Filipino Tourist Visa

[netj999 0]

Hi,

I have a girlfriend in the Philippines that I am trying to bring over. I was born in Canada. Anyways we started the Visa process, we decided to go through an agency as we figured it would be the easiest option to take than to do it all ourselves. Now she had her interview and they are now checking her bank account for how much money she has. Now the thing is she only recently got a job in October as she lost her previous job a little after I had visited her. Though besides her job, she is living with a friend of hers. I sent her about 30,000 peso's to put into an account to show that she has funds and I would be providing for her when she comes. Is 30,000 peso's enough to show that she has money to go overseas? Also after a recent conversation she was saying that she needs to do a seven day interview process for her visa, which has me a little concerned for a couple reasons. While I do trust and care for her most of the time we talk she is asking for money usually to go to Manila that has something to do with the Visa. She is only getting a tourist visa and it seems like a lot for just a visit. Though has anyone ever heard of a seven day interview process? I never have and it seems weird.

[az110965 252]

Hi,

I have a girlfriend in the Philippines that I am trying to bring over. I was born in Canada. Anyways we started the Visa process, we decided to go through an agency as we figured it would be the easiest option to take than to do it all ourselves. Now she had her interview and they are now checking her bank account for how much money she has. Now the thing is she only recently got a job in October as she lost her previous job a little after I had visited her. Though besides her job, she is living with a friend of hers. I sent her about 30,000 peso's to put into an account to show that she has funds and I would be providing for her when she comes. Is 30,000 peso's enough to show that she has money to go overseas? Also after a recent conversation she was saying that she needs to do a seven day interview process for her visa, which has me a little concerned for a couple reasons. While I do trust and care for her most of the time we talk she is asking for money usually to go to Manila that has something to do with the Visa. She is only getting a tourist visa and it seems like a lot for just a visit. Though has anyone ever heard of a seven day interview process? I never have and it seems weird.

No such thing as a 7 day interview process. The interview can last anywhere from minutes to 1/2 hour, but the applicant typically receives an approval or denial on the spot.

To qualify for a tourist visa an applicant needs to show significant ties to thier country that prove to the consulate that the visa holder won't just come to the USA and disappear.

Proof of ties is a letter from an employeer giving an expected date of return to work, copy of mortgage or home loan, car loan, round trip airline ticket, significant monies deposited into their accounts, children staying behind etc...

Also - you don't need an agency to file the visa application.

I hate to imply this, but this sounds like a very familar scam on the internet that I've read about a few times. Have you met this woman in person? How did you meet her?

I do hope all works out for you...

[netj999 0]

Hi,

Well I met her while I was in China working as a teacher. We dated for a couple weeks and then her work visa ran out and wasn't able to get it renewed, though we kept in contact through phone and e-mail. This last April I went down to visit her for 2 weeks, staying at her parents place and then later visiting some other places in the Philippines.

Though I have a friend who's gf's mom helps filipino's getting visa's. She said that it is quite common for young girls(she's 20 and I'm 26) to have to do a seven day interview process. Though I did hear that it's common knowledge that I guess the way we are trying to do it by getting a tourist visa is a definitely not a way in for someone young.

I guess something to add is that her family is very poor. Her dad's a farmer and mom a fruit vendor.

So I don't know if she is scamming me, as I have been with her in person. Though any additional information would help. I did hear that sponsoring her and showing proof like photos of the two of us and letters would probably of been a better route to take.

[beejay 123]

In this scenario her ties to you (a U.S. citizen) might actually work against her if she cannot prove strong ties to her home country. I know I'm going to catch hell for not being able to cite this but I remember reading (long ago when we were looking into tourist visas) that a one time cash deposit into a bank account shortly before an interview isn't going to help you and could actually be a negative. I want to say I read it in one of the NOLO law books but I can't find any excerpts for that specific information on the website. You could check the website yourself if you want:

Nolo tourist visa book

When you talk about pictures and letters that sounds more like what you would need for filing a K-1 finacee visa and not a tourist visa.

I also have never heard of a 7 day interview. Like AZ said they usually tell you on the spot if you are approved or denied. I also can't imagine the gov't spending that much time or having that much interest in approving a tourist visa. They would prefer to just deny you and tell you to try and again when you have stronger ties.

****

I just reread your initial post. She already had her interview? Then she should already have the decision. This doesn't look good. I am sorry.

[netj999 0]

Well I am a Canadian Citizen I don't live in the U.S., but you make some valid points. It just seems really strange, but I guess I will find out soon, if she was scamming me or not.

[beejay 123]

Sorry, Canadian. I saw that in your post but assumed you were living in the U.S. because this is a U.S. immigration website. I don't know anything about Canadian tourist visas. You might try the Canadian forum here or find a Canadian immigration website.

There is another thread on here discussing tourist visas to the U.S. from the Philippines but I don't know how helpful it will be now.

http://www.visajourney.com/forums/topic/336002-tourist-visa/page__pid__4973367#entry4973367

I hope everything works out and hopefully it is a misunderstanding.

good luck.

[Impatient Cupcake 10]

it is very very difficult for a filipino to get a tourist visa. i dont think its enough that she has 30000. if im not mistaken they would check for regular deposits and not like having a huge amount all of a sudden. also strong ties to her country like someone mentioned.

[Kang 22]

Based on the information you gave, I hate to say this but it is likely she will not be granted a US visa. With 250,000 illegal Filipinos, mostly who expired their visas, the US Embassy in Manila is VERY TOUGH in visa. You depositing 30,000 a month and her having no job and living with a friend will likely be to her disadvantage.

I am not trying to say that your GF will attempt to overstay her tourist visa, but given that the Philippines is a high fraud country and for a country where illegal immigrants is nearing 300,000, it is really going to be tough.

I am afraid, she will really HAVE to establish herself for the US Embassy to believe her.

[Boiler 45,647]

Is this a visa for Canada or the US?

This is a US site.

I think you know you are being scammed so no need to go there, at least you have not lost very much.

[Tahoma 2,292]

Yup...this is a U.S. immigration site.

However, I'm curious. What did the agency say when you asked them your questions?