My post here would detail how I applied for a US tourist Visa together with the supporting documents I brought with me. If you are lucky, you will be given multiple entries and even be granted a 10-year validity Visa.

How to Apply for a US Tourist Visa

1. Fill out the DS-160 form online. This is for the Non-immigrant Visa application.

2. Have your 2×2 photo ready, including a soft copy which you could attach in your online application form. The US Visa photo guidelines are listed here.

3. Pay your Visa application Fee.

a. As of August 16, 2011, the Visa processing fee is $140 (P6,020.00 using the current exchange rate on that day). I paid through BPI. Once you’re in a BPI branch, get the blue Deposit/Payment Slip. Fill out the normal transaction details such as date, check the appropriate boxes: “Payment”, Currency = “Peso”, etc. and put the ff.:

Depositor/Merchant’s Name: US Visa

Policy/Planholder’s Name:      <Passport Number>

4. Schedule for an interview using their online booking here or through their call centers:

• (02) 982-5555 and (02) 902-8930 for calls within the Philippines and other countries aside from mainland United States
• (214) 571-1600 for calls from mainland United States. The call center is open from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. and is closed during US and Philippine Holidays.

5. Attend the interview at least 30 minutes before the scheduled time. Don’t bring any electronic devices as you will not be allowed to enter the embassy if you do. Bring the ff. with you when you attend the interview:

a. Current and old passports

b. 2×2 picture

c. Appointment letter, and Visa processing payment receipt

d. Visa Confirmation Page

e. Supporting documents

You will know immediately after the interview if you are denied/granted a visa. If you are granted a visa and you chose to deliver the documents through a courier, they will send your passport with the visa attached to the address you have provided. It usually takes 2 to 3 days but you can check the Visa Processing timelines via this website, select your country and click “Get Wait Times” for an updated statistics.

If you’re unlucky and were denied, and you have money to spare on the processing fee, you can re-apply as soon as you want. However, it is recommended that you re-apply only if you think you have a substantial change in your current status.

Here are the supporting documents that backs up your “ties” here in the country. Not all of these (or none at all) will be requested but better bring as much document as you can.

• Proof of Income and Funds -  Certificate of Employment / Business Registration, Income Tax Return, Last 3 months payslip and Credit card statement, Bank statement, Passbook, etc
• Original Birth Certificate, Marriage Certificate from NSO
• Wedding and family pictures
• Proof of Property ownership – Land titles, Car registration, etc

We got our visa after 3 days, multiple entries, with a 10-year validity period.