From social media vetting to the integrity fee, US visa rules have become more stringent than ever. With Donald Trump’s second time in office and the deportation debacle, US visa applicants have been thrown into a limbo. However, there are accounts that reflect a more hopeful side of the visa process. A recent graduate from the Philippines shared on social media how her US B1/B2 visa was approved within seven days, after an emergency application.
The woman shared a bit of background about herself and pointed out what she believes could be considered “red flags” – recently graduated and newly employed. The 24-year-old shared that she was hired by a US-based firm and needed a visa for the same. From getting her visa rejected on July 24 to getting it approved today earlier today, August 5 – she shared a bunch of things that changed within a week. Read on to find out.
‘Cannot grant you visa at this time’: US B1/B2 rejected
The woman applied for the visa in the last week of July, and then requested an emergency appointment since the regular dates ran out. The fast-tracked process got approved within two days, and she soon submitted her biometrics. Her interview was scheduled for July 30.
“I brought everything: invitation letter, guarantee letter, and every other document you could possibly think of,” the user shared.
In the interview, she was asked routine questions such as presenting her passport, the purpose of her visit and questions related to her employment. However, the visa was promptly rejected. On introspection, she realised that she didn’t disclose the invitation letter to the interviewer. “I also probably should’ve expanded on my (lack of) work experience. I told her upfront that this was my first job ever, and that it’s a program catered to new grads (management trainee). I didn’t elaborate beyond that. That was probably the final strike that earned me the dreaded 214(b) slip,” the user revealed.
‘Repaid visa application fees, rebooked appointment’
Upon reapplication in the gap of less than a week, which she remarked wasn’t advised, her emergency visa interview was approved. She appeared for an interview today, August 5, and walked out of the embassy with a stamped passport. She revealed that the questions were more or less the same. However, her demeanour, explanations or answers to the questions the visa officer asked and the documents, including the invitation letter – which she claims to have “shoved into the box” – changed everything.
US B1/B2 visa acceptance ‘miracle story’
She explained it all in three points: “During my first interview, I was stressed,” shared the US B1/B2 visa applicant. Elaborating on her body language and attire, she stated how that might have mattered. “The second time, I went full corporate. I curled my hair, did my makeup — I was determined to walk out without my passport,” she added. The woman claimed “confidence plays a huge part”.
She added, “The first time, I answered minimally and only expanded when I thought it was necessary. That’s the tip I heard — ‘don’t over-explain’. But I might have under-explained.”
Recalling her experience of the US visa application process, she had gotten the advice “don’t over-explain”. She took the advice to the T, but later felt that her responses might not have been explanatory enough. “When asked about prior work experience, I said I had no full-time experience, but I did internships,” she told the interviewer during the reapplication process. A thing to note was her revelation of the company flying out two other employees to the US.
“I lowkey shoved the invitation letter into the box. I really wanted them to see it, even if the officer didn’t ask. Worst case, they’ll just ask you to keep it. This time, he glanced at it, saw the company logo, nodded, and started typing,” she further claimed.
With strong support from her employers and no financial burden, she said, “And that’s how I turned a rejection around in less than a week.”