I am planning on applying soon for a B1/B2 visa with multiple entries.
I have read that these visas can even be granted for 10 years! But I've also read they are often denied.
I am very aware of how tough US immigration can be (I've had two J-1 visas in 2011 and 2012, and both interviews were so stressful) so I'd like to be as prepared as possible.
Here's my situation:
I am a 28 yo French citizen, working as an independent translator.
I want to keep living in France, but I also love visiting the US each year. The thing is I always find these 90 days too short.
Having been in the US a lot on internships and long vacation, I have a lot of friends there and it just feels like a second home to me.
Being there also helps a lot with my language skills and to maintain a strong knowledge of American culture, which is very useful for my work in advertising and content creation.
All I want is to be able to come in and out easier, for practical and economic reasons (buying less plane tickets, basically).
To be clear, I do not intend on immigrating to the US. If I did, I would go to school, wait to fall in love with a US citizen to get married or play the DV lottery.
Now, the catch is that as much as I know this being the truth, I now need to convince a consulate officer
Here's what I have to show so far as a "proof of return":
Business ties to France:
90 % of my clients are located in Paris, and I need to meet up with them often, and be generally around to network and look for new clients.
I file my taxes in France et am registered at the France translators’ association.
... Unfortunately, I do not own property and I cannot prove that a steady job is waiting for me upon return, since I'm self-employed.
Family ties to France:
I live in the same town as my mother and my two grandfathers, to whom I am very close.
... But how do I prove this to immigration?
I have enough funds to support myself:
I do well as a translator and can definitely support myself in the States 6 months per year.
I can show a bank statement and a letter from my banker.
Here are my questions:
Do you think this is enough to convince a consular officer?
How can I ask for a 10 year visa? Or is that not up to me?
Should I go the business route (B1) or the tourist route (B2)? Or a mix?
Is it OK to say I'll keep working for my clients (French firms) while over there? Or should I just say I'm coming for a pure leisure visit?
Can you think of any trick question an officer could ask me?
Should I get help from a travel agent or a visa consultant?
Want to apply for a B1/B2 - Advice?
in Tourist Visas
Posted
Hi all, I need guidance!
I am planning on applying soon for a B1/B2 visa with multiple entries.
I have read that these visas can even be granted for 10 years! But I've also read they are often denied.
I am very aware of how tough US immigration can be (I've had two J-1 visas in 2011 and 2012, and both interviews were so stressful) so I'd like to be as prepared as possible.
Here's my situation:
I am a 28 yo French citizen, working as an independent translator.
I want to keep living in France, but I also love visiting the US each year. The thing is I always find these 90 days too short.
Having been in the US a lot on internships and long vacation, I have a lot of friends there and it just feels like a second home to me.
Being there also helps a lot with my language skills and to maintain a strong knowledge of American culture, which is very useful for my work in advertising and content creation.
All I want is to be able to come in and out easier, for practical and economic reasons (buying less plane tickets, basically).
To be clear, I do not intend on immigrating to the US. If I did, I would go to school, wait to fall in love with a US citizen to get married or play the DV lottery.
Now, the catch is that as much as I know this being the truth, I now need to convince a consulate officer
Here's what I have to show so far as a "proof of return":
Business ties to France:
90 % of my clients are located in Paris, and I need to meet up with them often, and be generally around to network and look for new clients.
I file my taxes in France et am registered at the France translators’ association.
... Unfortunately, I do not own property and I cannot prove that a steady job is waiting for me upon return, since I'm self-employed.
Family ties to France:
I live in the same town as my mother and my two grandfathers, to whom I am very close.
... But how do I prove this to immigration?
I have enough funds to support myself:
I do well as a translator and can definitely support myself in the States 6 months per year.
I can show a bank statement and a letter from my banker.
Here are my questions:
Do you think this is enough to convince a consular officer?
How can I ask for a 10 year visa? Or is that not up to me?
Should I go the business route (B1) or the tourist route (B2)? Or a mix?
Is it OK to say I'll keep working for my clients (French firms) while over there? Or should I just say I'm coming for a pure leisure visit?
Can you think of any trick question an officer could ask me?
Should I get help from a travel agent or a visa consultant?
Thank you SO much!
Ariane