Vistor Visa from Jamaica - Husband and married via K1

[BeanCamp 28]

My husband and I are expecting twins and would like to have his parents visit once they are born. I have a letter, medical report, and letter from me from my OB attesting my due date and pregnancy. What other documents, besides a copy of our marriage certificate, will my in-laws need to apply?

What are the chances the US Embassy would approve them? If they are approved, how long is the typical tourist visa issued for? My husband says they will get a 10 year visa, but I don't think that is correct.

BeanCamp

[JayJayH 546]

This is very country specific and entirely up to your in-laws' situation.

There is a common misconception that immigration officers care about the reason for the visit. The reason is not really important. It's irrelevant according to US immigration law whether the visitor intends to attend a wedding, go bird watching, or visit every single post office in Nebraska. What's important is that the visitor is 1. visiting, 2. Has no serious criminal or negative immigration history, and 3. Intends to leave by the date given to him/her by the immigration officer at the port of entry (usually 180 days for tourist visas).

Section 214b of the INA states that any applicant for a non-immigrant visa shall be presumed to be an intending immigrant until the immigration officer is satisfied otherwise.

This means, it's perfectly fine to include due dates, marriage certificates etc., but that's not what will get them approved for a tourist visa. What will get them approved for a tourist visa is the ability show that they're likely to leave the US after their visit (rather than stay illegally). This is generally shown by providing evidence of stable income, property ownership etc. Anything that would make an average immigration officer believe they're not better off trying to stay in the US illegally.

Once issued, a tousit visa can be valid for up to 10 years. Keep in mind that a 10 year visa does not mean the holder can stay in the US for 10 years. A visa is not a status in the US, but merely an entry document. Status is given upon entry. So, a 10 year tourist visa holder can enter the US for 10 years, and on each entry can stay for the duration of their status ('usually' 180 days).

[Pinkrlion 2,607]

They need to take proof of return, like a letter from employer that they are taking a vacation, and expected to return to work by .... My MIL got 10 year and she got a B1/B2.

[Boiler 43,434]

What are the chances the US Embassy would approve them?

38.64%

[Pinkrlion 2,607]

38.64%

Less than that. I witnessed several hundred people interview when I was at the embassy, and more came out turned down than accepted.

[Boiler 43,434]

38.64% is less that half.

And I was taking into account the specifics of the situation.

[Pinkrlion 2,607]

38.64% is less that half.

And I was taking into account the specifics of the situation.

Duh......LOL! I was saying more like 25% (which is also less than half). JA does not care about reason for trip, they want proof of return. Women get approved more than men. Edited April 18, 2014 by Pinkrlion