B1/B2 visa with "few" ties to home

[SecondLaplace 0]

Hello,

I am a 20 years old German citizen and I plan to hike the Appalachian trail next year, however as it takes more than 3 months to complete, I need a visa. The problem with that is, that I have, from an interviewers perspective, little ties to Germany. I have a loving family (parents and sister) at home, plus all my friends, a dog and various expensive belongings, which would equal close to 10k. I started studying something I did not enjoy, and I now want to become a teacher. However, it is pretty hard for a German teacher to do something like this hike, reason being that once you're "verbeamtet", you most likely will never be able to take time off. Between education and the job, it is also pretty tough, since I am ambitious to pursue a doctorate, so theres really almost no time. Because I am so young and I have no estate (lived at my parents during my two semesters of studying), how can I persuade the Interviewer, that I return home? I have the funds for the trip, well over 8k (people said you need no more than 5-6k). One thing I could have going for me is that my current part time work (where I worked 2.5 years) is willing to employ me when I get back, because I work at a place where business is very seasonal, and slow during the summer. Is there anything else that I can use to convince the Interviewer? Do I have a remote chance? I read a bit on other sites and found that while people have gotten visas for the hike, they all had substantially more ties than me (although they were much older), so do I even have a chance?

Edited September 7, 2016 by SecondLaplace

[az2014 381]

If you dont apply you have no chance, if you do apply its a 50/50 chance.

Whatever ties you have, family, employment etc is what you have and thats the case you present at the interview when asked.

Just answer the questions honestly and you will find out.

Let us know the result.

[SecondLaplace 0]

Yeah, but I would rather not lose my vwp privilige. Another thing I came up with is that I am a type 1 diabetic, so I am bound to return home sooner or later, but I cannot find any info about how long travel insurances can last. If they only last up to 6 months, I might be able to use that as a pretty damn convincing reason, can I not?

[Merrytooth 5,748]

Are you going to travel to US and hike the trail alone?

I don't think US Consulate cares about how long your travel insurance will last.

Travel insurance length of coverage can be as long as you like.

e.g.

https://www.sevencorners.com/products/visitor-immigrant-insurance#/quote

If your tourist visa get denied, some people advise to wait 6 months to re-try ESTA application (in hope to use VWP again)

Edited September 8, 2016 by Merrytooth

[SecondLaplace 0]

Are you going to travel to US and hike the trail alone?

I don't think US Consulate cares about how long your travel insurance will last.

Travel insurance length of coverage can be as long as you like.

e.g.

https://www.sevencorners.com/products/visitor-immigrant-insurance#/quote

If your tourist visa get denied, some people advise to wait 6 months to re-try ESTA application (in hope to use VWP again)

mh okay then, and yes I plan on doing that alone, but just out of curiosity, why would that matter? (geniune question I am new to this whole topic, no one in my family has ever been in a situation like this and I have never been outside of europe myself so I basically have 0 knowledge)

[Merrytooth 5,748]

mh okay then, and yes I plan on doing that alone, but just out of curiosity, why would that matter? (geniune question I am new to this whole topic, no one in my family has ever been in a situation like this and I have never been outside of europe myself so I basically have 0 knowledge)

Oh, I am just curious since hiking the whole Appalachian trail takes about 5 - 7 months (according to this website http://www.appalachiantrail.org/home/explore-the-trail/thru-hiking/faqs)

The CO might want to know if you have friend(s) here in US who might help you to stay/work in US (less likely to return home).

Here are some websites for you to read:

http://www.sparkyhikes.com/2013/11/getting-a-us-visa-to-hike-the-appalachian-trail/

https://followingthearrows.com/2015/01/31/first-things-first-i-need-a-6-month-tourist-visa-for-america/

[SecondLaplace 0]

Oh, I am just curious since hiking the whole Appalachian trail takes about 5 - 7 months (according to this website http://www.appalachiantrail.org/home/explore-the-trail/thru-hiking/faqs)

The CO might want to know if you have friend(s) here in US who might help you to stay/work in US (less likely to return home).

Here are some websites for you to read:

http://www.sparkyhikes.com/2013/11/getting-a-us-visa-to-hike-the-appalachian-trail/

https://followingthearrows.com/2015/01/31/first-things-first-i-need-a-6-month-tourist-visa-for-america/

yes, ive read these two posts, but they're in a different situation than me, because the first one is employed, has to pay rent and has his own business at home and the second form has some form of education and took a break from it, while i studied two semesters and am now exmatriculated, so all in all how would you rate my chances of getting my visa approved? is the fact that I am a diabetic something I should not even add? and would it help to have a pledge from my parents that if all else would fail they can support me financially?

Edited September 8, 2016 by SecondLaplace

[Harpa Timsah 13,258]

No one on this forum can tell you if you will succeed or not. You buy your ticket and take your ride. Good luck.

[SecondLaplace 0]

No one on this forum can tell you if you will succeed or not. You buy your ticket and take your ride. Good luck.

i would be scared if someone could tell me with 100 percent confidence wether or not i get granted my visa. all i wanted to know is if someone could make an estimate and if there is anything else i can use as a binding tie i might not have thought about. also if i should mention my medical condition or if it would be a waste and not worth mentioning.

[Cathi 5,783]

i would be scared if someone could tell me with 100 percent confidence wether or not i get granted my visa. all i wanted to know is if someone could make an estimate and if there is anything else i can use as a binding tie i might not have thought about. also if i should mention my medical condition or if it would be a waste and not worth mentioning.

Having diabetes is not proof you'll return home

[SecondLaplace 0]

Having diabetes is not proof you'll return home

yeah, i figured as much, so basically dont mention it in the interview?

[Merrytooth 5,748]

yeah, i figured as much, so basically dont mention it in the interview?

The DS-160 does not ask about your medical history. So you don't have to volunteer the info.

[SecondLaplace 0]

The DS-160 does not ask about your medical history. So you don't have to volunteer the info.

i wouldnt just put it our there with no context, i have my diabetologist here and everything, and when i get my meds i show up at a pharmacy so i wouldnt be able to stay under the radar if they ask for that, the question was if that would in any way contribute to get my visa approved, but if it doesnt of course i wouldnt discuss this. small correction though, the ds-160 aks if you have any disease that could damage you or the people around you, which i am not sure how to answer. of course it could damage me, but its not likely and if it does, its my mistake.

[Merrytooth 5,748]

i wouldnt just put it our there with no context, i have my diabetologist here and everything, and when i get my meds i show up at a pharmacy so i wouldnt be able to stay under the radar if they ask for that, the question was if that would in any way contribute to get my visa approved, but if it doesnt of course i wouldnt discuss this. small correction though, the ds-160 aks if you have any disease that could damage you or the people around you, which i am not sure how to answer. of course it could damage me, but its not likely and if it does, its my mistake.

Do you have a communicable disease of public health significance? (Communicable diseases of public significance include chancroid, gonorrhea, granuloma inguinale, infectious leprosy, lymphogranuloma venereum, infectious stage syphilis, active tuberculosis, and others diseases as determined by the Department of Health and Human Services.)

Your diabetes certainly does not fall into the same category.

So you should answer NO.

[SecondLaplace 0]

Do you have a communicable disease of public health significance? (Communicable diseases of public significance include chancroid, gonorrhea, granuloma inguinale, infectious leprosy, lymphogranuloma venereum, infectious stage syphilis, active tuberculosis, and others diseases as determined by the Department of Health and Human Services.)

Your diabetes certainly does not fall into the same category.

So you should answer NO.

i was referring to "Do you have a mental or physical disorder that poses or is likely to pose a threat to the safety or welfare of yourself or others?" the question directly asked after the one you cited