Russian BF Denied B-2 Tourist Visa at US Embassy in Kiev

[k-ittykatz 0]

I recently moved back to the US after living in Moscow, and invited my boyfriend of two years to come visit for a couple weeks to meet my family. We are planning a future together but there was never any intention to overstay in the U.S. or illegally work here. 

 

He is Russian and has a managerial position at a reputable tech company in Moscow and is completing his Master’s degree at a top university.

 

He applied for the visa in Kiev because the Moscow embassy is completely booked. After the interview, he was denied, because he mentioned his relationship to me. They didn't believe he wouldn't just stay in the US. He can pay again and schedule another interview there for next week and return, but now he's been denied once and it’s possible he may even meet with the same interviewer. The US Embassy in Ukraine also has a 40% denial rate for visas. So...

 

He has already spent $600+ in embassy fees and travel costs to get this visa, to no avail. That's not mentioning the 12-hour train rides to Kiev and back... I feel so bad.


Please, does anyone have experience with this? Advice? Should we try again at this same embassy? 

 

Replies would be appreciated, thank you!
 

[Crazy Cat 39,945]

His denial is on his record.  He will be asked about previous denials...........of course, he can keep trying but he will be throwing money away, imo.  He would probably be more successful with a K-1 or CR-1 when/if you two decide to reside in the US.

[az2014 381]

Pretty common scenario, with a USC girlfriend his chances of denial are always going to be higher, especially coming from Russia/Ukraine.

 

He didn't overcome the assumption of immigration intent, pretty simple really.

 

He can try again but unless anything has changed significantly will probably be same result.

 

Maybe a trip to a 3rd country where you can all meet is the best idea if he wants to meet your family so much. Doesnt have to be in the US.

[k-ittykatz 0]

7 minutes ago, missileman said:

His denial is on his record.  He will be asked about previous denials...........of course, he can keep trying but he will be throwing money away, imo.  

Agreed.

 

4 minutes ago, az2014 said:

Maybe a trip to a 3rd country where you can all meet is the best idea if he wants to meet your family so much. Doesnt have to be in the US.

I should mention that we do want to live together in the U.S. in the future, get married, etc. Legally. Visiting first and my family meeting him just seemed like the preliminary step.

 

Thank you guys for the insight!

[SusieQQQ 11,585]

The simple fact that he had the interview in Kiev probably counted against him as well. The official website advises to interview in your place of residence as it’s the best way to prove ties. Some people think certain embassies are “easier” than others to get visas from. Even if this wasn’t his thinking, a perception that it was would immediately raise suspicion too.

[Boiler 43,883]

Agree K1 whatever when you are ready.

[implife 318]

He should try Moscow.

[Dashinka 23,449]

20 hours ago, k-ittykatz said:

Agreed.

 

I should mention that we do want to live together in the U.S. in the future, get married, etc. Legally. Visiting first and my family meeting him just seemed like the preliminary step.

 

Thank you guys for the insight!

We tried that as well with my now wife.  She tried two B1 applications and was denied both times even though she had relatively strong ties to return.  It did suck as she was not able to meet my parents before they passed away, but as stated, fairly common for Eastern Europe.

[Jane88 41]

B2 visas are very very hard to obtain. I was denied B2 back in 2009 at that same US Embassy in Kiev... I agree with others, would be better to meet in a third country

[gregcrs2 1,777]

Visa applicants are typically advised to apply in their country of nationality or residence. If he is legally present in Ukraine, he can apply for a visa in Kiev. It's obvious that he decided to apply in Kiev based on  convenience or delay in getting an appointment in his consular district in Russia. What likely worked against him is that Kiev is not his consular district and therefore could not demonstrate any strong ties to return.