Travel Hacks

US Visa Application: Turning my rejections into a positive =)

I've been disheartened for like the nth time, every time a US consul pulls out that notorious 'blue paper'. And for some reason, the different consuls that came to review my application, didn't seem to find me credible of my words. Thus witholding me of a chance to visit the rest of my family in Houston.

I've already been rejected of a US Visa three times, and I don't think I want to try anytime soon. Family members have tried to figure out the deal in every ordeal but would just end up thinking that I may have probably been denied mainly because I was a single woman, who came with pretty good genes. *=P The consuls may not believe that I am an honest businesswoman, then that's just their word against mine. I know who I am, and I never had any intentions of going TNT in the US nor marrying a US citizen for a green card.

So in lieu of this entry, I would like to turn my rejections into a positive one. I hope that with this post, that I may be able to help out anyone who's planning on getting that most sought after document on their passport's.

For now, here are my tips:

1) Go online and type in the link: http://manila.usembassy.gov/


2) When you're finally on the website, look for the VISA tab/page and click the visa type that you'll be applying for. Mine was the Non-Immigrant kind, so I chose that one. The type of NIV visa and the requirements that you will need to gather for this specific application will still depend on what your intentions are in terms of traveling to the US. So if you're applying for a NIV, make sure to read all of the information first. 


3) Now, there are several categories for Non-Immigrant applicants. Mine was B1/B2, as this was the Visitor visa (for Tourism or Business travel). 


4) As soon as you've chosen which NIV type you are, click IT. It will direct you to a page where an applicant's list of required documents are noted down. You'll need to read through the requirements so that you'll be able to get a heads up on the papers that you will need to gather before setting an interview for your visa application.

5) When you're done, read up on the Non-Immigrant Visa Procedures. The application process will just basically revolve on the following:
  • Fill up application form (in my case, the DS-160)
  • Create your profile
  • Schedule an appointment and then pay the application fee afterwards
  • After payment, schedule your interview date
  • Show up at your interview

6) After you've read all of the information, log on to this site. This will direct you to the Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application (DS-160).You will need to fill-up this form as accurate as possible, as the assigned consul will be looking at this form on their computer throughout the interview. So what you put on the form should also be as consistent with what you'll be saying during the interview. 
  • When filling up the form, make sure to save your answers before proceeding to the next page.
  • Also keep your Application ID in a safe place because you'll need this to open your form should you get disconnected, or should your computer reach the time limit (the page refreshes every 20 minutes, if I recall correctly).
  • Ready all of your essential documents, especially your passport

7) As soon as you finish writing on your DS-160, you will need to log on to another US Visa application site. You'll have to create your profile here in order to schedule your interview date. You'll know you're in the right place when you find that GREEN button that says "Apply Now". Click that. 



8) Once you're done creating your profile, look for the SCHEDULE APPOINTMENT tab on the left side of the page. Answer the questions here accurately, until you get to the 'payment' part.


9) You won't be able to do anything further until you've paid the fee. Mine was $140, so I paid it the next day at a BPI Island Bank nearest me (paid it in PHP not USD). Now, the payment will only reflect on your profile after a few hours (mine took about 6 hours). But as soon as your payment kicks in, you will be able to proceed to the next stage: Scheduling your interview.

10) You'll be able to see three calendar months on the scheduling page, each showing available dates for your preferred date/time. You can only choose one, so try not to change your initial date/time to avoid all the hassles of correcting your profile. Believe me, the changes can take days as the reps from the US Embassy will have to look through your profile!

11) When you've finally submitted your interview date, make sure to gather all of the necessary documents afterwards. Also prepare for your interview in the days to come. Now, your papers may not be asked of you by the consul. But it would also help if you had these for back-up. In my 3 times that I was interviewed, none of my papers were asked from me. 

Anyway, hope these tips help in your future application. Should I remember a few more things, I'll make sure to update this post again. Until then..

Explore & Be Free!
Mai

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88 comments

  1. hi, Pwede ba yung BDO Account para magbayad via online ?

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  2. Hi Andrea.. I don't think so. The US Embassy only allows US Visa cash payments through BPI Islands deposits. But you can call their hotline to get further confirmation.

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  3. Great motivation! I've always believed that there are no coincidences only purposes! Who knows.. eto ung last link.. para ma approve ka? Thanks for this! I'll bookmark this para guide sa mga friends na gusto din magvisit dito.. God Bless!

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  4. Awww.. thanks Gemma! But I've no plans of applying again. Too much heartbreak for me (emotionally and financially)! hehehe.. and sure, go ahead and bookmark please. Would love to help out future applicants. =)

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  5. I've been denied twice .The 1st time was in Manila ,i was divorced then .i did not take it seriously while inside the US EMBASSY  but as I walking away, i felt differently and cried in the bus on the way home. The 2nd one was in Qatar, I was already married to an American citizen, the reason .US EMBASSY  wanted my hubby to apply for an immigrant visa instead of a tourist visa .the 3rd one was approved but the consul called my hubby's company first just to make sure we will be coming back to Qatar.

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  6. The feeling was always the same after being rejected. Sad but life must go on. I guess the chance of taking risks is the best part of the application. And maybe someday, mabigyan na din ng visa. =) But at least you got your visa on the 3rd try. Di nagwork ang 'third times a charm' sakin Ms. Tess, heheh!

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  7. I don't have an Amer. dream. Ewan ko ba. Haha. I have cousins in Calif and Canada but I'm not that interested to visit the country. Mas gusto ko sa Europe talaga.

    Anyway, try and try until you get approved. Good luck next time dear! :)

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  8. Oh, thanks for visiting my parenting blog. Cheers! Mrs. Kolca here.

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  9. Hello Mrs. Kolca! Baka ma-mistake mo ang post ko for wanting that American dream. =) I actually just wanted to see the rest of my family and maybe tour a little. But if talagang di mabigyan ng chance, move on lang, and try some other time. =)

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  10. My besfriend who applied for her visit visa in US was unsuccessful her application was refuse for the first attempt. She's quite wealthy. The same reason they doubt her capacity. Sometimes it made me realise it's easy for the Americans to come over in the Philippines and for Filipinos is dead hard. Knowing that not all Americans are rich. I think they doubt that there are wealthy Filipinos who can afford to travel, live and study  in America. Other reason I did not accept my first offer to work, live in study in America is the processing. Why I bothered myself to travel in there country if I can make my dreams come true to the UK? I wish you all the best for your applications. Don't forget to pray babe. :)

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  11. this is really informative. thanks. Yahweh bless.

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  12. I remember my former boss.  She is going to attend a conference in US where she is going to present a paper; some of my co-workers are attending as well and we're already given visa.  When she applied for her visa, she was denied because she is single.

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  13. so sorry you got denied again. i haven't tried applying for a US visa but thanks for this coz we might try to get a visa and finally get to visit my sister and mother in Irvine in two years' time. crossing my fingers and don't lose hope. 

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  14. I actually loss doing this

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  15. Actually, I understand how strict the American consuls can be. Our fellow Filipino's who've gone TNT are mainly at fault for this, and they've made it hard for individuals like me to get approved. Now, if this was avoided in the past, then every Filipino would have had the chance to visit the US without any restrictions. Then again, time will tell if I am to be given a visa. And thanks for wishing me well. All the best to you too Jenny! =)

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  16. Thanks for visiting my site, Ralph. =)

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  17. Haaaay, single ladies unite! Hehehe.. What's wrong with us? Do we look like we're going to marry the first American we see at the airport? =)) Di bale, if we're meant to go, it'll happen eventually. =)

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  18. Hey RC! Malakas raw ang chance na mabigyan ng visa ang family member's that apply together. So try lang kayo. =)

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  19. Hi Air Abenes! Sorry? I didn't get what you wrote po..

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  20. waaahh is it really hard to get a US visa? I have a brother in US, hope it would be easy for mee

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  21. It would not be a surprise that anytime soon that Filipinos who wish to travel to the nearest country Thailand will also get denied because of the recent incident that happened when a group of Filipinos was  caught stealing some million worth of jewelry in Bangkok. This is how a mistake of some can affect us all.  

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  22. Hey Enzo! Totoo yan. The actions of some of our fellow Filipino's truly affects us at some point. Sad reality.

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  23. hey Carizza! As they said nga, tsambahan lang din talaga. I really don't know what they're looking for pa from me, pero ayun panay deny naman sila sakin.. hehehe

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  24. bookmarked!
    It's been 2 years since I first applied for a non-immigrant US visa and denied for some reasons. who knows... i may need this information in the future so i have it bookmarked. 

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  25. That makes two of us, Nancy. Dbale, baka next time magWork na for us. =)

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  26. i'm sorry to hear about the visa rejections, and i'm glad you are taking it positively by creating this post. i will keep tab of this, so it will be easy for me to tell my friends and clients the process haha. i am a lawyer so lots of times people ask me for advice on US visa processing. i have a current 10 year multiple B1/B2 visa and this is my second time so been back and forth in US for 12 years now. getting the first US visa was like a dream.  i was young and single like you when i applied for the visa. i was a brand new lawyer then working for the Bureau of Immigration for the commissioner coz graduated with flying colors but naturally no fat bank account yet. so you guessed, i was denied when i applied for the visa.but like you i did not sulk or get discourage. in fact, i wrote on the same day the non immigrant section chief telling him how i respect the consul's decision, but emphasize why i feel that if given opportunity to submit documents, i will be able to show that although i still have no money in bank, the pasture is greener for me here than in the US (where i still have to study further to practice law). i list down my educational attainment and many job offers which strengthens my ties in the Philippines -economic, professional and family ties. you know what happened? on that day-i received a call from chief consul asking me to come back and bring my passport. i was given a purple ticket, escorted inside the embassy and got out with my passport stamped with a US 10 year multiple B1/B2 visa! you are inviting positive vibes with this post, so who knows...you can pm me if you need help.

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  27. Thank you dear! I really appreciate your message. I emailed you by the way! =)

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  28.  this is sad..i have a friend who tried applying one, but just same with you, her application was rejected..after that, she didn't applied again because she was gotten discouraged by her family -- primarily because of the finances that were used..she's just here in the Philippines now but happy with her work here as a nurse..

    ...yes..this application has caused you emotional and financial sickness, but sure thing, better opportunities will be coming on your way, not just now, perhaps..but just the right time to come.

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  29. Thanks gagay! I always make it a point to look on the brighter side of things. This is just a bump on the road. If it happens for me, it will. =) Thanks for leaving me this nice message! 

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  30. Noks Sosa I Siningfactory.comMarch 23, 2012 at 1:17 AM

    My parents did the processing for my visa when I was young. Masmadali daw noon. Hope, sooner you'll be traveling to US na rin. Anyway, I am liking this post. You made your bad experience in to something that is useful to others. Thanks for the tips. 

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  31. I appreciate that Noks! And yeah, hopefully I get my chance pa din. =)

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  32. What a good attitude you've. It takes patience for everything we do. Let's take what the Bible says: those who hope will have something to reap.

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  33.  I haven't been  rejected yet as I haven't even tried applying for a Visa.  But thanks for sharing your experience and its good to know that despite setbacks, you still take it forward with your head up high. ^_^

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  34. Thanks Sir Gil!

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  35. Thank you Mark! =)

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  36. try and try until you succeed...
    it's not only you who have misfortunes like this.
    actually, my mom-in-law had been rejected even if she's already a green card holder and been to the US for almost 4 years.  

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  37. Wow, her background is already expansive on its own. Grabe at nareject pa siya ulit. Di mo talaga ma-figure out kung ano hinahanap ng consuls.

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  38. hi,  a day after my vrp appointment, the us embassy call me for an interview... and next week will be my interview. can i ask you for help on how to make a letter to convince the consul (if ever they will denied me) because i don't really have a fat bank :( . I am still dependent with my parents. 
    i have been visited to US, 3 times. i never stayed longer than 6 months. The longer was 5 months and the last two was 2 and 3 months. I have no intention like you to stay any longer in the US, because first,i want to take care of my parents here (im unica hija, i don't want to leave them and work in other countries) ; second, i love my job in the Phil. and lastly, currently i am doing my masteral.
     If i have intention to stay or migrate, i shouldn't comeback after my vacations. The reason why i stayed 5 mos. in my previous visit was to maximize my time/day being with my relatives and friends, coz my 10 year visa will expire in that year.  Anyway, i'm still hoping that they will give me another 10 year visa...

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  39. Hi Jamila! Is your comment for Ms. mheanneojeda ? :)

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  40. hi...does your "blue paper" have x marks...to determine what points you missed?

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  41. do you still remember how you contacted the Consul Chief?

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  42. Hello Nikki! Sorry for the late response. I was out of town. Anyhow, the blue paper that was handed out to me after getting my application rejected had a check mark. I can't exactly recall which from the 3 options it was. But to make things short, I was told that I didn't give out enough information to back up my application. It's always the same reason. Although the consul/s will not tell you exactly what they're trying to get out of you.


    Have you applied or will be applying?

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  43. ralph marcuss ManarangOctober 27, 2012 at 8:51 PM

    Ang isang dahilan daw sabi ng opisina namin ay dahil may kamag anak sa ibang bansa. Kaya kami bago mag apply ng US Visa na wag mag sasabing may kamag anak. Tinitingnan din ata nila yung Bank book dapat ata pare pareho ang income.

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  44. Hi Ralph! That's good to know.. kaso di ako marunong magsinungaling..hehe! I've always been truthful about my answers.. at least, when I get approved, I know that all of what I said was true. :) Plus, I always bring with me all the possible documents that could be asked of me, especially my bank certificate and ITR. Then again, for the three times that I've been interviewed, none of my papers were asked from me. SO tsambahan lang talaga siguro.. :)

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  45. My besfriend who applied for her visit visa in US was unsuccessful her application was refuse for the first attempt. She's quite wealthy. The same reason they doubt her capacity. Sometimes it made me realise it's easy for the Americans to come over in the Philippines and for Filipinos is dead hard. Knowing that not all Americans are rich. I think they doubt that there are wealthy Filipinos who can afford to travel, live and study  in America. Other reason I did not accept my first offer to work, live in study in America is the processing. Why I bothered myself to travel in there country if I can make my dreams come true to the UK? I wish you all the best for your applications. Don't forget to pray babe. :)

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  46. That's sad to hear. =( But for what it's worth, my friend got rejected many times before finally getting one. =) May the next application be finally the one for you!

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  47. wow, this is such a heartening story! =) i will remember this should the same thing happen to me. looks like persistence pays. ;-)

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  48. I am so sad to hear about your visa rejection but this post would be so helpful to others planning to apply for visa. :)

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  49. If it would comfort you, I had problems with my US Visa too before on a work assignment but I ended up being sent to Paris instead for my first foreign trip.

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  50. Just keep trying Mai :), thank you so much for sharing. This is a helpful article for Pinoy processing a US Visa.

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  51. Thanks Erwin! I would love to try again. But the application fee is super heavy on the wallet. It's such a waste of money whenever your application gets rejected. :(

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  52. Thanks Franc! Blessing in disguise on your end siguro noh? :)

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  53. Thank you Claire! :) Hopefully, I get accepted the next time because my wallet gets such a beating every time I get rejected..hehe!

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  54. I like the fact that you turned your not-so-good experience into a positive form by writing this post. Let's just look at it this way, it's US' loss and not yours if its representatives will not give you a chance. Keep being positive and keep us posted with your next try.

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  55. Aww it's sad to be rejected a couple of times for the one you're wishing to aim for. I wonder how mine will be approved.

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  56. This is really helpful to those who are planning to apply for a visa, though I never dream of going there it is still a good thing to read.
    Don't worry for sure the next time you try it will be a sure hit :)

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  57. Don't give up!!! Just don't give up. I hope next time, you will find the embassy personnel in good mood so your Visa will be approved. Thanks for sharing the tips.

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  58. It could have been your Genes nga Mai =P


    But as they say, "Try and try until you succeed"


    I don't have yet any reason why I should get a visa (or even renew my passport) but I'll keep this page bookmarked.

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  59. I like your attitude 'anak' of turning frustrations to inspirations or whatever.. Na-strike 1 na rin si misis last December lang. The reason, bakit hindi raw ako kasama. Tama ba naman yun. ha..ha..ha. But I do believe na if you are destined to reach something, then it will happen. Yung try and try.. I don't buy the idea. :)

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  60. I have some tips here on getting a US visa: http://www.boardinggate101.com/2013/01/applying-for-tourist-visa-for-united.html


    tnx

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  61. You are very helpful Mai - even if your application was rejected 3 times, you still took the time to detail out what one should do to apply for a visa. Thanks! I don't even have a passport but this post can be handy to a lot of people.

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  62. Thank you Joy! I appreciate that coming from you. :)

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  63. Hi! Thanks for visiting my site, and thank you for the advice.

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  64. Hehe.. thanks tay! Actually, mahirap magTry and Try. Yan ay kung mayaman ako at ok lang gumastos ng 6k kada apply. Hirap din talaga mag-apply kasi nga po single pa ako. Siguro sa susunod na susubok ako, kasal nako. Let's see if that'll change their minds about finally giving me a visa. :)

    And bakit nga naman di kayo kasama? Ayaw niyo po ba bumisita ng America? :)

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  65. Hahaha.. Oo nga. Kahit ano namang sabihin ko, walang epekto. Lahat naman ng sinabi ko totoo.. ewan ko ba at rejected all the time. :))

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  66. Hi! I'm not giving up. :) I'm just not thinking about applying anytime soon since the application fee is very heavy on the wallet.

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  67. Oh, I hope the 4th time is the charm!

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  68. Awww.. thank you Ms. Teresa! :) Hopefully, the next try will finally provide me that golden ticket! :P

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  69. welcome mai :) but you really are! :) I hope you get that visa soon :)

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  70. Una, ala nga akong passport and secondly, pang Pinas lang ata ang beauty ko anak.

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  71. Madali lang kumuha passport tay! Kung keri pa, magandang puntahan lahat ng foreign countries na naisulat niyo na sa travel blog niyo po.. masaya yun. Kahit di na muna US. :)

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  72. I hope you get it the next time! Kapag ayaw nila, tara sa UK!

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  73. Hehehe.. thanks Eileen! Napa-smile mo ako jan! :) Actually, ok din ang UK. May relatives ang bf ko don.. pwedeng pwede! :)

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  74. Never give up on the visa idea I was issued twice without a problem but I guess it is primarily because I have a different kind of non-immigrant visa but if you feel it is the much coveted piece of thing to stick on your passport then my wishes of luck will go with you all the way. I want a schengen sticker on my passport though hahahahaha.

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  75. I actually want a Schengen visa too --- been dreaming of visiting Paris for the longest time! Sunod ko na lang kayang applyang for EU naman..hehe! Anyway, thank you for the support!

    If you have time, hope you can visit and like my FB page :) https://www.facebook.com/budgetbiyahera

    Safe travels always!

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  76. i dream of visiting US but I'm hesitant to apply for a US visa for fear that I will be denied! A friend of mine told me that if you have visited other visa required countries, and didn't overstay there, US consul will be easy on you

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  77. It's probably a case-to-case basis too. Come to think of it, I already had a Korean Visa on my passport when I applied for a US visa 2 years ago. Sadly, I was still denied. Somehow, I still wasn't able to "establish" some stuff.

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  78. very informative and helpful! I wish you good luck on your next US visa application Mae :)

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  79. I have no plans of applying for a us visa anytime soon but this detailed step by step process would surely help a lot. US is such a strict country but I do hope you'll get approved soon! (If not yet as of this time.) ;)

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  80. My first out of the country trip was supposed to be a business trip to US but I had problems with my Visa in 2002 and at that time I felt I wasn't meant for traveling. I was wrong though, the trip was replaced with a trip to Paris and I have lost count home many times I've traveled out of the country since then.

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  81. This is very informative Mai, and I hope someone will be accepted in US application thru your help

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  82. I have learned a lot from your post, I also dream of gaining access to the US too :) ♥

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