I was lucky to be promoted and be sent abroad (for free) for training (business visa). After my interview was confirmed which was just today ( 6/23/09) at 9 AM, I prepared my mind, my heart and my documents in getting through this interview.
Reminders:
**Don't bring any electronic device such as cellphone, psp, ipod. In this case, bring something to read like a magazine or newspaper.
**Anticipate and bring all the documents.
Process:
1. When you reach the US embassy, ask for the non-immigrant line. Talk to the guards only.
2. Show your filled-out DS 156 (https://evisaforms.state.gov/ds156.asp) and DS 157 (http://www.visapro.com/US-Immigration-Forms/Form-DS-157.asp) (with BDO payment) and passport to the security person.
3. Go through the Security check.
4. Preliminary Interview (Verification of Information input in DS documents. They will provide you then with your stub number (wait for an hour).
5. Your number will be called for the Electronic Finger Print.
6. After that, wait again for at most 30 minutes.
7. Your number will be announced for the interview. Go to the appropriate window with your documents. The officer will ask questions.
8. If your visa is granted, he will get the documents including the passport and will advise you to go to the Air 21 station in the lobby. You would know who did not pass the interview since they bring with them their passport after that.
My interview with the Officer
The interviewer was a foreigner (an American) who tries his best to speak in Filipino (LOL)...
1. He greeted me "magandang umaga sa yo"... I greeted him back.
2. 1st question: Why do you want to travel to the USA? ( You must give him a compelling reason why there is a need for the travel).
2. 2nd question: Who is sponsoring you? (I told him my company)
3. 3rd question: What is your monthly income?
4. 4th question; Have you visited any other country?
5. He asked me about out human resources manager as one of the signatories of the company. This is usually being asked if its for the training. And how many years is our HR manager working for our company (I just guessed the answer!)
6. How much is my savings! Oh men.. I remember I provided him just the payroll statement of account. Though I have a BPI direct savings account, I dont have any certifications with me (crossing my fingers on this one).
7. Lastly, the question that made me really nervous, "what is the status of your immigration case?".. I told him that I did not file for that one. Then, he mentioned the name of my aunt who petitioned me in 1995. Men! I was not aware of that. So, I told him again that I was not really aware of the petition..
After that....a moment of silence and analysis .....(I was really praying while my heart was beating so fast!!)
And then, he said " nakapasa ka sa interview.Pumunta ka na sa Air 21."... I was so happy and thankful to God!!
What I learned from this experience:
1. Bring a magazine or a newspaper. Remember there is a waiting time for about an hour and a half.
2. As much as possible, it is good if you have a companion who has an interiew schedule too. I was there alone and was not in the mood to be friendly. I was sitting the whole time, not talking to my seatmates or just anyone. (I was able to do that?)
3. While waiting, read what you have written in the documents. They will just base their questions from it. (Thats what I did while waiting).
4. Bring some food and a bottle of water. Though there is a mini store there selling foods and drinks, but if you are on a budget, bring your own. (I just bought a cupcake and gatorade)
So, this has been an awesome experience. Now, I am just waiting for my visa.. Hopefully, it would be a multiple entry...=)
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