Tourist Visa Success Stories

[Pryceless 0]

This thread is soley for the purposes of sharing success stories and experiences in receiving tourist visas.

Who filed?

What country?

What documents did they bring to the interview?

What questions were asked in the interview?

Questions asked at POE?

Did you do a letter of invitation for the family member(s)?

Any tips?

[sctdixon 6]

This thread is soley for the purposes of sharing success stories and experiences in receiving tourist visas.

Who filed?

What country?

What documents did they bring to the interview?

What questions were asked in the interview?

Questions asked at POE?

Did you do a letter of invitation for the family member(s)?

Any tips?

Who filed? My Peruvian spouse (then GF)

What country? Peru

What documents did they bring to the interview?

Too many...

From me (USC):

- Letter to consulate asking for her to get a B2 Visa

- Invitation letter stating why I want her to visit with me and where we will be in the US

- Letter from my employer saying I work in Peru and my salary

- Copy of my employment contract

- My bank statements from USA and Peru

- Copy of my passport

- Copy of my Carne de Extranjeria

- Letter from me stating my financial responsibility for her during the trip

- Letter stating I will ensure her return to Peru

From her (Peru citizen):

- Letter from her employer stating her position and salary

- Her Peru bank statements

- Copy of her medical degree(s) diplomas

- Affidavit showing personal property she owns in Peru (car, apartment, etc)

- Affidavit of return assurance

What questions were asked in the interview?

She told me she was asked only 4 questions: Why she is going. Who I was to her. What my job was in Peru. How she met me.

Questions asked at POE?

- Who is she visiting

- Where she was going in the US

- How long you staying

- Why so long of stay (3 weeks)

Did you do a letter of invitation for the family member(s)?

- Yes, I wrote a letter of invitation

Any tips?

- Take everything and anything that this site recommends. Better too much than not enough. All the stuff she took, they didn't ask to see. But we both felt better that she had it in case they wanted extra stuff.

Edited January 19, 2012 by sctdixon

[Maranda 3]

Who filed? My (now) husband, who was my boyfriend at the time.

What country? The Netherlands.

What documents did they bring to the interview? Bank statements (Dutch and American), passport, birth certificate, driver's license, health and car insurance statements, photos of us from his previous two visits to the USA, copy of the forms and receipt for online payment.

What questions were asked in the interview? Purpose for staying so long, how long he's known his girlfriend (me), his current residence and living situation, if he had a job (no), how he planned to financially support himself while spending 6 months in the USA (savings account). They asked for proof of the savings account (American bank account), which he emailed as soon as he got home.

Questions asked at POE? Who is he visiting (me), how long will he be staying (a few days short of 6 months), did he have a return ticket (yes). He was taken to secondary inspection, all the same questions again. They informed him upon entry that he definitely must leave on that date and not overstay the 6 months.

Did you do a letter of invitation for the family member(s)? No.

Any tips? Take as much proof of residence, finances, and proof of ties as absolutely possible. More than necessary is better than not enough. Also, if applying from a VWP country, understand that being denied a B2 visa cancels your VWP privileges. We did not realize that before he applied for the B2, we just thought he'd take a shot at it with nothing to lose. Thank God he was approved.

[sctdixon 6]

Who filed? My (now) husband, who was my boyfriend at the time.

What country? The Netherlands.

What documents did they bring to the interview? Bank statements (Dutch and American), passport, birth certificate, driver's license, health and car insurance statements, photos of us from his previous two visits to the USA, copy of the forms and receipt for online payment.

What questions were asked in the interview? Purpose for staying so long, how long he's known his girlfriend (me), his current residence and living situation, if he had a job (no), how he planned to financially support himself while spending 6 months in the USA (savings account). They asked for proof of the savings account (American bank account), which he emailed as soon as he got home.

Questions asked at POE? Who is he visiting (me), how long will he be staying (a few days short of 6 months), did he have a return ticket (yes). He was taken to secondary inspection, all the same questions again. They informed him upon entry that he definitely must leave on that date and not overstay the 6 months.

Did you do a letter of invitation for the family member(s)? No.

Any tips? Take as much proof of residence, finances, and proof of ties as absolutely possible. More than necessary is better than not enough. Also, if applying from a VWP country, understand that being denied a B2 visa cancels your VWP privileges. We did not realize that before he applied for the B2, we just thought he'd take a shot at it with nothing to lose. Thank God he was approved.

Maranda,

I see you're in Sturgis, Michigan? I'm from Saint Joseph, Michigan. Small world, huh?

[Maranda 3]

Yes, I am, and yes, it is! Nice to meet you!

[Boiler 45,558]

Also, if applying from a VWP country, understand that being denied a B2 visa cancels your VWP privileges

That is incorrect.

[Maranda 3]

That is incorrect.

Hmmm, really? About a year ago, after Arnold got his B2 and I was asking about something here, Brother Hesekiel ("Just Bob" at the time, I think he was) informed us that:

"If a B2 application is denied, the applicant cannot use the VWP anymore. In English: no more US trips until an immigrant visa has been issued. Therefore I usually advise against applying for a B2, although I understand that Holland is one of the "easier" countries to get one."

Is that no longer the policy? Or was I misinformed?

[Boiler 45,558]

Misinformed. I have corrected him several times.

[Alianza Terps 12]

Who filed? My Peruvian spouse (then GF)

What country? Peru

What documents did they bring to the interview?

Too many...

From me (USC):

- Letter to consulate asking for her to get a B2 Visa

- Invitation letter stating why I want her to visit with me and where we will be in the US

- Letter from my employer saying I work in Peru and my salary

- Copy of my employment contract

- My bank statements from USA and Peru

- Copy of my passport

- Copy of my Carne de Extranjeria

- Letter from me stating my financial responsibility for her during the trip

- Letter stating I will ensure her return to Peru

From her (Peru citizen):

- Letter from her employer stating her position and salary

- Her Peru bank statements

- Copy of her medical degree(s) diplomas

- Affidavit showing personal property she owns in Peru (car, apartment, etc)

- Affidavit of return assurance

What questions were asked in the interview?

She told me she was asked only 4 questions: Why she is going. Who I was to her. What my job was in Peru. How she met me.

Questions asked at POE?

- Who is she visiting

- Where she was going in the US

- How long you staying

- Why so long of stay (3 weeks)

Did you do a letter of invitation for the family member(s)?

- Yes, I wrote a letter of invitation

Any tips?

- Take everything and anything that this site recommends. Better too much than not enough. All the stuff she took, they didn't ask to see. But we both felt better that she had it in case they wanted extra stuff.

How old was your spouse at the time? Also, does she have any children and any other strong social ties? I hope you don't mind me asking but my in-laws are applying for tourist visas soon and my sister-in-law was already denied once despite good finances, personal property, and a steady, good job.

[sctdixon 6]

How old was your spouse at the time? Also, does she have any children and any other strong social ties? I hope you don't mind me asking but my in-laws are applying for tourist visas soon and my sister-in-law was already denied once despite good finances, personal property, and a steady, good job.

She was 37 years old and no children. Her social ties are that she is a physician and a Medical Director at a local hospital. Decent finances and minimal personal property (car, apartment, etc). I think the key to her successful was me :-)) because I live and work here in Peru. Logically it doesn't make a lot of sense to think she might illegally stay in the US if her husband lives and works in Peru. But then again, how often does logic play into all these immigration scenarios?

[Maranda 3]

Misinformed. I have corrected him several times.

Oh! Okay, thanks for clearing that up, Boiler! Sheesh, all this time I was thanking my lucky stars that he hadn't been denied for that very scary reason. I guess, then, there's really nothing to lose (except the fee) in applying for a B2, even if it is a long shot.

[Boiler 45,558]

Much better not to have a refused Visa App, may complicate ESTA.

[Harsh_77 718]

Oh! Okay, thanks for clearing that up, Boiler! Sheesh, all this time I was thanking my lucky stars that he hadn't been denied for that very scary reason. I guess, then, there's really nothing to lose (except the fee) in applying for a B2, even if it is a long shot.

Both Boiler and Bob both are correct and it would apply as per one’s situation or changes in situation.

If someone applies for B1/2 lets say on 1/27/2011 and gets denied and if they try to enter US using VWP on 1/30/2011, they would certainly be denied entry. (ESTA should not go thru)

This same person tries ESTA back lets say 1/20/2012 more or likely ESTA would be approved and person would be able to travel on VWP, but be prepared to provide enough evidence to CBP officer. Chances would be very high of getting pulled in secondary inspection.

[pinoygwapo 1]

Who filed? My Peruvian spouse (then GF)

What country? Peru

What documents did they bring to the interview?

Too many...

From me (USC):

- Letter to consulate asking for her to get a B2 Visa

- Invitation letter stating why I want her to visit with me and where we will be in the US

- Letter from my employer saying I work in Peru and my salary

- Copy of my employment contract

- My bank statements from USA and Peru

- Copy of my passport

- Copy of my Carne de Extranjeria

- Letter from me stating my financial responsibility for her during the trip

- Letter stating I will ensure her return to Peru

From her (Peru citizen):

- Letter from her employer stating her position and salary

- Her Peru bank statements

- Copy of her medical degree(s) diplomas

- Affidavit showing personal property she owns in Peru (car, apartment, etc)

- Affidavit of return assurance

What questions were asked in the interview?

She told me she was asked only 4 questions: Why she is going. Who I was to her. What my job was in Peru. How she met me.

Questions asked at POE?

- Who is she visiting

- Where she was going in the US

- How long you staying

- Why so long of stay (3 weeks)

Did you do a letter of invitation for the family member(s)?

- Yes, I wrote a letter of invitation

Any tips?

- Take everything and anything that this site recommends. Better too much than not enough. All the stuff she took, they didn't ask to see. But we both felt better that she had it in case they wanted extra stuff.

wow! this is more than just tips, they are give-aways! stories like this one make me jump up and down. I rejoice with you, guys!

[TonyCH 13]

Who filed?

- Me and my mother, it was November 2011, i was 18 (still am ) and my mom is 43.

What country?

- Macedonia, issuing post was US Embassy Skopje.

What documents did they bring to the interview?

- We had several documents. I brought a letter that i am a regular student in High School, my mother brought her insurance , work papers, and her salary. She is a nurse.

- We brought a proof that we own a house , a car and land.

- My dads passport as a proof that he is in Macedonia.

- Affidavit of Support from my Uncle , with his tax income and invitation.

- And Green Card copies of all my family members there, to assure that no illegal relatives are in the US.

- Letter from hospital, stating that my grandpa is really bad health wise , with a case of COPD and Heart Disease , advising that his daughter should visit him ASAP.

What questions were asked in the interview?

- Where are you going? -A: Visiting Brothers and Parents (questions are answered by my mother).

- Why are you going? -A: Personal Visit , plus to visit my father , he is really sick and hospitalized.

- How old is your son, and is he in High School or College? -A: He is 18, and he is in High School.

- Do you know that you have an immigrant petition filed in 2004 and is likely to be completed by 2014 ? (this was unexpected ) -A : YES!

(At this point I was 80% we would not be granted a visa , and the officer would advice to wait for the Immigrant Petition to Complete)

- How long do u plan to stay in the US? -A: 1 Month

Final words of the Consul: Ok, than , its very important that you don't overstay on the visa that you will be getting today, otherwise your immigrant petition will be denied. Please come back monday to get your visa.

YAY .... we were so happy , and we thought we only got like a 3 month or 6 month visa.... turns out we got a 10 YEAR VISA.... :OOOOO

THANK YOU US EMBASSY

Questions asked at POE?

My mom went there on January 21st, and she was only asked how long is she going to stay, and was asked for her returning ticket.

Did you do a letter of invitation for the family member(s)?

NO, no letter of invitation.

Any tips?

Always tell the truth, always have confidence, and always hope for the best

I also have to say that this was our 8th Visa Granted , our last one was a 5 Year visa which expired April 2011, so we waited 6 months exactly after reapplying for another B1/2.

I wish everyone else LUCK and God Bless you.....

If you have any questions please don't hesitate and ask