B2 Visa for Family of US Citizen: Philippines experience

[SalishSea 17,939]

On 8/22/2018 at 12:22 PM, ivyanddan said:

 

Thanks! So odd that a few people I’ve talked to have this misconception. 

 

 

The misconception persists despite the very clear wording denying this on the USCIS website.  

[Unlockable 7,315]

5 hours ago, Jorgedig said:

The misconception persists despite the very clear wording denying this on the USCIS website.  

In many cultures, word of mouth has more power than print.

[Chris Duffy 1,257]

On ‎8‎/‎22‎/‎2018 at 11:59 AM, ivyanddan said:

 

Thanks!! I was considering writing an invitation letter that also states our financial status. However, I'm not sure if this needs to be notarized or if it can just be a regular letter. What do you think?

 

Just write the letter, I wouldn't worry about getting it notarized.

[Chris Duffy 1,257]

5 hours ago, Jorgedig said:

The misconception persists despite the very clear wording denying this on the USCIS website.  

It also states you need a I-134 for K1 visa in Philippines which is incorrect, they have not been required for years.

[geowrian 22,337]

On 8/26/2018 at 7:28 AM, Chris Duffy said:

It also states you need a I-134 for K1 visa in Philippines which is incorrect, they have not been required for years.

Well it says it may be required. COs can still ask for it, or once again regularly ask for it in the future.

[lierre 224]

On 8/25/2018 at 11:44 PM, Jorgedig said:

The misconception persists despite the very clear wording denying this on the USCIS website.  

 

On 8/26/2018 at 5:03 AM, NuestraUnion said:

In many cultures, word of mouth has more power than print.

 

Hmmm I understand. But I just saw this on the official US Embassy in Manila information site, see screenshot. http://www.ustraveldocs.com/ph/ph-niv-typeb1b2.asp

 

Any “other explanation about your planned trip” can also include a letter stating an invitation from the US relative. 

 

I guess my biggest takeaway here is that the more transparent you are during the visa application, the better the result can be for you. IOs would prefer applicants who lay it all on the table rather than present an application that portrays a different picture.

Edited August 29, 2018 by ivyanddan

[geowrian 22,337]

11 minutes ago, ivyanddan said:

Hmmm I understand. But I just saw this on the official US Embassy in Manila information site, see screenshot. http://www.ustraveldocs.com/ph/ph-niv-typeb1b2.asp

 

Any “other explanation about your planned trip” can also include a letter stating an invitation from the US relative. 

True, but an official source explicitly saying it won't be considered trumps a generic statement about documents showing any other explanation for the trip.

 

11 minutes ago, ivyanddan said:

I guess my biggest takeaway here is that the more transparent you are during the visa application, the better the result can be for you. IOs would prefer applicants who lay it all on the table rather than present an application that portrays a different picture.

Very true. No need to be to specific, but credibility of the applicant is crucial.

[lierre 224]

4 minutes ago, geowrian said:

True, but an official source explicitly saying it won't be considered trumps a generic statement about documents showing any other explanation for the trip.

 

Very true. No need to be to specific, but credibility of the applicant is crucial.

 

I went back to the state.gov website and realized I missed this bit, see screenshot.

 

An affidavit of support alone has no bearing, but proof that another person can cover all or some costs is considered supporting documentation. This does directly show that us (the US citizens) can provide records of our finances (potentially my bank statements, investments, and tax returns) to show we can support my dad & sister’s trip.

 

Interesting!

[geowrian 22,337]

6 minutes ago, ivyanddan said:

I went back to the state.gov website and realized I missed this bit, see screenshot.

 

An affidavit of support alone has no bearing, but proof that another person can cover all or some costs is considered supporting documentation. This does directly show that us (the US citizens) can provide records of our finances (potentially my bank statements, investments, and tax returns) to show we can support my dad & sister’s trip.

 

Interesting!

Generally, somebody's word (plus it is asked on the DS-160) is sufficient to show that they have somebody else paying for their trip. The exception would be a B-2 for medical treatment purposes, in which plans to ensure they won't use public funds during their stay is important.

The bank statements can be added but I doubt they would do a whole lot as it's not enforceable (just like the I-134). Again, it won't hurt to have it, but it won't help either in the vast majority of cases.

The applicant being able to self fund their trip is optimal, but not always possible.

Edited August 29, 2018 by geowrian

[lierre 224]

9 minutes ago, geowrian said:

Generally, somebody's word (plus it is asked on the DS-160) is sufficient to show that they have somebody else paying for their trip. The exception would be a B-2 for medical treatment purposes, in which plans to ensure they won't use public funds during their stay is important.

The bank statements can be added but I doubt they would do a whole lot as it's not enforceable (just like the I-134). Again, it won't hurt to have it, but it won't help either in the vast majority of cases.

The applicant being able to self fund their trip is optimal, but not always possible.

 

I didn't see where that was asked on the DS-160, but maybe the sample form they have on their site isn't updated. I guess tax returns would be best. I could probably provide three months of my pay slips and my husband's income in addition to that.

 

The biggest red flag would be my sister being a young working adult whose ties to the Philippines are only her job, her lease, and her car. As she is early in her career, I know for sure she can't self-fund. Also, my dad's retired and his monthly government pension barely covers anything. I know funding their trip will mostly come from us, so hopefully stating that up front encourages USCIS to rule in our favor.

 

Ahh! I've never applied for a US tourist visa myself... this is so nerve-wracking! (And would be such a huge waste of money if they get refused 😣)

 

 

 

[geowrian 22,337]

3 hours ago, ivyanddan said:

I didn't see where that was asked on the DS-160, but maybe the sample form they have on their site isn't updated. I guess tax returns would be best. I could probably provide three months of my pay slips and my husband's income in addition to that.

https://travel.state.gov/content/dam/visas/PDF-other/DS-160_Example.pdf

Page 8: "Person/Entity Paying for Your Trip"

 

3 hours ago, ivyanddan said:

The biggest red flag would be my sister being a young working adult whose ties to the Philippines are only her job, her lease, and her car. As she is early in her career, I know for sure she can't self-fund. Also, my dad's retired and his monthly government pension barely covers anything. I know funding their trip will mostly come from us, so hopefully stating that up front encourages USCIS to rule in our favor.

I really wish her the best of luck. Nobody likes seeing a refusal (except for people who do plan to violate the law obviously!).

Being a young (single?) filipina will be an uphill battle. My now-wife's friends and family members were denied B-2s to attend our wedding in the US, except for 1 friend.

 

3 hours ago, ivyanddan said:

Ahh! I've never applied for a US tourist visa myself... this is so nerve-wracking! (And would be such a huge waste of money if they get refused 😣)

Best of luck again!

[lierre 224]

4 hours ago, geowrian said:

https://travel.state.gov/content/dam/visas/PDF-other/DS-160_Example.pdf

Page 8: "Person/Entity Paying for Your Trip"

 

I really wish her the best of luck. Nobody likes seeing a refusal (except for people who do plan to violate the law obviously!).

Being a young (single?) filipina will be an uphill battle. My now-wife's friends and family members were denied B-2s to attend our wedding in the US, except for 1 friend.

 

Best of luck again!

 

We would have done this earlier (for them to visit the US), but my mother died unexpectedly and we personally needed some time before we could even re-visit the idea again.

 

Thank you! I appreciate it.

 

 

[lierre 224]

Is it necessary that we buy plane tickets prior to visa approval? Don't really wanna spend on tickets if it's not a sure thing yet.

[geowrian 22,337]

Just now, ivyanddan said:

Is it necessary that we buy plane tickets prior to visa approval? Don't really wanna spend on tickets if it's not a sure thing yet.

Nope.

[WeGuyGal 1,052]

7 minutes ago, ivyanddan said:

Is it necessary that we buy plane tickets prior to visa approval? Don't really wanna spend on tickets if it's not a sure thing yet.

Necessary?  Nope