B2 visa for siblings

[BB Family 299]

Hello everyone. What are the chances of getting a tourist visa approved for my older sister and younger sister? Their ages are 23 and 11. My older sister has a baby to prove she would come back. My husband (US Citizen) would be paying for the whole trip for them. I’m just not sure if having a baby is enough to prove she would return, and also what proof would be needed to show my younger sister would return? Other than having to be back in time for school? Thank you all so much for any tips and advice. 

[Boiler 45,434]

Leaving aside current travel bans, seems odd that your sister would want to leave her baby. Anyway zero chance if they do not apply, something better if they do, probably best to just show they can pay their own way rather than bringing your Husband into this.

[BB Family 299]

Lol yes current ban aside. I’m a long term planner. The plan is for spring-summer of next year. The length of the visit is only 3-4 weeks. The baby will 1 year old and will stay with our mother while they are here. I’m just concerned over the stories that suggest you can’t get a tourist visa without showing you have a lot of money in an account in the Philippines or own a home and land. My family is poor and has never owned an account much less have any money In it. Also it’s not so much as bringing my husband into it as it is smarter for us financially. We’re a family of 5 and it’s much cheaper to bring some of my family here to visit us throughout the year than us travel together to the Philippines. Thanks for your reply.

Edited March 15, 2020 by BB Family

[SalishSea 17,791]

33 minutes ago, BB Family said:

I’m just not sure if having a baby is enough to prove she would return

Unfortunately, this doesn't 'prove' anything, as people leave their children to immigrate all the time, especially from particular countries.

[Boiler 45,434]

Sadly this forum is full of such examples, particularly the Philippines.

[BB Family 299]

1 minute ago, Jorgedig said:

Unfortunately, this doesn't 'prove' anything, as people leave their children to immigrate all the time, especially from particular countries.

It’s sad but I know it’s true. What about for my younger sister. The 11 year old. What proof could he provided she will return. And the same for my older sister? How do normal average Filipinos get a tourist visa?  Maybe even below average when it comes to finances... they are a poorer family from a poorer barangay.. this is just frustrating lol

[Ryan H 3,812]

Moved from Philippines regional forum to Tourist Visas forum.

[SalishSea 17,791]

40 minutes ago, BB Family said:

How do normal average Filipinos get a tourist visa?

Many just don't.  It is an unfortunate result of others before them who did not leave the US when they were supposed to.

[Unlockable 7,314]

5 hours ago, BB Family said:

It’s sad but I know it’s true. What about for my younger sister. The 11 year old. What proof could he provided she will return. And the same for my older sister? How do normal average Filipinos get a tourist visa?  Maybe even below average when it comes to finances... they are a poorer family from a poorer barangay.. this is just frustrating lol

You keep bringing up the fact that they are poor. The problem is, that is what will make it difficult for them to get a visa. Look at it like this... with their economical situation being the way it is, would they have a better life in the US?  Better schooling? A possible job that pays more than they would make back home, even if the job is minimum wage? And with you in the US to provide them with a place to stay, they could easily use the visitor visa to come over and simply start a new life here. Too many Filipinos in the past did exactly that, and that is why young, single, and poor Filipinos can barely get a visa now. The opportunity to stay here, work, and send money back home is too tempting for many.

 

A person does not have to be rich to obtain a visitor visa, but they have to show that their financial situation in their home country is not so dire that coming to the US is not a desperate opportunity for a change.

 

Your siblings can only apply and see. And if they are denied, don’t take it personal. The immigration officer tries to make decisions based on who is less of a risk of misusing the visa. If the choice was between your siblings whom you said were financially disadvantaged and a successful professional  who wants to bring his family over to spend money at tourist sites like Disney World... obviously, the professional would likely get the visa.

 

 

[African Zealot 1,455]

The chances are not good, but you can only win the game by playing. Beyond that there not much or anything anyone can add to improve their chances. You will find out.

[Amadia 711]

It's a tough game to play but you should realize that no one has any effect when someone applies for a tourist visa. They are tasked with proving their ties to their home country with intent to return. From the explanation you provided, it seems like that's a very limited possibility and the interviewing officer may deem them as intended immigrants.

Best of luck to them

[Suze1 366]

17 hours ago, BB Family said:

How do normal average Filipinos get a tourist visa?

Sadly, they don't get one, often.

Lived in Phils for quite a few years...heard lots of trouble with people getting tourist visas. Regular citizens often don't even try, as you know.

But the only way to know is to try. Maybe, consider applying one at a time starting with whoever has the stronger ties. Don't potentially waste the money twice. Once you see what happens, make a more informed decision with the next one.

And, as mentioned, involving your hubby, and sharing (at the interview or via some letter) that he will sponsor the trip(s), is NOT a positive.

Best to you.

Edited March 16, 2020 by Suze1

[NovaDC 270]

18 hours ago, BB Family said:

It’s sad but I know it’s true. What about for my younger sister. The 11 year old. What proof could he provided she will return. And the same for my older sister? How do normal average Filipinos get a tourist visa?  Maybe even below average when it comes to finances... they are a poorer family from a poorer barangay.. this is just frustrating lol

Hey, hope i could help you on this. I'm also a Filipina.  As for your 11 year old sister,since she is a minor,it's definitely best for her to travel with a parent. My younger sister was a minor when my parents and her applied for a tourist visa, so it's more likely she was just approved with a visa since my parents were, and she was a minor at that time, a dependent to my parents. My parents have their own business back home and have several bank accounts,but the consular officer didn't look at their paperworks regarding that matter. They didn't have any travel history abroad when  they applied for a US tourist  visa. So i won't fret about it too much. Having a lot of money is also not a guarantee. 

[jakelake 222]

If anyone who is very poor can get a visa to the US, then you would see a lot of people applying.

 

[Boiler 45,434]

Generally speaking very poor people can not afford to vacation half way around the world.