5 U.S Visa Application myths you should know about

A lot of Filipinos dream of visiting the States. What's stopping them? Securing a visa.

U.S Visa applications cost a sum, which is why applicants want to make sure that they have "fail-safe ways" to ensure that they get accepted.

There are still a lot of misconceptions about getting a U.S Visa which Joseph Morong's 'Fact or Fake' report in Brigada clarifies.

Let's hear them:

Myth 1: You have to dress to impress.

No, you don't need to wear a lot of expensive jewelry nor wear a Barong Tagalog — or even corporate attire — to impress embassy officials during your interview.

"You shouldn't come here with valuables. That is a mistake. The decision to issue you a visa is based on whether you're qualified," said Martin Lahm, Nonimmigrant Visa Unit Chief of the US Embassy in the Philippines.

"Dressing to impress" didn't make the cut for netizen Jay-r Flores who applied for the visa twice. 

On his first visit try, he wore a coat and got rejected. On his second visit? He chose a smart button-down and got approved.

"Lesson Learned: Don't Be Too Formal When Going To The Embassy," Flores wrote on Facebook.

Myth no. 2: You have to be absolutely fluent in English

You don't need to be super fluent in English, especially if you're traveling as a tourist. At the embassy, there are officials and staff members who actually help with translations.

If you're applying for work in the US or to set up a business there, however, you need know 'enough English', said Lahm.

Myth no. 3: You need to be super-rich

According to Lahm, embassy officials do not grant or deny visas based on the applicant's bank certificates, applicants still have to show that they can financially support themselves during their travels.

"You need to have enough money to fund your purpose of travel today, why you're applying to go. You need to be able to convince the officer that you meet those qualifications. There's no set amount that you need," Lahm said.

Myth 4: It's harder to apply for the second time, if you were rejected before

"No, that's not true," the US Consulate said. "Our officers look at all the information that's available but the question of whether or not you qualify for a visa is based on whether or not you have the qualifications at the time that you applied- not what happened before." 

Those who were rejected in the past, should not worry about applying again as the US Embassy will evaluate the applications based on your present qualifications.

Myth no. 5: You need to show your plane ticket and hotel reservation to embassy officials

The US Consulate said that this is "absolutely false." They strongly advise everybody to secure their visas first before booking any non-refundable reservations.

"You should not, in fact, book any round trip tickets, plane tickets, hotel reservations. You should make no bookings at all that you can't get the money back from. Wait until you have your visa before you make any kind of bookings that obligate you to spend any money," he said. — Angelica Y. Yang/LA, GMA News