Tourist Visa for future in-laws

[Adjoa&Derek 0]

Hello Everyone,

My fiance and I are (hopefully) getting closer to the visa approval point, and would like to start making arrangements (as much as we possibly can). One thing we would love is for his parents to come to the US (from Ghana) for the wedding. His father has a full time job and sufficient ties, however, his mother is retired but owns property. Do you think we will run into any difficulties filing for tourist visas for them? Also, when should we start the process of filing for them (we don't have a wedding date set yet since we are still playing the waiting game with the embassy - however, we received notice that our case has left the NVC!!!)?

Thanks for your guidance!

[NigeriaorBust 4,087]

Tourist visas from some countries are rare. Have they traveled to other places ( that helps ) It is mostly a matter of showing their intent is to visit and they have plans and a need to return home after that visit.

[Boiler 46,121]

You can not file for them.

Really this should have been part of the call on which route to take.

[Ning 619]

Hello Everyone,

My fiance and I are (hopefully) getting closer to the visa approval point, and would like to start making arrangements (as much as we possibly can). One thing we would love is for his parents to come to the US (from Ghana) for the wedding. His father has a full time job and sufficient ties, however, his mother is retired but owns property. Do you think we will run into any difficulties filing for tourist visas for them? Also, when should we start the process of filing for them (we don't have a wedding date set yet since we are still playing the waiting game with the embassy - however, we received notice that our case has left the NVC!!!)?

Thanks for your guidance!

You will have nothing to do with the applications other than as an adviser.

Each will apply for a tourist visa keeping in mind all people holding any type of visa are considered intending immigrants.

The actual decision will hinge as always on the applicants ability to comply with the strongest ties rule. This means proving beyond doubt the person must return. This is why these visas are hard to get but their ages may help in this case.

[Adjoa&Derek 0]

I understand that I cannot file for them, I guess I should have clarified my statement in my original post. I (along with my fiance) will however, be assisting them through the process. I remember having to walk my fiance thru the DS-160 when he first applied for a tourist visa, we will do the same for his parents. Just wondering how soon we should advise them to start the process, or if we should put a hold until we have an interview date or visa in hand, etc.

Both of his parents have travelled to Europe when they were younger, but they haven't travelled outside of Ghana in many years, hopefully that will be a positive note for them.

Edited May 13, 2014 by Adjoa&Derek

[Boiler 46,121]

No time like the present.

[Ning 619]

I understand that I cannot file for them, I guess I should have clarified my statement in my original post. I (along with my fiance) will however, be assisting them through the process. I remember having to walk my fiance thru the DS-160 when he first applied for a tourist visa, we will do the same for his parents. Just wondering how soon we should advise them to start the process, or if we should put a hold until we have an interview date or visa in hand, etc.

Both of his parents have travelled to Europe when they were younger, but they haven't travelled outside of Ghana in many years, hopefully that will be a positive note for them.

Nothing wrong with helping them including suggesting one go at a time to see how it goes. These cases are often decided before the person ever interviews. Thus its important to prepare the case correctly by presenting the strongest ties evidence up front. Past travel is helpful. Age, owning land house, business, family, culture and language are suggestions. Not traveling outside of Ghana could be evidence of strong ties as well.

I agree that now would be good.

[jan22 3,064]

Nothing wrong with helping them including suggesting one go at a time to see how it goes. These cases are often decided before the person ever interviews. Thus its important to prepare the case correctly by presenting the strongest ties evidence up front. Past travel is helpful. Age, owning land house, business, family, culture and language are suggestions. Not traveling outside of Ghana could be evidence of strong ties as well.

I agree that now would be good.

Personally, I think going one at a time would cause more questions -- why only the father/mother wanted to attend the wedding, etc. Plus, the ties to Ghana are stronger as a couple (his job, her property). It would raise all sorts of questions for whichever one was the second in the couple to go for an interview -- why didn't you come last week/month/whatever when you spouse was here?

[Ning 619]

Personally, I think going one at a time would cause more questions -- why only the father/mother wanted to attend the wedding, etc. Plus, the ties to Ghana are stronger as a couple (his job, her property). It would raise all sorts of questions for whichever one was the second in the couple to go for an interview -- why didn't you come last week/month/whatever when you spouse was here?

These applications are for one person. Each is decided on its own merits. The questions you pose are easily answered should they come up. I would simply tell them I was concerned about the decision and wanted to save money.

As I said these cases are decided before the person steps up to the window. The officer would have no idea about your concept unless they were told.