Toursit Visa for Ukrainian girlfriend

[RhettVoe 282]

Sorry, but I am not required to do your bidding....I have never said 'don't apply' (re-apply, actually)...I have merely pointed out that a new job (in which her chair isn't even warm yet) and a letter (on which the ink is still drying) from a university, or a car, or an apartment, are not compelling reasons based on her first denial, for her to convince a CO she will return (in all likelihood). Millions of visa recipients have abandoned their cars, their scholarships, their apartment, pets, parents and favorite socks to marry an Amcit...happens constantly.

Few people fly a fourth of the way around the world to attend a friend of a friend's wedding....that makes little sense.

Trying to conceal the relationship will likely backfire.

The main thing is that none of the items mentioned guarantee visa issuance......if you are in doubt about that salient fact, just access any website of our embassies worldwide, and see if these items are listed as prerequisites for visa issuance...that is, should any applicant provide evidence of these same items, then, according to our laws, they would be handed a tourist visa instantly....not gonna happen.

Combined with the continuing turmoil in the Ukraine, as well as the applicant being smack dab in the middle of a demographic that has far from a stellar track record using tourist visas in the manner intended, and you have a recipe for another denial....but hey, it's only $160 to spin the wheel again.

[Jekt 0]

She was denied. The interview sounded like it went really well too. The CO was asking a lot of questions about her traveling to Greece and coming back many times. She told them how she went for vacation and for studies. They asked her about her job, and she replied she has one. They asked where, and for how long. She replied at the Greek Embassy for the past couple of years as a temp and this year they kept her full time. She had an official statement from the Greek Embassy with her as well confirming. They asked why is she going, she replied to visit me, my family, and go to my friends wedding. The CO asked "what kind of family is there", and she replied my mother, father, and brother. The CO returned, "so he has a lot of family there." The CO asked if we met in person, and she said yes, I have been to Ukraine a few times already.

Then she just suddenly said, "I'm sorry but I cannot give you a visa" and that was the end of it.

I'm sure I'm leaving out a bit, she told me a lot, but she gets really upset when she talks about it so I'm just leaving it alone. It looks like we're just going to do a K1.

Edited August 17, 2014 by Jekt

[RhettVoe 282]

_{Not surprising....again, mostly for the reason of her demographic....far too many young single Ukrainian women have skipped town using a tourist visa....and as a result, the bar is going to be a lot higher for these applicants...you may not think it fair, but it's hard to argue with the facts. Now, if the US had a much more strict policy regarding overstays (i.e., eliminate all waivers for doing so instead of providing an easy out by marrying an Amcit, or eliminate ALL COS from B2 visas, and instead force people to use the only visa designed for a COS - namely, the K1, then more people might be given the visa privilege....but since our borders are like sieves and our politicians have no courage whatsoever, then it is up to the COs in the world to be the first line of defense against those who abuse (or will abuse) the visa privilege....it is not the fault of the COs; it is the fault of two things - (a) a high level of 'forgetfulness' by those same young, single women from eastern Europe and (b) a total lack of meaningful enforcement of our current visa laws...}

_{sorry this happened, but as you saw, mere possession of a job (albeit short term) or an apartment, a dog, parents, etc, are no guarantees of visa issuance (nor are letters of 'guarantee' or letters describing the applicant's 'good character', etc.....) what matters is what the CO believes, nothing else.}

[Jekt 0]

It really sucks that I'm going to have to go for a K1 visa just to get her here. I mean I love the girl. It's been almost a year.

It's just something I wish I didn't have to rush into. At this point though, cutting her loose isn't an option for me. She's a wonderful person.

[RhettVoe 282]

No doubt what you say is true....but....please re-read my most recent post.....the 'fault' lies across many areas....visa abuse, lack of border controls, easy outs for those who are irresponsible.....sad, but true. If our (bought and paid for, many times over) politicians had even an ounce of courage (which, sadly, the lack of same seems to be a pre-requisite to run for an office!), they would legislate 'responsibility'...yes, force people to obey our laws.....I suppose we might have to treat some adults as children, but that seems to be the status quo....instead, make them obey or face considerable obstacles to reach their goals....play by the rules, you win; try to avoid playing by the rules, you lose....seems simple to me.

Again, sorry this happened, but the world is an unfair place at times....maybe there should be a new classification of 'non immigrant visa'/....like a 'B3'....allows the foreign BF/GF/fiancé, to visit for 60 days....then, they MUST return or face, say, a 5 year ban.....now some folks might holler...'gee, that's so draconian...'...but, if grown ups act like grown ups, what's the problem? Lay out the rules, enforce the rules....let people decide if they wish to play by the rules...if they do, they get some additional privileges; if they don't, they do not enjoy any privileges and instead will incur some penalties or downside for their less than ideal choices....I agree we should make clear rules, but in this case it seems simple....60 day admission, NO extensions, NO COS, no nothing....if the foreign BF/GF does not depart the US when they were supposed to, a five year ban (assuming the airlines are not closed down for some reason, or that the foreign BF/GF is in a coma)...no other excuses...including pregnancy....if the foreign BF/GF stats beyond 60 days just to have a kid, after the kid is born, and is OK, wave good bye to the foreign BF/GF for 5 years....no loop holes....none....zero...nada.....but of course, our on-the-take congress lacks the intestinal fortitude to pass such legislation....they are far too focused on re-election....

[Boiler 45,486]

It really sucks that I'm going to have to go for a K1 visa just to get her here. I mean I love the girl. It's been almost a year.

It's just something I wish I didn't have to rush into. At this point though, cutting her loose isn't an option for me. She's a wonderful person.

Sounds like you were always looking at a different direction and a couple of week visit would be nice but not a solution.

[MacUK 983]

No doubt what you say is true....but....please re-read my most recent post.....the 'fault' lies across many areas....visa abuse, lack of border controls, easy outs for those who are irresponsible.....sad, but true. If our (bought and paid for, many times over) politicians had even an ounce of courage (which, sadly, the lack of same seems to be a pre-requisite to run for an office!), they would legislate 'responsibility'...yes, force people to obey our laws.....I suppose we might have to treat some adults as children, but that seems to be the status quo....instead, make them obey or face considerable obstacles to reach their goals....play by the rules, you win; try to avoid playing by the rules, you lose....seems simple to me.

Again, sorry this happened, but the world is an unfair place at times....maybe there should be a new classification of 'non immigrant visa'/....like a 'B3'....allows the foreign BF/GF/fiancé, to visit for 60 days....then, they MUST return or face, say, a 5 year ban.....now some folks might holler...'gee, that's so draconian...'...but, if grown ups act like grown ups, what's the problem? Lay out the rules, enforce the rules....let people decide if they wish to play by the rules...if they do, they get some additional privileges; if they don't, they do not enjoy any privileges and instead will incur some penalties or downside for their less than ideal choices....I agree we should make clear rules, but in this case it seems simple....60 day admission, NO extensions, NO COS, no nothing....if the foreign BF/GF does not depart the US when they were supposed to, a five year ban (assuming the airlines are not closed down for some reason, or that the foreign BF/GF is in a coma)...no other excuses...including pregnancy....if the foreign BF/GF stats beyond 60 days just to have a kid, after the kid is born, and is OK, wave good bye to the foreign BF/GF for 5 years....no loop holes....none....zero...nada.....but of course, our on-the-take congress lacks the intestinal fortitude to pass such legislation....they are far too focused on re-election....

I know it's probably a topic for a whole new thread but I for one would be happy to be able to use such a visa.

Clearly defined permitted time in the US, no excuses, no change of minds, with severe penalties for abusing. Hell even prison time for serious offenders if it could possibly mean that more people could be granted tourist possibilities.

I used to be under the silly impression that that what the VWP was. 90 days, no status changes, no extensions.

VJ has cured me of such naivity.

[RhettVoe 282]

I agree....give more people the chance at a privilege, but with dire consequences for those who cannot or will not abide by the terms of said privilege.

[Boiler 45,486]

What if they are doing jobs Americans will not do?

[RhettVoe 282]

then they are violating yet another law...(assuming they are not in possession of an H1B or H2B visa)

[Camelot13 63]

Is there a way you two can meet in a country other than the US for more time together? I think I remember you saying you couldn't take much time off work maybe, but getting married and bringing someone to the US is a pretty big decision. Right now you sounds somewhat conflicted about it. Not only does it put a lot of pressure on you, but it means she has to uproot her life as well. With only a few weeks of in-person togetherness it's well worth taking the time to be 100% sure.

Edited August 22, 2014 by Camelot13

[Jekt 0]

Is there a way you two can meet in a country other than the US for more time together? I think I remember you saying you couldn't take much time off work maybe, but getting married and bringing someone to the US is a pretty big decision. Right now you sounds somewhat conflicted about it. Not only does it put a lot of pressure on you, but it means she has to uproot her life as well. With only a few weeks of in-person togetherness it's well worth taking the time to be 100% sure.

We've spent about 7 weeks in person together, as long as Skype every day for 1 to 3 hours for almost a year. The trips back and fourth to Ukraine are getting expensive and finding time is getting more difficult. I just want her near me already.

Edited August 27, 2014 by Jekt

[Camelot13 63]

I totally understand and I don't mean to be judgmental. I was just trying to think of other options than to keep trying for visitor visas on her end or filing for k1, as some of your comments sounded like you weren't very enthusiastic or ready for the K1. If that is what you want to do though, you should do it.Best of luck and hopefully all will go smoothly and quickly.

[Hairball 11]

I have some questions on this topic.....We are thinking on a b2 visa just for a visit.

1. We are getting ready file k1.....I am going to Ukraine for a extended visit and to have gf sign documents for k1. She wants to travel back with me to the USA for a 2-3 week visit.

2.. If she is denied a b2 visa, is that bad news for the k1

3. My gf is 50 years old and has been a high level banker for 17 years at the central bank, She owns her flat, has assets, a child and some family. She has traveled extensively and has two passports filled with stamps....She is scared that being denied for the tourist visa that it would not look good because we will be filing the k1 as soon as I return home....

In your opinion should she try for the tourist visa?

[Boiler 45,486]

Being denied the B2 has no impact on a K1 and her situation looks better than many who post here.