US Visa - Non-immigrant visa or Tourist visa

The dreaded US Visa interview can be very challenging to most of us.. even more than to someone like me who has a pending US Immigrant Visa petition on filed.. read on and learn from my story.

Background:

I am a single mother with 2 children (had my marriage annulled and reverted back to my maiden name), my parents are in the US (among my so many aunts, uncles, cousins), all of us 3 siblings are in the Philippines. With more than 14 years employment background and more than 5 year with my current employer.

October 25: around 9am (my schedule is 7:30 am, but with the other steps and waiting for my turn for the interview, it was already around 9)

Approaching the counter with a smile while saying “Good morning”; I drop my passport and DS 160 confirmation on the counter slot ( set aside my folder and hand bag) full attention to the consul

Consul: Good morning.. How are you?

Me: I am fine, thank you. And you..

Consul: with a surprised smile.. I am fine,  thank you.. while typing on his computer

Consul: What is the purpose of your visit to the united states Elaine? 

Me: Sir for tourism purposes and I also want to visit my parents.

Consul: Where are you parents in the states?

Me: I stated my parents address

Consul: Are you married?

Me: No.

Consul: with a smile.. Do you have children?

Me: yes, I have 2 children

Consul: What do you do?

Me:  I work for a German company as Administration Officer

Consul: What company?

Me: “stated my company name”

Consul: repeated my company name as he typed on his computer

Consul: How much is your monthly salary?

Me: My salary is ____ monthly

Consul: What course did you take in college?

Me – I have a bachelors degree major in electronics and communications.. It’s a branch of engineering or BS ECE we call it..

medyo na bulol pako kasi hindi ko expected na he will ask my course in college since I am not a newly grad.. although I heard a lot of people were asked. (I stutter because I am not expecting the question since I am not a newly grad, although I have heard a lot of people were asked)

Consul: Have you traveled to other countries?

Me:  Yes, I have traveled to several Asian countries with my children.

Consul- ahh with your children. Your children are not traveling with you?

Me:  No, not at this time.

Consul: Why?

Me:  they are in school, I plan to go in January.

Consul: Congratulations! Your visa has been approved, you will receive your passport in a few days. I was silent for a few seconds as my gaze follow his hands setting aside my passport on a box on his right.

Then I looked at him smiled and said – oh thank you.. have a nice day. He said thank you..then I Gathered my things and left.. I was giggling with happiness as I walk away from the interview section..

It was so fast!! That is not even more than 2 minutes. No docs was asked from me. I have a bunch of docs prepared. So happyyyy… :)

I was so worried that I might get denied due to my immigrant petition.. I am so prepared to answer about the immigrant petition that I wrote several reasons why I am coming back to the country and have no intention to migrate at this time.. I even researched a lot about US economy and employment rate.. I am prepared to say that 11.3M American are looking for a job only 148,000 jobs additional available in September; I have no chance to get employed when US will prioritize their citizens.. With my income I don’t have to go abroad.. I am earning enough here and I don’t have to be away from my family.. among other reasons.. but none of it was asked! 

Well, nothing is wrong to be over prepared… very very happy…

Oct. 30 – 11:15am received my Visa via 2go.. I have 10 years multiple entry!!  If you really wanted something, be truthful and give it all your efforts and you will get it.. have faith.

What do I think that my Visa was approved even if I have a pending immigrant Visa?

I am completely honest when I filled up my DS 160 form. I declared everything on my DS 160 Form, I did not conceal anything, even indicated my Petition receipt number they can look it up and I can pretty defend it. I am very relax during our conversation, it was like a normal conversation to me not a scary interview thing. I worked with several multi-cultural companies and deal with foreign colleagues; nevertheless, relax, the consul can sense that you are so tense that a tiny reason of doubt will get a denial of Visa. Don’t give them the reason to doubt you if you are 100 % honest and truthful that you have no intentions to overstay.

All my answers including the prepared ones that were not asked were all realistic and true to my capacity. I am not exaggerating, I did not padded my Bank accounts, I was only ready to answer everything within my capacity and I have supporting documents if asked.

I read a lot and research my case – being with a pending immigrant petition I need to do an extra effort to prove that I don’t intend to migrate now but rather my immigrant petition is a future intent and given that immigrant petition take years before it will be approved, this time I want to do a short visit.

I wrote my prepared answers, read it again and again.. I have notes, literally reading it while waiting. My notes boost my confidence, I am over prepared and so no question can block me to get the Visa that I wanted.

My Adventure to the Land of Stars and Stipes will begin SOON ")

I will share more of the stories I experienced and heard during my 2 hours or so waiting for the interview.. 

check my next Blog: 

The US Non-Immigrant VISA Application Process

Interview Scenarios/ Questions during the interview