What are the odds?

[jdsfcs 0]

Hi All,

I have a hopefully quick question... I have a Ukrainian girlfriend and we're thinking to have her come visit me here in Dallas this summer. We're serious, but not marriage serious (yet), and so were thinking about a tourist visa so she can come and spend a month visiting...

She's 26, studies full-time in Germany, has a steady part-time job (the maximum allowed for a student), has about $5000 USD in her bank account, and no criminal history. Other than that, she owns no property and has no family ties binding her to either Germany or Ukraine.

In your opinions, would applying for a tourist visa be a useless endeavor? I'd really hate for her to waste the time and money doing this if the odds are minimal (to say nothing of getting her hopes up)...

Thanks!

J

Edited October 21, 2015 by jdsfcs

[Amhara 460]

A visitor visa is about $160, so it's up to you too to decide if it's worth a shot. She should mention that she is interested in visiting you to see if you two should start a serious relationship. Everyone says they are visiting 'a friend', but that's not really good enough. It sounds like there is going to be reason for doubt on the CO's part, but there always is. Does she have a full ride scholarship in Germany? If so, it may be worth mentioning that. However, she could also leave that to stay in the states with you.

Might as well try. As long as you are honest, all they can do is say 'no'. It may be easier for you to plan a trip to visit her in Germany, so think about that option too.

[DeKi 10]

I would say the odds are more than minimal, but less than 65 percent. OK, I made up the upper number, but the point is you can't really predict the outcome.

Ultimately, the cost of a tourist visa is fairly low and it's better to know you have tried if you are interested in seeing each other in the US. Also, if she manages to visit you now, that might be an added plus in both of your favor if joining your lives down the line is a possibility (for when you apply for fiancee or marriage-based visa).

Bringing all records of her current legal student status in Germany and a letter of continuing enrollment in her university (as well as the evidence of any financial support, as suggested by Amhara) will be critical. The other piece would be one you can provide: a well-crafted invitation letter in which you describe your citizenship and employment status, as well as the purpose and length of the visit. You should also state that you take responsibility for her stay and observing the terms of the visa if she is granted one. There is good advice on and templates of such letters around the web, but here are examples I have used: http://www.alllaw.com/articles/nolo/us-immigration/how-when-write-visa-letter-of-invitation.html or http://www.***removed***/visitor-visa/sponsor-documents.html.

Best of luck!

PS OK, the VJ system removes the domain name of the second link (I guess they consider that site a competitor?). You can search for the extension visitor-visa/sponsor-documents or just more generally for letters of invitation for US tourist visa.

Edited October 21, 2015 by DeKi

[Vicha 7]

Tourist visa, most likely, will be denied... B1/B2 applicants must show that they qualify under provisions of the Immigration and Nationality Act. The presumption in the law is that every visitor visa applicant is an intending immigrant. Therefore, applicants must overcome this presumption by demonstrating that..

According to what you've said, she doesn't have any strong ties with Ukraine - bank account is not countable Besides, she will have to fill out DS-160. There are questions there, about having somebody in US., what kind of relationship, where she is going to stay and so on... Answering HONESTLY all those questions, mentioning you as her boyfriend, she will look like an intending immigrant......

Anyway, it doesn't hurt to try... The visa fee is $160.00, and if she gets denied, it's going to be the only expense. Also, the B1/B2 denial will not be a cause of K1 or spouse visa denial, if later, you, guys, decide to go through that route..

[jdsfcs 0]

It sounds like the consensus is that it's a crapshoot to apply. Maybe she gets it. Maybe she doesn't. In addition to filing the documents, will she need to travel to Berlin (or another major city) to have an interview? Or will they evaluate her petition based on document filings alone? Can she even apply in Germany, or will she have to do so from Kiev?

And about my traveling to Germany, I plan to do for her winter break. We're just thinking of how best to spend her summer break.

Edited October 21, 2015 by jdsfcs

[Amhara 460]

Yes, she needs to travel to the consulate that is open for NIV (non-immigrant) visa interviews. As long as she has a legal status within that country, such as a student visa, she can interview in Germany.

[vbtwo 54]

Her being a student in Germany is a major plus for her chances (as she can easily just overstay in Germany if all she wants is to get out of Ukraine). Her not having any other ties to Ukraine is a major minus for her chances. But yes, the $160 and travel for 1 day to the consulate are all the expenses, and her being denied a tourist visa does not influence anything else if you later do decide to apply for a K1.

[Gitana 11]

if she is full time student in Germany it means she is legall living there. Can't she apply for tourist visa from Germany? I was working in Kenya and got my tourist visa from there