U.S. Visa denied twice...any tips?
By vianneyanzu
@vianneyanzu (908)
Philippines
February 2, 2011 2:40am CST
Hi, I am a nursing student and apparently the US embassy give us nursing students a hard time. They are very much thinking that we are not going to return anymore.
So, I have been applying for the visa twice already and sadly got denied :(. they denied me for the same reason that I have no enough compelling ties that would ensure that I return to my country.
However, I have had batchmates who were also in nursing that were granted Visas, even 10year multiple visas. So I guess it's just a luck of getting into a cubicle with a consul who's in a really good mood. :P
Any tips though during the interview?
Or do any of you want to share your interview experience in the US Embassy whether denied or granted a visa?
1 person likes this
9 responses
@ybong007 (6643)
• Philippines
2 Feb 11
I have not had the chance to apply for US visa because I don't have the funds and even if I have the funds I wouldn't consider it the first place to visit. The following could be reason why you get denied.
1. you're too young. They usually deny people who are mostly likely to look for a job there.
2. You don't have enough funds and even if I you have funds available, it doesn't follow that you won't look for a job there.
3. You have relatives in the US who are illegally staying there. I think they check all the names you indicate in the application and cross reference it in their database. Remember that the US has a very sophisticated way of knowing the whereabouts of people getting in and out of the country.
4. You're just unlucky to be in the counter where the consul seems to have a bad day and denies everyone queued in his or her counter.
1 person likes this
@pjvillamor88 (6)
•
2 Feb 11
well, i agree with what ybong007 had said...however, i know young people who were granted too...i think there's this luck factor as well. I have applied once and got denied as well. I might apply for a visa maybe when I get a job already. So for tips, maybe you'd just have to be more confident and answer the consul smartly and just keep on trying and trying. I know there will be one consul out there who's gonna grant you that VISA. Best of luck to you!
@vianneyanzu (908)
• Philippines
2 Feb 11
Thanks ybong007! i am going to apply again this month as I will have to visit my mom (she's on an F1 visa there, she is studying there.) I just want to visit her before I get too busy when I enter med school... :(
@ybong007 (6643)
• Philippines
2 Feb 11
Good luck to your next application. I would also suggest that you try to visit visa free countries like Hongkong, singapore or any asian countries since persons who've been to other countries have more chance of getting approved than those who don't because their argument would be "why would you visit a country located halfway around the world, try your luck and with no guarantee of a Visa when you can go to countries like Hongkong and Singapore, which is nearer and less expensive?".
1 person likes this
@hexebella (1136)
• Philippines
2 Feb 11
I got my US Visa 10 years multiple entry in 2001 and it was my first attempt. I was not serious actually that time, it was just out of peer pressure as I was focussed on traveling to Europe that year. I already had a previous travel in Asia in 1995. My reference I used in applying the visa was a friend and that time I made it appear that I am happily married although my marriage broke up already. I believe that being married is also a plus factor, why not get married first? LOL!
Another tip is do not agree with what the consul is saying. Do not get nervous and you should be determined in all your answers. I was told they are psyschologist. My interview on the counter appeared to be more an argument with the consul. Do not say ummm.....ahhh....you should be straight and strong.
Also, make sure that your bank account has long been opened and active account. It should show withdrawals and deposit....at least a year. I was told by a friend that her friend was granted with a visa showing Php5k in her account. That was in late 90's.
They took my passport and it was the positive sign, gave me the stub for the courier...as I was on que in the courier counter, the lady behind me told me I had a loud voice during the interview/argument whatever LOL!... because they could hear me even they were at the back.
@vianneyanzu (908)
• Philippines
5 Feb 11
I loved how your interview went...i found it cool!I think the consul thought," I don't want any trouble with this woman.." hahah! hmmm, I think I will need to work on my courage to assert myself now. =) Your experience gave me hope! Thank you! ^_^
@vianneyanzu (908)
• Philippines
2 Feb 11
Wow! I envy you!! Seems like arguing with the consul generates good results! I have heard quite a few stories about applicants arguing and getting their visas approved. Well, you're the third I heard from... I like that.."do not agree with the consul" this time, when they deny me, I think I will really need to argue...Do you mind if I ask what you argued about?
I have a joint account with my tita...would you think that would suffice? We opted for a joint account since I'm still young and she'll be checking and help us budget since my mom is in the US studying and my dad's in the province taking care of our business.
@hexebella (1136)
• Philippines
2 Feb 11
After I handed him my application, he browsed on it...then his first question is "Sprechen Sie deutsch?" (You speak German?). For a few seconds, I wasn't able to reply, and finally I said "Ja!" (Yeah!) I was not prepared to see a black speaking German that time. Then he went through the form and asked...."What does your husband do?" "I said he is an engineer." Then he said...."hmmm, he is working in China".... "Why don't you go to China?"....I replied "I've been there.", He asked the same question again....so replied in an irritated voice "I said, I've been there!"....Then he said..."You are going for holiday, why don't you go to China instead?" I replied to him in a raised voice "What do you want me to do in China? I have been there, I saw the place. My husband is working...you would like me to stare at the four walls of his flat everyday?!" Then he said, can I have your Employement Certificate"....I was not employed that time as I am a free lance tour guide...so I gave the certification that I am providing tour guiding services to one of the biggest travel and tours in Manila, it's an American company so I believe it was also a plus factor.....Then he asked for the bank statement....I gave him two passbooks.....both of which were opened 3 years back that time....not that much, actually just good enough for the air ticket and pocket money....and then he said...."please stand there and wait until I call you." The location he pointed me is around two meters back from the counter......
While waiting,I watched the other counters how the interviews were going on, saw one yuppie (young professional), dressed in a business attire....she was stammering as she replied...and I saw her passport was returned to her.....so don't ever ever stammer.....
I think the consul asked somebody inside to call and verify the bank.....then he called me and gave me the stub for the courier...he did not return to me my passport....and that's it!
The biggest point is how you present yourself and how you answer the questions. Remember, they are psychologist....and you need to establish a very valid reason that you are coming back.
You can show the bank account with your tita.....what they do not like is a newly opened account with a big amount deposited right away. They know that it is only for the sake of the show.
1 person likes this
@maximax8 (31053)
• United Kingdom
6 Feb 11
The USA embassy are afraid of getting illegal workers in its country. When I visited the States they asked a number of times if I was planning to work there. Each time the answer was no.
I think that they have an idea of a suitable age to go to the USA. Like it might 20 years old onwards. They would want you to have reasons to come back to your home country like family and a job. They wouldn't want you to have illegal family members living in the USA.
I know that when I applied for a working holiday visa for Australia they wanted me to have more than £2,000 in my bank. So I guess the USA embassy are also concerned about money and that you have enough of it. Good luck on your next attempt to get a visa for the USA.
I went to the USA on the visa waiver scheme three times. However when I traveled to Vancouver last summer I wasn't able to pop down to Seattle. I would have needed a visa for me, my disabled son and baby daughter. All that put me off and I stayed in Canada for my whole trip. I would show passport stamps at an interview to prove that traveling to different countries is my top hobby.
1 person likes this
@vianneyanzu (908)
• Philippines
8 Feb 11
thank you! I hope I get my visa this time! ^_^... Thank you for the tips as well...will keep those in mind :)
@doggydimon (1369)
• Philippines
2 Feb 11
I haven't tried to get a US visa yet but I am planning to get one early next year. I am afraid because of the same reason that they might give me when I try to apply for the visa. My startegy now is just to fill my passport with stamps as proof that I like to travel a lot and my only reason to go there is just for a vacation. I hope that works. hehehe...
1 person likes this
@vianneyanzu (908)
• Philippines
2 Feb 11
that's true!! fill it with stamps! I also suggest that you give them compelling ties that you'll return here such as a job, your family, etc. i hope you get your visa!!!
@vianneyanzu (908)
• Philippines
5 Feb 11
I am counting on that charm...haha! i hope i get it! When I get it, i'll be sharing my experience here to give others an idea on how the consuls mind works...haha! Well, I hope I get lucky!
@doggydimon (1369)
• Philippines
2 Feb 11
Though I am not in a hurry, thanks! :D I hope you get yours the next time you apply. As they say, 3rd time's the charm... hehehe...
1 person likes this
@MisterTickle (130)
• Canada
2 Feb 11
just keep doing what you are doing...stay determined. The bottom line is that you will get it...eventually. however, i suggest you do not deal with these lower ranked workers since they will be only following policy. i suggest you talk to one of the "higher up" people.
@vianneyanzu (908)
• Philippines
5 Feb 11
I think determination is a factor too! I hope i get it this time as I will have no other time once I enter med school. :( what do you mean by higher up people?
@danny_streetlive (60)
• Bulgaria
2 Feb 11
Hi vianneyanzu..I have a family friend(male) who is 45 years old and she wanted to go to the US to visit her son,who is bulgarian and who had made a family there but she was "denied" 4 times in a roll but when her son became an american citizen she became this green card immediately so don't lose hope just be strong by giving arguments why do you want to go to the US.Finally,I am not sure but you should show good english knowedges for the US embassy.Good luck!
1 person likes this
@vianneyanzu (908)
• Philippines
5 Feb 11
I have no problem with english...so that is not a factor. THe economic ties is a very hard factor for me as I am still an undergraduate!... Oh well, I know I will get it someday as well... Thanks for sharing that story.. :) It's nice to hear people finally getting their visas after trying to get one for a long time!
@veromar (1453)
• Argentina
23 Mar 11
I just found this discussion and I was wondering if you've had your interview? Were you successful? I was just going to add that I have several friends here in Argentina who have applied and been denied visa's for the U.S. Both tourist and professional work visa's. The biggest thing they say you have to do is prove that you have ties to your country and that you have every intention of returning once your visa time is completed. The ties that they look for are things that will make you want to go back home. Family members mostly....aging parents, spouses, children, etc. The bank records are equally as important as others have pointed out. The bottom line is, the U.S. wants to make sure you have no intention of staying in the U.S. I had a friend once who was granted a tourist visa and was going to DisneyWorld in Orlando, Florida. Everything was approved. She took the flight to Miami but then was denied entry by the official there. For whatever reason, that officer thought she had intentions of staying illegally in the U.S. She had to wait in a type of jail cell for almost 20hrs and was put back onto a returning plane in handcuffs. I agree with the person who said that to go to another country is probably easier. Personally, I just don't understand why people want to go to the U.S. There are other places for equally educational experiences. More and more people are getting denied and they lose all that time and money. Anyway.....hope you had success this time!
@LetranKnight25 (33121)
• Philippines
2 Feb 11
Hello Vianne,
I don't know, am not sure what to tell you. some told me to "act dumb and not smart". The consul doesn't like to be intimidated most specially if you have these pose that thinks like a businessman or VIP like, they can be very moody. there is a woman who was called to be a "DENIAL QUEEN" 
and can even speak tagalog.
Now, for my experience. I had been DENIED twice for one reason, and that's because of my Dad's status. i was referred to peppermill but unfortunately, despite of NEVADA politicians intervening with a Letter of consent, it wasn't approve.I gave up after that, maybe it wasn't meant for me but that's good.I love it here despite of our troubles.@vianneyanzu (908)
• Philippines
5 Feb 11
wooo, that scared me. i dont want to be interviewed by that denial queen..haha. Oh well, our time will come. I also love it here. As I have no plans of really staying there...
