Tourist visa with or without a child?

[easternsun 0]

Hi, I am going to be inviting my friend to visit the US, we have known each other for years and she has been talking about coming to see NYC, so I told her I would be willing to let her stay here. I don't think she would have a difficult time getting a visa, but she really doesn't "own" anything. She does have a car, but has a bank loan for that. She lives in an apartment, but it's a month to month deal with no real lease. She has a job, but they changed ownership, so despite working at the same job for years, she's only worked under the new ownership for 2 months. All that said she might have some difficulty, but I think she would get approved. The question is she also has a young daughter, and she'd like to travel with her because they've never been apart, but I am not sure if that would help or hurt her chances of the visa being approved. What are the thoughts of people here?

[dwheels76 5,468]

Hi, I am going to be inviting my friend to visit the US, we have known each other for years and she has been talking about coming to see NYC, so I told her I would be willing to let her stay here. I don't think she would have a difficult time getting a visa, but she really doesn't "own" anything. She does have a car, but has a bank loan for that. She lives in an apartment, but it's a month to month deal with no real lease. She has a job, but they changed ownership, so despite working at the same job for years, she's only worked under the new ownership for 2 months. All that said she might have some difficulty, but I think she would get approved. The question is she also has a young daughter, and she'd like to travel with her because they've never been apart, but I am not sure if that would help or hurt her chances of the visa being approved. What are the thoughts of people here?

Depends on the country?

[HFM181818 750]

where is the father of said child?

Her ties appear weak, from what you wrote...how old is the child?

[aaron2020 11,651]

Her ties to her home country are weak if she is coming from a third world country. She would not be able to overcome the presumption of immigration based on what you have posted.

[easternsun 0]

where is the father of said child?

Her ties appear weak, from what you wrote...how old is the child?

They are divorced, and both live in St Petersburg. She is 6. So it sounds like with the daughter it would be a definite no go? If she applies for both, is it possible that they would deny the child but still grant her visa? Or should she just apply for herself? What are the chances of her getting approved to come alone? And is there anything she can do to increase those odds?

[HFM181818 750]

child custody is one issue, STRONG ties to her country are the other...as well as having a 'friend' in the US...and trying to prevail during the interview by claiming that she 'has to' return because of her daughter won't work.....way too many people have tried that, and COs know that minor children can be petitioned once the 'mind change' happens in baggage claim.

[Boiler 45,951]

Agree, VJ is full of threads where children have been left behind.

If they both want to visit they both need visa's.

[easternsun 0]

Agree, VJ is full of threads where children have been left behind.

If they both want to visit they both need visa's.

Ok, but I guess what I'm asking is does it make it any more or less likely she will be granted a visa if she applies for her kid too? By the way, I am a female and my friend is a female, so there isn't any kind of relationship potential that would keep her here after the trip! Also, she is wanting to know what kind of paperwork does she need from the father of her child in order to take her out of the country? Thanks for the info!

[easternsun 0]

I just talked to my friend, and she is saying she really doesn't want to travel so far without her daughter. But she had an idea that made a lot of sense. Her mother said she would like to see NYC too. She is married, my friend's dad has a great job and has been to the US twice for work, they have a brand new house, cars, etc... What if all 3 of them applied for a visa to come see the US as a family? Would that increase the odds of all 3 getting approved?

[dwheels76 5,468]

I just talked to my friend, and she is saying she really doesn't want to travel so far without her daughter. But she had an idea that made a lot of sense. Her mother said she would like to see NYC too. She is married, my friend's dad has a great job and has been to the US twice for work, they have a brand new house, cars, etc... What if all 3 of them applied for a visa to come see the US as a family? Would that increase the odds of all 3 getting approved?

Decreases. Each person has to qualify on their own merit. what her mother has means nothing for her. And there's still dads permission.

[san diego 407]

Each adult applies on his/her own merits. It will not help. Given what you posted here, chances are very slim. There are no ties. Applying with child does not change her chances up or down. Neither does traveling with her mom. However, it does not hurt applying.

[easternsun 0]

Decreases. Each person has to qualify on their own merit. what her mother has means nothing for her. And there's still dads permission.

Ok thanks. So, is there any way in hell that she could do anything to get approval for both her and her daughter, or should I just tell her to forget her vacation plans??

[Georgia16 2,858]

I just talked to my friend, and she is saying she really doesn't want to travel so far without her daughter. But she had an idea that made a lot of sense. Her mother said she would like to see NYC too. She is married, my friend's dad has a great job and has been to the US twice for work, they have a brand new house, cars, etc... What if all 3 of them applied for a visa to come see the US as a family? Would that increase the odds of all 3 getting approved?

Her mom has ties but the daughter stil hasn't.

[az2014 381]

You seem to think there is some magic forumla to get approved, number of people applying, money etc.

There isn't.

They apply individually and its up to the CO to decide whether they think the applicant will return to their home country.

Let her apply and find out.

[easternsun 0]

You seem to think there is some magic forumla to get approved, number of people applying, money etc.

There isn't.

They apply individually and its up to the CO to decide whether they think the applicant will return to their home country.

Let her apply and find out.

Ok. But is the CO in Russia, or is that the person at the airport here that interviews them? I'm really not sure about the procedure. It's my understanding there are 2 interviews, right? One in her home country, and one here at the airport?