January is my birthday month that's why it has always been my favorite time of the year, next to December. It's the season when the weather is extra nice, my work load is not as heavy and I have extra time to catch up with friends who I wasn't able to see during the holiday break. It's also the only time when I feel like there's nothing bad that can happen to me. It's MY month after all. So I decided to schedule something big last January 27, three days after my birthday, hoping that my birthday luck will not let me down. What did I do, you ask? I went to the US Embassy for my tourist visa interview.
Okay, fine, it wasn't like a big life-changing moment that can determine my whole future. But this was very important to me because of three things: 1) I get to spend time with my parents 2) NYC is #1 on my top places to visit before 30 3) As a frustrated traveler, getting this visa may help me get visas to other countries I'd like to visit in the future (not always, I know, but I still want to think it's going to give me some edge.) So before I tell you the interview result, let me take you to to the complete process.
It started last December 27 when I paid the visa application fee through BPI. It costs exactly PHP 6,160. Payment was quick as I only filled out the ordinary payment form and showed my passport to the bank officer. I was out of the bank in 5 minutes and after a few hours, I started with my online application form. I made sure I read every question carefully and answered truthfully. I also prepared all relevant information such as my aunt's address in NJ where I'll be staying, my parents' address in Riyadh, passport number and of course, a digital copy of my photo. After nearly an hour, I was done with my application. Since I was not near any printer, I decided to send a copy of my confirmation page to my email. Then, I proceeded to scheduling my interview. I decided to schedule it a month after since I still need to wait for some documents from my aunt and my parents and because I was hoping my birthday luck will extend for a few days. After sending the interview confirmation to my email, I knew there was no backing out anymore. The entire application only took me a few hours and it was very easy. I was so glad that instructions in the website (http://manila.usembassy.gov) are clear and that I didn't encounter any problems. Unfortunately, the waiting part was the worst!
I've had a couple of sleepless nights thinking about the interview. In between days, I heard an abundant of stories, a mix of positive and negative experiences, read plenty of tips and even, researched a handful of sample questions from blogs and forums. Despite the anxiety, I knew there's nothing else I could do but prepare and pray.
The day of my interview came soon enough. I prepared all my requirements the night before (Even if I wanted to sleep early, I still came home late because I went to the Mamma Mia! Gala Night -- it was amazing but that's a different story already.) I had the following documents with me:
1. DS-160 Confirmation Page
2. Interview Confirmation Page
3. Passport
4. ITR and COE
5. Bank and Stock Certificates/Passbook - all accounts were jointly owned with my Dad
6. My Dad's COE - since he will be paying for my travel expenses
7. Copy of my petition paper - in case they ask
8. Invitation letter and photos from my aunt - I knew how unlikely they will ask for these but I still wanted to be sure
My schedule was at 1130AM and I arrived in the embassy at 1030AM. As soon as I got off the cab, several vendors went up to me asking if I need them to safekeep my electronic devices. Luckily, my parents advised me earlier that any electronic device is not allowed inside the embassy so I left everything at home. After saying no to the vendors, I quickly made my way to the line. While waiting, I decided to prepare my documents and that's when I realized that I left my photo at home. Panic was starting to set in when the guard told me that there is a Kodak booth inside the building. So I quickly calmed myself, gave a reassuring imaginary pat on my back and quietly told myself that everything is going to be okay.
The whole application is now a blur to me (told you I have selective memory and my mind chooses to remember only certain parts of my life) but here are a few things that I could remember:
1. I had to line up 3 times before I was led to the actual interview waiting room.
2. They have a bag scanner (similar to an airport's) inside and they are very strict about bringing in electronic devices (batteries, USB and Ipod included), chewing gum and lighters.
3. Waiting for your turn inside the embassy can be unbearable. Admittedly, the queue and the waiting are too long (I left around 230PM) and without electronic devices to occupy you, it can be very boring.
4. You won't be able to use your electronic devices inside anyway even if you're allowed to bring them in because you have to watch out for your number on the screens. Note that the numbers are randomly called and you will be asked to fall in line to the counters three times (documents check, finger printing and actual interview.)
For my interview, I was called in to Counter 10 and an almost-bald American guy with glasses was sitting on the other end. I greeted him and he greeted me back and asked how I was. I answered and that's when the longest 5 minutes of my life started. He asked me the following questions:
1. What's the purpose of your travel?
2. Where are you staying?
3. Who are you staying with? (I said I was staying with my aunt)
4. What does she do?
5. Are you employed?
6. What do you do? From which firm? How long have you been with your firm?
7. Where are your parents? What do they do?
8. How old are you?
9. Do you have siblings? Where is he? What does he do?
10. How do you plan to fund your trip? (I said my dad was going to pay for everything)
11. Do you know how much your dad earns?
12. Are you married? Do you have kids?
13. Have you traveled to other countries? Where?
In between questions, the consul would look at me, type on his computer and browse through my passport. There were no support documents asked. At the end, he nodded and said, "You're approved. We'll send your passport back to you in a week." I smiled and said, "Thanks!"
I was ECSTATIC. The first thing I thought was I needed to call my parents but I didn't have my phone. Then I thought that can wait so I hailed a cab and went to the Church to pray. It was generally an overwhelming experience. If I didn't get approved, I don't think I would have the heart to do that again and subject myself to that kind of nerve-wrecking situation.
Now the hard part is over and the fun part begins! My favorite part about traveling is preparing for it. So watch out for this page for updates about my pending trip to the US in May! Oh and if you're interested to know, the embassy gave me multiple entry for 10 years and I couldn't be happier.
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