Visa Interview

Dear insansapinas,


I received some questions regarding visa interview in my comment box kaya nang mabasa ko ang article na ito, I decided to post the advice of the immigration lawyer of the celebrities, Atty. Michael Gurfinkel. Among the lawyers in the US, he is one of those who do not make false guarantees. Asawa pa niya Filipina. 


1. You should resist the temptation to tell your whole life story to the Consul in response to every question he asks. Consuls are extremely busy and have a lot of interviews to conduct throughout the day. They don't have time to listen to a long story in response to a short question. When Consuls ask questions, they are simply trying to determine your eligibility for the visa, per the requirements set forth in the US immigration laws.    (Translation, hindi tinatanong ang iyong Maalala mo Kaya Karanasan). 
2. Stick to the subject and get straight to the bottom line in your answers. If the Consul asks a question calling for a “yes” or “no” answer, then answer the question directly, and don't go around in circles with answers that do not address the questions being asked. Of course, if an answer requires an explanation, then you should provide that explanation, but make sure you get to the point.(Translation:
Huwag sasagot ng True or False or Multiple Choice. 


3. Listen to the Consul’s question before you start answering. If you start talking before his question is finished, you may be answering a question he is not even asking, and rather than speeding along the interview, you actually will slow it down.
(Translation: Huwag pasaway. Stop. look. listen).        
4. Make sure you understand the question. If you do not understand the question, courteously advise the Consul, so he can ask it again, using simpler terms or even get an interpreter for you. The Consul does not want you to answer a question you do not understand, and he won't know you don't understand a question unless you tell him. (Translation: Di bale ng magmukhang tanga basta sigurado lang).
5. Don’t guess. If you do not know an answer to a question, or if you can't remember, tell the Consul. The Consul does not want you to guess, if you don't know the answer. (Translation: Huwag maging Madam Auring. Huwag magdadala ng crystal ball).
        
6. Tell the truth. I know of many people who were lawfully entitled to visas, but lied to the Consul, thinking it would be “better” for their case. The Embassy quickly discovered the fraud, and the person was banned for life from going to the US. Had the person told the truth from the beginning, and satisfactorily explained the circumstances, they could have gotten the visa. If you have something suspicious about your case (i.e. date of marriage on your illegitimate child’s birth certificate), it is better to tell the truth and explain what happened than try to hide it, (by filing a late registered birth certificate, showing an illegitimate birth at home, by a Hilot etc.)     (Translation: Tumahak ng tuwid na daan. Ooops).



7. Present only documents which are true, genuine and authentic. Presenting fake or altered documents is considered fraud, and would be grounds for refusal of your visa. The Embassy (which now has one of the largest and most sophisticated Fraud Prevention Units) will check out those documents and will discover your fraud. They know about Recto Street!  (Translation: Alam nila na nasa University belt yon at pwede kang kumuha ng diploma kahit anong degree).
           
Again, these tips will not “guarantee” a visa, but I think they will help in increasing your chances of a successful interview.     


Pinaysaamerika