B1/B2 Visa's US Embassy Manila

[Torete 121]

Good day,

I'd appreciate some level-headed, non-judgemental input as to whether it's reasonable for my family to establish a "pattern of travel" outside the Philippines to bolster their attempt to secure a U.S. visa. Basically to show to the CO that they have complied with other countries visa requirements and would be apt to conform to the requirements of the U.S.

Dovetails to my topic submission titled: "Shanghair, China Travel" in the Philippines forum.

Thank you.

Edited May 7, 2014 by Torete

[Boiler 47,677]

Can not do any harm.

[Torete 121]

Agree Boiler. In your opinion, would it possibly be viewed by the C.O. that it's an attempt to circumvent the process rather than a legitimate means to bolster their chances of approval? (25.4% B1/B2 Philippines visa refusal rate - 2013).

Thank you.

Edited May 7, 2014 by Torete

[Boiler 47,677]

It is so marginal to the issue that I can not imagine it makes any difference.

[Torete 121]

It is so marginal to the issue that I can not imagine it makes any difference.

Ok, thanks for your response. I was hoping that wouldn't be the case but if that's true, then they might be spinning their wheels and spending money that might not be necessary. I think their intent was to show that they comply when traveling to other countries which in turn might have been a consideration for the CO in making a determination.

Thank you.

Does anyone else other viewpoints or concurrence with Boiler?? I'm interested if there are.

[Avery Cates 1,141]

Ok, thanks for your response. I was hoping that wouldn't be the case but if that's true, then they might be spinning their wheels and spending money that might not be necessary. I think their intent was to show that they comply when traveling to other countries which in turn might have been a consideration for the CO in making a determination.

Thank you.

Does anyone else other viewpoints or concurrence with Boiler?? I'm interested if there are.

It will show that they've gone to other countries and gone back. It won't do anything to clear the suspicion of the interviewing officer that their intent is to immigrate to the US.

[apple21 953]

Traveling to visa-free countries (for Filipino citizens) like HongKong or Singapore doesn't make much impact, in my opinion.

If they were travels to countries that require visas like Japan or South Korea, maybe.

The things that matter most for tourist visa applications are the reasons that will return to the Philippines like a stable and high-earning job, properties under their names (house, land, lot, car), a business or other investments, and money/bank savings.

By bank savings meaning money that they clearly earned, not cash transfers to make it seem that they have money.

[Torete 121]

It will show that they've gone to other countries and gone back. It won't do anything to clear the suspicion of the interviewing officer that their intent is to immigrate to the US.

Thank you for your input Avery. It's true that the suspicion of immigrant intent won't clear, I've seen other posts/threads indicating it COULD have a potential impact on the interviewing officer's decision. It's true, their decision is final in spite of a pattern of conformance to other countries requirements.

Thanks again.

[Torete 121]

Traveling to visa-free countries (for Filipino citizens) like HongKong or Singapore doesn't make much impact, in my opinion.

If they were travels to countries that require visas like Japan or South Korea, maybe.

The things that matter most for tourist visa applications are the reasons that will return to the Philippines like a stable and high-earning job, properties under their names (house, land, lot, car), a business or other investments, and money/bank savings.

By bank savings meaning money that they clearly earned, not cash transfers to make it seem that they have money.

Thank you for your input Apple21. In my family's particular case, they're considering travel to Shanghai. (Visa required) It's just an option they're considering. Yes, they're exploring Japan and South Korea also. Zest Air has some pretty good flight promos available.

I fully agree with your third paragraph. Unfortunately, (As far as I'm aware) there isn't anywhere on the actual application whereby one could indicate those ties, rather, they could only provide documentation if/when asked for by the consular officer. That's part of their frustration. Their first go around, nothing was asked for. And yes, I/they fully understand what you're saying about cash transfers; it's not an option for my mother in law...she's retired and took a lump sum retirement check...a substantial amount as things go.

Once again, thanks for your input. They'll give it another go some months down the road.

Regards.

[jan22 3,178]

Unless it's a country that requires a visa, and they have the same family ties to that country that they have to the U.S., IMO it is unlikely to have much (if any) influence on the visa officer's decision.

[Torete 121]

Thank you Jan22. Yes, Shanghai China does require a visa so perhaps that's a plus. They're also considering Thailand. And yes, their familial ties haven't changed since their last application. Maybe the CO will take a look at their documents next time. Some look at them and some don't according to other VJ posts regarding B1/B2 visas. Perhaps you're right and it won't have much if any impact on the CO. Mother in law needs a vacation after teaching for over 40 years, and it dovetails with her desire to show her intent to follow the other countries visa requirements.

Thank you for your input.

Edited May 9, 2014 by Torete

[sweet cakes 326]

Thank you Jan22. Yes, Shanghai China does require a visa so perhaps that's a plus. They're also considering Thailand. And yes, their familial ties haven't changed since their last application. Maybe the CO will take a look at their documents next time. Some look at them and some don't according to other VJ posts regarding B1/B2 visas. Perhaps you're right and it won't have much if any impact on the CO. Mother in law needs a vacation after teaching for over 40 years, and it dovetails with her desire to show her intent to follow the other countries visa requirements.

Thank you for your input.

Hey Torete. Thailand also does not require Filipinos to apply for a visa too.

Refer here: http://reahguevarra.com/countries-filipinos-no-tourist-visa/