VISA REJECTION

​UNITED STATES

Oh man, this country must hate me so much that they keep rejecting me not just once, twice...but three times! I wonder if they will ever be tired of denying me? because I don't think I'll give up on applying anytime soon so let's see...

STRIKE 1
I started a travel agency in the Philippines and the person I contacted who could assist me in establishing it later offered if I wanted to apply for tourist visa to the US. Why not? so I said sure and......that was the first biggest mistake I'v ever made in terms of visa application.

'I know someone in the embassy' he said. Since there's a big rejection rate in the Philippines for US tourist visa, I thought my chances would be higher then! He asked me to pay and I agreed. When you see someone so often in your office, you don't really think of him as a scammer or something. You tend to believe him. In this stage, I forgot one of the golden rules, ALWAYS HAVE THE BENEFIT OF THE DOUBT!

He asked me some basic questions and told me he would arrange everything including flight, accommodations, etc and all I have to do is to appear for an interview on the date he gave me. Of course, I was naive to believe so I did what I was told like a sheep. Here comes that date of interview, I woke up in the morning and was excited to go.There was a long queue when I got there. I waited for at least an hour and when it was my turn, the only thing I heard was "Sorry Ma'am you don't have an appointment for today" ......whaaaatttt? Did I just hear it right? How could it be possible? So I asked her to check it several times and unfortunately nothing has changed her statement. I wasn't on the list, I have no appointment for that day.  

I went back home and called to set my appointment for an interview using the same application number that the guy gave me. On the same day, I watched the television and I was stunned with what my eyes saw - on the screen was the guy who arranged for my application - that's why he wasn't answering my call! He was missing in action because he was busy begging for the police while he was being handcuffed for scamming people! And yes, sadly I was one of those poor victims!

So the day of my interview came and I was asked questions about my visa application that I realized he filled up on my behalf. I was honest during an interview to say I was scammed but who cares? I was blamed for being irresponsible for my own application that I should know about! Well they are right, I was wrong ok. So I got this paper of rejection and instead of just accepting it, I thought of reapplying for visa right after it!

STRIKE 2
Ok, so here I am again trying to prove my sincere intention of traveling! I filled up my own application myself and made sure that all details were correct. I followed the entire process carefully. I thought when you are honest and you met all the criteria, then there is no way they would deny you. I was totally wrong. The thing is I didn't meet all the criteria on my first application in the first place because all my answers didn't correspond to what was written on my application form so when I was asked what changed in my status from my last application, I said nothing.... taaannnnaaan! I got a strike two. I received my second letter of rejection. I didn't feel that bad because I acknowledge that it was also my fault. I didn't really realize that it would have long term impact on my future application so I had to swallow the consequences. 


STRIKE 3
My boyfriend invited me to join him in his business trip to the US so I had to apply for visa again. I applied online and flew to Madrid from Barcelona for an interview. It was a very cold morning I remember. I was freezing waiting for my turn to present all the supporting documents with me. Everything was arranged - accommodation, training invitation of my boyfriend, our proof of relationship, etc. Little did I know that regardless of having all the required documents, you could still be denied for a reason that doesn't make sense at all.

Guess what was the reason of my rejection this time?......Lack of ties in the country I'm applying from. In that case, it was Spain. I was a student in Barcelona. I live there and we had a rental contract for our apartment for a year. I also have a bank account there. If it wasn't a proof of enough tie then what else? 

Another reason the consul mentioned was that I travel a lot. All the more reasons that I should be granted a visa because I never overstayed, right? But no, US seems to be always right, at least in their own perception, so nothing can bend it. I asked if I am banned from the US because I found their judgment ridiculous. The consul said no. I walked away with disappointment but I knew that wouldn't the last time they would see me. The world doesn't end here:) 

POLAND

It was an honest mistake that I could have gotten right if I had more time.

I applied for tourist visa to Poland in Qatar where I used to work. I wanted to visit my boyfriend.