Do I need to have “show money”? Will I need a letter of invitation? Are there any tips and tricks? Let’s talk about those stuff, and more.

Common B-1/B-2 US Tourist/Non-Immigrant Visa Questions:

What is a B-1/B-2 US Tourist/Non-Immigrant Visa ?

How do I apply?

What happens during the interview?

What are the documentary requirements?

Will I need to have “show money” or an invitation letter?

Is there an annual quota on the number of B-1/B-2 US Tourist/Non-Immigrant Visa that they approve?

How much does a B-1/B-2 US Tourist/Non-Immigrant Visa Cost?

Will the application process be easier if I applied for a Single-Entry B-1/B-2 US Tourist/Non-Immigrant Visa only?

What is the maximum period of stay when on a B-1/B-2 US Tourist/Non-Immigrant Visa?

Does my travel history count for something?

Are there any tips or tricks that I can use during visa interviews?

What are the perks of having a valid B-1/B-2 US Tourist/Non-Immigrant Visa?

This is how a typical US Visa looks like.

1. What is a B-1/B-2 US Tourist/Non-Immigrant Visa ?

A US B-1 Non-immigrant Visa allows the holder to enter the US and participate in a limited range of short-term business-related activities in the United States such as contract negotiations and business conferences. However, this visa does not allow you to engage in work that shall be paid by a US-based employer.

A US B-2 Non-immigrant Visa allows you to enter the US for tourism, visit friends/family or gain access to medical treatment.

In a majority of cases, US Consular Services issue combined B-1/B-2 visas even if you applied for just one of those visa classes. In my case, I was issued a B-1/B-2 visa even if I applied only for a B-2.

2. How do I apply?

The four-step application process is quite easy and straightforward. You can check my post, “How to Apply for a US Tourist Visa” for more information.

3. What happens during the interview?

Per standard operating procedure, every consular officer assumes that each B-1/B-2 US Tourist/Non-Immigrant Visa applicant intends to immigrate/overstay, and it’s up to the applicant to demonstrate otherwise. To do this, the consular officer usually asks a barrage of questions that help clarify the applicant’s real intent. They even ask multiple questions about the same topic to make sure that the applicant is truthful and honest.

This is how the interview area looks like. Note that I am not the guy in the picture.

To know more, you can read about My US Tourist Visa Interview – August 18 2014.

4. What are the documentary requirements?

Unlike most developed (OECD) countries, the US requires relatively little documentation to support US tourist visa applications. Presumably, the US Department of State uses gap between the date of application and the date of the interview to perform background/character checks on the applicant.

However, applicants are advised to bring supporting documents with them on the day of the interview, in case the consular officer requests for them. There is no official list of supporting documents, but it generally includes the following:

Certificate of Employment – on company letterhead, with employer signature, shows compensation, date of hire, position, and job responsibilities.

Registration Certificates – Business, Home, Car, and other sizeable assets.

5. Will I need to have “show money” or an invitation letter?

Not necessarily. “Show money”, or a document showing that you have substantial savings, is rarely requested. In my opinion, it can do you more harm than good. I have heard about some instances where applicants provide a passbook that shows large deposits over a short period, deposits that are not realistic with respect to how much they earn. Moreover, there are instances where the applicant can afford to pay for the trip using only one paycheck. It’s really a case-to-case thing.

Meanwhile, a letter of invitation is not very helpful in B-1/B-2 US Tourist/Non-Immigrant Visa applications. Ultimately, the outcome of a visa application is determined by the applicant’s personal circumstances, and not those of somebody else’s.

6. Is there an annual quota on the number of B-1/B-2 US Tourist/Non-Immigrant Visa that they approve?

No. Quotas do not apply on tourist visas. As long as you can convince the consular officer that you don’t intend to immigrate or overstay, your application will be approved.

7. How much does a B-1/B-2 US Tourist/Non-Immigrant Visa Cost?

A B-1/B-2 US Tourist/Non-Immigrant Visa costs US$ 160, or PHP 7040 (as of August 23 2014). This amount is non-refundable and non-transferrable, so be extra careful when filling out deposit slips.

A US Visa Fee Deposit Slip. Note the top-right hand corner that shows a unique receipt number.

8. Will the application process be easier if I applied for a Single-Entry B-1/B-2 US Tourist/Non-Immigrant Visa only?

The US Embassy in Manila rarely issues single-entry visas, if at all. I wouldn’t really know because all approved applicants in US Embassy Manila are granted 10-year multiple entry visas. Maybe, this is the reason why consular officers are extra strict during the visa interviews, as there’s a higher risk for illegal immigration when one is granted a multiple entry visas.

As of 23 August 2014. the US Embassy Manila issues 10-years Multiple Entry B-1/B-2 Visas only.

9. What is the maximum period of stay when on a B-1/B-2 US Tourist/Non-Immigrant Visa?

You may be allowed to stay for a minimum of 30 days on US territory, and up to a maximum of 6 months. Note, however, that the allowed length of stay is really up to the border protection officer that you will meet upon entry to the United States.

10. Does my travel history count for something?

There are many first time travelers who were granted B-1/B-2 visas. However, as a general rule, applicants who have travelled abroad – and didn’t overstay – are more likely to be approved. For example, the consular officer asked me about previous travel so I told him that I have travelled to about 7 countries before I applied for a US Visa. But then, there are many other factors that are considered, so the lack of previous travel history doesn’t automatically cause denial.

As a general rule, previous travel counts.

11. Are there any tips or tricks that I can use during visa interviews?

Yes. Be honest and straight to the point. Provide sensible and informative answers. For example, if an officer asks you why you want to visit the US, don’t say “Because I think it would be nice”. This is too vague and it doesn’t say a lot about your intent. Instead, say something like, “I want to go there out of sheer curiosity.”, or, “I want to go there because I want to see snow.”

The visa officer may also appreciate a little sense of humor. After all, they interview hundreds of people each day and a giggle or two can brighten things up a bit.

Be calm. Getting uncontrollably nervous may do you harm, especially since you’ll be more likely to say stupid and irrelevant things. Just remember that this is just a B-1/B-2 US Tourist/Non-Immigrant Visa and not a ticket to eternal life.