Tourist visa (from Ukraine) with financial sponsorship? or paid ticket?

[jaygauss 0]

There is a lot of confusing information out there about sponsoring a visitor to the United States. Legend seems to have it that you can sponsor a visitor in some way, but I have heard many people insist that *this is not possible!*

My simple question: I need to find a way to bring my fiancee's mother to the United States. She has many ties to her home country, so this will not be a problem. However, she does not have the money in the bank to afford this trip! I plan on buying her ticket and taking care of her in the United States.

What is the most practical option to get her to the United States? Bonus points for anyone with experience at the Ukrainian consulate on such matters.

[baron555 934]

Anyone can sponsor anyone from anywhere (meaning pay their way).

This has nothing to do with obtaining a visitor's visa.

OK, that being said....many folks seem to think they were able to "influence" the decision by including a letter from the USC stating the facts of the visit and acknowledging the need and promise to ensure they return prior to the visa due date.

Edited May 19, 2014 by baron555

[jaygauss 0]

Anyone can sponsor anyone from anywhere (meaning pay their way).

This has nothing to do with obtaining a visitor's visa.

OK, that being said....many folks seem to think they were able to "influence" the decision by including a letter from the USC stating the facts of the visit and acknowledging the need and promise to ensure they return prior to the visa due date.

I think you'll find many people on this board who disagree with you that a USC can sponsor anyone for a visitor visa.

And my question is not about "ties to country", but rather the financial ability to pay for the trip (and not be a financial burden on the United States).

[cdneh 3,112]

It all hinges on her ability to prove strong ties to her home country, of the sort I'm sure you've checked into. She has to apply herself and is successful or not on her own merit. As far as invitation letters, and offers of support, sometimes they seem to have worked against the candidate. They can, at times, hint at more reason to stay in the USA than to return home before an overstay occurs.

[Brian&Larissa 73]

Jay...What the previous 2 posters tell you is true. I concur with them. No letter stating anything from you, me, or anyone for that matter, has any bearing on the decision of the consular officer. They only look at the WHY she needs to return to her country. When someone writes a letter, no matter how truthful and honest the intentions are, once money is spoken of, and the consular officer knowing the living conditions in said country, it puts the applicant at an immediate disadvantage. Why? Because staying with a relative, who has the means, lessons the reasons for return. She needs to list in detail, show in detail...that she is not a risk to stay in the USA. It really sucks! I know you are being truthful...you know you are being truthful...the board knows...hell, even the consular officer probably knows, but the risks out weight everything. Therefore, no deal. Now, you will never know if she doesn't try. You could get the Wednesday car and everything will be super! Or, you get the Monday car and disappointment abounds. I know...been there/done that. Not with an in-law, but with my fiancee.

No one is leading you down an incorrect path. The answers are correct and honest. Now is the time to make the decision...she has to make the decision and prove, beyond a reasonable doubt, that she will be returning to her country as required by law.

Good luck!

[belinda63 3,041]

She will apply for a tourist visa. During the interview, if asked how she will pay for the trip this would be the time to explain about the son-in-law in the US. There is Zero, zilch, nada you can do to help her get a tourist visa.

[leith@Ievgeniia 8]

Ok, from personal experience... No letter or "ties to the country" will do anything. We tried. Only trip to the European country or too with a stamp in her passport. We got this idea from this site as well. As soon as my MIL got back after that trip she got multi entry visa for 5 years. And yes we paid for it and she found bus tour that she wanted to see

[vbtwo 54]

One of the requirements to get a tourist visa is to prove that you have enough funds to live while in the US without resorting to illegal work. This is where you can help by sponsoring her (fill out an affidavid of support or just a letter). There is no guaranteed way to get a visa however, and a letter from you will not help in any way if they deem her not eligible. Having traveled to other countries (especially Europe with Schengen visa in the passport) helps a lot from what I saw.

[SMR 368]

I think you'll find many people on this board who disagree with you that a USC can sponsor anyone for a visitor visa.

And my question is not about "ties to country", but rather the financial ability to pay for the trip (and not be a financial burden on the United States).

I think you misinterpret what he said. You cannot 'sponsor' a tourist visa in any official capacity. That doesn't mean you can't pay for the visa, the plane ticket, and/or trip accomodations (which is sponsoring in the literal sense). You can write a letter saying that you sponsor it, but that may or may not help.

Edited May 21, 2014 by SMR