Forum,
Hi. I had some questions for the Forum relating to Tourist Visas and the U.S. Embassy in Lima, Peru.
I'm married to a Peruvian (now a Permanent Resident of the U.S. and 3 1/2 months pregnant). And just yesterday my Mother-in-law was denied a Visitor Visa to the United States. We wanted her to be here for the birth of her new grandchild.
I did all the paperwork, gave all my financial information, wrote a letter of invitation, but according to my Mother-in-law, all they looked at was her application for a Tourist Visa (Form DS 156).
I had put on the DS 156 for question 26: "How long do you intend to stay in the U.S.?" : 6 months. But the interviewer said, "We don't grant tourist visas for 6 months, that would be for an immigrant visa...." So my Mother-in-law was denied the Tourist Visa.
Did I error in putting 6 months? I had put 6 months, thinking that was the maximum time we wanted. I assumed the embassy could reduce the time if they wanted. And that would have been fine with us, we just want to see her.
I had been told that every country is different with the amount of time granted on a Tourist Visa.
So does anyone know what is the maximum time the U.S. embassy in Peru grants for Tourist Visas? Should we try again and this time put 3 months instead? And do we have to wait a certain amount of time before re-applying.
I would appreciate any information or ideas the Forum has.
Craig S.

I'm not sure about the limitations on the visa, but I can tell you from my own experience that it's very difficult to get tourist visas from many Latin American countries, including Peru. You have to meet certain criteria, but even when you meet that criteria, the visa is typically denied. I have many Peruvian friends who have tried unsuccessfully to obtain this visa, even professionals who own homes, make good money, and have spouses and children to come home to. My understanding is that so many people who have come to the US previously have overstayed and are still here illegally. A huge source of income down there is money sent from the States, so the government has cracked down a lot over the past few years. My friends who had visas in the 90's and used them within regulations have been able to get their visas renewed, but new ones don't seem easily issued.

I can't speak for the specifics of your case, but it may have nothing at all to do with your request for 6 months. I wish you the very best of luck with the visa and with your new baby- it sure would be nice to have grandma there when he/she is born!

Thanks junglejao for your information. Makes me understand and feel better about what happened. Appreciate what you said.
Craig

A B2 Visa is usually for 10 years and allows muti entries.

The length of each entryis determined by the POE, not the Consulate.

To obtain a Visa you need amongst other things to show non immigrant intent, ties that require your return.

It would be unusual for people with strong ties to be away for 6 months.

There is no waiting time for applying again, but with the same application it would probably be a waste of time and money.

Keep in mind that a letter of invitation does very little to help someone applying for a tourist visa. The applicant must show, on their own, that they have strong ties to their home country and that they will return after visiting the US for a short time. They need to demonstrate they own property, have a good job, are leaving behind a lot of family, etc - they must give the consulate reason to belive that there is a high probability that the person will return. The US citizen's information (or the permanent resident's) is of little consequence. You could make a million dollars a year and if the applicant can’t show a reason that they will return to Peru, they will be denied. Tourist visas from Peru are given for 10 years or 1 year - meaning if granted, they holder can travel to an from the US during that timeframe. However, they can only stay for a certain amount of time on each trip - from my understanding, 6 months is the maximum. However, it can be shorter, when the holder enters, the officer at the point of entry can shorten this to say one month. After that the holder must return to Peru. They could then turn around and travel back to the US though. If you put 6 months that is a bit of an indication that the person plans to live here more or less. As far as applying again, as far as I know there is no set time frame before an applicant could apply again. However, if nothing has changed, the application will most likely be denied again.

Craig,

Your mother-in-law is the one that needs to qualify for the visa. Your invitation does very little. Maybe she didnt show up with the proper documentation assuming that you invitation was all she needed.

There was a time long ago when the Embassy would give "permanent" visas (they would las forever). Then they started giving 10-year visas. I believe now they give 5-year visas. When I was 8 years old they gave me a 5-year visa. At 16 they gave me a 6-month visa (pretty standard since you are about to become an adult). At 21 they gave me a 10-year visa. The policy varies depending on the country and its situation at a particular time.

It is not enough to own a house and have a job. You have to see what kind of house and what kind of job. The truth is you can easily tell if a person would get a visa in Peru by checking 3 things: Where do they live, Where did they study, Where have they travelled before. Simple as that. In my country those 3 things can tell a lot.

Good luck.

PS: I believe there is (at least there was) a special application process for seniors. They were not required to show financial ties. You should check it because you mother in law may reach the age soon.