Dual Citizen (Italy/Jordan) - J1 Refused 214b in Amman. Can I re-apply in Italy after move?

[Salem Toubasi 0]

Background:

I am a dual citizen of Italy and Jordan. I have been a resident of Jordan for the last 10 years, where I also currently work in hospitality. I recently applied for a J-1 Visa (Hospitality Trainee) at the U.S. Embassy in Amman and was refused under Section 214(b). The officer felt I did not demonstrate sufficient ties to Jordan.

The Current Situation:

Since the refusal, I have received a full-time job offer in Bolzano, Italy, as a Chef de Rang. I am planning to move to Italy this month to accept this role. My J1 sponsor has informed me that I can re-apply for the visa in February.

My Questions:

Nationality vs. Residence: As an Italian citizen, can I legally interview at a U.S. Consulate in Italy (Milan/Florence) instead of returning to Amman? The State Department website says "Nationality OR Residence," but I am worried that having a recent refusal in Amman will make an Italian officer see me as a "Third Country National" since I haven't lived in Italy recently.

Significant Change in Circumstances: If I re-apply in Amman, does having a prestigious full-time job in Italy count as a "significant change"? I want to show that my professional future is now in the EU/Italy, which provides a stronger reason for me to leave the U.S. after my program.

Consulate Shopping: Does switching the interview location to Italy right after an Amman refusal look like a red flag (Consulate Shopping), even if I am a citizen of that country?

Residency Ties: If I interview in Italy, will the officer be frustrated that they can't verify my 10-year history in Jordan?

I am trying to determine if it is safer to fly back to Amman for the second try or if my Italian citizenship makes the Italian consulate a better option for someone who has a "European" career path.

Any advice from dual citizens or hospitality professionals who have moved between consulates would be huge. Thank you!

[Boiler 48,416]

You can apply at either Consulate.

 

PS What is a hospitality professional?

[JeanneAdil 7,418]

Country of birth?

Where were u approved to study or for internship?

is his a government sponsored exchange for students?

If u interview in Italy,  can u prove u will return after the program for 2 years ?qw

[Rhema1 548]

5 hours ago, Salem Toubasi said:

Background:

I am a dual citizen of Italy and Jordan. I have been a resident of Jordan for the last 10 years, where I also currently work in hospitality. I recently applied for a J-1 Visa (Hospitality Trainee) at the U.S. Embassy in Amman and was refused under Section 214(b). The officer felt I did not demonstrate sufficient ties to Jordan.

The Current Situation:

Since the refusal, I have received a full-time job offer in Bolzano, Italy, as a Chef de Rang. I am planning to move to Italy this month to accept this role. My J1 sponsor has informed me that I can re-apply for the visa in February.

My Questions:

Nationality vs. Residence: As an Italian citizen, can I legally interview at a U.S. Consulate in Italy (Milan/Florence) instead of returning to Amman? The State Department website says "Nationality OR Residence," but I am worried that having a recent refusal in Amman will make an Italian officer see me as a "Third Country National" since I haven't lived in Italy recently.

Significant Change in Circumstances: If I re-apply in Amman, does having a prestigious full-time job in Italy count as a "significant change"? I want to show that my professional future is now in the EU/Italy, which provides a stronger reason for me to leave the U.S. after my program.

Consulate Shopping: Does switching the interview location to Italy right after an Amman refusal look like a red flag (Consulate Shopping), even if I am a citizen of that country?

Residency Ties: If I interview in Italy, will the officer be frustrated that they can't verify my 10-year history in Jordan?

I am trying to determine if it is safer to fly back to Amman for the second try or if my Italian citizenship makes the Italian consulate a better option for someone who has a "European" career path.

Any advice from dual citizens or hospitality professionals who have moved between consulates would be huge. Thank you!

Applying in Europe is always better.

 

[Salem Toubasi 0]

16 hours ago, JeanneAdil said:

Country of birth?

Where were u approved to study or for internship?

is his a government sponsored exchange for students?

If u interview in Italy,  can u prove u will return after the program for 2 years ?qw

Born in Jordan. 

I'm going to do an internship program at a hotel (well known brand).

It is not a government sponsored. 

I don't know how to prove it. I'm Italian citizen but my residency is in Jordan