Green card or tourist visa for a parent who does not want to live in US?

[MacUK 983]

It is such a strange system.

Seen it many times on here where parents, children and boyfriends/girlfriends of US Citizens are denied tourist visas because of the presumption of immigrant intent when they have absolutely no desire to live in the US at all and are then advised by the CO to go down the green card path.

It's all down to the arrogant assumption (in my opinion) that absolutely every person in the world wants to live in the States and of course the huge numbers of people who knowingly have abused their tourist visas.

It's not likely to change any time soon. The only way that tourist visa reform could come about would be harsher penalties for those who abuse the visa and a tightening of the rules.

And that would be just as unpopular on here as the unfairness of the current system is.

[emcia_81 43]

Hi there,

I know someone who sponsored her parents green card. It took only a year. I don't know exact details but I can check for you.

[LionessDeon 2,060]

Very. And Yes, we thought about it too, but it is difficult for me&my husband to travel with our toddler. Plus, it's easier (in every meaning of the word) to fly one person across the Ocean than three. I had no idea that having my Mom over for a visit would be such a big problem. Mission impossible.

It's a lot easier to have your mom fly to your residence, stay in your home, visit your family. Not only is traveling overseas with a toddler challenging, it can get expensive. I agree it would be much easier and more comfortable for ur mom to visit here on a tourist visa. I think it's wrong that they deny people without giving them a reason for the denial. If you don't decide to go the green card route maybe try one more time for a tourist visa.

Maybe go over everything with your mom. Exactly what she presented and what was said. Build a stronger case. Write a letter stating you would like your mother to be with her grandchild for a holiday. Include that you know she has no desire to immigrate. My fiance's mother was approved for a visitors visa from Jamaica so she can be here for the wedding. Although he is not approved to be here yet, so that is a difference.

I wish you the best! I know u must miss her!!

Edited November 22, 2014 by LionessDeon

[milimelo 4,156]

I only thought about green card because they have denied her B2 visa twice already and I'm tired of dealing with nonsense (they do not even tell her why , just denie her!). She has been having (and still has) strong ties- good job, her own place (owner), bank account, rest of our family. ...she doesn't want to live in States because she has a good life where she lives.

Thank you for your input, though

Then she needs to present her evidence - 1st or 2nd window when they start processing, not when she is being interviewed.

[Ning 619]

Thank you for understanding. ... I'm heartbroken over this issue... can't figure it out ...

There is a way to do this. You can petition her for a visa for her then she can obtain a green card. In time she would lose that card but she could surrender the card while asking for a tourist visa. She will be granted the tourist visa because she has demonstrated her unwillingness to live in the USA. This has been done many times by people right here on V J in the past. Those people reported they were granted 10 year tourist visas.

[tasnim 1]

I was on the same boat. my mom had been visiting US and had been issued multiple B1/2 visa twice. But ever since I moved to USA, she has been denied tourist visa thrice without any reason. same happened with my father. both my parents have very good jobs there. they have a lot of property and well established back in their country and do not want to get settled in US but after these refusals we all were quite upset. It meant they would never be able to visit and stay with me in US and this thought was quite frustrating. after discussing this issue with friends and family I decided to petition them for green card. at least they will be able to visit me once after which they can apply for reentry permit for two years. that way they would be able to maintain their green card for 4 years after which they may change their mind for settlement in US and if not they could return their GC. I think after returning GC, tourist visa for them shouldn't be a problem as the interviewing CO would be satisfied that they are not interested to settle in US and they would come back to their country after a short visit. you may try this if suits you. There is no other way.

[smilegirl 0]

Thank you everyone for your suggestions. I truly appreciate every single one of them!