MIL Visa

[Brad and Vika 129]

As you all may have seen in my recent post history, we did get MIL a 5 year multi entry visa. Based on her comments, the CO's decision was made before the interview started. She had all the standard ties to Ukraine (pension, property, job, husband)and certification of her ill and unwell dad living with her and FIL. In addition, she had a recent Schengen visa with timely return, and I asked our Congressman to have the appropriate staffer email the consular section. They also provided a nice letter for MIL to take to the interview.

I wanted to put this out there because I have read lots of posts stating that an in-law got a visa without a hitch, and a bunch stating that a visa was denied with no apparent reason. Please post your story so RUB members can see what works and doesn't.

[Tygrys 143]

As you all may have seen in my recent post history, we did get MIL a 5 year multi entry visa. Based on her comments, the CO's decision was made before the interview started. She had all the standard ties to Ukraine (pension, property, job, husband)and certification of her ill and unwell dad living with her and FIL. In addition, she had a recent Schengen visa with timely return, and I asked our Congressman to have the appropriate staffer email the consular section. They also provided a nice letter for MIL to take to the interview.

I wanted to put this out there because I have read lots of posts stating that an in-law got a visa without a hitch, and a bunch stating that a visa was denied with no apparent reason. Please post your story so RUB members can see what works and doesn't.

What always works is strong ties to the home country. What does not have any bearing are emails, letters, and/or invitations. Nothing new, really.

[Brad and Vika 129]

I wonder if the Schengen visa really does help. I don't think I have read about any FSU applicant with a recent, timely return from the Schengen zone that was denied a B visa for the US. If nothing else, it is a demonstration of willingness to return, and not overstay a visa.

[james&olya 1,121]

My MIL has an average factory job, no husband, an elderly mother that lives close by, minimal assets beyond her apt. She had never had a schengen visa. She got the B-1 on the first try, has been here twice already and a 3rd trip coming in August.

[eekee 182]

I wonder if the Schengen visa really does help. I don't think I have read about any FSU applicant with a recent, timely return from the Schengen zone that was denied a B visa for the US. If nothing else, it is a demonstration of willingness to return, and not overstay a visa.

I think a Schengen visa is most helpful when you have a "high-risk" tourist visa applicant who may not own property--I.e., women under 30 and men under 35.

[Brad and Vika 129]

I think a Schengen visa is most helpful when you have a "high-risk" tourist visa applicant who may not own property--I.e., women under 30 and men under 35.

I don't disagree with this, but there seemed to be a number of VJ members relatives in the same situation as my MIL that did not get a B visa. They owned properrty, had a pension and salary, were married, same age, etc. MIL told my wife that there were also other women her age at the Embassy the day she interviewed with similar circumstances (according to them) who were turned down.

If getting a B visa really is the ####### shoot it seems to be, maybe things like a Schengen visa or congressional interest would help. MIL also says that the CO asked her who lived with her, so she was able to briefly mention her dad's poor health and the care he needed. If they wanted to check, she had the ZheKo document (not sure I have that acronym correct) to prove grandpa lives with them. Maybe none of this stuff matters at all, but I wanted to put the information out there so VJers could see what might be different from their relatives' cases, or what they might do differently.

[james&olya 1,121]

I don't disagree with this, but there seemed to be a number of VJ members relatives in the same situation as my MIL that did not get a B visa. They owned properrty, had a pension and salary, were married, same age, etc. MIL told my wife that there were also other women her age at the Embassy the day she interviewed with similar circumstances (according to them) who were turned down.

If getting a B visa really is the ####### shoot it seems to be, maybe things like a Schengen visa or congressional interest would help. MIL also says that the CO asked her who lived with her, so she was able to briefly mention her dad's poor health and the care he needed. If they wanted to check, she had the ZheKo document (not sure I have that acronym correct) to prove grandpa lives with them. Maybe none of this stuff matters at all, but I wanted to put the information out there so VJers could see what might be different from their relatives' cases, or what they might do differently.

I did also send my MIL an invitation which contained recognition that she would be here ONLY one month and that we would be picking her up and returning her to the airport. We also sent an e-mail to the consulate outlining her situation, stressing that she has a job there with only one month of vacation and an elderly mother that depends on her for help. I don't know if any of that is what made the difference or if she just got lucky.

[Dave-n-Oksana 49]

We just submitted my MIL application and she has an interview the first week of July.

Brad, did your MIL walk out with her visa or was it delivered to her?

[Brad and Vika 129]

She took delivery back in Kherson. I think it took about five days to reach her.

[slim 1,525]

My MIL got visitor visa first try.

What always works is strong ties to the home country. What does not have any bearing are emails, letters, and/or invitations. Nothing new, really.

I completely disagree with this.

My MIL had almost no ties to her country. Well, none that would matter to me, anyway. She owns a flat, works at the hospital and has a daughter and grandkids in the area. None of that "ties" her to Russia. I believe what "tied" her to Russia was the letter I typed up. "My MIL is coming here to visit for a few weeks and then WILL go home."

I did also send my MIL an invitation which contained recognition that she would be here ONLY one month and that we would be picking her up and returning her to the airport. We also sent an e-mail to the consulate outlining her situation, stressing that she has a job there with only one month of vacation and an elderly mother that depends on her for help. I don't know if any of that is what made the difference or if she just got lucky.

This is almost exactly what we did. "She's coming... but you better believe she's going!"

[Brad and Vika 129]

Another thing that I am reading here on VJ consistently, and seeing on other sites also. MIL/FIL must stick to the "vacation only" story. As soon as they make a statement that may lead the CO to thinking there is some other motivation they can be turned down.

[slim 1,525]

Another thing that I am reading here on VJ consistently, and seeing on other sites also. MIL/FIL must stick to the "vacation only" story. As soon as they make a statement that may lead the CO to thinking there is some other motivation they can be turned down.

I believe there's some weight to the above. Things like, "Helping out with the new baby" and/or "going to see their new house" etc., don't seem to fly well with the COs. Sounds too much like, "and if I like it I'm staying."

[james&olya 1,121]

It may seem counter-intuitive but you DON'T want to emphasize why you want/need to visit! What needs to be focused on at all stages of the process while applying for the visa is why you want/need to return home!!

[Dave-n-Oksana 49]

Oksana's Mother got her B2 today and says it was very easy. She took a lot of papers showing ties as well as the invitation letter from us and the CO didn't even look at it. All they cared about was the application and the passport.

[Brad and Vika 129]

MIL is due to arrive in an hour. The go-card apparently doesn't work in her phone, or her phone won't work here The T-Mobile card we bought her did work from Germany though.