Best option for obtaining a tourist visa to America

[Andrea2881 0]

I am an American Citizen living in London on a Tier (GEN) Visa. My partner Shane is a Ghanaian passport holder here in the UK since 2005 as a student, and is now on a Tier 1 (Post-Work Study Visa that expires July 2012). We have been living together for almost 3 years in a genuine loving relationship. Shane lodged an non-immigrant visa application at the American embassy in August 2010 so we could travel to Michigan to visit my family for 3 weeks. This application was refused and the immigration officer stated that he had not established strong enough ties to the UK.

Our question is if we marry in the UK (as we hope anywa in spring of 2011), will this improve his chances of being issued a non immigrant visitor visa to the USA? We do not own any property in the US or UK, and our UK joint bank account will have about £5,000-£7,000. Both Shane and I are in full time employment (me for 4 years, he for 3 years)

I have read about the Direct Counselor filing process but it appeared this was for people wishing to return to America live immediately. We anticipate wanting to relocate to the USA in 5-6 years, however we are happy now in England and need to find the best way for Shane to be granted a visitor visa.

Any help would be appreaciated!!

[Boiler 43,426]

I would not expect marriage to make a difference, by the sound of it he intends moving to another status which might be looked on more favourably.

[Deputy Purple 1,294]

Actually being married to a US Citizen will make it more difficult to get a non-immigrant visa as it gives you a relationship that would allow you to adjust status.

[NigeriaorBust 4,087]

I agree that being married to a USC is the worse way to show that you don't want to overstay your visa unless the USC also has very very strong ties to a foreign country

[Andrea2881 0]

I agree that being married to a USC is the worse way to show that you don't want to overstay your visa unless the USC also has very very strong ties to a foreign country

Thanks for the responses, Yikes!! so then what would be the easiest thing for us to do in our situation??

[NigeriaorBust 4,087]

A scheduled family gathering such as a wedding/reunion and then something after that would draw you back to the UK. Being really really upfront with the CO about admitting your evidence of return is weak but you are not at a life stage to do much more ?