Tourist Visa from Philippines

[vscampbell 11]

I am told that it is almost impossible for a woman to get a tourist visa from the Philippines. Can anyone verify this or comment?

I have a business associate that would like to come here for a month to visit the United States.

[jeanie&jerry 2]

Unfortunately, it is true. I am sure there will be lots of post messages explaining why but as far as I know she needs a great reason to come back to the Philippines. For example owner of a multi-million business, owner of a mansion and things like that. I live here in the Philippines and I seen lots of people trying to get a tourist visa and then get turned down. Sorry.

[j&ana 363]

Yes it is very hard for Filipinos to get a tourist visa especially single females. She will have to show a lot of reasons why she will want to come back to the Philippines and not stay in the USA. lots of family ties lots of money in bank own on house and business. Unfortunely the Philippines economy is not that great and The USA wants to make sure if someone comes here on a tourist visa they will go back

[ChrisnKris 5]

Yes it is ridiculous... My business associate (now my fiance) applied two times and denied although she has two businesses, 4 bank accounts, multi-thousand dollar inventories and family there. Even had formal invitation letters from our manufactures and tradeshow organizers etc. She had every reason to return to PI... They didn't even give her the chance to show some of the documentation of these assets and letters... The average interview lasted approx 90 seconds and denied and we've also heard the denial rate is in the 85% range...

We see so many others from other countries who have nothing to offer as far as business and trade between our respective countries and they are allowed in... It has been so frustrating that now she/we have sold the business and have applied for the KI Fiance visa and still waiting for the NOA2 approval... It is our (USA's) loss because the immigration dept.is blind and cannot see how even a short visit for international trade development could benefit us all... Grrrrrr!!... Here is a link we studied before scheduling with FAQs and what to expect in the B1 interview processes... http://manila.usembassy.gov/niv-faq.html

Best of luck and Merry Christmas!!

Chris & Kris

[Boiler 43,420]

Yes it is ridiculous... My business associate (now my fiance) applied two times and denied although she has two businesses, 4 bank accounts, multi-thousand dollar inventories and family there. Even had formal invitation letters from our manufactures and tradeshow organizers etc. She had every reason to return to PI... They didn't even give her the chance to show some of the documentation of these assets and letters... The average interview lasted approx 90 seconds and denied and we've also heard the denial rate is in the 85% range...

We see so many others from other countries who have nothing to offer as far as business and trade between our respective countries and they are allowed in... It has been so frustrating that now she/we have sold the business and have applied for the KI Fiance visa and still waiting for the NOA2 approval... It is our (USA's) loss because the immigration dept.is blind and cannot see how even a short visit for international trade development could benefit us all... Grrrrrr!!... Here is a link we studied before scheduling with FAQs and what to expect in the B1 interview processes... http://manila.usembassy.gov/niv-faq.html

Best of luck and Merry Christmas!!

Chris & Kris

Thats quite funny but also educational.

[VOL 425]

I am told that it is almost impossible for a woman to get a tourist visa from the Philippines. Can anyone verify this or comment?

I have a business associate that would like to come here for a month to visit the United States.

Just imagine how many Tourist Visa the embassy would have to issue if they allowed females between age 18 and 26 to come to the USA, Heck I would be guilty of having a dozen or so per year to apply.

Only suggestion I would have your "Business Associate" travel to Singapore or Malaysia and spend a few days there, No visa needed from Philippines. At least that way it shows she has past history of using a not overstaying in other countries.

Good Luck

[Torete 121]

OP,

IMO, it seems better for the business associate to travel to a country that requires issuance of a visa. Ultimately, this would show compliance with their requirements and serve as a travel history to those same countries. IMO, that would carry more weight if a citizen of the Philippines subsequently applies for a B1/B2 visa

Edited December 27, 2014 by Torete