B2 visa question

[Ugly_American 11]

I'm trying to figure out how best to have success in obtaining a B2 visa from the Manila embassy for the parents of my fiancee. We have a wedding date in mind, but also the timing is tight-ish.

1. Is it best to have her visa approved prior to their b2 interview? That way it's a solid evidence that a wedding will be happening.

2. Can she also attend the b2 interview or do they only permit the actual applicants (her parents)?

3. Would it benefit having her present at that interview (assuming she is permitted)?

4. Would it help to have airline tickets and a complete trip itinerary (dates and places) already in their possession or might the consulate be insulted at the presumptuousness of such a move?

I know the key to success isn't proving that they want to come to the US, that they are more concerned with knowing the parents have enough ties to Phil not to remain illegally in the US, however the wedding of their eldest daughter seems a reasonably important event and one which is worthy of a visa.

Thanks for any help and also thanks for any other advice.

[Deputy Purple 1,294]

If her parent's presence at the wedding is that important I would suggest one of two routes:

1) Schedule a faux Wedding ceremony for about 1 week after her Visa Interview. Fly over for the ceremony and return to the US with her. Note that this MUST NOT be a legal wedding or it will invalidate the K-1 Visa.

2) Scrap the K-1, arrange to marry her in the Philippines and file for a CR-1 after the wedding.

If you are intent on your original plan then strong ties to the Philippine include:

1) Land/house ownership.

2) Lots of money in the bank.

3) Good employment.

4) A few other children (better if they're minors)

Even if they have all four items I've listed B-Class Visas from the Philippines are difficult to get due to a history of abuse from that country.

[Ning 619]

I'm trying to figure out how best to have success in obtaining a B2 visa from the Manila embassy for the parents of my fiancee. We have a wedding date in mind, but also the timing is tight-ish.

1. Is it best to have her visa approved prior to their b2 interview? That way it's a solid evidence that a wedding will be happening.

2. Can she also attend the b2 interview or do they only permit the actual applicants (her parents)?

3. Would it benefit having her present at that interview (assuming she is permitted)?

4. Would it help to have airline tickets and a complete trip itinerary (dates and places) already in their possession or might the consulate be insulted at the presumptuousness of such a move?

I know the key to success isn't proving that they want to come to the US, that they are more concerned with knowing the parents have enough ties to Phil not to remain illegally in the US, however the wedding of their eldest daughter seems a reasonably important event and one which is worthy of a visa.

Thanks for any help and also thanks for any other advice.

You will never know until they try because each case is unique. The P I is similar to other Asian countries where it is very difficult to get a tourist visa. They will have to do an outstanding job of displaying their " strongest ties " to the P I. That will have to be in writting & verbal to have any chance.

She wont be allowed at the interview. It has nothing to do with her.

Buying tickets can be viewed as insulting & arrogant. It would be best to wait.

You might consider sending one in at a time to see what happens.

The wedding is a understandable reason to you & I but it doesnt offset the thousands of people from the P I that abused the tourist visas & didnt return. It is that circumstance that they must over come. Concrete irrefutable evidence of ties to the P I is the only way.

[Ugly_American 11]

Thanks. They have a 14yo daughter and possibly a son who is still a minor. Her mother also acts as the mother to a 3yo grand-daughter, but I don't know how they would prove that relationship. They do own property, but the title is in some sort of dispute at the moment. They don't have a lot of (any?) money in the bank, but I was hoping a letter/statement of support from me would improve this aspect. It's a long shot. I'm hoping this works. It'd be a shame for them to miss the wedding. I can cover all expenses. If there is anything anyone can think of to assist or improve the odds, please let me know. Would borrowing money from friends to temporarily balloon their bank acct help?

[Deputy Purple 1,294]

Would borrowing money from friends to temporarily balloon their bank acct help?

Nope, they want proof that the money has been there for a while. My wife's uncle had plenty of money sitting in the bank for 6 months and they still denied him. Even told him it looks suspicious that his account balance suddenly jumped up quite a bit just months prior to the Visa application.

[Ugly_American 11]

Ugh, depressing. It sounds so unlikely. We'll still try for it and just maybe get someone in a good mood. Having her parents here would be really special.

[Ning 619]

Ugh, depressing. It sounds so unlikely. We'll still try for it and just maybe get someone in a good mood. Having her parents here would be really special.

You will find mood has nothing to do with it. They are trained & instructed to be very careful in issuing these tourist visas. Bear in mind that every person with a visa is considered to be an intending immigrant.

Try to find someone here on V J that was issued a tourist visa from the P I to get an idea of what they used to satisfy the strongest ties rule. The problem is always that each case is unique. From your discription of their circumstance I doubt they will get a tourist visa.

Bobs # 1 or # 2 ideas are a better way to have what you want.

[Ugly_American 11]

Thanks again. I think We'll just try and see.Even if it's a 5% chance of success it's worth the shot. Our fallback plan is a second wedding in Phil next year. Actually we'd planed it also, but the first would be great to have them here.

Question, does a second wedding there involve all sorts of paperwork and forms, or should it also just be a faux Wedding? Once married here or anywhere it would seem another wedding is just like having seconds at a buffet.

[sunandmoon 450]

Thanks again. I think We'll just try and see.Even if it's a 5% chance of success it's worth the shot. Our fallback plan is a second wedding in Phil next year. Actually we'd planed it also, but the first would be great to have them here.

Question, does a second wedding there involve all sorts of paperwork and forms, or should it also just be a faux Wedding? Once married here or anywhere it would seem another wedding is just like having seconds at a buffet.

I think it can be if your planning a Catholic Church Wedding.

Church Wedding Requirements

Note: A Catholic religious ceremony may be performed even without a civil ceremony and the marriage will still be considered legal in the Philippines. Other non-Catholic churches may require documents and/or seminars not specified below. To be sure, inquire with the church in which you plan to be married. The process below describes the general procedures for arranging a Catholic wedding in the Philippines. However, the policies and procedures of individual churches may vary.

1. Baptismal and Confirmation Certificates - required for both the bride and the groom. These documents must be new, be annotated: "FOR MARRIAGE PURPOSES ONLY", and have been obtained not more than three (3) months before the date of marriage;

For mixed marriage (different religions) -- a dispensation must be secured from the Parish Office which will be released after the canonical interview with the parish priest or his assistant. These have to be presented one week before the wedding.

2. Marriage License

For those who are first married in a civil ceremony, a certified true photocopy of the Marriage Contract with the registry number of the city or town where the marriage was performed must be submitted one week before the wedding date. How to obtain a civil marriage license. See also Obtaining Philippine Documents

3. Canonical Interview - The parish priest or his assistant will conduct an interview with the bride and the groom one month before the wedding date. The interview will be scheduled upon the signing of the application form.

4. Pre-Marriage Seminar - The seminar will be scheduled during the canonical interview or you may inquire at the parish office. Some churches will allow you to attend other pre-wedding seminars such as the Discovery Weekend or Catholic Engaged Encounter.

5. Permission - The bride must receive permission to marry from her parish, if the venue is in another parish.

6. Wedding Banns - The couple must post the schedule of their wedding in their respective parishes. These will be provided during the canonical interview and have to be immediately brought to the respective parishes of the bride and the groom for posting. These have to be returned to the office after three Sundays. (The respective parishes may ask some requirements for the posting of the banns i.e. a picture each from the bride and the couple.)

7. List of names and addresses of principal sponsors (Ninongs and Ninangs) - The list has to be submitted to the parish office one week before the wedding date. Church policy requires at least a pair of sponsors and, ideally, a maximum of six sponsors.

8. For widow or widower - A copy of the death certificate of the former spouse must be presented to the parish office.

9. For renewal of vows - remember to bring a copy of the Catholic Marriage Contract.

http://manila.usembassy.gov/wwwha009.html

Edited February 26, 2011 by sunandmoon

[Ning 619]

Thanks again. I think We'll just try and see.Even if it's a 5% chance of success it's worth the shot. Our fallback plan is a second wedding in Phil next year. Actually we'd planed it also, but the first would be great to have them here.

Question, does a second wedding there involve all sorts of paperwork and forms, or should it also just be a faux Wedding? Once married here or anywhere it would seem another wedding is just like having seconds at a buffet.

If you become legally married in the P I she will not be issued a K 1 & you must begin again by filing for a C R 1.

[pixie77 2]

It's very difficult to get a tourist visa when you're from the Philippines. Some have millions in the bank and tons of properties but still get denied. Some have a consistent record of money coming in and out of the bank, though not much as well as a solid job history and got approved. There is really no way of knowing, all you can do is try.

There was a story where a Filipino needed to come to the US because his parent died, but his application was denied. If they can do this whatelse can they not deny.

Also, you sending a letter of support will just confirm that they cannot really afford to spend for themselves. But like I said, you can always try. Who knows luck will be on their side on that day. Only the applicant/s are allowed inside and will be interviewed.

All the best!