B2 chances?

[PapaSmurf 0]

Good evening everyone

I stumbled upon this forum while searching possibilities of obtaining tourist visas for me and my family.

Me and my wife and 2 teenage children want to visit Florida for a holiday and also to see my wife's parents who live there. Our children have not seen their grandparents for 2 years.

We cannot use the VWP as we previously had E2 visas which were denied on renewal. We did try VWP but was rejected, no doubt because we declared being denied a visa in the past.

I have not worked since leaving Florida but my wife has a very well paid secure professional job.

We do not own a home but we have a rental/lease agreement.

We have 2 cars.

The children are in full time education.

Questions :

1) Are we obliged to declare we have family in Florida if we are not specifically asked?

2) Would being denied a visa in the past be a major problem?

3) Would it harm our chances that I am unemployed?

This is a genuine application for tourism and family visit only. We have no desire to live in the USA again. Our previous experience has put us off ever living and working there ever again, but it's still a great place to visit.

Any advice on how to convince an interviewing officer at the embassy to allow us to visit would be appreciated.

Thanks in anticipation

[Jawaree 718]

You can try if U are willing to lose all those fees, U should add some community ties in your own country to app.

with no job they may approve the wife and kids but not U, I think stronger ties should be looked into.

[canadian_wife 1,829]

1) since I have never had to apply for a tourist visa, I am not sure if there is a question regarding family in the US. I'd assume there is, so yes, if asked you must answer honestly

2) Its a problem because you have to apply for a tourist visa. I guess it depends on the reason why it was denied.

3) It doesn't help. Strong employment works on your side. Unemployment doesn't.

good luck

[Penguin_ie 5,996]

Which country are you from>

1. No, but if there is a question such as "Do you have ties in the USA" then yes. Never lie to immigration, especially with a past visa denial. In your case, I would probably recommend mentioning it even without being asked, as the kids may say something or it may come up when they look at your past visa paperwork.

2. Depends on why it was denied. It it was just because the business did badly, then no, especially if it was a few years ago.

3. A little bit, but since your wife has a good job, and presumably the kids are enrolled in a school in your home country and you have proof of that, it shouldn't be a major issue.

[milimelo 4,562]

In DS-160 there are questions about family in the US including their status so don't even think about not disclosing that info.