US Tourist Visa for Ukrainian friend/girlfriend.

[Boiler 45,525]

Buy a refundable ticket?

[Jekt 0]

If everyone generally agrees that having a return plane ticket doesn't prove squat, then I'd probably hold off on it.

Edited March 24, 2014 by Jekt

[Boiler 45,525]

She is from a practical point leaving it very late to get a ticket at a decent price.

The Consulates say not to buy a ticket until you have a visa anyway.

[Merrytooth 5,748]

This is from another US Consulate website but still relevant

http://romania.usembassy.gov/visas/visa_faq.html#Question13

1. Should I purchase my airline tickets in advance to prove that I really want a visa and to validate my destination?

   No. Do not purchase airline tickets before obtaining a visa. Possession of pre-paid airline tickets to the U.S. will not be a factor in the consular officer’s decision. The only exception to this is if you are applying for a transit visa and are traveling through the U.S. on your way to another destination.

[Avery Cates 1,141]

I figured purchasing a return flight would just be another supporting factor that she intends on returning. I'm just thinking with the mindset that any bit may help.

I don't have any experience with this, that's why I'm here.

When thinking of things that may help, you need to think from the point of view of the interviewing officer who is deciding whether or not to give her a visa.

[Jekt 0]

Here is a list of all the documents that she plans on submitting as evidence that she will return.

• Official Documents from her University (dates, and gruaduation date)
• Bank Accounts (2 Personal, 1 Scholarship Account)
• Official copies of Registration of her place of residence in Ukraine
• Documents that her family has property in Ukraine (Not sure if that will help)
• Proof of Visa's to other countries, dates traveled, and dates returned to Ukraine.

Is there anything else that will help that we might be leaving out?

[RhettVoe 282]

A round trip airline ticket proves one (and only one) thing: somebody bought a RT ticket. That's all. An airline ticket cannot control the actions of a human being. A RT ticket is NOT proof that someone would leave the US (hint: if it were such proof, then its mystical qualities would be listed as a requirement on our embassies' websites for those applying for a tourist visa....however, you will note that no specific documents are listed as a requirement except the DS 160).

Countless thousands, if not millions, have bought a RT ticket and promptly threw it away after clearing baggage claim. Given the current state of affairs in the Ukraine, her chances of getting a B2 visa are roughly the same as the sun burning out tomorrow.

[Boiler 45,525]

First and last seem relevant.

[RhettVoe 282]

People from countries in which there are numerous problems have gladly abandoned studies, family and bank accounts to live in the US. The applicant has to convince a VO otherwise....no document can do that.

[Harpa Timsah 13,258]

The documents will matter less than her story and overall situation.

I have a question, you say she needs to go back to graduate. What does that mean? It is attending graduation? If she doesn't attend she won't graduate? Or is it something else?

[Jekt 0]

People from countries in which there are numerous problems have gladly abandoned studies, family and bank accounts to live in the US. The applicant has to convince a VO otherwise....no document can do that.

So it's all based solely on her performance in her interview?

[Jekt 0]

The documents will matter less than her story and overall situation.

I have a question, you say she needs to go back to graduate. What does that mean? It is attending graduation? If she doesn't attend she won't graduate? Or is it something else?

She needs to be back for final exams or else she won't pass and therefore won't graduate.

[Harpa Timsah 13,258]

She needs to be back for final exams or else she won't pass and therefore won't graduate.

All right, so that is a good tie.

But visas are good for years, what would happen after she graduates?

[Jekt 0]

Well, depending on how things go; she is fancying the thought of doing a master's here possibly.

[Ketsuban 1,034]

Can you visit her in Ukraine? It might be an easier feat.