How to appeal and success rate

[AmyWrites 593]

It amazes me the lengths we go to deny people the right to legally travel to the US when we have 20+ million LIVING illegally within our own borders. Combine that with the billions of dollars of drugs that get through, illegal goods, etc., and you really begin to wonder what all the fuss is in the first place.

Facilitate the tourist visa process and that number will double.

[Noah Lot 387]

Yes. Who else did you have in mind?

I making reference to the fact that a third person writing a letter asking for reconsideration or offering alleged new information has no function in the adjudication process....only the applicant can reapply and present new information (but it should be their own, not something made up by a relative or friend, nor containing only the resume/pedigree of the relative or friend whom they wish to visit.

[JohnR! 5,495]

I making reference to the fact that a third person writing a letter asking for reconsideration or offering alleged new information has no function in the adjudication process....only the applicant can reapply and present new information (but it should be their own, not something made up by a relative or friend, nor containing only the resume/pedigree of the relative or friend whom they wish to visit.

IMHO that was the point of the OP when she asked whether a letter from her representative would help or if a personal invitation from her would make any difference.

Despite the fact nothing she can do can help, we can all float ideas that she can communicate to her sister. In that manner, there is something she can do to help her sister.

I think we all got lost in semantics and forgot what the real issue was.

[Noah Lot 387]

IMHO that was the point of the OP when she asked whether a letter from her representative would help or if a personal invitation from her would make any difference.

Despite the fact nothing she can do can help, we can all float ideas that she can communicate to her sister. In that manner, there is something she can do to help her sister.

I think we all got lost in semantics and forgot what the real issue was.

And, as I have pointed out, such letters, no matter who writes them, are not part of the process and do not add any equity to the applicant.

[JohnR! 5,495]

And, as I have pointed out, such letters, no matter who writes them, are not part of the process and do not add any equity to the applicant.

Despite the fact nothing she can do can help, we can all float ideas that she can communicate to her sister. In that manner, there is something she can do to help her sister.

[jaycali 415]

And for the learning impaired....what downside befalls someone who abandons their foreign fiancee???? Do the local police tip off INTERPOL? Is that person's library card revoked? Do they have to pay a fine? Or...does nothing happen?

No police will come looking for anyone if they leave a house, a car, an ongoing phd and a fiance in their home country either, but those are fairly good ties and indicators that the person does have an interest in returning home.

It's not so much "why do you absolutely have to return?" but rather "what are some reasons why we should believe that you'll return?"

Again, the burden of proof depends on situation and consulate.

Edited June 7, 2012 by jaejayC

[Noah Lot 387]

No police will come looking for anyone if they leave a house, a car, an ongoing phd and a fiance in their home country either, but those are fairly good ties and indicators that the person does have an interest in returning home.

It's not so much "why do you absolutely have to return?" but rather "what are some reasons why we should believe that you'll return?"

Again, the burden of proof depends on situation and consulate.

Perhaps....but mere possession of the above do not guarantee visa issuance...because there are NO bright line (check off boxes) requirements to be granted one...and the OP's sister has only her BF as some sort of social tie to Bulgaria...no job, no property, no money, no education....no runs, no hits and no errors (by the VO).

[SerenityNOW 11]

Contacting the embassy to ask for a review or reconsideration is technically not allowed.

Actually, at least for the Sofia embassy, I was specifically told to write to appeal the decision to reject my husband's kids visa applications and he gave me the e-mail address. I am not saying that I think this is going to do any good!! Probably it goes straight into the electronic "circular file."... But I was told this by the Consular Officer with whom I spoke, so according to him it is allowed.

[Boiler 43,401]

How did you get hold of a Consular Officer?

[Noel194 53]

My MIL visa was denied and I do know some "Big Shots" and even with the full support of my Senator and Rep and some friends at the State Dept. my MIL had to pay the fee and reapply. She was approved for a single entry and then a 5 year. I made some call after the denial and met with Embassy officials the next day and they were receptive but stuck to the regulations which say that there are"No Appeals" and that she would have to reapply.

[Noel194 53]

My MIL visa was denied and I do know some "Big Shots" and even with the full support of my Senator and Rep and some friends at the State Dept. my MIL had to pay the fee and reapply. She was approved for a single entry and then a 5 year. I made some call after the denial and met with Embassy officials the next day and they were receptive but stuck to the regulations which say that there are"No Appeals" and that she would have to reapply.

If you really think about there are thousands of Tourist Visa applications denied each week. If the Embassy allowed them to all be reviewed they would never get anything done. They simply do not have the staff or resources to review every denial. Reapplication and a new fee keeps the system flowing. It may not be fair but then life is not fair either.