MENA tourist visas... I know some of you have had family do this

[Nasturtium 500]

Hey all! I know I asked this question once before and I cannot, for the life of me, figure out where my topic is. I know it wasn't it's own topic.

Dh is wanting to invite some of his family to come and visit. I went to USCIS and to the Amman embassy site, and looked at what needs to go down for a tourist visa and thought, well, that looks pretty simple. I also remember thinking that when I was looking into the immigration paperwork.

Does anyone actually know a sort of time estimate from when you apply to when the interview/visa is given?

I saw it said it *can* be helpful to have a copy of the relative's greencard in the tourist's petition. Other than that, an itinerary, and some kinds of proofs of return (like job, house, etc), it didn't say much. Any ideas on what is most helpful to the petition?

Now the real MENA/Jordanian kicker. I've heard most people get denied. Of course you also hear how easy it is to come here once someone gets married for a greencard ... so... has anyone been successful? Is there kind of a pattern to who succeeds?

We are looking at sisters and brothers (both parents are deceased). All the brothers who would come are married, and would come alone. The sisters are both married and not married, and I think Ammar would like to invite a sister and a brother at the same time, but obviously it would depend on chances. The 90+JD is the cost-prohibitive part for his family, and so we're trying to cut down to whom would the best chance be given. Everyone is over the age of 33.

Last question: I vaguely remember JP saying that the visa is good for several entries, right? Or is it one-time only?

Edited June 6, 2008 by julianna

[Jenn! 918]

Wadi's 30-yr-old single brother with no property was denied a tourist visa from Morocco about a year ago. Surprise surprise!

We submitted the application for him online and were able to schedule an interview about a month away, IIRC. But I'm not sure what the wait looks like in other countries.

I think the married women would have better chances.

Edited June 6, 2008 by Jenn!

[AlHayatZween 2]

i would be interested in knowing about this also... just for future reference.

i can't speak for Jordan specifically, but i think that usually tourist visas are very elusive for countries in MENA and SubSaharan Africa... But i think if you have ties to home (a business, a family, a house) and some $$ in the bank, it might be easier...

good luck, and let me know what info you find...

shukran!

[♥JP♥ 5]

The visa is good for several entries. We actually applied for visas for his parents and at another time his aunt. From the time of application to the appointment was between 2-4 weeks and they all recieved their visas within 5 days.

As far as denials go, I only know a few people that were denied but most have been approved.

I think it depends on how your case is presented, how much money you have, job, and ties to Jordan.

I think his single sisters will have the hardest time especially if they have never traveled. If they hold a steady job with a good income they might want to provide a letter from their employer stating that.

Good luck

[amal 4]

They have to have ties back to Jordan so the govt sees that there is a need for them to return and not overstay their visas.

Parents are usually allowed, given they have families to provide for.

Get a copy of their passport and write an invitation letter to the embassy stating why you want them to visit, the time frame you would like to see them, and how long you want them to stay.

Do this for each person that you are wanting to visit you.

Siblings are slightly harder. They usually have to have strong ties to their country in order to be approved and sometimes that isn't enough..

We are going to apply for hubsters mother and eldest brother very soon.

I wish you much luck on ur request!

amal

Edited June 6, 2008 by amal

[Nasturtium 500]

Thanks girls! BTW, any idea how long one can stay on a tourist visa? Ammar was thinking he was wanting to invite them for at least 2 weeks.. since the cost of the flight is so much it's not worth it unless it's about 2 weeks or more.

[Krissy! 0]

Tourist visas are good up to 6 months in the States.

My honey got denied due to insufficient evidence of strong ties. I guess they're asking for proof he owns a home, etc, etc. I think the married sister will have a better chance.

It took about a month from getting an appointment then interview. By the way the visa fees are (last I checked) around $131.

Good luck!

[Nasturtium 500]

Tourist visas are good up to 6 months in the States.

My honey got denied due to insufficient evidence of strong ties. I guess they're asking for proof he owns a home, etc, etc. I think the married sister will have a better chance.

It took about a month from getting an appointment then interview. By the way the visa fees are (last I checked) around $131.

Good luck!

Thanks! Yeah, 90-something JD is $130

He's youngest of 11, so there are quite a few choices for brothers and sisters who are married with property, etc.

[KHPerfectMatch 1]

Anyone know how difficult or easy it is to bring your step-children for a visit on a tourist visa? We aren't bringing them here to live (they live with Mom) but we'd love to have them come for a visit. Currently all 3 are under the age of 21. Does age make a difference?

Thanks,

K

[LaL 418]

My sister in law will be applying for a tourist visa. It might be a long shot being that she is unmarried, and does not own property, but we are willing to try. I hope somehow the ties she has will be enough