Daydreamer23

8 minutes ago, Rocio0010 said:

I am considerate and kind and I’m actually helping you by telling you that lying is an awful idea. And by burning bridges I meant that if the lie is caught (it will) they can accuse you of misrepresentation and that’s a lifetime bar. Is that what you want? 
If being kind and considerate means telling you it’s ok to lie, that is a violation of VJ TOS

Yeah, you're being very nice and reasonable to me, thank you.

I don't wanna burn that bridge, of course.

8 minutes ago, Marieke H said:

Asylum based on what? Do you risk persecution in Japan? I highly doubt it. Being unhappy where you live is no reason to be granted asylum.

Okay, I've got it. Thank you very much. You are far nicer than some who said, "I'm out." I'm glad we have people like you.

6 minutes ago, Timona said:

1. So you're from Mongolia, living in Japan and want to escape to US.

 

2. You then want to try to manipulate the IO with a sad LBGTQ story. BTW, they're are a lot of LBGT people in Japan. Why not live there? 

 

3. First you wanted a B-2 and said you'll return. Now you want asylum? Hehhe wonders never cease. 

 

Though shall not pass The Smell Test. I'm out!

1) Yes

2) Because I don't belong here at all despite being a similar Asian outwardly.

3) Yeah, wondering never ceases. Why not apply for asylum if B2 gets denied?

You're out. Thank you. I wish you the best in everything.

I wish people were more considerate and kind to each other.

Many straight people don't really understand my community's pain.

Just now, Misscloud said:

your whole posts sounds desperation to get a visa. 

being gay doesnt mean that u can just apply for asylum.

im out

Okay, thank you for replying to my desperate post, then.

1 minute ago, Misscloud said:

crying for help means u are not looking to get tourist visa

I'll have to return, so will definitely return back to Japan. Let's put what we talked about before aside, can I apply for an asylum visa?

4 minutes ago, Marieke H said:

If you talk to the officer about trying to escape to a free world, you are clearly showing immigrant intent and your tourist visa will be denied. If your intention is to get to the US and stay there, a B visa is not the appropriate visa for you.

 

If your intention is to just visit your boyfriend/fiance/not sure what he is, and then return to Japan, that is what you need to focus on. You will have to convince the officer that you are not going to marry him and apply for adjustment of status, because you have reasons to return to Japan.

 

If you are going to play on the officer's emotions and talk about wanting to escape to a free world, you will come across as very desperate with a high risk of immigrant intent, which is not what a B visa is for.

That is what I am rehearsing for. I shouldn't be so emotional about how badly I wanna live in the US. "Inhale, exhale, I'll be OK," my inner voice is like.

2 hours ago, Misscloud said:

there's no need to use "emotional" reason when you apply for tourist visa.

But, literally, I'm crying for help. How hard for LGBT people to live in the rest of the world? It's the same as I'm trying to escape from emotional/social torture to a free world.

3 minutes ago, Jorgedig said:

It’s not even slightly relevant to your application for a tourist visa.   Just like what you had for breakfast, your eye color, your fave show to binge on Netflix, or the age your great grandma lived to be.

 

Would someone come out to the consular officers as heterosexual?

Idk, I've never lived in a western country.

3 minutes ago, Rocio0010 said:

Then by the same token, you shouldn't be planning on marrying a friend or filing a K1 if you don't know what label to put. See my point?

My point is, you want to lie about this relationship to get approved for a visa. That's a terrible idea. I'd much rather waste $180 than burn my chances here in the US.

I'm not lying. I just need to smoothly pass that interview so I can see him and also travel a little. I like him and he likes me, we know it. Why are you talking about burning chances?

14 minutes ago, Rocio0010 said:

That's not what you said in a previous post:

"We're more than just friends. We discussed marriage and other topics. What should we do if we decide to get married?"

 

So do discuss marriage with a penpal? Mmmmm...

Lying is dumber. What if the relationship develops further, and then you want to pursue the fiance visa or even a CR1? Do you not think that they look at your files and previous visa applications? Plot twist, they do. And if they catch the lie (and they will), they'll sit on your case for years and years and then you'll be back here asking why is your case taking so long.

 

You can certainly try for a tourist visa, pay the fee and see what happens. But be honest with your answers. Worst-case scenario they deny the visa. No big deal, after all, Europe is also full of gay-friendly cities you can enjoy.

Yeah, he's a friend and a boyfriend at the same time. How can you call someone your SO when you haven't had physical intimacy with him in 2years? I have already paid $180ish for a visa. My interview is scheduled for the end of this month, OMG. Europe you describe is pretty much closed to me. Israel is the only one I can travel to without undergoing a cumbersome visa application process.

17 minutes ago, Boiler said:

You certainly need to come out about your fiancée 

Yeah, I'll be truthful. I hope I will have a lenient visa officer who understands my community. 

18 minutes ago, Chancy said:

 

Is he your boyfriend or not?  Since you previously asked about I-129F/K1, he must be your boyfriend or fiance.  You must be truthful when asked by the interviewing officer.  The way you worded that, sounds like you intend to lie.  If you are not asked about him, no need to volunteer any information.  But if you are asked something like, "Who is Mr XYZ listed in your form?" or "Who are you staying with?", don't lie by saying, "just a friend".  You would be risking any future US immigration process if the consulate finds that you misrepresented yourself on your tourist visa application.

 

Yes and No. 

9 minutes ago, Rocio0010 said:

Oh, so you’re going to misrepresent yourself?

That, my friend, will get you in trouble. Not being gay….

We're not boyfriends because we haven't seen each other in almost two years. We're more like penpals who can't wait to meet in person.

I've heard that naming one's "boyfriend/girlfriend" isn't smart because visa officers presume every B2 applicant has immigration intent and would pursue a "green card" sponsored by his American bf/gf. The youtube channel I'm watching is: https://www.youtube.com/c/ArgoSocial btw. 

Why, please? I'm not going to mention him as a boyfriend or fiancee. I'll say he's a friend who will host me during my stay.

4 minutes ago, Boiler said:

Your fiancee will be a bigger issue.

I'd like to go sightseeing in California or New York during my university holiday season this year or next year.
I identify as a "gay" student (22) and was wondering if telling the visa officer my true reason for traveling is a good idea.

If he/she turns out homophobic, will he/she automatically deny me a B2 tourist visa on the spot? Or do they adhere to some strict moral code that prevents them from discriminating against marginalized people?
The areas I mentioned are liberal, diverse, friendly, accepting, and inspiring. For years, I've wanted to visit their gay towns, the Golden Gate Bridge, Hollywood, and the Statue of Liberty.
I want to make him/her feel somewhat emotional so that he/she believes I have a valid reason for traveling.
Should I remain silent on LGBTQ issues in general? Is it a plus or a minus to reveal my sexual orientation?

17 hours ago, Cathi said:

You don't need to convince anyone here that you won't overstay or that you won't leave at all, you have to convince the consulate where you interview. You need to show very strong ties and reasons that you will return home. Merely saying "I promise I will return" is not going to convince anyone. You need to understand that many, many, many people before you have said the same but made the choice to do the opposite. You can thank those that have gone before you for making it difficult to get a B2. Good luck.

Sorry for the delayed response. I reached my post limit yesterday, so I could only read the comments you all left for me. Today, I'm going to clear my mind, summarize things, and submit lengthy posts, Cathi, davidvs, aurelius22 I wanted to reply so badly.

My American friend says otherwise. He doesn't think my B-2 will be denied. In fact, I applied for B-2 and paid the application fee of approx. 26000円 ($180) yesterday after speaking with Jorgedig. The fees are non-refundable. So, I'm hoping you'll all advise me to take this route (B-2) for the time being. I could be a complete moron. But let me act young and dumb shortly because I didn't have a good childhood (big chunks were bullying at school, domestic violence at home, and depression).

The following are the reasons:

1) I am a recipient of a Japanese government scholarship. I was awarded a highly sought-after scholarship.

I will present this fact to the immigration officer. Japan is more advanced than the rest of the world in many ways and has a high standard of living.

He/she may believe I'm not going to blow this opportunity I worked so hard for.

2) Japan is the place I call home these days more than Mongolia; I'm financially and academically connected to this country, but not emotionally or socially.

If I leave this country, I will lose a lot of money, my degree, and possibly my bright future. I will also present this fact to the immigration officer.

3) I'm a global member of an NGO called oSTEM. I'll bring up that I'm affiliated with a US-based organization.

This organization is dedicated to LGBT STEM students and professionals. They do, however, only operate in the US, UK, and Canada.

Unfortunately, because I didn't live in the same country as them, I never felt like I belonged.

I'm going to shamelessly ask them to assist me as well.

4) I purposefully chose a more relaxed, less crowded embassy for the interview location. So it must have something to do with the success rate, right?

I'll put on my natural smile and compliment his/her outfit to brighten his/her mood, haha. The probability of success jumps may jump slightly. Something is better than nothing.

5)I'll need to make a copy of my bankbook to prove I have enough money. Because I can afford to travel, the problem is my passport was issued from ...

I mean, surprisingly I didn't find the phrase "third-world country" to be offensive. I am sorry anyways, you seemed a bit offended, aurelius22.

aurelius22, your story is so inspiring, and I completely understand you. I shed tears. I wish you the best of luck in everything you do.

katiana, Yeah I can't imagine Serbia being LGBT-friendly. I understand your pain.

Coco8, Japanese borders are closed to individual tourism. We don't know how long it will stay that way.

Knome, Thank you, what a nice story. I'm just so happy for you two.

AffableAndy, Thank you, buddy. I feel like being int. student of Japan has similar status as being int. student of the US. aurelius22, that's why I came off as "overly confident".

I'll look into Thailand. I felt blessed because of you all. You care.

3 minutes ago, powerpuff said:

I was addressing this statement and I only suggested Thailand if you re-read my post carefully. There are ways to solve the traveling issue but seems like you are not interested in exploring all possibilities. Good luck in your journey, immigration and LDR takes a lot of effort on both sides. 

Thank you again. Yeah, Meeting in Thailand could be one possibility. But, that is next in line. Firstly, I will see if my visa gets approved. I have no reason to overstay or anything. I am close to getting my degree from Japan. Those immigration people have no reason to distrust me. 

1 hour ago, carmel34 said:

For a B2 application, a student temporarily in Japan, with a US boyfriend, a tourist visa may or may not be approved, certainly not a sure thing and even doubtful since the interviewing officer may not believe your promise to return.  Definitely have a backup plan to meet in Japan or a third country, and either get married then file an I-130 petition for a spousal visa (superior choice for many reasons, do more research on this option), or an I-129F for a fiancé visa.  Either way, your US citizen boyfriend initiates the process by filing a petition, so he needs to do the research and set up an account here on VJ to ask questions.  Documentation of visits, and time spent together (original boarding passes, passport stamps, hotel receipts, a few photos of the two of you together), will be required.  Good luck!

Thank you for your reply. In order for my visa approval chance to increase, what should I do? Well, I might have to invite him if my visa gets rejected, but like Japan doesn't allow casual tourists by closing its' borders at the moment.

30 minutes ago, powerpuff said:

These are visa-free countries for Mongolian nationals. There are several countries that would allow you and your USC boyfriend in for a vacation and I think that would be much easier and faster than getting a B visa. Go for Thailand, I think that is the best option for the two of you 

 

http://ambasadamongolii.pl/countries-does-not-require-visa/

1	Belarus*	Up to 90 days	2013.09.04
2	Brazil	Up to 90 days	2015.09.21
3	Hong Kong	Up to 14 days	1998.06.18
4	Israel	Up to 30 days	1996.03.12
5	Kazakhstan	Up to 90 days	1994.12.02
6	Kyrgyzstan	Up to 90 days	1999.12.04
7	Cuba	Up to 30 days	2001.10.08
8	Macau	Up to 90 days	2004.07.03
9	Malaysia	Up to 30 days	1994.06.06
10	Singapore	Up to 14 days	1990.03.09
11	Ukraine**	Up to 90 days /with official invitation only/	–
12	Philippines	Up to 21 days	1994.05.13
13	China	Up to 30 days /for diplomatic, official or official E passport holders only/	1989.03.30
14	Turkey	Up to 30 days	2013.10.10
15	Laos	Up to 30 days	2007.10.14
16	Thailand	Up to 30 days	2008.01.13
17	Serbia	Up to 90 days	2013.11.08
18	Russian Federation	Up to 30 days /from 2014.11.14/	2014.09.03

Thank you for the table. I really appreciate your help. But, those 18 countries have no significance. You cherry-picked the best countries I can visit without a visa. (Russia is ironically the most developed one among them, but like come on, it doesn't do anything to me.) We both aren't interested in going to these countries.

9 minutes ago, Jorgedig said:

The wait times for a tourist visa interview will be the same, regardless of passport.

 

In general, you need to be a legal resident of the country you're interviewing in, even a temporary one.  Student visa would count.

 

Keep in mind though that B visas are adjudicated based on a person's ties to home.  They want you to demonstrate that you will need to return home after your visit, rather than try to stay in the US without a proper immigrant visa.

Noted. I have a university to graduate from. I wouldn't try to misuse the system and overstay my visa ofc. I will return, I promise.

I checked their website. Like every piece of information, there is tailored for Japanese people with a Japanese passport. It was a frustrating experience. But. yeah. I will check every corner of their website.

2 minutes ago, Jorgedig said:

Do you have a B visa currently?

 

If you do, or if you can get one, you can travel and marry here on that trip.  He can petition you for a CR1 visa, which is superior to the K-1 anyway, and then you can go back to Japan to finish school and await the visa interview.

No, I don't have a B visa yet. Should I hurry? How long does it take to a B2 visa to be approved? I'm almost gonna buy round-trip tickets.

7 minutes ago, Jorgedig said:

Yes, at this time you absolutely do.  Same sex marriage is still legal in all 50 states, and the fiance visa process is no different for same sex vs opposite sex couples.  It generally is taking around two years now, from start to finish.

 

In order for your USC bf to file the fiance petition for you, you will have had to have met within the past two years.  That is an absolute requirement.  There are no waivers for Covid, or for being unable to get a US tourist visa.

 

If it has been longer than two years, could you meet in another country, or could he visit your country?

Thank you for responding. Let's say I meet him during this winter vacation (only two weeks) in the United States. Can we marry if I came on a B2 general tourist visa? Following that, we will apply for my permanent residency visa. You mentioned that the process could take up to two years.
After that, I'd have to return to Japan to finish my studies. It will be ideal because I will be fresh out of college when my visa is finally approved.

Hello, I'm a 22-year-old gay Mongolian international student living in Japan. I'm having LDR with a 37-year-old American guy. I'll be graduating from university in 1.5 years. So I'll be liberated. We hadn't seen each other in over 2 years. As a result, I'm concerned that form I-129F will fail because we haven't met in a long time because of Covid. We're more than just friends. We discussed marriage and other topics. What should we do if we decide to get married? Traveling is difficult for me because I have a Mongolian passport. Developed countries don't issue visas to a citizen of 3rd world countries easily. I'd like to hear from anyone who has had an international same-sex marriage. How did the procedure go? How much time did it take? Do we have the same rights/benefits as conventional hetero couples? Thank you very much.