MIL visa application

[Brad and Vika 129]

It seems to me that if the MIL has a job to return to, it is stronger on the application than being entitled to a pension. Any one with experience on that?

[Gary and Alla 3,694]

It seems to me that if the MIL has a job to return to, it is stronger on the application than being entitled to a pension. Any one with experience on that?

I don't know Brad. Alla was twice denied for visitor visas, sponsored by her employer, and she had a job which paid way over the average income in Ukraine, but way under the average income in the USA. Most poensions in Ukraine are so small that I do not think they will be considered a strong tie to Ukraine. Your MILs best bet is that her daughter is an LPR. Other couples I know have had good success with visitor visaes for their parents.

[eekee 182]

Russians in America still get their pensions (hence the crazy lines at the consulate in New York, because all of the elderly Russians drive up from New Jersey to get their 100$), so I'm assuming Ukrainians do too. So a pension in Ukraine wouldn't be incentive to return home, especially considering, as Gary said, the miniscule amount of most pensions.

Edited February 13, 2010 by eekee

[Brad and Vika 129]

Russians in America still get their pensions (hence the crazy lines at the consulate in New York, because all of the elderly Russians drive up from New Jersey to get their 100$), so I'm assuming Ukrainians do too. So a pension in Ukraine wouldn't be incentive to return home, especially considering, as Gary said, the miniscule amount of most pensions.

I didn't know you could collect your Ukriane pension here. Not sure if I should tell Vika about it or not, or the in-laws will probably retire here

[Brad and Vika 129]

I don't know Brad. Alla was twice denied for visitor visas, sponsored by her employer, and she had a job which paid way over the average income in Ukraine, but way under the average income in the USA. Most poensions in Ukraine are so small that I do not think they will be considered a strong tie to Ukraine. Your MILs best bet is that her daughter is an LPR. Other couples I know have had good success with visitor visaes for their parents.

A visitor visa is probably what we have in mind (B visa, right?). It says on the web-site that you should still bring proof of reasons to return to Ukraine. MIL has proof of a job (for now), ownership of a flat, and leaving a husband in Ukraine.

[Gary and Alla 3,694]

A visitor visa is probably what we have in mind (B visa, right?). It says on the web-site that you should still bring proof of reasons to return to Ukraine. MIL has proof of a job (for now), ownership of a flat, and leaving a husband in Ukraine.

Alla had a good job, a flat (paid for) 2 kids and a mother. I think it was a B visa. They treated her like a "reptile". Also she had statements from her employer that she would be returning and was going on a business trip paid for by them. No dice.

[visaveteran 1]

A visitor visa is probably what we have in mind (B visa, right?). It says on the web-site that you should still bring proof of reasons to return to Ukraine. MIL has proof of a job (for now), ownership of a flat, and leaving a husband in Ukraine.

We're looking at a similar issue bringing my wife's 19 year old son over. He just got out of the Russian Army and I'm wondering if that, in itself, might show a connection to Russia. We all know many Russian boys try to avoid the draft. Any thoughts on that?

It seems to me that the consulate would allow her son to visit his mother and, besides, he would be eligible for a immigrant visa anyway, so why would he need to illegally remain in ths US? Comments?

[eekee 182]

We're looking at a similar issue bringing my wife's 19 year old son over. He just got out of the Russian Army and I'm wondering if that, in itself, might show a connection to Russia. We all know many Russian boys try to avoid the draft. Any thoughts on that?

It seems to me that the consulate would allow her son to visit his mother and, besides, he would be eligible for a immigrant visa anyway, so why would he need to illegally remain in ths US? Comments?

yeah, that seems logical to me. I can see the consulate not wanting to issue visas to boys who are of army age for draft-skipping reasons.

But if he was in the army, he hasn't enrolled in university, has he? It's hard for me to imagine a job that one could get at 19 that would prove sufficient ties to Russia.

[visaveteran 1]

yeah, that seems logical to me. I can see the consulate not wanting to issue visas to boys who are of army age for draft-skipping reasons.

But if he was in the army, he hasn't enrolled in university, has he? It's hard for me to imagine a job that one could get at 19 that would prove sufficient ties to Russia.

You're right, he is not enrolled in school but is taking a course to become a security officer and also has an interest in real estate sales. We're looking into "finding" him proof of employment through a friend. But it is a concern. He does co-own his flat (with his mom) and his father is nearby. His grandmother, who is in need of help at the moment, lives with him.

Ultimately he will, most likely, decide to come and live here with us, but he wants to visit and see how it feels to him. He's pretty independent for a 19 yr old.

[Brad and Vika 129]

OK - here's an update. MIL now has most of the proofs she needs translated, but is resisting going to the service to have it done. It is frustrating my wife no end. She gets several varieties of "you don't understand how busy we are", and "stop pushing me, I will apply for a visa and come as soon as I can". Any one else hearing this?

[slim 1,525]

"you don't understand how busy we are", and "stop pushing me, I will apply for a visa and come as soon as I can". Any one else hearing this?

Cam.

In all seriousness, I'm a firm believer that you "sponsor" your visitor here by completing all the paperwork for them and explaining that you're going to take care of your guest for whatever amount of time and then ship their @$$ home. They support that at the interview by saying, "Yeah, my rich new SIL is going to support me for a few weeks then I'm coming right back here to my husband, job, kids, and all the other stuff I really love in my life. I'm just going there for a visit to check on my daughter then coming right back here. There's no way I could stay there."

Paint the picture. It also probably wouldn't hurt that if you're going to go the job route, pay the "penalty" to get some documents made showing some pretty good income. Paint it!

[Brad and Vika 129]

Cam.

In all seriousness, I'm a firm believer that you "sponsor" your visitor here by completing all the paperwork for them and explaining that you're going to take care of your guest for whatever amount of time and then ship their @$$ home. They support that at the interview by saying, "Yeah, my rich new SIL is going to support me for a few weeks then I'm coming right back here to my husband, job, kids, and all the other stuff I really love in my life. I'm just going there for a visit to check on my daughter then coming right back here. There's no way I could stay there."

Paint the picture. It also probably wouldn't hurt that if you're going to go the job route, pay the "penalty" to get some documents made showing some pretty good income. Paint it!

The problem is not painting the picture, it is MIL dragging her feet. I think she is nervous about the travel and a bit stubborn. Our main worry is that Vika will get to the point where she needs her mom here and mom can't get in.

[slim 1,525]

The problem is not painting the picture, it is MIL dragging her feet.

And why is that a problem?

[Brad and Vika 129]

And why is that a problem?

Her problem, not mine But as you know, when the wife experiences stress.....

[slim 1,525]

Her problem, not mine But as you know, when the wife experiences stress.....

.... she can call her mom.