Tips on Getting a B-1 or B-2 US Tourist Visa

B-1 Temporary visas allow you to travel to the United States for short business purposes, such as attending a conference. B-2 Tourist visas allow you to travel to the United States for pleasure, tourism, visiting with friends and family, or simply rest and recuperation. You are permitted to travel freely from state to state and do not need to register with authorities. Travel for medical treatment also is covered under a B-2 visa, but you must document the nature of the disorder and proof of funds for both living expenses and treatment. You may take classes for fun, though not for credit, provided that they do not meet for more than 18 hours per week.

Here are some basic tips when applying for a Tourist Visa:

1.   The most important thing it to be prepared, be calm, and to be truthful throughout the interview.

2.   Young people, and especially single young females, automatically have a disadvantage and therefore must offer more proof than some others. It’s not fair, but it’s just the way the system works.

3.  Once you were already issued a US Visa (Single Entry) and you have used it, there is a good chance they will grant you another one (probably another single-entry).

4.  Time your trip to coincide with a conference that is related to your field or your interest. For instance, if you are a real estate agent here, google real estate conferences or shows in the US and go to the US in time for these events.

5.  It always helps if you are a student at the time of your VISA application.  Although it is not a guarantee that you will get a US Visa, it certainly can help your interview.

6.  During the interview, do not look nervous.  Put it in your mind that it is not a life or death situation.   Relax. Breathe deep. Answer the questions honestly and calmly.

7. Organize your supporting documents well.  You can divide your documents in these categories:

A. Basic Documents

·         Passport, Application Fee Receipt, DS-160 confirmation barcode, Photo, Birth certificate, Consent to Travel (for minors), Marriage Certificate (if applicable)

B.  Documents showing Reason to Travel

·         Travel plans (i.e. Printout of your Airplane Itinerary, Tickets to Disney World or other big event, etc)

·         Invitation Letter for Conferences or meeting, if traveling for business tourism

·         Very Detailed (if possible, daily) itinerary, Hotel Bookings, List of Places to Visit

·         Printout of the conference or meeting webpage and conference schedule

·         Membership of local clubs related to the conference you are attending.  For instance, if you are attending a Rotary International Conference, you must show that you have been a Rotarian for at least several months.

·         If staying with family, address of family, their visa status, how long they have lived in the U.S.

C. Documents showing ties to your home country

·         Financial Ties - Bank records, documents showing your assets, such as home, vehicle, etc.

·         School/Career Ties- Certificate of employment or certificate from the school you are attending. These indicate that you have a strong reason to return to your home country.

o    These certificates should show how long you have been studying or working.  If you have good salary and if you have a high position, indicate it in your certificate of employment.

·         If you are an enterpreneur or businessman, bring all the important corporate documents (SEC Registration, ITR, etc) to prove that you have a legitimate, thriving business and that you have a big responsibility in your company.

·         Family Ties - Marriage certificate or birth certificate of your children

This should show that you need to come back to your home country right after your trip because nobody can take care of your family/house/children while you are away. This will ease the fears of the consul that you will remain in the U.S. since there is nobody at home left to take care of your family.

Remember: There is no guarantee in getting a US Visa.  The interviewers are just people and documents can only tell so much. It is always best to present yourself and your purpose for traveling in the best and most-organized way possible. And most importantly. be as honest and transparent as you can be.