B2 visa question for spouse of US citizen

[richardkorea2010 15]

Hello all, I have a question. My wife is a US citizen, and we got married in Korea last year. We are both employed in South Korea as English teachers, and we thought of visiting the US this summer on our vacation break. I as a South African citizen, would need a B2-visa,

We both have jobs here, and are not intending to immigrate to the US, Do you think the US embassy would grant me a tourist visa for the 2 weeks that we intend to visit the US?

[canadian_wife 1,822]

It is up to the CO and the ties you present

What can you present that shows you MUST return to either Korea or South Africa?

Good luck

[Póg mo 1,749]

Hello all, I have a question. My wife is a US citizen, and we got married in Korea last year. We are both employed in South Korea as English teachers, and we thought of visiting the US this summer on our vacation break. I as a South African citizen, would need a B2-visa,

We both have jobs here, and are not intending to immigrate to the US, Do you think the US embassy would grant me a tourist visa for the 2 weeks that we intend to visit the US?

I have no idea if you will be successful getting a B2 visa or not, but you'd be wise to apply as soon as possible. A South African friend of mine got refused last year despite him being able to provide a letter from his employer stating that he was in full time employment with a Korean University.

[richardkorea2010 15]

Thanks!! Well, I already finished my application. and I just need to make an appointment, We are planning to travel together, and I am also employed by the Cheonan city of Education,

I do have a letter of employment, and I have been in Korea for almost 3 years now, and I am quite happy here at the moment, and we will file the I-130 after we have returned from the US.

My work here is good for another year at least, with the option to renew after this year, I appreciate all the input from you all,

Was your South African friend's spouse in the US at that point? or did they also plan on travelling together? My wife and I are planning on travelling together, on this trip, as we have visited South Africa last year too,

Really appreciate the answers!

[Póg mo 1,749]

Thanks!! Well, I already finished my application. and I just need to make an appointment, We are planning to travel together, and I am also employed by the Cheonan city of Education,

I do have a letter of employment, and I have been in Korea for almost 3 years now, and I am quite happy here at the moment, and we will file the I-130 after we have returned from the US.

My work here is good for another year at least, with the option to renew after this year, I appreciate all the input from you all,

Was your South African friend's spouse in the US at that point? or did they also plan on travelling together? My wife and I are planning on travelling together, on this trip, as we have visited South Africa last year too,

Really appreciate the answers!

Sorry, I should have said, my friend isn't married. He wanted to visit friends in the US but was refused on the grounds that he didn't have strong enough ties to Korea for the US embassy to be satisfied he wouldn't come back.

Just so you know the I-130 itself is valid for two years but I'm not certain if that means you can travel to the United states before you apply for the next stage. I have an idea you can but maybe somebody else with better knowledge that me might be able to tell you.

[richardkorea2010 15]

Thanks! A friend of me in South Africa was refused a visa to the US last year too. In south Africa, of not having strong ties. He only had a part-time job at that point.

So, the US embassy saw him as a potential immigrant. I did contact the US embassy here in Seoul, and they told me that I can apply as the spouse of a US citizen, and they would consider my case. They did tell that every case is unique, I just wanted to hear from some people, We will file my I-130 when we decide to move to America in 2012/2013, because right now, we are both happily employed and living in Korea,

The I-130 doesn't have anything to do with a tourist visa, so I think I could try.

Thank you so much, for your response!!

Will update how it went, Planning to head there the 2nd week of May,

[richardkorea2010 15]

My visa was approved on Monday. The consular officer was really nice, and she asked me only whether I have filed my I130, and I said no, she also asked how long we will stay and whether my wife and I are working in Korea,

It took 3-4 minutes, and I should get my passport back this week, and I can visit the US this summer(July for two weeks)

I had proof of employment, but she didn't ask that, and she was just making sure that my information was correct,