Unintentionally Got Myself that Coveted US Visa, Here's a Quick Guide for Filipinos in UAE

Do you believe in the saying, "True love waits"? I do now. We all have someone in the family whom we thought will never get married or in other words who will turn into an old maid. Laika's big sister, Ate Ledg was one of those people. Or so we thought. 

You might wonder why I am writing this. To cut the story short, Ate Ledg found her Prince Charming and they decided to marry in New York in the last quarter of 2016. Being a great sister, Laika helped out with the planning and preparation and what better way to celebrate a wedding than physically being there. Laika really wanted to witness this blissful day. So of course, clingy as we always are, Rissy and I wanted to tag along. That's where it all started. We decided to apply for a US Tourist Visa.

Extensive research happened. All three of us put our heads together to gather all the information we can get. Don't tell my boss by the way - sometimes work and research happened simultaneously because we were reading up on how to get a big fat APPROVAL. We also read up other people's blogs on what-to-do's and what-is-needed tips.

We started filling out the applications at the end of September, submitted it early October and finally secured our interview slots by the end of the same month.

Here is a guide on what to do when applying for a US Non Immigrant Visa in the UAE:

1. Prepare necessary documents to help you fill in the DS-160 form. - passport (old/new)
2. Go to Online Non Immigrant Application website.
3. Select United Arab Emirates (Dubai or Abu Dhabi)
4. Click Start Application and fill in the form. (Make sure you fill in the form honestly)
5. Double-check, Triple-check. Once completed, you have to submit and pay the application fees. (590AED when paid in cash through the bank or 160 USD if you're using a credit card)
6. Set your appointment date through Official U.S. Department of State Visa Appointment Service.
7. Show up on your designated appointment date.

You can check the Frequently Asked Questions here.

There is really no secret on how to get your US Visa. Only their officers know what classifications they are looking at a certain person's application and you don't know what to expect when you go to your interview. Just ensure that you got all the supporting documents ready which I am not going to specify here as they are all listed in the links above.

I will give you some tips for the day of the interview. 

Tip No. 1 - Wear comfortable clothes.

Tip No. 2 - Show up just a little early before your appointed time. There is no need to come super early as they don't really let you in early and the waiting area is an open parking space so if you go on a summer day, you're in for a sauna experience my friend.

Tip No. 3 - If you don't have a car waiting for you, don't bring bulky stuff or a big bag as they are not going to let you take them inside. You will have to leave it outside with no one looking after your stuff. They will let you leave your mobile phones and other small stuff in the counter though.

Tip No. 4 - If you get hungry, snacks and coffee are available for sale inside.

Tip No. 5 - Wait patiently. Listen to instructions when given.

Tip No. 6 - Don't be shy in the interview. Don't be too confident either.

Tip No. 7 - Organize your documents properly so you know which one to give when asked.

That's it! You're set.

We were there armed and ready for our interviews. The waiting was quite long but the interview was fast. Overall the process was very smooth. However it was only I who got lucky. Laika and Rese did not get it. It was goodbye America when we never even got there yet. So much for wishing to take good pictures on that wedding.

So the wedding.. it was held on November 18, 2016.. A huge success. We were happy for the couple and sad that we could not be there to witness. All along, it was a fun and exciting experience. A lot can be learned just by trying to get a visa alone.

There you  have it folks! It was not exactly rocket science, was it? One thing I know for sure, I now believe in true love. Who knows I will meet mine there? The question is, when will I go? God only knows.