Tourist Visa for the mother of my US Citizen child

[Balikpinoy 2]

I am a US Citizen now residing in Manila Philippines. I have a 5 month old daughter how we just applied for a CRBA and is in process (just need to submit her mother's expired Philippine passport).

My mom(in the US) is celebrating her 75th birthday in March and my siblings (both in the US) will be throwing her a surprise party. She's a been through a lot since her stage 4 cancer diagnosis 7 years ago.

In any case, we all thought would be a great idea that grandma sees her brand new granddaughter at the party.

Given all of that, here's my question:

The mother of my child (my girlfriend) is Filipino as well as her 7 year old daughter from a previous relationship(not married) would ideally be joining us for this trip and we will be applying for the tourist visa next week.

Reason for visit would be: Accompany my daughter and boyfriend to attend my boyfriend's mother's 75th surprise birthday party.

Ties to the Philippines:

1. We live together in Manila and I own an outsourcing company here in Manila

2. Our 7 year old daughter

3. She has no immediate relatives in the US.

Cons:

1. GF has no assets under her name.

2. GF is a housewife.

IN SHORT, we are going to the US to attend my mom's birthday surprise and have a vacation of about three weeks.

My question is how do we convey this to the consul via the application form and during the interview. Having read numerous threads here, I know support docs are usually discarded.

Unlike the other threads, my gf has a daughter which I would think is a strong enough tie to the Philippines. Also, that me, her companion is a US Citizen who is permanently residing in Manila and we are going as a family.

I guess it doesn't hurt to try to win the LOTTO visa but I'd like to throw this scenario out here and get people's initial take on whether we can overcome the presumption of immigration.

PS. I've been residing here for 6 years now..and spend 2 weeks in the US every 2 months for business.

Edited January 13, 2012 by Balikpinoy

[Penguin_ie 6,002]

The 7 year old daughter isn't a tie to the Philippines, as she will be coming with you.

You, as the partner, having strong ties abroad can help, because the danger they see is you guys getting married while in the USA and then staying. So if you can prove you definitely will return abroad, then she is more likely to do so too.

Does your girlfriend have any ties to her home country at all? That would really help... does she co-own anything with you, go to university, elderly parents etc?

[Balikpinoy 2]

The 7 year old daughter isn't a tie to the Philippines, as she will be coming with you.

You, as the partner, having strong ties abroad can help, because the danger they see is you guys getting married while in the USA and then staying. So if you can prove you definitely will return abroad, then she is more likely to do so too.

Does your girlfriend have any ties to her home country at all? That would really help... does she co-own anything with you, go to university, elderly parents etc?

Well, my business is here in Manila and I have been living here since 2009. I have sold all my assets in the US and intend to stay in Manila as I grow into retirement.

How do we convey that, since I would probably not be allowed to participate in the interview?

My GF's parents and grandparent are all here.

I guess I'm her significant tie here and we need to convince the consul that.

[Boiler 48,081]

No harm trying

Let us know what happens

[djeslinger 0]

OP, you are 100% right about the lottery comparison. I am no expert but it occurs to me her best chance to show ties to the country is YOU. Perhaps if she can show stong ties to you, her family, and evidence that YOU must return, this will be evidence of HER return? Your business (employment) is also her livelihood. Just a thought. Good luck.