U.S. denying all tourist visas

[Hazah 0]

My MIL went to an immigration lawyer who told her that in 2009 most of the applicants who went to the U.S. on a tourist visa to visit their relative's newborn did not return to Ukraine, so the U.S. is now denying ALL tourist visas for this purpose. Has anyone else heard of this?

[mox 298]

I have not heard this. I seriously doubt there is any such policy in place. Sounds like the immigration lawyer needs to go back to law school.

[Oksana81 0]

My MIL went to an immigration lawyer who told her that in 2009 most of the applicants who went to the U.S. on a tourist visa to visit their relative's newborn did not return to Ukraine, so the U.S. is now denying ALL tourist visas for this purpose. Has anyone else heard of this?

I don't think that's true, but it IS hard to get a tourist visa.

[visaveteran 1]

I don't think that's true, but it IS hard to get a tourist visa.

My wife's son is filing for a tourist visa as we speak. I've tried to prepare my wife for a disappointment as I think his chance of success is slim. Too bad because if he wanted to, he could come here and live fairly easily, but as of now he's chosen to stay in Russia. He just wants to visit.

With that said, several people on this forum have mentioned they invited or knew FSU women who came here and overstayed their visas. I think this is rampant and it angers me because legitimate tourist applicants get punished.

My advice...don't invite someone over here you're not sure about. Don't enable visa cheats. And if they cheat...turn them in to DHS.

[Hazah 0]

My wife's son is filing for a tourist visa as we speak. I've tried to prepare my wife for a disappointment as I think his chance of success is slim. Too bad because if he wanted to, he could come here and live fairly easily, but as of now he's chosen to stay in Russia. He just wants to visit.

With that said, several people on this forum have mentioned they invited or knew FSU women who came here and overstayed their visas. I think this is rampant and it angers me because legitimate tourist applicants get punished.

My advice...don't invite someone over here you're not sure about. Don't enable visa cheats. And if they cheat...turn them in to DHS.

Yes the chances are extremely slim. I think an affidavit of support should be necessary or at least helpful in bringing someone on a tourist visa. In such a way the government has a way to punish at least someone other than the innocent. My MIL had 2 visas rejected for having insufficient ties to Ukraine even though the officer doesn't request or accept said documents. Lousy worthless government!

[Brother Hesekiel 2,235]

Having a family member living in the US and willing to provide support for a tourist is a sure-fire way to get denied. The are afraid most tourists want to stay, kapiche? So if the tourist has family and a support member in the US, that's actually proof that they want to stay.

[visaveteran 1]

Having a family member living in the US and willing to provide support for a tourist is a sure-fire way to get denied. The are afraid most tourists want to stay, kapiche? So if the tourist has family and a support member in the US, that's actually proof that they want to stay.

Except children of a GC holder, if the marriage took place before the children were 17, can easily come anyway as a legal resident, so why would they use a tourist visa and overstay...jeopardizing this opportunity?

[Gary and Alla 3,694]

My MIL went to an immigration lawyer who told her that in 2009 most of the applicants who went to the U.S. on a tourist visa to visit their relative's newborn did not return to Ukraine, so the U.S. is now denying ALL tourist visas for this purpose. Has anyone else heard of this?

No. It is not true.

Denials of tourist visas are frequent in Ukraine, but each is approved or denied on its own merit, there are no blanket denials and a consulate does not have that authority. I would also be VERY surprised that if any large percentage of the visas they do issue are averstayed. This is simply bad information made from "whole cloth".

My guess is the attorney is lying to you or is misinformed. There is a much higher chance of that

[Gary and Alla 3,694]

Having a family member living in the US and willing to provide support for a tourist is a sure-fire way to get denied. The are afraid most tourists want to stay, kapiche? So if the tourist has family and a support member in the US, that's actually proof that they want to stay.

Not necessarlily Bob. It isn't "proof" of anything. I personally know several Ukraine/American couples that have received tourist visas for the parents and/or siblings and provided an invitation letter and affidavit of support. In fact, of the couples I know, NONE have been denied a tourist visa for their family members. Neither the invitation or the affidavit of support are required, but they were provided. Most commonly they are issued 5 year multi-entry visas.

[etripke 0]

My MIL was denied once again back in March. It is her 4th denial. a previous Schengen visa, home ownership, family members, et.al. did not make a difference. I accompanied her to the consulate but of course could not "sit in" on the interview. It was short...the C.O. just plainly told her should wouldn't get a visa. I spoke to a supervisor, nice guy, but I was told that the MIL is a "Borderline Case" and that "in cases like these the tie goes to the house" meaning the Government.

Our letter to the US Consul General was never answered. But get this: Even though she is denied a visitor visa she can still come over here by applying for a green card! Get the paradox here? They won't let her visit because they are afraid she'll stay....but she can come to live here permanently if we file a petition once the wife gets her citizenship next year! Can you hear the sarcasm in my words?

So, I'm guessing we'll be doing just that sometime in 2011.

Also: The supervisor told me that with each denial given it gets harder for the applicant to overcome the denials.

Good luck for anyone trying.

[peejay 327]

My friend got a visa for his Ukrainian grandma-in-law to come here on a tourist visa for 6 months. Grandma is here now babysitting their newborn baby. The State Department is not afraid of 65+ year old babushkas overstaying to work illegally in the USA. They are wary of younger sister-in-laws and brother-in-laws who must show they have adequate ties at home to deter them from illegally immigrating. Nothing new.

[Brad and Vika 129]

Having a family member living in the US and willing to provide support for a tourist is a sure-fire way to get denied. The are afraid most tourists want to stay, kapiche? So if the tourist has family and a support member in the US, that's actually proof that they want to stay.

So what do you suggest that MIL or we say or do to get approval?

[Hazah 0]

Okay well I guess I'm not surprised that a Ukrainian lawyer passed on misinformation.

I have a Ukrainian friend who came to the U.S. on a student visa and he was eventually able to become a permanent resident and bring his wife and son over after many years. He was even able to bring his retired father and mother over on separate occasions with no problem at all. He supplied an invitation letter, proof of financial security, and a letter of endorsement from a senator from our state and that's all from his end. On his parent's end they just supplied proof of residence and family in Ukraine and that's all! Simple visas with no questions asked. I have absolutely no idea how they succeeded since my friend isn't even a citizen yet. It's just luck I guess.

[Gary and Alla 3,694]

My MIL was denied once again back in March. It is her 4th denial. a previous Schengen visa, home ownership, family members, et.al. did not make a difference. I accompanied her to the consulate but of course could not "sit in" on the interview. It was short...the C.O. just plainly told her should wouldn't get a visa. I spoke to a supervisor, nice guy, but I was told that the MIL is a "Borderline Case" and that "in cases like these the tie goes to the house" meaning the Government.

Our letter to the US Consul General was never answered. But get this: Even though she is denied a visitor visa she can still come over here by applying for a green card! Get the paradox here? They won't let her visit because they are afraid she'll stay....but she can come to live here permanently if we file a petition once the wife gets her citizenship next year! Can you hear the sarcasm in my words?

So, I'm guessing we'll be doing just that sometime in 2011.

Also: The supervisor told me that with each denial given it gets harder for the applicant to overcome the denials.

Good luck for anyone trying.

Your sarcasm is misplaced. For one, as the mother of a US citizen she would not be available for an immediate visa number, which means after the petition is apporved you will wait a period measured in years for a visa. Apply for and receiving an immigrant visa is not the same as overstaying a non-immigrant visa. For whatever reason she was not able to satisfy them she was not a risk.

[Gary and Alla 3,694]

My friend got a visa for his Ukrainian grandma-in-law to come here on a tourist visa for 6 months. Grandma is here now babysitting their newborn baby. The State Department is not afraid of 65+ year old babushkas overstaying to work illegally in the USA. They are wary of younger sister-in-laws and brother-in-laws who must show they have adequate ties at home to deter them from illegally immigrating. Nothing new.

I have heard this also, that if the MIL is retired and of retirement age, so to speak, it helps. I cannot confirm that.

So far my MIL has not expressed desire to come for even a visit. I guess we go there enough to satisfy her for the time being. Her health is not so wonderful and she doesn't want to travel so far. I may never find out first hand.