Calling all Maghrebi Peeps!

[~kiyah~ 14]

So the time has come to bring my in-laws here for a visit and I am in charge of assisting them both in filing for their B-2 visas. I am well aware of the qualifying requirements:

US Department of State:

• Purpose of trip to enter the US for business, pleasure, or medical treatment;
  
• That they plan to remain for a specific, limited period;
  
• Evidence of funds to cover expenses in the US;
  
• Evidence of compelling social and economic ties abroad; and
  
• That they have a residence outside the US as well as other binding ties that will ensure their return abroad at the end of their visit.

Consulate in Casablanca:

• Please be sure to show proof of your ties to Morocco, such as work documents, recent bank statements, business registration papers, and property ownership documents.

There are some limitations with our case, and aside from knowing the difficulties with the consulate in Casa, I am concerned with meeting all of the qualifying requirements. My husband and I have discussed the option of filing for one or the other and not both as leaving one spouse behind is an obvious compelling reason to return, but honestly the best option for us is to have them both visit at the same time.

So I would like to pick the minds of my fellow Maghrebi peeps who have successfully brought their in-laws (one or both) here for a visit and may have had similar limitations.

A little background: Mom and Dad are both in their late 60's. All of their family resides in Maroc except for 2 adult children in the US, and 1 adult child in Canada. Dad is retired, Mom has never been employed. Their income is Dad's retirement plan, and money sent home from us every month. They have a shared bank account in both their names. They do not own property (other than a vehicle), they rent their home which is paid for monthly along with utilities. Neither one has ever been issued a visa for or been to the US. Dad was issued a visa to France some years ago, but I believe that has now expired. Mom has a visa to Canada I believe still valid for several more years. My husband and I will be assuming full financial responsibility for all of their expenses while in the US, and they will also be staying in our home if they are issued their visas.

I need some ideas as to what we can provide to show "evidence of compelling social and economic ties abroad as well as other binding ties that will ensure their return abroad at the end of their visit."

Has anyone else been faced with qualifying requirement limitations for a B-2 visa? What other evidences did you provide? Honestly any ideas or advice you can provide me would be most appreciated.

~kiyah~

[Jenn! 918]

I don't have any ideas as far as evidence goes, but just thought I'd share that Wadi's mother (widowed) and her brother (married but traveling without his spouse) were approved for 10-yr visas last week in Casa. They're both in their early 60s. They were prepared to show ties in the form of bank statements and proof of home ownership, but they were approved before they had a chance to show them. I sent them with letters promising our financial support during their stay along with paystubs from our jobs and I also emailed them directly to the consulate.

I hope it goes as smoothly for your in-laws.

[sara535 15]

My mother in law was also approved for her 10 year visa - she is in her late 50s with children and grandchildren in Morocco. I also sent an invitation/financial responsibility letter but not paystubs. She was approved no problem, 2 years ago.

[Sofiyya 1,687]

One of my SIL, in her early 40's, got a 10 yr visa early this year without showing any evidence. They knew she works for a legislator and didn't bother to look at anything else. The same thing happened to my hubby at his visa interview. They've been so easy on our family, thank God.

Insha'allah, all goes well and easy for yours, too!

[~kiyah~ 14]

Thank you so much for sharing your experiences, this really does help.

I found out additional information from my BIL last night. The last time he was in Maroc he purchased the home they were renting, so they pay the mortgage even though it is in their son's name. I'm hoping this 'might' help a little if it is needed.

We're probably going to be ok and this is just my obsessing about the details...as always We have decided we are definitely going to file for both and provide what we have in addition to the invitation, financial support while they are visiting and their full itineraries. God-willing all will be fine.

I do have another question, my in-laws do not speak English, barely a few sentences, they speak Darija, Arabic and French. Did your family members who may not speak English have any difficulties in POE? My BIL thinks it's a good idea for him to accompany them on their entry if he can swing it. I'm saying it's not necessary, but figured I could find out other experiences.

Thank you again, I really appreciate it!

~kiyah~

[hassan_debbie 4]

Its easy. My sister-in-law came two years ago and this is what we did.

We wrote a letter of invitation for her to come for a visit.

filled out an affidavit of support and attached a copy of our bank statement.

she took it to the consulate along with the visa paperwork and they gave her a 3 month tourist visa

that was extended to 6 months at the airport when she arrived here in Atlanta.

she stayed the full 6 months and then went home.

Deb

Thank you so much for sharing your experiences, this really does help.

I found out additional information from my BIL last night. The last time he was in Maroc he purchased the home they were renting, so they pay the mortgage even though it is in their son's name. I'm hoping this 'might' help a little if it is needed.

We're probably going to be ok and this is just my obsessing about the details...as always We have decided we are definitely going to file for both and provide what we have in addition to the invitation, financial support while they are visiting and their full itineraries. God-willing all will be fine.

I do have another question, my in-laws do not speak English, barely a few sentences, they speak Darija, Arabic and French. Did your family members who may not speak English have any difficulties in POE? My BIL thinks it's a good idea for him to accompany them on their entry if he can swing it. I'm saying it's not necessary, but figured I could find out other experiences.

Thank you again, I really appreciate it!

~kiyah~

[hassan_debbie 4]

my sister-in-law doesn't speak any English just arabic and french and she didn't have any problems

in Atlanta. When she went home we did get a pass to go with her to her gate due to the language barrier.

deb

Its easy. My sister-in-law came two years ago and this is what we did.

We wrote a letter of invitation for her to come for a visit.

filled out an affidavit of support and attached a copy of our bank statement.

she took it to the consulate along with the visa paperwork and they gave her a 3 month tourist visa

that was extended to 6 months at the airport when she arrived here in Atlanta.

she stayed the full 6 months and then went home.

Deb