My aunt's tourist visa application rejected -

[christelgoodmanhb 0]

My 60 year old aunt from Vietnam wanted to visit me, my new born son, and tour the US. During the interview in Ho Chi Minh City, they have asked her what is my father-in-law's middle name. Of course she couldn't answer that. They rejected her visa application. Have they decided that there is a high risk she will stay in the US illegally? Should she try again? Is the second time any easier?

 

I want to add that her brother (my uncle), a catholic priest, was approved for a Visa.

 

I came here on a K-1 Fiancee visa and have been here for more than 2 years.

Background: My aunt is single with no children. She owns two homes in Vietnam.

Edited November 9, 2018 by christelgoodmanhb
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[Unlockable 7,306]

Not surprising. And she wasn't denied because she didn't know your father's middle name. She was denied because she couldn't prove to the officer that she has strong enough ties to her country and that she would return to Vietnam after her visit with you.

 

If she tries again they are look at it like " what has changed to make us change our minds from the first time she tried"? Many foreigners treat applying for a tourist visa like a lottery by applying over and over.

 

It is good she has a home but what other reasons would be for her return to Vietnam? She could sell/rent her home and come live with you.

 

Also, and this is probably going to surprise you, but if she was coming to help you with your newborn with babysitting and stuff, that is considered work. It doesn't matter if she would have gotten paid or not. We have seen many denial because parents/relatives want to come help with child(ren).

 

Basically, if she wants to try again, she will have to have better evidence that she is only coming to the US for a short visit then will go back to Vietnam. And that she will not try to use the visitor visa to come and live in the US later.

[mushroomspore 3,043]

Inadvisable for her to apply again. She'll look like she's desperate to get into the US and it'll raise suspicions even more. Sorry, but having family in the US is usually the final nail in the coffin for many tourist applications. Family is a very strong reason for people to remain illegally in the US. Her brother's application and approval have nothing to do with your aunt's application and denial. Tourist visa applications are adjudicated on individual merits and they're meant to show that the applicant are going to be engaging in TOURIST activities in the US (like visiting places, sight-seeing, shopping) and then will undoubtedly return home. Your aunt also definitely needs to show more ties to her home country next time. Property is not enough.

Edited November 9, 2018 by mushroomspore