In-Laws Declined Tourist Visa - Reapply?

[edpa 20]

My mother in law, sister in law, and brother in law were recently declined tourist visas. We were planning on having them here in July for our wedding reception we weren't able to have at the time of our wedding. They had all the documents possible to provide proof that they were tied to Turkey. However, my brother in law answered one question: "What does your brother do in America?" with the answer "I don't know." Also, they advised us, right before their interview their officer was arguing with her manager. Afterwards, she was very cold, and declined them very quickly without even looking at documents.

I am feeling quite helpless and am wondering what steps they should take? We're going to have them re-apply for the visas today or tomorrow and prepare them for the interview much better with answers to all the questions that they could possibly ask. Also, I have asked my local Congressman to write a letter to the Consulate in Istanbul to assist as well. Is there any other advice about re-applying that you can give?

[Transborderwife 4,666]

Congressmen will not be of any help. CO's are under zero obligations to bend to their pleas. By all means try again, but there absolutely is a chance of denial again.

[edpa 20]

Congressmen will not be of any help. CO's are under zero obligations to bend to their pleas. By all means try again, but there absolutely is a chance of denial again.

Yeah you're absolutely right, I just feel like that's the only way I can help

[Transborderwife 4,666]

Unfortunately all that can be done is hope and pray that they can luck out next time ☺️. If they can't be there then perhaps set up a Skype broadcast so that they can somehow still be a part of it

Edited April 28, 2016 by Transborderwife

[Boiler 43,429]

Perhaps organise a reception in Turkey for those who could not make it.

[charmander 692]

My mother in law, sister in law, and brother in law were recently declined tourist visas. We were planning on having them here in July for our wedding reception we weren't able to have at the time of our wedding. They had all the documents possible to provide proof that they were tied to Turkey. However, my brother in law answered one question: "What does your brother do in America?" with the answer "I don't know." Also, they advised us, right before their interview their officer was arguing with her manager. Afterwards, she was very cold, and declined them very quickly without even looking at documents.

I am feeling quite helpless and am wondering what steps they should take? We're going to have them re-apply for the visas today or tomorrow and prepare them for the interview much better with answers to all the questions that they could possibly ask. Also, I have asked my local Congressman to write a letter to the Consulate in Istanbul to assist as well. Is there any other advice about re-applying that you can give?

Hi edpa, sorry for what your in-laws went through. Unfortunately, visa officers could be very picky, unless they specify explicitly the reason for denial, it won't be any more than a speculation whether your brother in laws answer was the basis for denial. Have they given them an official reason for the denial? https://travel.state.gov/content/visas/en/general/denials.html

[milimelo 4,193]

OP, how did your spouse get to the US?

I suspect this 1/14/2016 - Mailed I-485/130/131/765 is why the family was refused visa.

[edpa 20]

Perhaps organise a reception in Turkey for those who could not make it.

Yeah looks like we'll have to do that .... thanks for your response

Unfortunately all that can be done is hope and pray that they can luck out next time ☺️. If they can't be there then perhaps set up a Skype broadcast so that they can somehow still be a part of it

Thank you

OP, how did your spouse get to the US?

I suspect this 1/14/2016 - Mailed I-485/130/131/765 is why the family was refused visa.

He was traveling back and forth to the US for business, we met and married here

Hi edpa, sorry for what your in-laws went through. Unfortunately, visa officers could be very picky, unless they specify explicitly the reason for denial, it won't be any more than a speculation whether your brother in laws answer was the basis for denial. Have they given them an official reason for the denial? https://travel.state.gov/content/visas/en/general/denials.html

No, we didn't get any information regarding why they were denied but I'll look into it - thank you!

Edited April 28, 2016 by edpa

[Harpa Timsah 13,258]

Okay, so your husband travelled for business to the US and his brother doesn't know his line of work? His whole reason for being in the US in the first place?

[edpa 20]

Okay, so your husband travelled for business to the US and his brother doesn't know his line of work? His whole reason for being in the US in the first place?

Yeah, unfortunately he was so nervous, he blanked (per my friend who went with them).

[Harpa Timsah 13,258]

Turkey only has a 13.9% refusal rate for B2, little need to be nervous. https://travel.state.gov/content/dam/visas/Statistics/Non-Immigrant-Statistics/RefusalRates/FY15.pdf

But oh well; they can reapply. Good luck.

Why was a friend with them?

[edpa 20]

Turkey only has a 13.9% refusal rate for B2, little need to be nervous. https://travel.state.gov/content/dam/visas/Statistics/Non-Immigrant-Statistics/RefusalRates/FY15.pdf

But oh well; they can reapply. Good luck.

Why was a friend with them?

It was his first time doing anything like this (he hadn't left Turkey before).

My friend is also coming for the reception; her visa was approved (she's lived in Greece and traveled to/from UK)

[Harpa Timsah 13,258]

The lack of travel certainly has something to do with the denial too. He might want to travel a little around Europe or wherever if this next attempt is also denied, and then try again for a US visa in a year or so.

[edpa 20]

The lack of travel certainly has something to do with the denial too. He might want to travel a little around Europe or wherever if this next attempt is also denied, and then try again for a US visa in a year or so.

thank you for your advice & support. Fingers crossed for next interview...

[squareleg 69]

Unfortunately all that can be done is hope and pray that they can luck out next time ☺️. If they can't be there then perhaps set up a Skype broadcast so that they can somehow still be a part of it

Not sure how "praying" can help. Is there any factual data? This reminds me of Maradona's comment goal was scored "a little with the head of Maradona and a little with the hand of God"....

I can understand the Skype broadcast.