Help on starting to apply for tourist visa from phillipines to USA

[aaron2020 11,651]

OP never suggested sending her money.

She can not be that poor, poverty is a relative term, but holidaying in the US is not something most poor people do.

You might have missed the part where OP stated that she mentioned to him that it would be a good idea for her to have money in her bank account to show she can support herself?

Idea suggests to me that she does not have the money in her account right now. It would be a good idea to put money into account. I wonder what's her idea as to where this money will come from?

A reasonable conclusion is that she is suggesting that he wire money to her bank account.

Edited February 6, 2014 by aaron2020

[RhettVoe 282]

wiring/sending her money has two ways to lose: (a) the CO will see through that charade and ask where did all that loot come from...answers like..'oh, I sold some property' or 'my relative died and left me a bundle' are laughable...and will expose her to this follow up question..'may I see (a) the title deed and transaction papers?' or (b) 'may I see the bill of sale?'...and when those documents cannot be produced (except by fraud), well, you can guess the outcome....or (b)..she skips with the cash....yes, that is also very possible...all too many guys have sent money to some online sweetheart only to never hear from her again....I know ....you will say...'gosh, she would never do that..'..but in reality, you cannot be certain of that statement...

[Boiler 46,121]

Of course it would be good to have money in her account, a trip to the US is an expensive thing.

Sending money to someone you have not even met would be silly. And has not been mentioned by the OP.

[RhettVoe 282]

IMHO, sending a bunch of money to somebody you've only met online is just plain stupid. Yet, everyday lots of American males, thinking only with something not designed for thought, fall prey to the charms of some online sweety pie.....and yes, women often get taken in by unscrupulous online boyfriends, who usually ask for money by claiming they are in the hospital in some third world country, to be an American citizen, then claiming that our embassy in the same flea infested country refuses to help them....bottom line, there is little to gain by sending any significant amount of $$ to someone you have never met in person...you just cannot know them that well.

[christeen 966]

no have not met face to face. Strange how everyone seems to be guilty and they have to prove they are not. Well one never knows until they try. She also mentioned that it is good idea that she have money in her account to show she is able to support herself. Anyone ever heard of this?

Boiler, Perhaps I was reading more into this statement from the OP ("she also mentioned a good idea to have money in her account, anyone ever heard of this" ) but if she thought this was needed and she actually had the money to put in the account I would think it would have read more like "She said she will make sure To have a good sum of money in her account to,show She can support herself". I wanted to at least issue a warning in case this statement from "her" was a request for the OP to deposit the "good sum" of money into an account for her... If she already has that good sum to deposit and is not requesting it from the OP, then I stand corrected.

[RhettVoe 282]

While the OP did not make a direct statement about him depositing money to her account, the phrasing was a bit odd....'she mentioned to him that it might be a good idea... (etc).'..that sounds more like she's warming him up to send some money to give the appearance she can pay for the trip herself....I doubt she is making a ton working at a call center....and I doubt she has several thousand dollars stashed under a mattress somewhere....I could be wrong....(highly unlikely!!)

[Boiler 46,121]

Just seemed so inane to expect somebody you had never met to send you money?

[christeen 966]

Just seemed so inane to expect somebody you had never met to send you money?

Yes, it seems strange to me too, but we both have seen "stranger" things happen here on VJ!

[Ning 619]

It's not strange. There are numerous people who have used visitor visas to illegally stay in the US.

Why is it strange for the US to ask visitors for proof of ties to their home countries so that they are not likely to become illegal immigrants?

How many people from poor third world countries do you think would overstay their visitor visas to become one of the 12,000,000 illegal immigrants rather than return to their countries?

It's not strange. It's logic based on prior experiences.

DO NOT SEND HER MONEY!!!! To be blunt - it's stupid to send money to someone who you met on the internet but never had a face to face with. Furthermore, how is money from an American boyfriend going to show that she is likely to return to the PI after a visit? It's doesn't.

If you want a relationship with this girl, then go to the PI. She is not going to get a visitor visa.

Sorry to be blunt, but better to burst your bubble now rather than let you make stupid mistakes unknowingly that will negatively affect any future plans if you choose to continue this relationship.

It isn't blunt aaron. Its 1,000 percent correct and hard to accept by well meaning people with little previous need to know anything about this process.

[Boiler 46,121]

Yes, it seems strange to me too, but we both have seen "stranger" things happen here on VJ!

Not much.

[RJC 0]

Well she has since backed off from me sending her money to put into her account. She is basing this on others who have seemed to got their visa in the past. Right now she is going to start process to get passport. Can anyone tell me how much it cost for her to get a passport?? I appreciate everyones input on here. I have nothing else to go on. Thanks

[Boiler 46,121]

I have no idea, probably could look it up.

More importantly why is it of interest?

[SennaBrigante 92]

A passport is about 1,000+ php. Should be an easy enough process for her. And money in a bank account does not guarantee anything when it comes to a tourist visa. On the third time I applied and got approved, nobody checked to see my bank statements. I don't think I even brought them with me.

Seriously, the easiest way for you two to meet is for you to travel here or for both of you to travel to a country that doesn't need a visa.

[RJC 0]

A passport is about 1,000+ php. Should be an easy enough process for her. And money in a bank account does not guarantee anything when it comes to a tourist visa. On the third time I applied and got approved, nobody checked to see my bank statements. I don't think I even brought them with me.

Seriously, the easiest way for you two to meet is for you to travel here or for both of you to travel to a country that doesn't need a visa.

Thanks for the input. It has crossed my mind to go to another country. But I just not sure which one would be the best. I think right now we are just going to tackle the Visa head on. If it takes 1,2 or 3 or even 4 times so be it. People get them everyday and she will get one eventually. I would be interested in what you went through to finally get your visa if you care to share. Would really appreciate what you went through and what they really ask. Thanks again.

[SennaBrigante 92]

It might actually be cheaper to just go on vacation in Hong Kong or Cambodia or something. No visa needed there. It's $160 per tourist visa application and she can buy a promo ticket for the same price for those destinations.

The first time I applied was in 2010, 2nd time was Nov 2012 and third was Jan 2013. I didn't really do anything differently, I just became more comfortable with the process. Plus I think the timing was right for me because on my third interview, there weren't a lot of applicants. I didn't have to wait long for my turn so I didn't have time to be nervous or agitated. The last time I went there tho (about 2 weeks ago) there were a LOT of applicants and from what I seen, a lot of denials. Good lcuk