Faster Application

This month, I had to apply for US Visas twice—once for myself, and the second time for my friends. A couple of years ago, this would have been a dreaded thought. Those long queues, annoying waits, voluminous paperworks, exacerbated with the intricacies of bureaucratic red tape, is enough to stress anyone out. But Filipinos, given their colonial mentality and desire for greener pastures, are willing to go though all the stress just to be given the golden ticket to what has been perceived as a land of dreams and opportunities.

But thanks to recent developments in information technology, the processing and waiting time has been significantly cut. Anyone who seeks a US visa will only have to spend a couple of hours in front of their computer, input a few information on the US website, pay to the bank, and schedule an appointment. Specifically, you have to fill out the DS 160 form found on their website, acquire a DS 157 form from the bank after paying the required application fee of P6,160 pesos, and then schedule an appointment on their website. The US embassy promises a one week processing time, although expect some extension depending on their workload.

All in all, the experience was quite breezy and expedient. For example, I only started the application for my friend’s visa last week, but their appointment is scheduled next week. This means that by next week, they will immediately find out whether or not they will be getting a US visa. This is a far cry from the months of waiting that used to characterize any visa application.

For Filipinos, the processing speed is a welcome development. We go to the US for a myriad of reasons: work, pleasure, studies, etc. For most, it is seen as a solution to their economic problem, a chance to improve the life of their families. I admire these people who are willing to leave their loved ones behind, go to a strange new land where Filipinos still remain a minority not just in numbers but in social standing as well, just so that every now and then they can send a little amount of money to their families. Today, more than ever, this is not only possible, it’s a lot more convenient as well. Technology has not only made the world smaller; it has made it quicker as well.

JERIC ALVIN CRUZ Entry no. 9