B2 Visa Risks

[Biscal100 1]

Hello,

I have been dating my girlfriend for four years. She holds a Russian passport and I hold an American one. We've visited each other multiple times in countries that do not require visas from us but we want to take our relationship to the next level and start introducing each other to our families and friends. She currently works on a cruise ship and has a c1d visa to transfer from the airports to the ship. We have been planning on having her apply for a B2 visa in Kazakhstan and doing the paperwork for that. I was also going to file an I-134 since she would be staying with me and I would be covering expenses like lodging, food and any other random expenses we run into. However, my girlfriend is worried that even applying for the B2 visa risks her applying to her C1/D in the future. She has talked to the travel agency that helped her get the C1/D for the ship and they recommended against applying for the tourist visa since they said it "may or may not affect your future application for the crewmate visa". She also has heard from other Russian passport holders on facebook groups that they are very frequently denied even for veteran maritime workers with 10 years of experience. My mentality has been "the state department says this is the process to do it, if we follow the rules and are completely honest, it can't hurt us, they can only say no". But now I'm hearing that even applying could risk her transit visa which is essential for her job.

So my question basically boils down to:

• Does applying to the B2 and being totally honest have any risk of affecting her future C1/D visa applications?
• The travel agency says the chances are slim she will get the visa so she shouldn't waste her time applying. I understand tensions are high now but is it really that impossible to get a B2?
• Why is the travel agency saying now to mention that I am here and would support her on the forms? They are basically telling her to lie. I understand that the embassy is constantly worried that people will overstay their visa and having a person in the USA that you are in a relationship with could increase that. However, isn't the point of the I-134 to designate a person responsible for the visa holder? 

 

Any answers or perspective on these questions would be greatly appreciated. 

[Crazy Cat 41,814]

1.  There is no sponsorship for a B2 visa.  In fact, your submission of an I-134 showing she cannot support herself during the visit could actually harm her B2 case (if they even looked at the I-134).  Don't do it. 

2.  She should NEVER, EVER lie on a US government form or to a US immigration official.....ever!!!

Edited May 27 by Crazy Cat

[Crazy Cat 41,814]

43 minutes ago, Biscal100 said:

I understand that the embassy is constantly worried that people will overstay their visa and having a person in the USA that you are in a relationship with could increase that. However, isn't the point of the I-134 to designate a person responsible for the visa holder? 

Your I-134 could show that she has a reason to remain in the US illegally.....especially with a USC BF or GF. An I-134 would not overcome the fact that anyone applying for a B2 is already assumed to have intent to stay in the US.  That is her responsibility to show strong ties to home country.

Edited May 27 by Crazy Cat

[Biscal100 1]

12 minutes ago, Crazy Cat said:

1.  There is no sponsorship for a B2 visa.  In fact, your submission of an I-134 showing she cannot support herself during the visit could actually harm her B2 case (if they even looked at the I-134).  Don't do it. 

2.  She should NEVER, EVER lie on a US government form or to a US immigration official.....ever!!!

Thank you Crazy Cat, this is very helpful information. 
However, it does feel a little confusing. On one hand you are saying "Don't fill out the I-134" but on the other, you say that we shouldn't lie. The truth is that: She wants to travel here to spend her vacation with me. She will stay at my place and I will pay for food and travel and generally support her when she is here. I know on the DS-160 it asks "is there anyone you're going to meet here?". Should I put my name down for that but avoid the I-134? I think that might be the way of staying completely honest and transparent without unduly putting more risk for the embassy to consider. 

Again, really appreciate the help.

[Crazy Cat 41,814]

5 minutes ago, Biscal100 said:

Thank you Crazy Cat, this is very helpful information. 
However, it does feel a little confusing. On one hand you are saying "Don't fill out the I-134" but on the other, you say that we shouldn't lie. The truth is that: She wants to travel here to spend her vacation with me. She will stay at my place and I will pay for food and travel and generally support her when she is here. I know on the DS-160 it asks "is there anyone you're going to meet here?". Should I put my name down for that but avoid the I-134? I think that might be the way of staying completely honest and transparent without unduly putting more risk for the embassy to consider. 

Again, really appreciate the help.

She should answer all questions, whether on the DS-160 or questions from an officer, honestly.  You should NOT submit an I-134 since it will not help, yet, it could hurt her case. 

Edited May 27 by Crazy Cat