B2 Visa Denied - Philippines

[SennaBrigante 92]

On my third interview they actually also announced that only the passport and the appointment confirmation will be asked by the CO, no other documents need to be presented.

[RhettVoe 282]

And that is the point....documents cannot prove intent...period.

[darkangel1215 4]

With my wife and I having endured the K-1 Visa process, all the way to a 10 Year Green Card, you might think that the Visa Process would not surprise me. However, yesterday my Mother-in-law and Sister-in-law went to the Embassy for their B2 interview. Both of them were interviewed at the same time with the consultant officer. Each of them had a number of documents to be shown as evidence. Yet, during the interview my sister-in-law was asked three basic questions; reason you are visiting the US, who will pay for your expenditures, and where is your husband. My mother-in-law was not asked one question, and not once did the consult inquire as to any document either of them had in hand, with the exception of viewing their passports. It is not a prejudice opinion in any fashion when I say, that these two persons are some of the best exemplary examples of upstanding law abiding citizens that I have witnessed in a long time.

First of all, I will never be convinced that someone could look at a form 160 and make an intelligent decision on a person’s “ties to their country.” And as it pertains to a B2 visa, it would seem that not much information is known about the evaluation making process. All I can say with all my experiences with the immigration process, I along with my wife, were totally stunned when we received the information that that my mother-in-law had been denied a chance to visit her new grandchild. I would greatly appreciate any insight that someone could share regarding this matter. I believe that it inconceivable that these family members received a proper evaluation for a B2 Visa at the Philippine US Embassy.

[darkangel1215 4]

With my wife and I having endured the K-1 Visa process, all the way to a 10 Year Green Card, you might think that the Visa Process would not surprise me. However, yesterday my Mother-in-law and Sister-in-law went to the Embassy for their B2 interview. Both of them were interviewed at the same time with the consultant officer. Each of them had a number of documents to be shown as evidence. Yet, during the interview my sister-in-law was asked three basic questions; reason you are visiting the US, who will pay for your expenditures, and where is your husband. My mother-in-law was not asked one question, and not once did the consult inquire as to any document either of them had in hand, with the exception of viewing their passports. It is not a prejudice opinion in any fashion when I say, that these two persons are some of the best exemplary examples of upstanding law abiding citizens that I have witnessed in a long time.

First of all, I will never be convinced that someone could look at a form 160 and make an intelligent decision on a person’s “ties to their country.” And as it pertains to a B2 visa, it would seem that not much information is known about the evaluation making process. All I can say with all my experiences with the immigration process, I along with my wife, were totally stunned when we received the information that that my mother-in-law had been denied a chance to visit her new grandchild. I would greatly appreciate any insight that someone could share regarding this matter. I believe that it inconceivable that these family members received a proper evaluation for a B2 Visa at the Philippine US Embassy.

Sorry to hear that.

I have a question. What are the documents they brought in their interview? Im planning to get my parents a B2 visa .

[Boiler 45,690]

What additional questions would you like the DS 160 to ask?

[RhettVoe 282]

How about...

1- do you plan to change your mind about returning to your country after clearing customs?

2- how long do you intend to overstay?

3- Is this 'friend' you intend to visit really your fiance?

4- (for senior citizens)..how many hours per day will you be providing child care?

Now, of course, no one would ever answer these questions truthfully, so what would be the point?

That's why there is an interview, so the CO can judge the applicant's true intentions.

[Mike-eeh and Odie 193]

Hey man, it cant be any worse than having the CO not look at any paper work or evidence and asking your beneficiary a few questions and be given a denial. That is exactly what happened to my fiance before we ever got engaged.

Long story short, I planned a wonderful Disney World vacation for the two of us and my family. I sent her hotel reservations, round trip air fare itinerary, and dinner & event reservations around Walt Disney World to match the trip itinerary. On her end she successfully showed strong ties to her country with financial bank statements, her job, a letter of returning to work, etc. At the day of the interview the CO did not even look at the paperwork or the pile of trip evidence I sent. The CO simply asked her 3 questions:

1. What is your Age?

2. Have you ever traveled to the USA?

3. Are you married?

Case in point, her denial letter stated she "applied for the wrong type of visa." Now I do not blame the CO. The CO has a job and that is to scrutinize intending immigrants. Deep down, I kind of knew she would be denied, but I always had hope of an approval.

But there is a happy ending to all of this. That denial brought us closer together and I eventually made a trip to visit her on a lovely Singapore vacation. It was there I asked her to marry me and afterwards, we began the k-1 visa process. Currently her K-1 is in "final processing," and will soon be on her doorstep.

Edited January 15, 2014 by Mike-eeh and Odie

[Boiler 45,690]

Seems like the CO was more prescient than you were.

[RhettVoe 282]

Bank accounts and letters from employers do NOT prove intent..the CO saw through the Disney trip...hotel reservations and airlines tickets cannot legally compel anyone to do anything..and likely the CO noted the 'friend' paying for everything was really more than a friend, as we now see...had she been given a b2 visa, I imagine that a mind change followed by a quick marriage would have been the result.

Now, I am not implying that she or you are some sort of bad person...just that VOs in the Pi have seen and heard all of the stories and promises, and have discoverd how worthless documents are when adjudicating a visa application of a young, single filipina.

[dvc 11]

My filipina wife's (presumably) successful B-2 (DS-160 submitted 8 Jan, embassy appointment 14 Jan, CEAC status to Issued 15 Jan, waiting on delivery now) seems very much different from this.

As normal no documentation asked and the interview was over and white sheet handed to her within 2 minutes and 3-4 cursory questions. The ridiculous thing is that if they DID ask for financials, etc., she would have pretty much nothing to prove overseas ties other than a husband resident overseas.