Wondering how to secure a US Tourist Visa?

Have you ever wanted to apply for a US tourist visa, but have been hampered by horror stories of being denied one? Ever wondered what it is the consular officers are looking for in a visa application to actually approve it? Why do very similar (sometimes even identical) applications get different results?

Anyone who wants to travel to the United States (US) as a tourist needs to have a valid US tourist or B1/B2 visa to enter the country. Sadly, for most people, applying for a US tourist visa has always been shrouded in mystery and fear — what with all the myths, urban legends and half-truths going around about the visa application process.

Rumours of a particular consular officer at a particular window at the embassy who never approves any visa application; or consular officers who base their decisions on their mood for that day, day of the week, or the applicant’s nationality, appearance, etc. make applying for a tourist visa more daunting than it should be. I’m writing this series of articles in an attempt to alleviate a prospective applicant’s fear of the unknown.

Note: This series is written with Filipino US tourist visa applicants in mind (based in the Philippines), but applicants from other countries may also find these articles useful.

PART 1: Basic Requirement – Proving Strong Ties

We’ll tackle the myths about the visa application process in deeper detail in another article, but for now, I think the more important question in your mind is this:

“How do I qualify for a U.S. tourist visa?”

Without the legalese, the important thing to remember is that consular officers decide on visa applications based on this simple question:

“Does the applicant have strong ties to their country of origin?”

Really, that’s it. If you can prove this point to the consular officer interviewing you at the window, he or she will have to issue you that elusive tourist visa. For clarity’s sake, “country of origin” is the country that issued your passport. For dual citizens, it’s the country that issued the passport you’ll use to apply for the visa.

You could present tons of bank statements to show that you have enough funds to cover your entire vacation; you can present sworn statements from very influential people and relatives that they’re only inviting you for a short visit; you can present your first class return flight tickets; but without proof that you have strong ties to your country of origin, your visa application will 100% be denied.

“OK, I get it. I’ll prove to the consular officer that I have very strong ties to my home country and I’ll get that visitor’s visa. But how do I prove this?”

To show that you have strong ties to your country of origin, you’ll have to prove that you have very strong SOCIAL, ECONOMIC, PROFESSIONAL, and FAMILY ties in your country. These ties have to be so strong that the consular officer will believe you will definitely return to your own country after your short visit to the United States. Of course, these claims of strong ties will have to be backed up by LEGITIMATE and EASILY VERIFIABLE documentation.

“Right! That makes sense… but what specific documents should I bring to prove my strong ties to my country?”

No, you don’t have to know your country’s history forwards and backwards. They’ll not quiz you on the lives of your national heroes. And please… no bank documents showing exorbitant amounts in deposits! If you can’t prove the source of those funds, those “doctored” or borrowed-at-an-interest bank documents will do you more harm than good.

Because each applicant’s circumstances at the time of application are different from another, there’s no specific document list to prove your ties to your country of origin. However, the following SUPPORTING documents can help the consular officer paint a clearer picture of an applicant’s eligibility for a visa:

1. Latest proof of income – Certificate of employment, business ownership, and/or assets
2. Detailed travel itinerary – Explain why you’re going, how you’ll get there, how long you’ll stay, and how you’ll pay for it. If you’ve already paid for it — this is not required or encouraged, but if you’ve already paid for it — show proof of payment
3. Proof of continuing employment or education in your country of origin – most recent payslips (3-6 months) and/or school records
4. Proof of residency status for host(s) – Legal Permanent Resident card (“Green Card” / USCIS Form I-551) or proof of U.S. Citizenship (copy of Certificate of Naturalisation or bio page of passport) for your host(s) in the U.S., if applicable
5. All expired passports, especially if you have travelled or been issued a visa before from any country

“Is that all? That doesn’t seem to be a lot is it?”

Not at all! It’s really simple when you think about it. But remember that the list above represents only the list of SUPPORTING documents. Those are the documents you’ll present in addition to the REQUIRED documents, which are:

1. Proof of payment for the visa application
2. Interview appointment letter
3. Online Nonimmigrant Visa application form (DS-160) confirmation page
4. Valid passport
5. 2” x 2” colour photo with white background

Also, remember that consular officers have a limited time at the window to make a decision about your visa application – it is better to present a few documents that contain pertinent information about your status and intent (see list above) than bury them in random documents that don’t prove anything. For example, affidavits and letters from individuals other than your host(s).

Before we end this instalment, I must remind everyone to NEVER EVER present fake documentation. I cannot stress this point enough. The Embassy has investigators and checkers that watch out for fake documentation. Yes, they know what fake documents look like, so don’t even try it. You’ve been warned. There are very serious consequences when you get caught.

In our next article, we’ll do a step-by-step guide to the actual US tourist visa application process – from payment and schedule your visa interview, to what to expect at the interview window, so watch out for it!

Do you have a question about the US tourist visa application process?
Please don’t hesitate to ask us!

Are you nervously waiting for your scheduled interview?
Let us know how you’re preparing for it!

Done with your visa interview?
Share with us your experience in the comments below!