Is it worth it to even try?

[Cam&jada 2]

Hey everyone. So I wanted to get some opinions on this. With the amazing help of everyone in this board, we have made it through the whole process and Julie is now here with me in the States! We are now going through all the fun steps of preparing to get married on June 5th.

Now my question. She is from the Philippines and we have just assumed that it isn't worth it to try to get some of her family (sisters or maybe parents) to be able to come over to the states for the wedding because of how hard it is to get a visa. Are we right in assuming this or would it be likely that they would be allowed to come over?

[Gosia & Tito 199]

Hey everyone. So I wanted to get some opinions on this. With the amazing help of everyone in this board, we have made it through the whole process and Julie is now here with me in the States! We are now going through all the fun steps of preparing to get married on June 5th.

Now my question. She is from the Philippines and we have just assumed that it isn't worth it to try to get some of her family (sisters or maybe parents) to be able to come over to the states for the wedding because of how hard it is to get a visa. Are we right in assuming this or would it be likely that they would be allowed to come over?

Each applicant gets a decision based on his/her own situation and application. While it could be quite difficult (some would say impossible, don't ever bother), if you have the $ to burn, you lose noting to try.

Realistically, unless they have good proof they will return (property, jobs, bank accounts, family, etc), it would be very difficult.

[Ontarkie 13,913]

~~Moved to Tourist Visas, from K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress Reports - As the question is about tourist visas~~

[Sirliner 26]

Each applicant gets a decision based on his/her own situation and application. While it could be quite difficult (some would say impossible, don't ever bother), if you have the $ to burn, you lose noting to try.

Realistically, unless they have good proof they will return (property, jobs, bank accounts, family, etc), it would be very difficult.

Agreed. And being from The Philippines, even more so.

[Torete 121]

Hi C&J,

IMO, yes IT IS worth it to try. If it's within their financial capabilities, each applicant will pay $160. Knowing how important family is to Filipinos, I would try.

There are many other threads that will provide insight and opinions; take a look at them to get an idea as to others thoughts. Read the guides above and go to the USEM website for guidance as well. Good luck.

Regards.

[RhettVoe 281]

Chances are likely slim, unless her family members are pretty well off...the airline tickets alone will cost thousands...plus $160 per person for the visa application...don't be surprised if mom gets a visa while the sisters do not......(inappropriate comments removed - VJ Moderation)

Edited May 19, 2014 by Kathryn41
to remove inappropriate comments

[Texasav8r 183]

I am not real familiar with the tourist visa process for those wishing to come to the states and visit, but with your wedding less than 3 weeks away, is it even going to be possible? Just a suggestion, but why not just do a small and simple ceremony to get the residency process rolling and comply with the requirements of the K-1 and then when able, the two of you travel to the PI and have a family ceremony in her tradition with her family in attendance. It would be much easier for the two of you to travel there with plenty of time to plan rather than bringing several of them here with so little time and cost being an issue as well.

This is what Tanya and I will do. We will do a simple ceremony here to make it all legal and get the residence paperwork rolling. Then when she is legally able to travel, we will return to Russia for a Russian style wedding with all her friends and family in attendance.

Just a thought.

[Torete 121]

I am not real familiar with the tourist visa process for those wishing to come to the states and visit, but with your wedding less than 3 weeks away, is it even going to be possible? Just a suggestion, but why not just do a small and simple ceremony to get the residency process rolling and comply with the requirements of the K-1 and then when able, the two of you travel to the PI and have a family ceremony in her tradition with her family in attendance. It would be much easier for the two of you to travel there with plenty of time to plan rather than bringing several of them here with so little time and cost being an issue as well.

This is what Tanya and I will do. We will do a simple ceremony here to make it all legal and get the residence paperwork rolling. Then when she is legally able to travel, we will return to Russia for a Russian style wedding with all her friends and family in attendance.

Just a thought.

Hi again C&J,

Texasav8r makes a good point considering your wedding date is about 3 weeks away. It's logical and makes good sense. The last time I found it and checked, the USEM processing times for a B1/B2 were 4-7 days. That doesn't take into account when an appointment could be secured nor delivery of the visa. My wife's family members got their appointment 4 weeks out. Even if the stars aligned and you got an appointment quickly, it seems to be cutting it close. If cost/s of the applications and travel aren't a consideration for you/them, let us know the outcome if they apply. Otherwise, good luck with your wedding and future lives together.

Regards.

http://travel.state.gov/content/visas/english/general/wait-times.html/?post=Manila&x=65&y=11

Edited May 18, 2014 by Torete

[Ontarkie 13,913]

~~Two post removed, please stick to the question~~

[dvc 11]

Forget it, chances are near-impossible they can even pounce on a cancelled appointment date.

[Cam&jada 2]

Thanks to everyone that replied. The insight from different angles is always helpful!

[raven52 233]

Unless the family is very wealthy, owns significant property, etc...,.,,99% impossible. My wife is from Cebu,..,we know the Philipherepines.,.,.,.,.I spent nearly 2 years there!

[Messybrownhair 251]

We are not by any means "super wealthy" but my family came to my wedding.. but we've always had tourist visas so they did not apply just to attend my wedding. I had a tourist visa when I applied for k1, it was just cancelled. Its worth a shot if you have the means to show that they are coming back

[mymarriagejourney 112]

My in-laws applied for a tourist visa on May 11, were interviewed on May 18 (immediately approved) and are traveling to the US on May 26. It can happen. They are from Jordan.

[Cam&jada 2]

Yes. Her family certainly doesn't have anything that really shows a strong tie to the Philippines. Very modest living. So while I'm just fine financially, based on the responses here, I just don't see any reason why they would be approved