is your purpose in coming to the US?"
Me: "To visit family and friends"
A cliche, a trite phrase! No consul will buy that.
Consul: " Have you ever been out of the country?"
What encouraged me was the report that visa applicants can now schedule for an interview through the phone. I heard stories of people camping out in the embassy grounds... sleeping on cardboard, at the mercy of the elements... just to secure a slot for interview.
I used to see long queues of people each time I pass by the US embassy and was astonished, every single time , by the show of resilience and determination.
Securing an interview by phone was expensive as every minute was charged but compared to the previous set-up, this was most welcoming.
While filling up my application form, I came to the question on assets.
From what I heard, having assets like land, houses and cars is a major determinant on whether you'll be given a visa or not. I had none of the above. My friend suggested I place my medical books, medical equipments like stethoscope, ENT diagnostic set, BP apparatus, instead as assets. I was not sure these qualify as assets but I was sure that these will not establish my indisputable "ties" to the Philippines. Nonetheless, I listed them for lack of anything else to write.
I should look professional, I was advised so I wore my one and only business suit, a blue blazer with removable shoulder pads with velcro. This happened in 2000 and it was fashionable ( I think) to make the shoulders appear broader using pads which can either be fixed to the blouse or attached using velcro. My friend also insisted I bring her new black shoulder bag to complete my "professional" look.
We were first ushered to the waiting area where we were grouped according to our time schedule. As I was not used to using a shoulder bag, I did not notice that my shoulder pad got loose and fell off. It was only after the guard held up the pad to ask to whom it belonged to that I realized I had one slurping shoulder. I rushed to the guard and hurriedly placed the pad back. It was embarrassing but I did not want to face the consul with imbalanced shoulders.
I was assigned to the window of a young male consul. I came with only one expectation, a denial. Before me, a co-resident who came from an affluent family and had several history of travel abroad was denied for having "insufficient ties" to the Philippines. She said the consul emphasized her being single. I too was single.
Consul: "What is your purpose in coming to the US?"
Me: "To visit family and friends"
A cliche, a trite phrase! No consul will buy that.
Consul: " Have you ever been out of the country?"
Me: "No sir."
I can scribble on the pages of my passport. It was as empty as a drawing pad.
Consul: "Who are you traveling with?"
Me: "My friend "
This was the same friend who got denied before me.
Consul: " So, you are a RE...SI....DENT physician of the PHIL...LIP...PINE GE...NE...RAL HOSPITAL. "
He read with emphasis what I wrote on my application paper.
Me: "Yes sir."
Consul: "How do you plan to pay for your trip?"
Me: "With my own savings"
Consul: " Do you have a passbook?"
Me: " Passport?"
I leaned forward as his voice was kind of muffled because of the large glass window separating us.
Consul: " PAAASSSSBOOOOK.... "
Imagine falling from a cliff and shouting " I am falling!", then imagine that in slow motion.
" I......ammmmmm......fawwwwwwlingggggggggg!" , That was how he said it.
Me: "Yes sir"
It was at this point that I placed my friend's bag in front of the glass window and took out my passbook. Up to this day, my friend insists that it was her bag that convinced the consul to give me a visa. The consul looked at my passbook briefly then gave it back to me.
Consul: " Ok, please go to the other room ... "
And he handed me a piece of paper. I only realized I was approved when I got to the area where we were asked to pay the courier.
When my passport arrived, I found out that I was given 10 yrs multiple entry. It was unbelievable!
I guess if you really want to see the United States, and even if the odds are against you, still apply because anything can happen.
Keep the hope in your heart and humor in your soul so you can laugh whatever direction the wind blows.
But I think it helps to come clean with your purpose and personal details because even if this leads you to a denial, at least you can walk out of the embassy with head held up high, and shoulders balanced.... with or without velcro shoulder pads.
Keep the hope in your heart and humor in your soul so you can laugh whatever direction the wind blows.
But I think it helps to come clean with your purpose and personal details because even if this leads you to a denial, at least you can walk out of the embassy with head held up high, and shoulders balanced.... with or without velcro shoulder pads.
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