B2 visa application just submitted, chances of approval slim?

[pete_sf 0]

Hello,

We just submitted my MIL's tourist visa application yesterday and she's currently gathering more evidence to support the application. She's turning 65 and retiring this Dec. 5. She has the following evidence of ties,

-property deeds/titles of all the family houses and lots

-pay stubs for the past 3 months

- tax documents for the past 3 years

- car registration and ownerships

- bank account statements for the past 3 months (will also bring bank account statements for the previous years,1-10 years back, to show stable income source)

-marriage certificate, birth certificate on NSO papers

-contract of ongoing house renovation (to prove she has to come back and tend to the renovation with her husband)

-letter from current employer stating she and husband are/were employees for more than 35 years, and their salary grade etc

-retirement plan and pension pla/benefits (optional)

-credit card account statements

Do you think these will suffice? Do you think we should still include an invitation letter? My Filipina wife is worried that her mother's retirement will be an issue. Any input is appreciated. We are paying for her airfare as birthday gift, and all other expenses for the trip.

By the way, MIL is traveling alone. My FIL will be left behind with the rest of the family.

What do you all think?

[jkelly07 120]

all looks good, doe's she have a date to return, doe's she have her expense money, a place to stay tha address,to person thats going to be responesable for her, i think she has ties good luck,

[pete_sf 0]

all looks good, doe's she have a date to return, doe's she have her expense money, a place to stay tha address,to person thats going to be responesable for her, i think she has ties good luck,

hello,

Thanks for the reply and the input. Yes, she does have her dates planned out. I forgot to add, she has her travel itinerary that my wife made and sent for her to bring to the interview, all the places she will visit and dates. We noted in her application that she will be staying with us during the entire duration of her trip, which she prefers. MIL knows our home address very well too. And also, indicated that she wish to stay for 3 months with us. She does have her own money to spend while in the US (included in her bank account statements and she is currently processing her pension benefits, which would be additional source of money for her on top of her life savings, we're thinking she should include these documents as well). My wife and I are taking full responsibility of her, and also thinking of adding travel insurance for her.

Not sure what else to add for evidence of ties..

Edited December 3, 2010 by pete_sf

[RICARDO4EVA2 194]

no one can say what the changes are Even if you have exceeded the requirements. You knw what .. some applicants thathas no proof get approved and unfortunately those with a load of paper is just shot down... guess the officere think it's all poof just for the interview

[pete_sf 0]

no one can say what the changes are Even if you have exceeded the requirements. You knw what .. some applicants thathas no proof get approved and unfortunately those with a load of paper is just shot down... guess the officere think it's all poof just for the interview

Hi,

Thanks for the input. We appreciate it.

My wife and I were discussing these things last night, and we do realize that the burden of proof lies solely on my MIL, but it wouldn't hurt for her (and for us to help her, guide her) to prepare as many documents as possible to bring along with her during the interview regardless of whether or not the consular officer will ask to see them. So we decided to include a few other things on top of what she already has. We can only hope she gets enough time to present her docs, and a permissive officer.

Anyone else has any idea on what to present for evidence of social, familial and economic ties aside from mentioned? Can someone elaborate on what these ties mean in relation to immigration intent, maybe more examples? The wife is trying to gather more ideas.. sometimes just discussing these openly can bring about a lot of possibilities, fingers crossed for good possibilities.

Thanks.

Edited December 4, 2010 by pete_sf

[Boiler 43,618]

I have never heard of anybody submitting more evidence at the interview, which doe not mean it has never happened.

In the 30 seconds or whatever that it takes there just would not be time.

Most positive factor is the she is leaving her husband behind.

[pete_sf 0]

I have never heard of anybody submitting more evidence at the interview, which doe not mean it has never happened.

In the 30 seconds or whatever that it takes there just would not be time.

Most positive factor is the she is leaving her husband behind.

which brings me to ask, would an applicant who's denied a B2 visa be able to appeal the denial? not sure for a non-immigrant application. have you heard of such here on VJ? just curious..I'd imagine with the little time they can spare each applicant, the consular's decision is somewhat pre-determined based on the info submitted on the form Ds-160 alone. so how else can a person make a good impression with small talk and with too little time? fingers crossed she gets a nice officer

ETA: how can we edit the info already submitted on the ds-160? we made an error on a yes/no question. times like this i wish i can just call the us embassy in manila and speak to a consular officer myself lol maybe i'll try

Edited December 5, 2010 by pete_sf

[Boiler 43,618]

There is no appeal, they can re apply.

Was the mistake material?

[pete_sf 0]

There is no appeal, they can re apply.

Was the mistake material?

Somewhat, at least to us. It's in the travel info section.

We typed in my name as the person paying for the trip. And answered yes to the following question, "is the address of the party paying for your trip the same as your home or mailing address?".

The officer might think my MIL considers our US address as also her permanent address......are we right to assume that? we're screwed!

Edited December 6, 2010 by pete_sf

[Boiler 43,618]

I would take it the other way around, that you were living with her.

If it comes up, a mistake that should be correctable at the time of the interview.

[cookieandcream 10]

Good luck but I think it looks good dont worry too much

Edited December 7, 2010 by cookieandcream

[pete_sf 0]

I would take it the other way around, that you were living with her.

If it comes up, a mistake that should be correctable at the time of the interview.

Thanks for the input! We appreciate it.

I guess there's nothing more we can do for my MIL at this point. It's up to her to overcome the presumption of immigration intention to the US.

She's scheduled for January.

Thanks for the good luck, cookie!

[pete_sf 0]

Update: My MIL's interview in the PI was earlier today at 6:45Am and it's past 9AM there and we still couldn't get in touch with her. Anyway, does anyone know how long do these B2 visa interviews and processing last? And is there a medical exam required for B-2 approved tourists? Is it going to be in St. Luke's, the same place where my wife went to for her K1 before?

Anyone?

Thanks,

Pete

[Boiler 43,618]

About 5 mins tops, no medical.

[pete_sf 0]

About 5 mins tops, no medical.

Thank you!

We still cannot reach my MIL. She's still in the US embassy, just called her mobile phone and hotel. My wife is getting all worked up not knowing if my MIL's visa is approved..

I guess this will be my rant thread now.

Will update once we hear from her.