Complete Guide on How to Apply for Your USA Tourist Visa (B1/B2)

Complete Guide on
How to Apply USA Tourist Visa for Filipinos

Travel Agencies Will Hate Us for This!

This is the ultimate unfiltered guide on how to apply for a USA Tourist Visa (B1/B2) without paying for unnecessary services! From online registration, preparing required documents, paying the visa fee, setting up your appointment, and attending your visa interview—we’re laying it all out for FREE!

First Things First: The Harsh Reality

Applying for a US visa is no joke. Unlike other visa applications, this one involves a face-to-face interview—the moment that makes most applicants tremble. The rejection rate is higher compared to other countries, and if you’re not prepared, you might just get the dreaded blue slip (a.k.a. denial). But why do so many Filipinos get denied? Simple. Because the US Embassy assumes that many applicants might overstay and work illegally instead of just traveling for tourism.

Don't Worry, We Got You!

If you’re dreaming of visiting Disneyland, New York’s Times Square, Las Vegas, or even just reuniting with your long-lost AFAM (a.k.a. foreigner boyfriend), this guide alone is enough to help you get that visa! Just follow these steps, prepare yourself, and you might just be flying to the US sooner than you think!

Complete Guide on
How to Apply USA Tourist Visa for Filipinos

Step 1: Fill Out the Online Application Form (DS-160 Form)

The DS-160 form is the most important document in your application. This is where the consulate gets ALL your information.

What You Need to Prepare Before Filling It Out:

Your valid passport (must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your travel date)
Your travel details (intended date of travel, places to visit, duration of stay, etc.)
Your employment or business details
Your family details (especially if you’re visiting relatives in the US)
The address of your US contact (hotel, family, friends, or your AFAM’s house)
Your past travel history (especially if you’ve been to the US, Canada, or Europe)

How to Fill Out the DS-160 Form:

Visit the Consular Electronic Application Center (CEAC) and register.

2. Click on Start an Application, then take note of your Application ID (you’ll need this later!).

3. Answer the questions honestly! Your information should match your supporting documents.

4. Upload a 2×2 photo at the end of the form (check the US visa photo requirements).

5. Review everything, then submit the form.

6. Print the DS-160 confirmation page—you will need this for your interview!

🔥 Tina Travels Tip: If you’re visiting a family member, make sure their details match their records in the US. If you’re visiting an AFAM, prepare for extra scrutiny—be ready to explain how you met and how long you’ve been in a relationship.

Step 2: Pay Your Visa Fee (USD 185.00)

After submitting the DS-160 form, you need to create an account on the US Visa portal and link your DS-160 application. This step is crucial because your payment reference number will be generated here.

How to Pay the Visa Fee:

Go to the US Visa Information and Appointment System website for the Philippines. Click here!

2. Click on Create Account and fill out your personal information.

3. After logging in, select “New Application / Schedule Appointment.”

4. Choose Non-Immigrant Visa > B1/B2 (Tourist Visa).

5. Link your DS-160 Application ID to generate a payment reference slip.

6. Print the payment reference slip from the US Visa portal.

7. Go to RCBC Bank and pay the exact amount.

8. Keep your official receipt and note that the payment is non-refundable!

9. Wait 4 to 24 hours for the payment to be processed before proceeding to the next step.

🚨 IMPORTANT: Your payment slip expires after a few days. If you fail to pay before expiration, you need to generate a new one.

Step 3: Schedule Your Appointment

The appointment process has two stages:

1st Appointment: Biometrics at the Visa Application Center (VAC)

📍 Location: 3rd Floor, Cogon Bldg., Parqal, Diosdado Macapagal Blvd, Parañaque.

📝 What to Expect: Your photo and fingerprints will be taken—no interview yet!

2nd Appointment: Visa Interview at the US Embassy Manila

📍 Location: 1201 Roxas Blvd, Manila.

📝 What to Expect: This is the make-or-break moment! You’ll be interviewed by a US consular officer.

How to Schedule Your Appointments:

Log in to the US Visa Information and Appointment System. Click here!
Click on “Schedule Appointment.”
Choose the first available date for your Biometrics Appointment.
Choose a separate date for your Visa Interview Appointment.
Print your Appointment Confirmation letter.

🔥 Tina Travels Tip: Schedule your biometrics at least 3 days before your interview to avoid issues.

Step 4: Do Your Biometrics & Attend Your Visa Interview

Biometrics: What to Bring

Original Passport
DS-160 Confirmation Page
Appointment Letter

Visa Interview: What to Bring & Prepare

Original Passport
DS-160 Confirmation Page
Appointment Letter
Supporting Documents (Highly Recommended! See full list below)

However, the US Embassy does not give any guide on what to prepare other than the above-mentioned documents. But I highly advise you to prepare and bring all your documents as if you are going to a trial defending your case—that your only purpose in going to the US is purely for tourism, visiting family, friends, or sobrang miss na miss mo yung AFAM mo.

The consulate often assumes applicants intend to overstay, so your job is to convince them otherwise by showing strong proof that you will return to the Philippines.

Bring all supporting documents—business papers, employment letters, income tax returns, even proof of ownership of your mansion or luxury cars—showing that you won’t abandon your assets here just to work illegally in the US. If you need help in understanding what documents to prepare, consider hiring us for one-on-one visa coaching on how to defend your visa application.

During the interview, the consulate will inform you immediately if your visa is approved or denied. If they keep your passport, expect your visa in about two weeks. If they return your passport along with a blue slip, it means you have not convinced them “for now”—but don’t lose hope! You can always reapply anytime and try again.

Bonus: Supporting Documents You Should Bring

(Because in this visa interview, you’re the defendant, and the consulate is the prosecutor!)

Even though they don’t officially require additional documents, you should always be prepared like a lawyer in court—armed with solid proof, ready to counter any question the consulate might throw at you! Your goal? Convince them beyond reasonable doubt that you are financially capable and have every reason to return home.

The rule? They say you only need your passport, confirmation page, and appointment letter.
Your move? Bring all the evidence that proves you’re coming back to the Philippines!

1. For Employees – "Your Best Defense: A Stable Job!"

📌 Certificate of Employment (Proof that you have a real job and aren’t planning to jump ship!)
📌 Approved Leave of Absence (Because quitting your job for a short US trip? Highly suspicious!)
📌 Income Tax Returns (Show them you’re a responsible, tax-paying citizen!)
📌 Pay Slips (Because consistent income is your financial alibi!)
📌 Bank Certificate & Statements (Last 6 months) (Let them see you have enough funds—no financial fraud here!)
📌 Proof of Ownership (Land Title, Car Registration, etc.) (Reinforce your claim that you have assets you won’t abandon!)

2. For Business Owners – "Prove You're Running a Legit Empire!"

3. If You Are Visiting Family, Friends, or Your AFAM – "Your Proof of Relationship is Your Key Witness!"

📌 Photocopy of Their Passport (So they know your host is real and legal!)
📌 Photocopy of Green Card (If LPR Status) (If they’re a permanent resident, that’s solid proof!)
📌 Affidavit of Support (If Sponsored) (If they’re covering your expenses, let’s make it official!)
📌 *Proof of Relationship (Birth Certificate, Marriage Certificate, or photos of you together—just not the cringey ones! )

AFAM Defense Strategy: Be ready for cross-examination! The consul might ask:

How did you meet?
How often do you talk?
What are your future plans?
Rehearse your answers like you’re in the witness stand—truthful, confident, and consistent!

4. A Handful of Prayers!

Because in this trial, sometimes the judge’s mood matters! If the consul woke up on the wrong side of the bed, you need an airtight case with no loopholes. Be overprepared, present your evidence well, and you’ll have a strong shot at winning this visa battle!

Need Help? Let's Talk!

Applying for a US Visa can be overwhelming, but you don’t have to do it alone!

Let me know if this has helped you! You can always reach us by leaving a comment below. If you need expert guidance, reach out, and let’s discuss how we can help you get that visa approved. Click the link below to inquire about our visa assistance!