American Expat and Indonesian Wife applying for Visitor's Visa B-2

[merah 0]

Dear VisaJournery Members:

I could use some sage advice.

I am an American Expat who has been married to an Indonesian woman for eleven

years and I have lived in Indonesia for that entire time. I am currently in

the process of getting a KITAP (permanent residential visa) and am employed

as well. My wife and I plan to visit the U.S. short-term (2-3 weeks) in

order to see my daughter, son-in-law, and their newborn baby in December of January. My concern

is how to best apply for my wife's U.S. VISITOR'S VISA B2. It will be a one

shot deal, and I want to maximize the probability of success.

According to some anecdotes, as her American spouse, I should not be a focus

of the application. That is, my wife should apply for the visa on her own

strengths. She owns a house here in Indonesia, and that is a positive, but I

provide all our income and will be financing the trip to the U.S. She has a

bank account with sufficient funds for a three week stay, but she has no

income.

QUESTION: How should my wife best approach the visa interview? Aside from

her own private documentation, should she also carry:

1. Invitation and sponsorship pledge from my daughter and son-in-law?

2. My passport, bank statements, and job information?

3. A translator? Could that translator be me, or someone else?

Any advice and additions so appropriate is so much appreciated.

Sincerely,

New Memeber

[Boiler 45,948]

She works, but has no income?

What is your current status in Indonesia?

[merah 0]

Boiler: My current residential status: KITAS (one-year stay visa)

Work status: employed by an Indonesian company for whom I have worked for five years.

Re. my wife: She does not work and does not have an income. I supply all income.

[aaron2020 11,651]

Dear VisaJournery Members:

I could use some sage advice.

I am an American Expat who has been married to an Indonesian woman for eleven

years and I have lived in Indonesia for that entire time. I am currently in

the process of getting a KITAP (permanent residential visa) and am employed

as well. My wife and I plan to visit the U.S. short-term (2-3 weeks) in

order to see my daughter, son-in-law, and their newborn baby in December of January. My concern

is how to best apply for my wife's U.S. VISITOR'S VISA B2. It will be a one

shot deal, and I want to maximize the probability of success.

According to some anecdotes, as her American spouse, I should not be a focus

of the application. That is, my wife should apply for the visa on her own

strengths. She owns a house here in Indonesia, and that is a positive, but I

provide all our income and will be financing the trip to the U.S. She has a

bank account with sufficient funds for a three week stay, but she has no

income.

QUESTION: How should my wife best approach the visa interview? Aside from

her own private documentation, should she also carry:

1. Invitation and sponsorship pledge from my daughter and son-in-law? The US Embassy will not consider an invitation or sponsorship pledge in granting a visitor visa.

2. My passport, bank statements, and job information? See below.

3. A translator? Could that translator be me, or someone else? Only the visitor visa applicant can enter the US Embassy. Neither you or someone else can enter with her for a visitor visa. THe US Embassy will have someone who speaks the local language.

Any advice and additions so appropriate is so much appreciated.

Sincerely,

New Memeber

The visitor visa is about her ties to home. She has to overcome the legal presumption that all visitor intends to immigrate. To overcome the presumption, she needs to show strong ties to her home country that would indicate she would return home after visiting the US if granted a visa.

An invitation letter and offer of support in US are not reasons for her to return home. Having someone who is willing to support her in the US is a reason she may remain in the US as an illegal immigrant.

She needs to show that she has a life in Indonesia. You applying for permanent residency and employment in Indonesia are reasons for her to return home. Your passport, KITAP, and proof of employment in Indonesia would be the best evidence of her and you having strong ties to a life in Indonesia.

[Boiler 45,948]

http://indonesiaexpat.biz/featured/kitas-rules-tighten-as-indonesia-reduces-the-stay-period-for-certain-expats/

Agree the approved KITAP looks the best bet.