How to Apply for a US Tourist Visa in Qatar | A Complete Guide for All Nationalities

Published on by Maria Ingrid

It was sometime in 2016, when Tep and I applied for a US tourist visa in Qatar. I remembered it was raining so hard in Doha that time and the traffic was so heavy. Our appointment was at 7:00 am but we arrived at the US Embassy around 7:30 am already. Both of us were nervous, we thought of rescheduling it, but decided to try our luck.

Were we able to get the visa? Yes!! Want to know what we did to get approved? Read on.

A lot of people dreams to set foot in America. While it is easy for some nationalities to just fly there and present their passports, there are some whose adventure to the US will begin as soon as they apply for their US visa. We’ve been hearing a lot of success and failure stories whenever we talk about US visa application. But you have to keep in mind that the result of your application will entirely depend on you and on the assessment of the visa officer. This means that in order to get approved, you have to be prepared with all the documents required, be honest in answering all the questions and be confident during your interview.

NOTE: Unlike with other visa applications (Schengen or UK visa), you don’t need an airline or hotel booking once you decided to apply for a US Tourist Visa. You just need to have an idea on the date when you’re planning to go, the things that you will do and the places you wanted to visit. 

Below are the steps that you have to follow, provided that you will be applying for a tourist or non immigrant visa (B1/B2 visa) and your country is not included on the Visa Waiver Program (for more information on the list of countries and other qualifications, click this link ).

I learned from Tep’s colleague, who recently got his US visa, that the steps in applying are still the same from the time that we have applied in 2016.

I. Prepare the necessary documents and Read the guidelines.

Before you complete the form, make sure that the following documents or information are on hand since you will need this in filling up the form.

  • Passport
  • Address of where you will be staying (can be hotel, family or friend’s address in the US). They said that it is better to provide hotel address, but in my case, I provided my friend’s address.
  • Information on your current and previous employment (address, position held, contact information, dates of employment)
  • List of countries that you have visited
  • Digital Photo taken within the last six months. They have specific requirements for the photo and you can check it here.

Read the guidelines set out by the US Embassy on this page. It is important that you have read and understood this in order to avoid inconveniences while filling up the form.

II. Complete the DS-160 Form

Complete the DS-160 Form. Make sure that all the information that you will provide are correct and accurate, since once you submitted it, you cannot make any changes. I will try to walk you through the process, see below.

1. The location that you will select here should be the same location where you will schedule your interview.
2. You can upload and test your digital photo here.
3. Click this link to start your application. This is also the page that you will visit if you want to retrieve your previous application.

You have to take note of your unique Application ID. This will be needed if you want to retrieve your application.

Once you have chosen your security question and provided the answer, click continue and you will be redirected to the DS-160 form.

1. Tooltip Language helps you in translating the questions to your selected language by pointing the mouse over the text. Click this link for more information. But take note that all your answers must be in English.
2. The estimated time to complete the form is 75 mins, but it took me more than this time because I reviewed mine thoroughly.
3. Summary of what will be asked from you. Fill up everything, if some items are not applicable to you, just write “Does not apply.” You cannot proceed unless you answer all the mandatory questions.

If I remember correctly, the form is more than 5 pages. Once you’re done, upload your picture, review all your answers and then electronically sign the form by clicking “Sign Application” found at the end of the form.

After completing the application form, the system will generate an alpha numeric barcode confirmation page. You have to print this since this will be needed during your interview.

This is a sample of the confirmation page.

If you will apply with your family, each member needs to complete the DS-160 form.

III. Create a Profile on the Online Applicant System

Once you have the confirmation page, you can now create a profile at the Online Applicant System. This is where you will schedule your visa interview.

1. The available schedule for interview can be seen right away on your dashboard.
2. Click New Application. Select the necessary answers on the succeeding pages. Then you will be redirected to a form, which you have to fill in with your personal data. 

After completing the form, an important note on visa fee will pop up. Visa fee can only be paid at the Commercial Bank of Qatar.

Once you click the CBQ logo, you will redirected to the deposit slip. Print this and present to the bank. Take note of the expiration date.

IV. Pay the Visa Fee

You can pay the visa fee at any CBQ branch in Qatar. As of this writing, visa application fee is at $ 160 or QAR 584. This is non refundable and non transferable.

Apart from the deposit slip, you should also bring your passport when paying to the bank. Once you received the bank receipt, check all the personal data indicated there before leaving the bank.

Taken from the US Embassy Website. Take note of the receipt number found on the upper right part of the bank receipt.

You have to wait for your payment to be activated, after 11:00 am of the following business day, before you can schedule your interview.

V. Schedule your Interview

Log in to the online applicant system and input your bank receipt number.

Schedule your interview (at your most convenient date and time) using the calendar on the system. Take into consideration the time that you will need in gathering the necessary documents that you need to present during your interview.

VI. Gather all the Documents that You Need to Present

These are the documents that I have prepared and brought with me during my interview:

1. Original and copy of Passport – should be valid at least 6 months on your intended stay in the US (Required)
2. Old Passport (as proof of previous travels)
3. DS-160 Confirmation page and Appointment confirmation print outs (Required)
4. Employment certificate, addressed to the US Embassy in Qatar, stating my salary and position (Required)
5. Original payment receipt from the bank (Required)
6. Original QID and copy
7. Bank Statement for the past 6 months (my payroll account here in Qatar). Printed only through my online banking. Although some people suggest to have it stamped and signed by the bank. (Required)
8. 2×2 picture copies (those that I have uploaded on my DS-160 form)

The visa officer required us to submit only our passports and employment certificates during the interview. But this does not mean that you only have to prepare this. They may require different documents from every applicant. 

Some applicants also prepare the following documents. It is up to you if you also want to bring these.

1. DS-160 Form
2. Pay Slips
3. Bank statement from your savings on your home country
4. Certificate of Investment or Properties
5. Marriage or Birth Certificate
6. Itinerary

Note on the bank statement: Nobody knows how much money you should have on your bank account in order to get approved. Some says, the more money you have means more chances on getting the visa. I don’t believe it though. I guess as long as you have few savings and you have regular transactions (such as your monthly salary) on your bank statement, then you have a chance of getting approved. And also, do not attempt to make a huge amount of deposit before your planned interview. 

VII. Visit the US Embassy on the Date and Time of your Scheduled Interview

Arrive on time. You should arrive at the embassy on your scheduled date and time. In our case, we were late by 30 minutes, but they still allowed us to enter. I don’t know if it is because of the bad weather that time, but don’t gamble, it is still best to be there at least a few minutes before your scheduled time to compose yourself. Believe me, you don’t want to be late on appointments like this.

Wear something decent and presentable. This does not necessarily mean you have to wear a suit and tie. I guess a collared shirt and jeans will do. During my appointment, I was wearing my usual office attire, a blouse and black slacks, because I will be reporting to my office after. There will be a lot of walk before you get to the consular office, that is why I would suggest the ladies to wear flats.

Security. The US Embassy have a very tight security. If my memory serves me right, there were several security checks before we were able to enter the consular office. They would only allow you to bring a small bag to carry your documents and passport, wallets / small purse and any writing materials. That is why it is best to leave your mobile phones, camera, laptops, usb/hardrive and big bags on your car. Our car key was also surrendered to the security upon our check in.

Fingerprint / Biometrics. This will be taken at the consular office before your interview.

Interview. Once you’re called, greet first the visa officer (a simple good morning or good day). Calm yourself, don’t be nervous and answer all the questions honestly. During our interview, this was the only question asked:

Visa Officer: Why do you want to travel to the USA?
MI and Tep: For tourism and to visit our friend who is living in California (our friend’s address was the one that we have written on our DS-160 forms)

Afterwards, he asked for our passports and for our employment certificates. Then he gave us a small paper which shows the date and time that we can collect our passports. He didn’t told us whether we got approved or not, but we assumed we got it because he took our passports.

According to the experiences of some applicants, the visa officer told them right away the result of their application.

VIII. Pick up your passport with the US Visa at the US Embassy

I am hoping and praying that all of you who are reading this will make it to this step. You can collect your passport at the US Embassy on the date and time given to you. In our case, we were able to get it within 5 working days and we went to the embassy in the afternoon (between 1:00 to 3:00 pm).

We were happy to get a 10 year multiple entry visa to the USA. See mine below:

I guess I have written everything here. Most of the information were taken from the US Embassy in Qatar website and I have sited here as well our experiences when we were doing the application.

If you’ve got further questions, you may check out the FAQ here or you may watch this instructional video.

Have you tried applying for a US Tourist Visa? Let me know how did it go on the comment section below.

The featured image was taken from Pixabay.

Address: 22nd February Street, Al Luqta District
P.O. Box 2399 Doha, Qatar
Phone: (974) 4496-6000
Fax: (974) 4488-4298

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111 thoughts on “How to Apply for a US Tourist Visa in Qatar | A Complete Guide for All Nationalities”

  1. Maam, I just want to asked.. anu po yung nilagay nyo sa address state/province?.. may province ba dito sa qatar or yung municipality? thanks po..

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      1. Hello friend I’m from Myanmar but now I’m study in Korea with D4 visa.I want to visit to US,Chicago just 1week during my class off so the US embassy in korea will give me B_2visa?please lets me know please

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      2. Hello!! I am sorry, but I am not familiar with the visa residency of Korea. Maybe you can check with US Embassy there to know more about the requirements that you need to submit to get a US tourist visa.. Thank you..

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      1. Hi maria
        You didn’t understand my question. Actually i want to know that if, i am going to apply then is it need of any sponsorship or any other documents from USA resident. For example if am going to visit my friend, living in USA, then would he have to send any invitation or sponsorship to me from USA ?

        Second, I am working in qatar. Would I have to show NOC letter of my company to embassy for apply tourist visa?

        Thx for giving me your precious time.

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      2. Hello.. There’s no need for sponsorship or invitation from your friend in USA.. You only need to know the address of your friend, in case you will stay with her once you are in the US, since this information will be provided once you filled up your DS-160 form.. You can show them an employment certificate..

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  5. Thank you for all the info. Ask ko lang po kung yung sa national identity number is QID? And ifever meron po ba sa form na tinatanong about last travels? Thank you so much

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    1. I think my answer there was “does not apply” because we dont have national id in the Philippines.. But other applicants put their Tax Identification No.. As for the last travels, yes, they’ve asked for the countries where we have travelled before..

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  6. hi can you please tell me in the online form… do I have to fill my current DOHA home address? or should I fill the home address of my home country?

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  7. Hi, me and my friend is applying for a tourist visa. Did you make the application together? I mean have you added tep on the ‘add by name’ window, like she will be applying visa with you? because when i added my friend,m it appears that the deposit slip is a payment for 2 people. How can she enter her own receipt on her login account? Also, what shall I answer to this question right after the add by name, Do all of the applicants have 10 year visas (except those under the age of 14)? thank you

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    1. Hello Jlng! Yes, we applied together as family, when I created my account for the appointment, I added Tep and entered his information on my account.. Our deposit slip was for 2 persons.. I am not quite sure if “add by name” is for families only or if it is also applicable to friends.. Did you enter all her information as well to your account? If you were able to add your friend, then there’s no need for her to create an account of her own.. Since once you entered the receipt number, it will generate an appointment confirmation, saying that the number of applicants are 2.. As for your last inquiry, sorry but I don’t remember if we were asked with that question.

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      1. Thank you very much for your helpful response. Yes when I drop down the options, it seems like it is only for family members, but there is also an option as “Others”. So I added my friend’s information including the code of her DS-160 form. Does it mean she doesn’t need to make her own payment on the login acct she created? Or it will be better if we do it separately? We will have the same address we want to stay in the US, which is her sister.

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  9. Most important is you have to show that you have strong social relation with your home country same which is your nationality…. you need to show that you regularly visiting home countries

    ……..also do not travel alone in tourist visa without your family if you already married because it will show you have lake of social relation with family and you intent to immigration plan not for tourist

    …… you have keep to visit your home country at least last five year …to show stamp of travels to consular

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  10. Hi Ms Ingrid, Good day po 🙂

    Ask ko lang po is there any dress code preference during the interview?

    Kelangan po ba naka dress? or slack, jeans will do?

    Thank you.

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    1. Hello JC!! I believe there’s no particular dress code for the interview.. Just be sure to wear something decent or smart casual.. I was wearing my usual office attire (blazer, blouse and slacks) during my interview..

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  11. Hello ma’am ask ko lang po kung pwedi po ba yong mag-aapply ng u.s visa online sa qatar then magpainterview doon na sa pinas? Thanks po.

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    1. Hello Marlene! I think you can’t.. Once you start to fill up the form, they will ask you where you want to apply and be interviewed.. If you are a resident of Qatar, I think it is better to apply in Qatar instead of doing it in the Philippines..

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  12. Hi Ms. MI, tanong ko lang po if am I qualified to apply a tourist US Visa while I’m currently holding business visa here in Qatar kaka move lang namin dito. And I’m not working and I don’t have the QID yet. Wait ko lang spouse sponsorship ng asawa ko who is American and working here in Doha. Thanks 🙏

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    1. Hello Avaira!! I am not sure if you are qualified to apply considering you are only holding a business visa.. Are you going to apply for a resident visa in Qatar? If yes, I would suggest you to wait for it before you apply.. Hope this helps..

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    1. Hello Ches.. Actually, the US embassy didn’t really specify their requirement for the bank statement.. But most people prepare for 6 months just to be sure.. During our interview, they didn’t ask or even take a look at our bank statements, but we prepared it and brought with us anyway.. I think it is up to you if you want to prepare it..

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  17. Hi mam,

    I just want to know.. kung 1 and a half year lang ako work dito Qatar, does it matter? Cuz sabi ng mga ka work ko atleast 3 years daw.

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    1. Hello Paul! I know somebody who is less that 3 yrs in Qatar, but was able to get a visa.. I guess it really depends on the assessment of the visa officer and it is based on the information that you will provide them..

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  18. hello po.
    question po for surnames ng married na. for example:
    married surname: PAULO
    maiden surname : PEREZ
    fill out form : SURNAMES : PAULO PEREZ? or PEREZ PAULO? or
    GIVEN NAME : given name + PEREZ?
    thanks a lot!

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    1. Hello.. I put my maiden surname together with my given name.. In your example, given name + Perez.. But I know some who didn’t include their maiden surname on their application form..

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  19. Hello po. Ask ko lang po kasi yung QID ko ay expired na sa Sept 11 then my target appt is Aug 2 with preferred travel date Dec 2018. Okay lang po kaya yun kahit pa expired na QID ko?

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      2. I got my US approved po!! Salamat ng madami Miss Ingrid sa support! God bless you more!! 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻😇

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      4. Hi jc, what are the questions being asked to you.did they require you to submit any bank certificates? Thanks

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    1. Hello D!! It depends on the availability.. Once you made an account on the Online Applicant System (see Step III above), you will already see on the dashboard the latest available date for the interview..

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      1. Hi Ms Maria,

        I would like to ask if QR5000 monthly salary is fine to apply for a tourist visa. I have savings and I will stay with my best friend during my vacation. I am just worried that QR5000 in my Salary Certificate is too small. Thanks😊

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      2. Hello Ivonne.. To be honest, I am not really sure regarding how much salary or savings you should have in order to get approved.. It is upon the discretion of the visa officer whether you will get approved or not based on the documents that you will present and based on your interview..

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  23. Hi po maam..question lang po. Pwde kaya ako mag-apply ng US Visa kahit under family visit lang ako? Nagresigned na po ksi ako sa trabaho ko dito sa Qatar pro almost 10yrs na ako dito at sa isang company lang. Nag-exit po ako sa Oman nung August 2018 at bumalik ako dito under my brother’s sponsorship. Nabasa ko ksi sa taas na required ang Qatar ID, letter from previous company at bank statement. May job offer po ksi akong natanggap sa US at sagot ko daw ung visa processing pro marerefund din pagkadating ko sa US.

    Maraming salamat po sa sagot.

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    1. Hello Mary!! Maybe you should apply for another type of visa since you already have a job offer in the US.. This write up is only applicable for those travelling to the US as tourist..

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  24. Hi Ms. MI! Dun po sa part na are you a permanent resident of a country? Ano pong sinagot nyo, Yes or No? May QID naman po ako dito kaso like Singapore, iba po kasi ang ibig sabihin ng Permanent Resident dba. Tsaka po sa previous employer, isasama ko po ba lahat ng naging trabaho ko simula nung unang unang work ko?

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  25. Hi Maam. would like to ask po dun sa part ng Are you a permanent resident of a country? Ano pong sinagot nyo, Yes or No? I have qid po. 3years na po ako dito Doha. Thanks

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  26. Ate i want to ask i want to apply us tourist with my husband . I have QID and work here in doha but my husband in on visit visa,can i add him on my application?Do i need travel insurance?

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  27. hi good evening Ms Maria..

    ask ko lng po kung meron po kayung nilagay na passport book number po? or same lng po yun ng passport number po ntin?

    Thank you!

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  28. Hai !!!
    Im applying for visa along with family so i have to add family members on my DS160 application or it should be differeent application?

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  29. Hi Ms. Maria,

    Ask ko lang po kung may minimum salary range po ba required sa pag apply ng US Tourist Visa here in Qatar?

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  30. hiya! your blog is so informative. just wondering if you have any idea if children (under 14) needs to show up on appointment date. none of their parents hold a valid B1/B2 visa.

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  31. Thanks a lot Maria. Your Blog was really helpful. I have reached half way, gotta make payment tomorrow. Fingers crossed.

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  32. Hi Miss Ingrid,
    Do you have any idea if it is possible to leave my mobile phone in the security guard?
    since I don’t have a car and I cannot afford to leave my mobile at home as I will use it to book Uber
    after the interview. Thanks:)

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  33. Thank you Maria for all information, you cover everything 🙂
    I just have a question please, i got the employment letter now but i have the interview in 2 weeks, it’s fine to use it or do i need to submit recent one?

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    1. Hello Ayoub! I’m not really sure regarding that.. But if you can request a recent one from your employer, I think that is better to submit.. Hope this helps.. Thank you..

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  34. Hi,Maria Ingrid,
    I got invitation from one of collage for 10days workshop related my Qs job
    They provide food & Accommodation, travelling cost covering myself, my plan is attend the workshop and travel some places for sightseeing for 4days.(i need visa 2 weeks only) Please advise which visa category I should apply
    My case is salary like Qar 5,500 and have some saving 20k also, what u think this is enough for apply for visa.

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    1. Hello Kanna! Thank you for reading the blog.. Regarding your question, I think it is better to ask the college who invited you for the workshop since based on your description, they are going to cover all the expenses for this trip.. I don’t have any other info on the other types of visa since I only tried applying for the tourist one.. Hope this helps.. Thank you.

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  35. I applied po last June 17, 2019, I answered all questions pero in the end SORRY! i heard all consul na nag asked ilan years na dito sa Qatar, i guess na parang pag few years ka pa lang sa qatar prang denied na agad since i am here only for 3 years.

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    1. Oh my Cris, I’m sorry to hear this.. I know some people who got approved despite being here in Qatar for less than 3 years.. I guess the consuls really have their ways of knowing if you get approved or not.. Maybe it is not yet your time, or you are bound to explore other places than the US.. But you can still apply next time..

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  36. Hello madam please I have someone who is living in USA and she is able to help me to get USA Visa so am ask what is the procedure and the steps for me to get invitation letter?

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    1. Hello! Maybe you can check with your friend who is living in the US, what type of visa you should apply.. What I only know are the steps and procedures for tourist visa application which I laid out on this blog..

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  38. Hi Maria..MI!
    Really Like your travel related stories & you’re doing an awesome job of simplifying so many things!
    Keep it up!! God bless you

    TG

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      1. hey Maria love the blog! thanks for the info! Maria please I know you mentioned amount in bank statement, is monthly salary of 8000, ok? so if I’m applying for 11days visit would like 12,000QAR be enough?

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      2. hi Maria

        greetings from doha

        i really appaerciate your help regarding our applications to us visa

        i have two questions regadirng the ds 160 form

        01 / National Identification Number ??? Qatar ID Number or My country ID Number??

        02 / Are you a permanent resident of a country/region other than your country/region of origin (nationality) above?

        i replied YES

        Other Permanent Resident Country/Region (1): QATAR

        is that correct or i should replied by no

        please help me as i plan to pay the fees and i ask you to be sure

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    2. hi ms MI.. i am planning to apply po ng tourist visa under my brother’s sponsor. pano po if hndi nagbbigay ng employment letter ang company even for salary certificate?i only have a copy of my contract and offer letter from them.same company lang po ako since 2015.

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  39. Big Thanx girl for your wonderful guide…we passed the interview and got the approved visa the next day…amazing!!!…God bless always

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  42. Hi! Just want to let you know your blog has been very helpful for me in applying the US visa here in Qatar. However since passing the interview last Sunday (6/10/19), they have not given me my passport back and it has been a week. I have a flight to catch back to Malaysia on the 16th tho. Any ideas why it is taking too long and should I call the embassy to enquire? Thanks again and I really appreciate it!

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  43. hi good night i take appointment for interview for me and my family.
    is it necessary to take my children with me or i cant take them

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  44. Hello dear, regarding employment certificate, is it okay if the letter is not addressed to US embassy? Apparently, our company does not issue such letters specifically if its address to US embassy (perhaps they have reason behind that). Also, can we submit COE and not salary cert? Thanks!

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  45. Hi Maria, Good Morning have a question regarding the US visa application.
    i work for an Airline in Qatar and my husband works for a company in Qatar. while filling the D160 form i have realised that few of the quesiton which has been asked for my husband is not there for me . like exact date of travel to us return flight details , educational qualififcations and past travel history. is this something that i need to worry ?
    Also while making the appointment , i have noticed that there is a question ” Do all of the applicants have 10 year visas (except those under the age of 14)? . what does this means? i have answered as NO.

    Thank you very much in advance for your reply

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    1. Hello Menaka! We also had the same case. There were a lot of questions asked from my husband. I also answered “NO” to that question, since I think they are asking if you already have a previous US visa, though I am not sure if that is what it really means. Goodluck on your application.

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      1. Hi Maria
        Finally we had the appointment today. Only few questions asked and not a single document she requested. She took our passports and said we wil receive an sms. Means our visa got approved?
        When i check online it says administrative processing. So the status is worrying me

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      3. Hi MARIA , Thanks for the good job. I have a question? Please what can I fill for that question are you are permanent resident of a country/ region other than your country/ origin of the above mentioned nationality? I only have residency permit in Doha, would it still be recognized as permanent residency? Thanks

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  46. Hi Maria
    we are applying for family visa but we don’t have any US Contact I don’t know what to put in US Contact. Any advice?

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  47. First comment for 2021.

    After few cancellation of appointments due to covid. Today, April 25, 2021 was my interview date. I got APPROVED. No supportig documents asked. Only few questions.

    Passport will be ready within 15 days and aramex will contact you if it’s ready for collection.

    Good luck guys!

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  48. hi ma’am ingrid, yun pong ‘list of countries that you have visited’ paano po yun kukunin? iyan po ba yun sa immigration kukunin tpos may babayaran? kailangan din po ba yun old passport dyan?what if wala na po yun old passport? salamat po sa time mag reply..godbless po

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