Tourist Visa for Sister from the Philippines

[toolinchains28 2]

I'm a Legal Permanent Resident in the US and I want my sister from the Philippines to visit me here. Here is my sister's profile:

Female, Single, 18 years old (will be 19 in two months)

Currently in college pursuing her bachelor's degree

She will be in her 4th or final year in college in June 2012

Does not have a bank account, since she's still a student, although my parents in the Philippines have bank accounts, property, car, and other vehicles in their name.

She is a very sheltered girl. She is already in college but doesn't ride the public transportation, my father still drives her to and from school, and to wherever she needs to go. In the Philippines, this is kind of a big deal, especially if you're living in Manila since public transportation is the main source for anyone to go to places. Her travelling alone here in the US really frightens her because she will be riding the plane on her own, but this is something she is willing to do just so she can come visit me. And besides, being on the plane is the only time she will be alone, as soon as she gets to the airport, I will be there to pick her up. I am 8 years older than her and I haven't seen her in 3 years, and we just miss each other.

I want her to visit me for one month, preferably during her 2 month vacation from school. Either April or May 2012. It will be my pre-graduation gift for her. I want her to have a vacation here in the US before her final year in college. I will be financing everything. I have a stable job here in the US that pays well. I live in Southern California and her itinerary will include all tourists spots in Southern California, and then we will be flying to Las Vegas, and New York. I just want to show her how despite the recession, America is still one of the best places you can go to.

I understand that the US is kinda strict about issuing tourist visa to high fraud countries like the Philippines, but what are her chances of getting approved for a tourist visa?

It is obvious that she won't go TNT, because although the Philippines is a third world country, she has a great life there. She's in a great school, and have a good life ahead of her. She will not overstay, my parents will kill me if I let her stay here for more than a month since her school year starts June 2012. Are these enough reasons for her to get a tourist visa?

Thank you so much in advance.

[Inky 1,110]

The issue is with your sister herself alone proving she must return to the Philippines.

What your parents have does not make a difference and what you want doesn't make a difference.

The government wants to see blatant, in the face, facts as to why she has to go back to the Philippines.

She has 2 reasons to return to the Philippines.

Her School.

Her Parents.

Both of which she can do without because she could always start going to school in the USA and she has family already in the USA.

Shes going to need to find more proof than thos two things to be granted a visa.

[I AM NOT THAT GUY 5,715]

http://manila.usembassy.gov/wwwhnv03.html

[beejay 123]

I sympathize with your situation and I can only offer speculation on how to help. What concerns me is that she will be applying right before she's due to graduate so school won't really be a reason for her to return. It's too bad she didn't try earlier when she still would have had to return to class. Does she have post graduation plans? Does she have a job set up? I think it's worth it to have her apply but in addition to her documentation of school (which may or may not help) I think she should also bring evidence of her parents ties to PH. Ex. Parent's Proof of income, bank accounts, land ownership etc. I have heard that when a child is applying for a tourist visa sometimes they look at the parents ties to the home country. Your sister might be just beyond the age where they would consider those ties but it would be worth bringing along. You said your sister hasn't travelled before but have your parents been out of the country?

Just some thoughts.

Wishing you luck!

[toolinchains28 2]

I sympathize with your situation and I can only offer speculation on how to help. What concerns me is that she will be applying right before she's due to graduate so school won't really be a reason for her to return. It's too bad she didn't try earlier when she still would have had to return to class. Does she have post graduation plans? Does she have a job set up? I think it's worth it to have her apply but in addition to her documentation of school (which may or may not help) I think she should also bring evidence of her parents ties to PH. Ex. Parent's Proof of income, bank accounts, land ownership etc. I have heard that when a child is applying for a tourist visa sometimes they look at the parents ties to the home country. Your sister might be just beyond the age where they would consider those ties but it would be worth bringing along. You said your sister hasn't travelled before but have your parents been out of the country?

Just some thoughts.

Wishing you luck!

Thank you all for your response.

My sister is still going to return to class. Her senior year will start June 2012, and she is to graduate March 2013. I am hoping to have her visit me either April or May 2012 during her school break, before she starts her school in June.

She wanted to apply for internship in ABS-CBN and GMA (television networks in the Philippines) as soon as she graduates since she is studying Broadcast Journalism. I honestly don't see her as someone who will settle down here, because as I've said she has a good life in the Philippines. She has excellent grades in college, so I don't know if she should bring this with her as well.

My parents have been out of the country, Hong Kong and Singapore. My father went to Australia once to visit his parents. Other than that, they haven't been to any other places. I think so too that having my sister bring my parents' documents showing their ties to the Philippines will also be helpful. I hope my parents' documents will be enough coz my sister is still a student and doesn't really have documents with her other than birth certificate, school ID, and school registration.

[beejay 123]

Sorry I read too quickly and totally forgot that schools start in June. I think this year (2012) will be a perfect time to apply for a visit during her summer break. Good luck with the visa and keep us posted!

Also good luck to your sister with her internships. (I've always been partial to GMA myself )

[beejay 123]

Sorry I read too quickly and totally forgot that schools start in June. I think this year (2012) will be a perfect time to apply for a visit during her summer break. Good luck with the visa and keep us posted!

Also good luck to your sister with her internships. (I've always been partial to GMA myself )

Grr was too late to edit ths post but I wanted to add:

if she can get a letter from her school saying they expect her to return for her senior year and the date that her classes will start and that they are classes she has to complete in person (no online option) that might be helpful. Also if she can have her school fees paid for her senior year and show proof of that I think that will help. I'm trying to think of ways to include her future plans but as nothing is set up right now I'm not sure if that is possible. Maybe if she has an amiable interviewer it is something she can mention.

Again, good luck!

Edited December 31, 2011 by beejay

[Noah Lot 391]

Grr was too late to edit ths post but I wanted to add:

if she can get a letter from her school saying they expect her to return for her senior year and the date that her classes will start and that they are classes she has to complete in person (no online option) that might be helpful. Also if she can have her school fees paid for her senior year and show proof of that I think that will help. I'm trying to think of ways to include her future plans but as nothing is set up right now I'm not sure if that is possible. Maybe if she has an amiable interviewer it is something she can mention.

Again, good luck!

Letters from anyone are ..... letters....they prove nothing and are not enforceable....sadly, far too many young and single Filipinas have 'forgotten' to return to whatever situation they had in the PI....and the VOs know this. School fees are a pittance compared to a new life in the US. Your parents' situation is relatively meaningless for her.

And how did you acquire a GC?

[toolinchains28 2]

Letters from anyone are ..... letters....they prove nothing and are not enforceable....sadly, far too many young and single Filipinas have 'forgotten' to return to whatever situation they had in the PI....and the VOs know this. School fees are a pittance compared to a new life in the US. Your parents' situation is relatively meaningless for her.

And how did you acquire a GC?

I have a long time boyfriend who I went to the same university back in the Philippines. My boyfriend is a pure Filipino but has a dual citizenship. Our original plan is to look for jobs immediately after our graduation, and settle down in the Philippines, since all our friends are back home, my boyfriend is in a band, and a lot of other factors.

Fortunately, we both got jobs immediately after graduation. Unfortunately, my boyfriend's job back then doesn't pay well. He works as a graphic designer but since he's a recent graduate, it's understandable that he will have an entry level salary. I am earning 3x more than his, which I don't really mind, but it was a big deal for him. I guess it's a man's ego that urged him to try his luck here in the US.

He came here in the US and within 2 months of looking for job, he got into another graphic designer position which pays really well considering that he already had some work experience aside from his degree. After saving enough money for a year, he came back to the Philippines, officially asked my parents for my hand, and sold me the idea of living in the US. This is how I got my GC, because I married a US citizen (or dual citizen).

Don't get me wrong, I want to be able to go to America so I can see the places I've only seen in movies, but living here is just not something I have initially considered. I understand your statement to be true most of the time, "sadly, far too many young and single Filipinas have 'forgotten' to return to whatever situation they had in the PI..." No offense, but I guess this really applies to those who are searching for ways to better their life, financially, which I consider to be perfectly alright.

Just like my sister, I had a great life back in the Philippines even if it's a third world country. We have two maids back home (for those of you who don't know, it is normal for a family with both working parents to have a maid. You don't have to be rich in the PI to be able to hire a maid), my parents have stable source of income, and I drive my own car in which my dad bought for me as a graduation gift. Financially, I honestly had a better life when I was in the Philippines. Although I earn dollars now instead of pesos, living here in the US is just really expensive. I guess you cannot really compare it to the Philippines. I guess I have everything, except I am away from my boyfriend back then. And because I love this man, even if it did hurt my parents in the beginning, I chose to uproot my life and start over here in the US. I have no regrets about this, but I guess my point is that not everyone who goes to the US would forget their situation in the Philippines. If my husband should have a better job opportunity in the Philippines, I would prefer for us to just settle there. But since he is thriving in his career now and I am married to him, I am all out to support him and stand by him.

Sorry for the long post, I guess I just want to share that every case is different. My problem is how my sister can prove she has enough reasons to go back to PI.

[ellione28 0]

What concerns me is that she will be applying right before she's due to graduate so school won't really be a reason for her to return. It's too bad she didn't try earlier when she still would have had to return to class. Does she have post graduation plans?

My sister is still going to return to class. Her senior year will start June 2012, and she is to graduate March 2013. I am hoping to have her visit me either April or May 2012 during her school break, before she starts her school in June.

She wanted to apply for internship in ABS-CBN and GMA (television networks in the Philippines) as soon as she graduates since she is studying Broadcast Journalism. I honestly don't see her as someone who will settle down here

if she can get a letter from her school saying they expect her to return for her senior year and the date that her classes will start and that they are classes she has to complete in person (no online option) that might be helpful. Also if she can have her school fees paid for her senior year and show proof of that I think that will help.

Letters from anyone are ..... letters....they prove nothing and are not enforceable....sadly, far too many young and single Filipinas have 'forgotten' to return to whatever situation they had in the PI....and the VOs know this. School fees are a pittance compared to a new life in the US. Your parents' situation is relatively meaningless for her.

And how did you acquire a GC?

Hi I'd like to give my input too. These that I quoted so far are what I find important. You see, no matter how many times you try to explain that your sister wouldn't want to go TNT, the COs won't ask you about it. All they'll look at is financial situation and how much can she prove that she'll come back to the Phils. Her being a fresh grad soon is a point against you, really. (I can feel you saying "she wouldn't want to live in the US!!!"... the COs won't assume that)

The reason I quoted "before graduating", is because despite her still 1 year of college, it's already a good enough situation for her not to return to the Philippines. I myself will graduate by 2013 and have several friends who have applied for a tourist visa this year. Those who have never had a history of travel were denied and yet they showed proofs of ties (parents' bank certs, cert of enrollment, residential proof, the likes). I agree with the bold text in the 3rd quote that it may be good if she can 'show' that her fees for the next sem are paid for. But I know that's quite odd and difficult to do but maybe her administration can do something about it.

I dunno, I guess when one is no longer a minor, it's more difficult to prove you're coming back to the Philippines if you don't have strong evidence to show for it [good travel history, employed, have filed ITR]... As the last quote said, parents' situation is relatively meaningless at this point.

I'd say, think of all possible ways for her to prove that this is only for a tour. Evidences in documents and not by essay. The CO normally doesn't ask lots of questions in interviews anymore -- they only look at what you submit and ask follow-up questions. Kudos though for being a great sibling! We don't have similar situations but I have a Kuya who cares for me as much as you do your sister. Best of luck to all of you and I do hope she can get that tourist visa!

P.S. btw, i did my first international flight alone at 19 years old. Like her, I never commuted in the Philippines ever (at that time). And for some reason, i find that traveling this way is still much safer than local commute. )

[Noah Lot 391]

I have a long time boyfriend who I went to the same university back in the Philippines. My boyfriend is a pure Filipino but has a dual citizenship. Our original plan is to look for jobs immediately after our graduation, and settle down in the Philippines, since all our friends are back home, my boyfriend is in a band, and a lot of other factors.

Fortunately, we both got jobs immediately after graduation. Unfortunately, my boyfriend's job back then doesn't pay well. He works as a graphic designer but since he's a recent graduate, it's understandable that he will have an entry level salary. I am earning 3x more than his, which I don't really mind, but it was a big deal for him. I guess it's a man's ego that urged him to try his luck here in the US.

He came here in the US and within 2 months of looking for job, he got into another graphic designer position which pays really well considering that he already had some work experience aside from his degree. After saving enough money for a year, he came back to the Philippines, officially asked my parents for my hand, and sold me the idea of living in the US. This is how I got my GC, because I married a US citizen (or dual citizen).

Don't get me wrong, I want to be able to go to America so I can see the places I've only seen in movies, but living here is just not something I have initially considered. I understand your statement to be true most of the time, "sadly, far too many young and single Filipinas have 'forgotten' to return to whatever situation they had in the PI..." No offense, but I guess this really applies to those who are searching for ways to better their life, financially, which I consider to be perfectly alright.

Just like my sister, I had a great life back in the Philippines even if it's a third world country. We have two maids back home (for those of you who don't know, it is normal for a family with both working parents to have a maid. You don't have to be rich in the PI to be able to hire a maid), my parents have stable source of income, and I drive my own car in which my dad bought for me as a graduation gift. Financially, I honestly had a better life when I was in the Philippines. Although I earn dollars now instead of pesos, living here in the US is just really expensive. I guess you cannot really compare it to the Philippines. I guess I have everything, except I am away from my boyfriend back then. And because I love this man, even if it did hurt my parents in the beginning, I chose to uproot my life and start over here in the US. I have no regrets about this, but I guess my point is that not everyone who goes to the US would forget their situation in the Philippines. If my husband should have a better job opportunity in the Philippines, I would prefer for us to just settle there. But since he is thriving in his career now and I am married to him, I am all out to support him and stand by him.

Sorry for the long post, I guess I just want to share that every case is different. My problem is how my sister can prove she has enough reasons to go back to PI.

Sorry, but that attitude that if one wants to improve one's life financially, then it is OK to be a visa cheat, does not resonate well...that is NOT a justification for abusing the visa privilege, but your opinion no doubt reflects that of many Filipinos, which is why so many get refused....because so many have indeed used a tourist visa for that purpose. I see NO justification for abusing the visa privilege....none...under any circumstances...but as long as others think 'hey, who cares?', then those same individuals should not whine when their relatives or spouses get denied...because the VOs, by law, must assume that the applicant will be taking a hike (and having that famous 'mind change' during baggage claim) and based on the historical abuse pattern by so many from the PI, well, don't be surprised. I am truly sorry you see nothing wrong with lying to obtain a visa.

[toolinchains28 2]

Hi I'd like to give my input too. These that I quoted so far are what I find important. You see, no matter how many times you try to explain that your sister wouldn't want to go TNT, the COs won't ask you about it. All they'll look at is financial situation and how much can she prove that she'll come back to the Phils. Her being a fresh grad soon is a point against you, really. (I can feel you saying "she wouldn't want to live in the US!!!"... the COs won't assume that)

The reason I quoted "before graduating", is because despite her still 1 year of college, it's already a good enough situation for her not to return to the Philippines. I myself will graduate by 2013 and have several friends who have applied for a tourist visa this year. Those who have never had a history of travel were denied and yet they showed proofs of ties (parents' bank certs, cert of enrollment, residential proof, the likes). I agree with the bold text in the 3rd quote that it may be good if she can 'show' that her fees for the next sem are paid for. But I know that's quite odd and difficult to do but maybe her administration can do something about it.

I dunno, I guess when one is no longer a minor, it's more difficult to prove you're coming back to the Philippines if you don't have strong evidence to show for it [good travel history, employed, have filed ITR]... As the last quote said, parents' situation is relatively meaningless at this point.

I'd say, think of all possible ways for her to prove that this is only for a tour. Evidences in documents and not by essay. The CO normally doesn't ask lots of questions in interviews anymore -- they only look at what you submit and ask follow-up questions. Kudos though for being a great sibling! We don't have similar situations but I have a Kuya who cares for me as much as you do your sister. Best of luck to all of you and I do hope she can get that tourist visa!

P.S. btw, i did my first international flight alone at 19 years old. Like her, I never commuted in the Philippines ever (at that time). And for some reason, i find that traveling this way is still much safer than local commute. )

Hi ellione28, thanks for your response. Her enrollment I believe is on May 2012, and my parents always pay in full every enrollment. I'm just not sure how this will help us because I want her to be here April or May which is before her enrollment. I guess it's normal that older siblings always look out for the younger ones. I am the eldest and I didn't have a Kuya. I have always wanted a kuya so I look up to my older guy cousins as such.

[toolinchains28 2]

Sorry, but that attitude that if one wants to improve one's life financially, then it is OK to be a visa cheat, does not resonate well...that is NOT a justification for abusing the visa privilege, but your opinion no doubt reflects that of many Filipinos, which is why so many get refused....because so many have indeed used a tourist visa for that purpose. I see NO justification for abusing the visa privilege....none...under any circumstances...but as long as others think 'hey, who cares?', then those same individuals should not whine when their relatives or spouses get denied...because the VOs, by law, must assume that the applicant will be taking a hike (and having that famous 'mind change' during baggage claim) and based on the historical abuse pattern by so many from the PI, well, don't be surprised. I am truly sorry you see nothing wrong with lying to obtain a visa.

There is nothing in my post that says I support circumventing the immigration laws just to get a better life. My statement, was a response to yours when you say far too many young and single Filipinas have 'forgotten' to return to whatever situation they had in the PI."

Your statement which I find to be true most of the time, does not apply to everyone else. Some people are already doing ok financially in the Philippines just like my sister so your statement doesn't really apply to her nor to me.

"No offense, but I guess this really applies to those who are searching for ways to better their life, financially, which I consider to be perfectly alright." What I am referring to to be perfectly alright is when someone wants to improve their life financially, but I am not ok with lying to obtain a visa. This is the sole reason why it is harder for people to apply for tourist visa, even if they do not have a hidden agenda and their bonafide reason is just to travel.

Sorry if it appears that I am ok with cheating on visa, maybe it is my poor choice of words, or poor organization of thoughts, I don't know, but I do not support abuse of visa privilege, this has been giving Filipinos a bad name and it's really sad because not everyone is an opportunist.

Anway, thank you all for your response, all of you are being helpful. Happy New Year to all! Peace.

Edited January 1, 2012 by toolinchains28

[I AM NOT THAT GUY 5,715]

From what I have seen, and the same seems to apply to other high fraud countries, two things make it easier to get a tourist visa to the US. One, is how well you are politically connected to your home country, and the other is how much money you have invested in your home country, including bank accounts. The bank account thing I don't understand, as that could be easily transferred into cash -- maybe that is something else they consider: How much money you have to spend in the US.

[Noah Lot 391]

There is nothing in my post that says I support circumventing the immigration laws just to get a better life. My statement, was a response to yours when you say far too many young and single Filipinas have 'forgotten' to return to whatever situation they had in the PI."

Your statement which I find to be true most of the time, does not apply to everyone else. Some people are already doing ok financially in the Philippines just like my sister so your statement doesn't really apply to her nor to me.

"No offense, but I guess this really applies to those who are searching for ways to better their life, financially, which I consider to be perfectly alright." What I am referring to to be perfectly alright is when someone wants to improve their life financially, but I am not ok with lying to obtain a visa. This is the sole reason why it is harder for people to apply for tourist visa, even if they do not have a hidden agenda and their bonafide reason is just to travel.

Sorry if it appears that I am ok with cheating on visa, maybe it is my poor choice of words, or poor organization of thoughts, I don't know, but I do not support abuse of visa privilege, this has been giving Filipinos a bad name and it's really sad because not everyone is an opportunist.

Anway, thank you all for your response, all of you are being helpful. Happy New Year to all! Peace.

Convincing the VOs will be the challenging part for your sister...why??? because of the thousands who have gone before her, told similar stories and disappeared....imagine you heard the same 6 reasons why a person would return to the PI and then imagine that 75% of those skipped out....who would you believe next? What papers would make you believe an applicant? (and why, given the relatively high rate of document fraud in the PI)....

I think the way you phrased your reply made it seem as though you would condone those who would lie to obtain a visa as long as they as had only financial gain as their motivation. sorry.