Apply for Tourist visa 1 year in advance?

[Anh map 2,098]

A Vietnamese friend wants to visit the US in Summer 2017 and asked me if it would be better or worse to apply this year for travel next year. Her thinking is that she would need to put together the money for the trip and it would take a year or so to put enough aside to pay her travel, etc. I didn't have much to say other than "go ahead and apply." Does anyone have any thoughts / experience with applying a year in advance.

Applicant - mid 40's, married with 2 school age kids and elderly mom. Own's property (as much as any individual owns things in VN) Has worked in the same school for almost 20 years. Has a position that 2 or 3 weeks off for travel isn't a problem. I'm not sure of bank balance.

Purpose of trip is to sightsee a bit of the US and also see what it's like since her oldest wants to do university in the US. Would stay with some friends/family in the Boston - NY - DC corridor.

Post your thoughts and I will show them to my friend.

Thanks in advance.

[Boiler 45,665]

The only thing that struck me is that she would need to save for a year for a 2 week vacation in US?

Do not know the culture but do not spouses go on holiday together?

If it takes a year to save for a vacation who would be paying for Uni in the US?

[ttram312 10]

She shouldn't have any problem getting a visa for that. Maybe go to travel agency or ask someone with actual experience in applying for visa. She should bring all her financial documents (including house and such) to the interview.

Just one question, does she have any direct relatives in America?

[Anh map 2,098]

The only thing that struck me is that she would need to save for a year for a 2 week vacation in US?

Do not know the culture but do not spouses go on holiday together?

If it takes a year to save for a vacation who would be paying for Uni in the US?

Third world, communist wage scale here. For example, high school teachers earn about $200 - $500 a month.

Lots of scholarship programs available. They have kids that do very well in school. Parents have been saving for kids education and I think the grandparents would kick in as well.

[Anh map 2,098]

She shouldn't have any problem getting a visa for that. Maybe go to travel agency or ask someone with actual experience in applying for visa. She should bring all her financial documents (including house and such) to the interview.

Just one question, does she have any direct relatives in America?

Forgot to add that - only a couple of cousins in the US. No siblings, aunts, uncles. And is a Party member as well. But I don't think that would matter much. Not an active participant. As I understand it membership helps to boost their salary.

[Boiler 45,665]

Third world, communist wage scale here. For example, high school teachers earn about $200 - $500 a month.

Lots of scholarship programs available. They have kids that do very well in school. Parents have been saving for kids education and I think the grandparents would kick in as well.

Talking about 10 years gross salary plus to send one child to Uni?

Perhaps there is more to it but spending a years salary for a holiday in the US? And leaving your spouse behind?

[ttram312 10]

Forgot to add that - only a couple of cousins in the US. No siblings, aunts, uncles. And is a Party member as well. But I don't think that would matter much. Not an active participant. As I understand it membership helps to boost their salary.

Yeah, party member doesn't mean much, but it wouldn't hurt her if she brings proof of it with her to interview as well. Does she speak English? Is she going by herself or with family members?

I don't know how long it'd take for tourist visa, but I think she should apply next year instead of this year, just because visa may expire before her trip. And she shouldn't get the plane ticket before getting the visa neither.

Edited February 24, 2016 by ttram312

[Anh map 2,098]

Talking about 10 years gross salary plus to send one child to Uni?

Perhaps there is more to it but spending a years salary for a holiday in the US? And leaving your spouse behind?

The average worker here won't be sending their kids overseas for a myriad of reasons. This person earns above the job I used for illustration.

Question is about applying for the visa 1 year in advance.

[Boiler 45,665]

Only problem I see is if she is issued a 1 year visa, might leave it a month or so.