"x x x.
1.PREPARE ALL THE DOCUMENTS A WEEK OR 2 BEFORE YOUR INTERVIEW.
Important: Basing on the time that I spent in front of the interview officers (yes I was seated in front while waiting for my interview) I’ve noticed that 90% of the time, they only ask questions and do not require the interviewee to show any of their documents. Just to be on the safe side, have your documents ready.
2. EAT!
Whether your interview is in the morning or at noon, eat. This whole process takes about half a day. You will have to fall in line 5 times. There is however a snack bar inside the embassy, so don’t worry.
1st line
Getting inside the embassy itself
2nd line
Getting your interview number
3rd line
Getting inside the building where you will be interviewed (SEATED)
4th line
Photo screening (make sure that you’re not smiling in the 2×2 photo you brought)
5th line
Hand Print
6th line
Interview (SEATED)
3. BE AN HOUR EARLY.
An hour is okay. Don’t do more than that. The lines are long but as long as you arrive at least 30 minutes earlier the given interview time, you can enter. Bring a fan. Cold drinks can help too if you hate the heat but you will need to leave it upon entering. And if it’s raining, bring an umbrella.
BUT,
4. DO NOT BRING FOOD/DRINKS INSIDE
AND,5. DON’T BRING YOUR CELLPHONE OR ANY OTHER ELECTRONIC DEVICES.
6. DRESS YOUR PART.
This is important! Pick an outfit that makes you look like what’s indicated in your documents. Just make sure it’s simple and decent. DO NOT OVERDRESS.
Remember this:
If your documents state that you’re a student, then you shouldn’t be in a business attire, you should look like a student. Jeans and polo or a blouse would be good!
If your documents state you’re a businessman, then you should wear a business attire. No need to wear a coat and tie, please.
If your documents state you’re an employee, then wear something corporate.
In a nutshell, wear something that projects who you are and what you do, just imagine wanting to impress your boss, clients, schoolmates, etc.
Trust me on this. The line was long enough for me to observe other interviewees. There were many people in coats and ties and formal dresses who got denied. Officers can smell desperation. (I mean, who wears that to an interview?) Just keep it decent, neat and simple.
7. Be CONFIDENT during the interview.
The moment they have received your application, they already made a background check for sure. So, what does this mean? You can never lie. How you make a living is very important but having high income will not guarantee your approval. All you need is your confidence when answering. The questions are easy, it’s not like they are going to ask you to explain the immutable laws of physics. Being able to speak English properly is a major plus.
One more tip: NEVER GIVE OUT INFORMATION or DOCUMENTS WHEN IT’S NOT ASKED. Keep your answers straight and to the point.
Ex.
Officer: What is the purpose of your travel?
Answer: Vacation.
Officer: What do you do?
Answer: I’m an employee.
Officer: Where do you work?
Answer: I work in Ayala.
Officer: What is your position there?
Answer: I am a property consultant.
So as you can see, you only answer the questions, specifically. No more, no less. If the officer asks you to show some documents show only what he/she asked for specifically. You do not want to look nervous and especially desperate.
Just be confident and honest and hello U. S. of A!
x x x."
