Tourist Visa: Mother-in-law from Philippines trying to visit us (USA)

[valkener 0]

Hello,

I am wondering what the process is of having our mother-in-law apply for a Tourist VISA. Where does she have to go and submit her application, and specifically what forms?

 

I sent her the invitation letter from our side, but she said we have to send it to the embassy, which I doubt. She has 3 other children and a husband in PH so she doesn't have any reason to not return, she just wants to come visit us and meet my family. Any advice would be really appreciated, including who should pay for the flight etc. We are happy to pay but I read it can sometimes hurt the application. We're just a bit overwhelmed were to start. She does have a valid PH passport. My wife is here with a legal work authorization (came on J1) and we are currently going through AOS. 

 

I understand there's a risk of getting denied but we would like to try, we just want to know the process of applying.

Edited May 2, 2018 by valkener

[TNJ17 1,329]

The general rule for a tourist visa everywhere not just in any particular country is that the applicant must on their own prove that they have the means to pay for everything for their trip and strong ties to return to their country. Any affiliation through you or you wife for her trip will only hurt her chances of getting the visa. She should send bank statements proving account activity and that she has enough money on her own. House deeds or any other property titles are good proof too. Passport stamps from visits to other countries showing no overstaying and things like that are also good. Having a family member in the US is gonna be hard to show no immigration intent but if she has enough evidence of no intent of overstaying she should be good. I also should mention that it’s not good enough to just say “ I have no immigration intent”. You have to actually show proof on paper that you have none. A lot of people come to this forum asking about tourist visa information for their family members and get surprised when a simple “no, I don’t wanna move to the US” won’t suffice. Tourist visas are very hard to get from developing countries (specially when they have a family member living here) so the more evidence they have of strong ties and financial means, the better their chances are. They should also answer all questions truthfully for the application, like “do you have a family member living in the states?”. Must answer truthfully. USCIS knows everything. 

[Cyberfx1024 7,980]

1 hour ago, valkener said:

Hello,

I am wondering what the process is of having our mother-in-law apply for a Tourist VISA. Where does she have to go and submit her application, and specifically what forms?

 

I sent her the invitation letter from our side, but she said we have to send it to the embassy, which I doubt. She has 3 other children and a husband in PH so she doesn't have any reason to not return, she just wants to come visit us and meet my family. Any advice would be really appreciated, including who should pay for the flight etc. We are happy to pay but I read it can sometimes hurt the application. We're just a bit overwhelmed were to start. She does have a valid PH passport. My wife is here with a legal work authorization (came on J1) and we are currently going through AOS. 

 

I understand there's a risk of getting denied but we would like to try, we just want to know the process of applying.

She has to go online and submit the application for the b2 tourist visa. You both can do it for her. Make sure she has proof at the interview about finances, properties of any. All of this will help in their determination. 

[apple21 953]

My parents applied too and got approved. See my post: http://www.visajourney.com/forums/topic/669290-parents-applying-for-a-b2tourist-visa-approved/

 

Good luck!