Do I have a chance of getting a B2-visa? (female from Finland)

[Teddy B 17,252]

Thank you for helping out! I know, it will be difficult, but thank God for this day and age, where you can communicate in so many ways daily!

Well, my dogs are like children to me and they stay here -aren't they a good tie? - JK Hahaha

I guess it's lucky to be Finnish then, because I've now read from that Finnish forum, where other Finns in my situation have traveled to the US a lot with their VWP (to see a bf).. And they say it was enough that they had a return ticket, letter from their employer/school and other small documents like paychecks, bank account info, etc. indicating they really will return (weather or not the immigrant officer believes that, is another thing >.<) Actually, some of them were even broke and didn't have their own home and still got through. Of course, never say never though

The technology we have today is great, it's also the reason most of these relationships take place in the first place. Without the internet most of the folks here probably would never have met each other. Skype was a big help to my wife and I when we were apart.

You are very fortunate to have the VWP, don't take it lightly. A lot of folks here really have to jump through hoops to see there loved ones because their country is not in the VWP and they may be from a high fraud risk country as well. My wife and I were very fortunate she was from Canada, it made traveling and seeing each other much easier than most.

[jaycali 415]

Been reading experiences from my Finnish sisters (in another forum) in this same kind of situation as I am! And I was right - a letter from your employer (that you will return to your job) always helps with the immigration officer!! Yay

And actually, I think I won't apply for any B2-visa right now.. With the VWP I can still travel to the US quite well. Unless I overdue it of course >.<

The truth of the matter is that while using the VWP is usually a "piece of cake", applying for a B-2 can be a risky maneuver. Very few CBP officers will give you any trouble at all if you try to enter on the VWP. For a B-2, you have to get through both the embassy in Helsinki, and the CBP, who are both going to wonder why you didn't just use the VWP in the first place. When applying for a B-2, it's evident that you intend to visit for 3 - 6 months - much longer than a normal vacation. That's when all this "proving ties" and "showing income" business becomes relevant. European countries have the same 90 day rule in place for Americans. While most applications for B-2 visas are approved, you do run the risk of being refused, and along with it goes your privilege to use the VWP. Edited October 23, 2013 by jaycali

[Boiler 45,979]

European countries have the same 90 day rule in place for Americans.

While most applications for B-2 visas are approved, you do run the risk of being refused, and along with it goes your privilege to use the VWP.

Interesting, the UK gives Americans 6 months.

In the UK the chances of someone in these circumstances getting a B are small. Finland may be different. It does seem that when you update ESTA with a refused B you usually have a 6 month period when ESTA is refused.

As with everything regarding visa's, YMMV.

[himeloli 1]

The truth of the matter is that while using the VWP is usually a "piece of cake", applying for a B-2 can be a risky maneuver. Very few CBP officers will give you any trouble at all if you try to enter on the VWP. For a B-2, you have to get through both the embassy in Helsinki, and the CBP, who are both going to wonder why you didn't just use the VWP in the first place. When applying for a B-2, it's evident that you intend to visit for 3 - 6 months - much longer than a normal vacation. That's when all this "proving ties" and "showing income" business becomes relevant. European countries have the same 90 day rule in place for Americans. While most applications for B-2 visas are approved, you do run the risk of being refused, and along with it goes your privilege to use the VWP.

Thank you so much Very informative!

The technology we have today is great, it's also the reason most of these relationships take place in the first place. Without the internet most of the folks here probably would never have met each other. Skype was a big help to my wife and I when we were apart.

You are very fortunate to have the VWP, don't take it lightly. A lot of folks here really have to jump through hoops to see there loved ones because their country is not in the VWP and they may be from a high fraud risk country as well. My wife and I were very fortunate she was from Canada, it made traveling and seeing each other much easier than most.

You are very correct there, sir

[jaycali 415]

Interesting, the UK gives Americans 6 months.

In the UK the chances of someone in these circumstances getting a B are small. Finland may be different. It does seem that when you update ESTA with a refused B you usually have a 6 month period when ESTA is refused.

As with everything regarding visa's, YMMV.

The UK is a bit different. Not sure about their visa policies. The Schengen area has a very ironclad 90 day policy. I once tried extending my USC wife's stay in Norway past 90 days and there was simply no such thing. She left on the 90th day, and could not come back for another 90 days (180 days max per year).

I've known a couple of people applying for B-2s in Scandinavia, but those stories are irrelevant to this thread because they involved CIMT.