Shengen Visa for Filipina holding a 10-year U.S. Green card.

[allanr 5]

6 minutes ago, Family said:

I am in favor of booking the ghost reservations and presenting the tour company’s proposed accommodations along with the “alternate” bookings . 
‘As long as she can proactively talk it up and show the $$ budgeted for the dream tour, she should make a solid impression during interview. ..
 

Possibly so.  Going to the interview entails two r/t plane tickets to SFO and a night in a hotel in City,  over $1k.  I hate leaving things to chance after that. 

[Family 4,036]

1 hour ago, allanr said:

Possibly so.  Going to the interview entails two r/t plane tickets to SFO and a night in a hotel in City,  over $1k.  I hate leaving things to chance after that. 

@appleblossom presented all the solid arguments for your options …and as a side note, I greatly value her input .

I think you got stuck on what you referred to as “fraudulent bookings”. ..but in the realm of DIY , these are the shortcuts one picks up, be it on this forum or others.
 

I feel for you on the $1k gamble. Your call at the end of the day. Keep posting, cheering for you to make her dreams come true

[OldUser 6,920]

3 hours ago, allanr said:

We're not interested in iceland.  

 

As I stated very clearly, this is my wife's 26 day dream tour of Europe, which starts and ends in the Netherlands (covers 13 countries).  You are supposed to get your Schengen Visa from the country you enter the Schengen area from, or the country you spend the most time in.  In both cases, that will be the Netherlands.  4 nights. 

 

When I google "Schengen visa requirements Netherlands" I get the following.  

• 6. Proof of confirmed (fully paid) flight reservation or other proof of intended transport and a full travel itinerary (if several Schengen countries will be visited or if the trip covers several Schengen countries and non-Schengen countries).
• 7. Proof of accommodation. Evidence of hotel bookings or travel plan for the entire stay in the Schengen area: confirmed hotel reservations, stating your full name, address and telephone number of the hotel, including confirmation number.  

 

You seem to be relying on Google AI's summarization in search results at the top of the page? It has mistakes. It takes into account some wrong information and makes things up too. It's much better researching official websites.

Edited 13 hours ago by OldUser

[W199 343]

As you said, the VISA requirements strongly request you to get refundable tickets.   But T=there are NO requirements for not changing your mind and cost reducing the trip to non-refundable tickets or finding a more ideal tour. In fact, they probably expect you to cancel the tickets and get better ones once your VISA is approved.  People are always adjusting or changing their plans, that is the whole purpose of refundable tickets. 

 

It is not a lie to tell them during the interview "I booked these flights and airbnb because they were refundable as required for the VISA. But after I get my VISA approved, I will probably change them to the following non-refundable tour and plane tickets". Totally honest.  You are right, if she lies or gives the appearance of a lie, she could be denied. Just be totally honest, if they even ask. 

 

If she has her green card, an employment letter, and a long-time job, as well as a guarantee letter from you to back up the support for her, bank statements with plenty of extra money, medical, and travel insurance,  .. AND no history of visa fraud or issues, then there is little risk anyways.   My Filipino fiancee, before she even had her K-1 visa, no green card, still in the Philippines, etc...  and without a job or any money, got a multi-year multiple entry Canada tourist visa in less than a week because I provided the financial guarantee and photos of the engagement, we gave some itinerary plans without any bookings.  She didn't even need an interview.    So if she is financially secure, with a green card, it would be surprising if she is denied.

 

 

[TBoneTX 45,567]

7 hours ago, allanr said:

Please..no more replies!

The OP appears to want this thread closed, so it's now closed.