Tips on how to handle an Immigration interview

For us, IMG campaigners, attending a convention, whether local or international is a big thing. It’s not just for fun or pleasure but to gain new knowledge from experts in the financial industry and from IMG-Big 3 (Sir Joen Delas Penas, Sir Noel Arandilla, and Sir Bart Borja). Sometimes, the convention created an explosion among us. One could possibly turn from a nobody to somebody, or from an ordinary to an extraordinary IMG campaigner.

For local conventions, campaigners here in the Philippines have nothing to worry about. All they need to do is be prepared and attend at least two hours ahead of time so they can get the front seats. Those who come from other countries just to attend the local convention had to fight just like the others to be seated in front.

For international conventions, an immigration interview is one of the challenges that every campaigner needs to pass. To avoid getting disapproval, I am sharing a few tips to be able to conquer fear and pass the interview with flying colors.

1. Pray. Let God gives you the courage to answer confidently all the questions to be asked by the immigration officer.
2. Smile and Greet the Immigration Officer with a simple “good morning/good afternoon”. Being courteous all the time and smiling have countless positive effects on the surrounding people.
3. Have all your documents ready and just give what an immigration officer will ask for. But remember to keep the following documents on hand:
   • Passport and visa if the receiving country requires it
   • Roundtrip flight itinerary (this is required)
   • Hotel bookings
   • Valid ID such as government IDs, company/school ID, if any
   • If employed, a copy of work leave approval
   • If self-employed, a copy of BIR or Business Certificate
   • IMG Certification and IMG Campaigner’s Poster
   • Travel Insurance
   • Yellow Card and Vaccination Card
4. For Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs), aside from the basic documents listed above, be ready with the following documents if needed
   • The existing contract with your employer
   • Proof that you were allowed to take a vacation to attend a convention.  If there is no available document, inform your employer that an Immigration Officer might call them to confirm that you’re allowed to attend the convention.
5. Keep the contact number of important people. These are the people you can call in case Immigration asks for something else from you. This could be a relative, an officemate/employer for OFWs, and/or company HR.hank
6. Relax and Stop Worrying.  Remember that these Immigration Officers are just doing their jobs and they are just human like you.
7. Have a pen with you and write legibly.  You have to fill out a departure and arrival card to be presented to the Immigration Office.
8. Do not panic and stay calm.  Remember the golden rule: “Answer truthfully and everything will be fine.”  Immigration officers usually ask questions answerable by “Yes” or “No”.  Some common questions are:  “Is this your first time traveling?”  “Are you traveling alone?’
9. Do not offer any excess information.  Answer briefly and concisely if the question needs an explanation.  Let me share a series of questions an Immigration Officer  usually ask and how we should respond to these questions:
   • What is your work here?                           I am an IMG Financial Educator?
   • What is an IMG Financial Educator?         We teach financial literacy or how to save and invest properly to manage our hard-earned money
   • Who is paying for your trip?                     I am paying for my trip.
   • Where will you be staying?                      I will be staying at ______ hotel in Taipei.
   • What will you do there?                           I will attend the IMG convention and will visit some beautiful places in Taipei before/after the convention.
   • Can you show me your IMG Portal?        Log in to your portal and show it to the Immigration Officer.
10. Once you pass the interview, thank the Immigration Officer and Smile.  This will make their day happy knowing that despite the Q & A process, you give utmost respect to them as public servants.  Always be polite wherever you are and whatever you do.

Congratulations and Enjoy the Campaigners Convention.  See you on top.

To God be all the highest glory!