B2 Visa for Family of US Citizen: Philippines experience

[Boiler 45,695]

Beyond that advised not to.

 

If they are fully refundable then no harm.

[SusieQQQ 11,587]

1 hour 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.

US consulate will actually officially advise you not to in fact (opposite to some other countries where you need proof of air ticket before they issue visa) ... 

[Russ&Caro 1,549]

Fellow New Mexicans, here. Although my wife's mother isn't from the Philippines, being from Colombia meant that a tourist visa was not a slam dunk. In fact, years ago my wife was rejected in applying for a tourist visa. Anyway, my mother in law received her tourist visa in June and she is now visiting us for 3 months. Facts of the case:

 

1. Ties to home country: She collects a retirement pension in Colombia. She has an adult son remaining in Colombia.

2. Strikes against her: No significant assets. No savings to afford the trip (we wired her the money for costs of the trip).

3. Something that might have helped: There are companies in Colombia who assist applicants of tourist visas. They help prepare the application and prepare the applicant for their interviews. They have a pretty good success rate.

 

Good luck!

 

One question... how was your Oath Ceremony? My wife's ceremony is in 3 weeks. Were there many people there? How many hours did it last? Was it in Santa Fe or Albuquerque?

Edited September 4, 2018 by Russ&Caro

[Boiler 45,695]

The application is pretty straightforward, the stories we have seen here is where 'consultants' cause problems making stuff up to make it look better.

 

The last few times my Mum visited the bi issue was the cost of travel insurance, presumably you were able to sort out something affordably.

[lierre 224]

On September 4, 2018 at 11:54 AM, Russ&Caro said:

Fellow New Mexicans, here. Although my wife's mother isn't from the Philippines, being from Colombia meant that a tourist visa was not a slam dunk. In fact, years ago my wife was rejected in applying for a tourist visa. Anyway, my mother in law received her tourist visa in June and she is now visiting us for 3 months. Facts of the case:

 

1. Ties to home country: She collects a retirement pension in Colombia. She has an adult son remaining in Colombia.

2. Strikes against her: No significant assets. No savings to afford the trip (we wired her the money for costs of the trip).

3. Something that might have helped: There are companies in Colombia who assist applicants of tourist visas. They help prepare the application and prepare the applicant for their interviews. They have a pretty good success rate.

 

Good luck!

 

One question... how was your Oath Ceremony? My wife's ceremony is in 3 weeks. Were there many people there? How many hours did it last? Was it in Santa Fe or Albuquerque?

 

Hi! Congratulations!!! The oath ceremony was pretty well-organized. Felt like a graduation ceremony where we each had to queue to get our diplomas... i mean naturalization certificates... in front of everyone. I loved it. Simple but a nice way to start a Wednesday morning! I remember mine had 141 new citizens from 46 countries. It was at the Balloon Fiesta Park.

 

I've had co-workers who had theirs at the Hispanic Cultural Center, while another was at Bandelier National Monument. Your wife's oath letter should have the specifics on there.

 

Thanks for info on your wife's mom. Did you include any letter or info on your finances since you're wiring her and spending for all the costs of the trip?

[lierre 224]

On September 4, 2018 at 12:04 PM, Boiler said:

The application is pretty straightforward, the stories we have seen here is where 'consultants' cause problems making stuff up to make it look better.

 

The last few times my Mum visited the bi issue was the cost of travel insurance, presumably you were able to sort out something affordably.

 

It took them a while to fill out the application and we've not even submitted it yet! lol

 

Which travel insurance did you go with?

 

[Boiler 45,695]

Well it was a different one very time, she had to be individually underwritten die to her medical conditions. SAGA one time but they would not do it the next.

[Russ&Caro 1,549]

5 hours ago, ivyanddan said:

 

Hi! Congratulations!!! The oath ceremony was pretty well-organized. Felt like a graduation ceremony where we each had to queue to get our diplomas... i mean naturalization certificates... in front of everyone. I loved it. Simple but a nice way to start a Wednesday morning! I remember mine had 141 new citizens from 46 countries. It was at the Balloon Fiesta Park.

 

I've had co-workers who had theirs at the Hispanic Cultural Center, while another was at Bandelier National Monument. Your wife's oath letter should have the specifics on there.

 

Thanks for info on your wife's mom. Did you include any letter or info on your finances since you're wiring her and spending for all the costs of the trip?

My wife's ceremony was actually yesterday at the Santa Fe Convention center. 200 people from 48 countries. We heard a lot of grumbling from 'Burquenos that they had to drive up to Santa Fe for the ceremony. lol

 

We didn't include any letter for my mother in law. Here's a place where you can get some quotes for travel insurance: https://www.visitorscoverage.com/

[lierre 224]

On September 25, 2018 at 6:30 AM, Boiler said:

Well it was a different one very time, she had to be individually underwritten die to her medical conditions. SAGA one time but they would not do it the next.

Thanks! I'd probably buy for my dad, but not my sister.

 

 

 

On September 25, 2018 at 7:59 AM, Russ&Caro said:

My wife's ceremony was actually yesterday at the Santa Fe Convention center. 200 people from 48 countries. We heard a lot of grumbling from 'Burquenos that they had to drive up to Santa Fe for the ceremony. lol

 

We didn't include any letter for my mother in law. Here's a place where you can get some quotes for travel insurance: https://www.visitorscoverage.com/

That sounds awesome! I wish mine was somewhere not ABQ (where I live), but it was very convenient for me to head straight to a passport office afterwards.

 

Thanks!