Single MBA grad worried about chances with B2

[overeducated 0]

Hello. I have had 5 us visas issued to me in my lifetime. 3 B1/B2's and 2 F1's. I studied in the US for 6 years and sucessfully attained both a bachelor's (2008) and master's degree (2010). I was approved for OPT and worked for less than a year thereafter. I returned to my home country in Dec 2010. still in possession of a valid B1 visa I travelled in May 2011 for my graduation ceremony. I received additional interrogation at POE and was eventually allowed to stay for 6 months. i had planned to return to my home country in June 2011 but I ended up staying till the end of July 2011 because I was awaiting surgery for a huge stye that developed on my eye. This visa expired mid July. I would like to apply for a new B1/B2 to do some shopping with my mom ( she has her visa) this upcoming summer.

I am currently contracted with a national training program for 2 years ( 8 months already completed) that offers a mediocre stipend (half of what I should be making but i owe to the fact that i have no experience. ... and that is exactlythe pointof the program) . I stand a a good chance of being offered a better package once or before my current contract is up... according to my supervisor. i live with my parents, dont really have bills and will be paying for my own trip. j

I am worried about 2 things:

The length of stay of my last trip was about 93 days. im sure the VO would wonder how i afforded to stay that long.

I dont exactly have strong ties. i am a contract employee with a tiny stipend and no benefits. im single and live with my parents.

do u think my chances of gettin a visa is worth applying for?

[Penguin_ie 5,996]

I ended up staying till the end of July 2011 because I was awaiting surgery for a huge stye that developed on my eye. This visa expired mid July.

Does this mean you overstayed a couple of weeks? If so, you may have difficulty getting another tourist visa just now.

If not, considering you have had 6 visas and didn't abuse any of them, I think your chances are very good of getting another.

[overeducated 0]

Does this mean you overstayed a couple of weeks? If so, you may have difficulty getting another tourist visa just now.

If not, considering you have had 6 visas and didn't abuse any of them, I think your chances are very good of getting another.

No i did not overstay. i was offered a 6 month stay and stayed for 93 days. yes my visa expired during this time but from what i understand, your visa can expire while in the US as long as it was valid at POE.

i am however relieved to hear that my travel history would work towards getting a visa instead of against me.. still worried about my ties tho. what cud i carry with me to show strong ties?

[NancyNguyen 1,658]

Well, you have persuaded them before to issue you bunch of visas, and you have always followed the guideline so this time these facts would establish a certain level of trust for you. So it won't hurt to try I guess. Good luck.

[Boiler 46,003]

The cost of the Visa application is a pittance compared to the cost of a shopping trip to the US.

[overeducated 0]

Well, you have persuaded them before to issue you bunch of visas, and you have always followed the guideline so this time these facts would establish a certain level of trust for you. So it won't hurt to try I guess. Good luck.

Yes I have persuaded them before but due mostly to the evident support of my parents. I believe All of these visas were issued based on my parents' income/stability... Both my parents currently have visas... I have one other sibling and we are both planning to renew

I am only 25 years old. I live with my parents. I make about $1500 USD/month and my contract ends in 14 months. I have $4000 USD in savings.

This would be my first application/interview based solely on my own income/stability....

Sigh...

[visaquestions69 1]

You live with your parents. Therefore, your parents still support you. No need to go this alone because it doesn't seem like that's the case for you.

[Noah Lot 391]

You have (according to what you wrote) already proven your trustworthyness, by having had several non immigrant visas and having abided by the terms of same...I would not expect any difficulties, no matter what your stipend or savings are. A proven track record is worth far more than a few dollars in hand.

[jaycali 415]

You have (according to what you wrote) already proven your trustworthyness, by having had several non immigrant visas and having abided by the terms of same...I would not expect any difficulties, no matter what your stipend or savings are. A proven track record is worth far more than a few dollars in hand.

When Noah thinks you have a good shot, I'd say you have a very good shot.

Past stays proving you stick to the rules is probably one of the best evidences you can possibly provide to any CO.

Travel history doesn't work against you until it becomes excessive, ie you spend almost as much time in the US on a tourist visa as you spend time in your home country

Edited June 3, 2012 by jaejayC