Should we even bother reapplying?

[bbiedny 1]

I am an American Citizen Married to a Colombian National, she just got her 10 year green card. In the past we have successfully sponsored for a B-1 (Tourist Visa) my Mother in Law and 2 of my nieces. My wife's Best friend (Maria) went to the embassy today and was denied. She is 36 years old, been at the same Job for 15 years and owns her Apartment where she lives in Bogota. She makes 1.6 million pesos a month. The Consul stated that since she lived alone and was divorced 4 years ago she was a risk to stay. Honestly I am blown away since my 20 year old niece who makes a third of Maria's Salary, lives at home with her Parents and has been at her job for 8 months got her visa 2 months ago. We were going to cover all of Maria's expenses for her 4 week stay in the US, she was going to stay with us for the whole time. I never bothered writing a letter or sending any Docs backing up my Financial abilities because to be honest I did all of that for my Mother in Law and both nieces and the Docs were never even looked at.

So the question is do I even bother sending all of those Docs and the invitation letter and have Maria re-apply? and can someone explain to me why 15 years at the same Job and Property ownership is not enough of a tie to the country? She wasn't even asked if she owned property.. I mean is it realistic to reapply right away and when asked why is she back so soon to show my Docs and mention that she Owns Property, and offer to show a letter of Invitation from my wife and I? Or am I throwing away money?

I appreciate any input.

[Penguin_ie 5,996]

I would wait a while. I mean, if the money is there you can re-apply right now but there has been no change in her circumstances. Maybe try again next year, get a different CO....

You are right that your docs don't matter. Sometimes it is just luck of the draw.

[SennaBrigante 92]

I waited three months after my denial before I applied again and I got approved. None of my circumstances changed significantly and I onestly bought zero documents with me on that second try. I got really lucky on the day of my interview, there weren't a lot of people at that time and the consul was easy-going and very friendly.

Sometimes it's really (and unfortunately) largely dependent on the CO's disposition, mood and attitude.

[AlexG187 1]

BBiedny

I've heard of this similar thing happening quite a bit. The big issues are exactly what the CO stated, the fact that she's single and lives alone, middle aged, it doesn't demonstrate enough reason to return despite having property and a "decent" job by Colombian standards. I would say wait a few months a resubmit with all your docs.

[bbiedny 1]

Just for everyone's information (In case it comes in handy) Our friend went back again 17 days later and re-interviewed, but this time gave more concise and less open ended answers, she was approved. It really is the luck of the draw.

[Delboy 6]

Just for everyone's information (In case it comes in handy) Our friend went back again 17 days later and re-interviewed, but this time gave more concise and less open ended answers, she was approved. It really is the luck of the draw.

Is this your wife's best friend ( Maria's) first attempt to visit the US? First time it is always difficult. If she had a travel history that she regularly traveled then this may help. I would visit few countries close by and re apply in few months with your invitation and a letter from her employer that she is taking some time off for a holiday and her job is of a permanent nature. But it all depend on a CO and her luck.

Edited October 23, 2013 by Delboy