Are any tourist visas being issued for Syria?

[jmt111 0]

To get a tourist visa, the applicant must prove that he will return to his country of origin. What if the country of origin is at war? Will any foreign service officer believe that the applicant wants to return? I don't think so. Are any tourist visas being granted to Syrian citizens?

[Teddy B 17,252]

With the current turmoil in Syria, I doubt it.

[Boiler 45,579]

It is not country of origin. The Consulate in Damascus is closed.

They do need to show they will leave the US.

[jmt111 0]

If I apply through the US Embassy in Lebanon, do I have to prove that I will return to Lebanon? Do I have to show sufficient ties to Lebanon?

I am only going to Lebanon to apply for the visa.

[jaycali 415]

If I apply through the US Embassy in Lebanon, do I have to prove that I will return to Lebanon? Do I have to show sufficient ties to Lebanon? I am only going to Lebanon to apply for the visa.

You likely will not be able to apply from Lebanon. Generally, embassies only allow citizens of that country, or residents of that country to apply. So to apply from Lebanon, you would have to legally reside in Lebanon.

As for proving where you'll return to - They're not so much concerned where you will return to, they're more concerned that you will in fact leave the US after your visit. No consular officer is allowed to issue a tourist visa to a person they don't believe is a genuine tourist. So if you interviewed in Damascus, but had a job starting in for example Beirut in 2 months, you could apply in Syria, and show that you have something to return to in Lebanon.

Since a consular officer by law is required to assume that all visa applicants are intending immigrants, it is the applicant who has the burden of proof to prove otherwise.

Edited November 26, 2012 by Jay Jay

[jaycali 415]

You likely will not be able to apply from Lebanon. Generally, embassies only allow citizens of that country, or residents of that country to apply. So to apply from Lebanon, you would have to legally reside in Lebanon.As for proving where you'll return to - They're not so much concerned where you will return to, they're more concerned that you will in fact leave the US after your visit. No consular officer is allowed to issue a tourist visa to a person they don't believe is a genuine tourist. So if you interviewed in Damascus, but had a job starting in for example Beirut in 2 months, you could apply in Syria, and show that you have something to return to in Lebanon.Since a consular officer by law is required to assume that all visa applicants are intending immigrants, it is the applicant who has the burden of proof to prove otherwise.

Disregard that part of my post. I realize that the embassy in Damascus is closed. I'm not sure what embassy is responsible for Syria nowadays, but if it is Beirut, then you will be able to apply in Lebanon.

And if you do interview in Lebanon, no, you won't have to show ties to Lebanon. You have to show that you will leave the US - Most commonly proven by showing ties to one's home country. In your case Syria.

Edited November 26, 2012 by Jay Jay

[jmt111 0]

In trying to prove that I am not going to immigrate to the US, but am really going as a tourist, can I print out and present a list of colleges in the US that I plan on visiting while there as a tourist in order to prove that the purpose of my trip is not immigration but rather to visit colleges that I want to study in? Will having such a document or general research on US colleges help me meet my burden of proof?

What other kinds of proof does the consular officer accept?

[jaycali 415]

In trying to prove that I am not going to immigrate to the US, but am really going as a tourist, can I print out and present a list of colleges in the US that I plan on visiting while there as a tourist in order to prove that the purpose of my trip is not immigration but rather to visit colleges that I want to study in? Will having such a document or general research on US colleges help me meet my burden of proof?What other kinds of proof does the consular officer accept?

It shows why you intend to visit, but that's not what you're trying to prove. I guess one could argue that if you plan on going to school in the US, overstaying a tourist visa would be a huge mistake. With the current turmoil in Syria however, I doubt it will be enough. Generally, the consuls will look for things like a stable job/income, property ownership, business ownership, strong family ties such as a wife or child at home etc.

Generally anything that would make a reasonable person want to go home after their visit.

Imagine yourself being a consular officer. Your job is to promote travel to the US, while at the same time preventing illegal immigration and visa abuse. You are by law required to assume that the applicant is an intending immigrant, until you are satisfied that the opposite is true. I think the question that sums it all up is this: "Will this person be better off or worse off by staying in the US illegally?"

[jmt111 0]

This is so difficult! I am just a high school student and have no job, house, car or property in Syria.

Is returning to my Mom and brothers after I visit America enough of "links" and a reason to return to Syria?

[jaycali 415]

This is so difficult! I am just a high school student and have no job, house, car or property in Syria. Is returning to my Mom and brothers after I visit America enough of "links" and a reason to return to Syria?

If you're a high school student, it's a tough one, sorry. It will be extremely difficult. However, if you don't apply, the chance of success is 0.

[Teddy B 17,252]

In trying to prove that I am not going to immigrate to the US, but am really going as a tourist, can I print out and present a list of colleges in the US that I plan on visiting while there as a tourist in order to prove that the purpose of my trip is not immigration but rather to visit colleges that I want to study in? Will having such a document or general research on US colleges help me meet my burden of proof?

What other kinds of proof does the consular officer accept?

Because of your age, it will be difficult for you to prove any real ties to Syria. You would be better off applying for a tourist visa with your Mother, travelling with her, and using her ties to Syria, (job, home, family, etc.), for proof of returning home. Explain to the consular officer that you and your Mother will be visiting potential colleges for you to attend. If you have, or can obtain some invitation letters to one or two colleges, that would help also. I believe it would present a much better case to obtain your tourist visa this way, than by yourself.