Getting a Tourist Visa for a Woman to Come to the US

[jone]

I am told that getting a Visa to the US for the purpose of tourism is very difficult if coming from Eastern Europe.  It is particularly difficult if coming from Russia.  I actually have spoken to consular officials in St. Petersburg and was told that there is no love for Russia among those granting visas currently. 

However, I think it would be beneficial to the forum to explore what constitutes a valid visa request...... and what is likely to be approved.

1.  Tourist Visa requests are almost always denied.  It is up to the visa applicant to prove to the consular officer that the applicant is not at risk for overstaying the visa period.

2.  The only person allowed in the room to see the consular officer is the applicant.

3.  There are significant costs to assemble the visa application, so, knowing what is acceptable and what is not ahead of time may save money.

4.  Typically consular officers look for anchors that require the applicant to return to Eastern Europe.

5.  Affluence is also reviewed.  If a person cannot prove enough money to travel, chances are that they will not be approved.

I'm sure that there are many more hints than I have listed above.   And any additional thoughts would be welcome.

[ML]

1.  Tourist Visa requests are almost always denied.

Jon, from what I have heard this was certainly not true for Russians getting Tourist Visas to USA.

This was talked a lot about here, and most all Russians got the Visas.  Ukrainians were less likely to get Visas.

This was explained by the better Russian economy compared to Ukraine meant Russians had less reasons than Ukrainians to stay in USA.

Now, I have not heard or read any info about what might have changed after Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

I would like to see all Russians denied visas to visit USA . . . but I have heard nothing about any movement at all to lessen the number of Russians getting visas to come to USA.

Others might have more info on this.

[alex330]

Wife just showed me a video about Russian anchor babies here in Miami. Pregnant Russian women will use the excuse that there is a possible complication with the pregnancy and are granted a VISA without any issue. They then fly the "pregnancy route" direct from Moscow to MIA and have their child here while on vacation.

They now have an anchor baby.

My wife just blew a gasket at what they teach these ladies to do next.

They file for medicare and guess who foots the bill (the entire effing bill) for these anchor babies?

Her reaction -

"I am not yet a citizen but this is bullshit! I pay taxes this year, I follow rules, we do proper immigration and now I pay for these ladies to have kids in the US?!?"

"What happens when I have a baby? I pay full fare right?"

[mhr7]

I am told that getting a Visa to the US for the purpose of tourism is very difficult if coming from Eastern Europe.  It is particularly difficult if coming from Russia.

Hope this isn't true. My RW is going to apply for a visa within the next week or two to travel with me this summer. She has a daughter (who will remain in Russia) and owns a house so I wouldn't think it would be a problem.

[jone]

mhr7,

I actually talked to the gal from Consular Services.  She was the one I was quoting.  However, two solid things that you mention are true anchors.   The home and the daughter.  Add to those a full time job that is demonstratable and you are cooking with oil.

[BillyB]

3.  There are significant costs to assemble the visa application, so, knowing what is acceptable and what is not ahead of time may save money.

I think the cost is $160 for a tourist visa right now and it can be applied for online. The process to get an interview is quick and if one is rejected, they can immediately apply again. One thing I learned when helping my MIL get a tourist visa was the amount of discretion consular officers are given. After my MIL was rejected in Kiev, I did some reading elsewhere and learned her interviewer was a female Ukrainian citizen that worked there and she has a reputation for rejecting nearly everybody.

She has a daughter (who will remain in Russia) and owns a house so I wouldn't think it would be a problem.

My MIL owned two properties and was rejected. I would have to say the bulk of blame goes to her interviewer who has a reputation for rejecting visas. Your lady's daughter remaining in Russia will be huge if she's a child instead of an adult. The bigger the motivating factors for a tourist to return, the greater their chances to get a tourist visa.

[GuppyCaptain]

Guys this topic is near and dear to me as my lady and I are going to try to get a visitor's visa for her to visit me in July for two weeks. She'll be leaving behind her nine year old daughter, full-time job and small flat as well.

I plan on calling the consular in Kyiv and trying to pick their brain on what exactly I/we can do to increase her chances. I'm also planning on being there on the day of her interview but as Jon just pointed out, I won't be able to be in the room with her.

Not sure if it'll matter but for the last ten years I've been a DHS volunteer as a part of a branch of the Federal Air Marshals so there's been a government background check done on me and of course I can provide documentation of my continued involvement in the program. Maybe it would be a way to build my credibility as I'll be the person hosting her while she's here and also getting her popka back on the plane to Ukraine.

I appreciate the advice that has been written so far and anything else that might be forthcoming. 

[BillyB]

I'm also planning on being there on the day of her interview but as Jon just pointed out, I won't be able to be in the room with her.

Actually you can walk up to the interviewer's window with her and they'll probably ask who you are and then tell you to go back and sit down in the other room while your lady does the interview alone.

I'll be the person hosting her while she's here and also getting her popka back on the plane to Ukraine.

The main goal of tourist visas is to get foreign money into America. The more they know about you paying her way, the less likely she is going to get a tourist visa. It's probably best the interviewer doesn't know you exist and tell your lady where you plan to travel inside America so she can relay that to the interviewer. She should be educated on the cities and national parks you plan on visiting. If the interviewer asks where she plans on traveling in America and she says "Small Town USA since GuppyCaptain who is a male lives there", it won't be a good answer. It would be better if she says she's staying in a hotel in a big city.

[ML]

Not sure if it'll matter but for the last ten years I've been a DHS volunteer as a part of a branch of the Federal Air Marshals so there's been a government background check done on me and of course I can provide documentation of my continued involvement in the program. Maybe it would be a way to build my credibility as I'll be the person hosting her while she's here and also getting her popka back on the plane to Ukraine.

I appreciate the advice that has been written so far and anything else that might be forthcoming. 

Sorry, but you have it  totally backwards.

Read the website for US Embassy in Ukraine.

It spells out that the Interviewer is to ASSUME that the visa applicant will overstay her visa in USA.

The task, thus, for the applicant is to OVERCOME this assumption.

Having a man friend in USA only adds to the assumption of the overstay; it does not overcome the assumption.

[alex330]

Yes, I think here needs to be no association between you and her like ML says Guppy. You don't want that to bite you later down the road.

[2tallbill]

I am told that getting a Visa to the US for the purpose of tourism is very difficult if coming from Eastern Europe.  It is particularly difficult if coming from Russia.  I actually have spoken to consular officials in St. Petersburg and was told that there is no love for Russia among those granting visas currently. 

However, I think it would be beneficial to the forum to explore what constitutes a valid visa request...... and what is likely to be approved.

1.  Tourist Visa requests are almost always denied.  It is up to the visa applicant to prove to the consular officer that the applicant is not at risk for overstaying the visa period.

2.  The only person allowed in the room to see the

My wife and step daughter (Angel Eyes and Smiley Girl) had no problems getting
tourist visa's. I did have to put a chunk of money in her account, which I got back
as soon as the visa was issued.

After my fourth trip to visit Angel Eyes, I asked her to look what was involved in
traveling to the USA. She did the leg work and said. Beeeel, geeve me theees much
money and I wheeeel geeve eet back. So I did and she got herself a tourist VISA.

Note: on the first trip she left Smiley girl at home. She had a good job and enough
money in the bank to pay for her trip. She also had a Schengen Visa for a previous
trip to Spain.

After she came to the USA and went back home, getting one for Smiley girl was
just paper work and a few bucks. She had a history of traveling internationally
and going back home.

DON'T DO THIS UNLESS YOU REALLY KNOW THE GIRL. The amount of money
to put into their account was significant. I forget how much. Mila would know, but she
rarely comes here anymore. (I think it was $3K but could be wrong)

I'm not going to ask Angel Eyes because I don't want or need an interrogation.

[2tallbill]

Sorry, but you have it  totally backwards.

Read the website for US Embassy in Ukraine.

It spells out that the Interviewer is to ASSUME that the visa applicant will overstay her visa in USA.

The task, thus, for the applicant is to OVERCOME this assumption.

Having a man friend in USA only adds to the assumption of the overstay; it does not overcome the assumption.

+1 The girl should never mention a man friend, especially a boy friend.

[alex330]

I'm not going to ask Angel Eyes because I don't want or need an interrogation.

Hate the FSUW interrogations...

[2tallbill]

Hate the FSUW interrogations...

I am pretty good at not arising the suspicion in the first place. I've had to show on
a messenger that I didn't have a girl in my closet before. As you well know that any
female between the ages of puberty and 70 years old can't keep their hands off of me
unless they are one of my sisters or close relatives.

[GuppyCaptain]

Hmmm. Good info and very educational. Thanks gents.

[treadmilldude]

I am pretty good at not arising the suspicion in the first place. I've had to show on
a messenger that I didn't have a girl in my closet before. As you well know that any
female between the ages of puberty and 70 years old can't keep their hands off of me
unless they are one of my sisters or close relatives.

I wish I was lucky as you. I have the exact opposite problem. With me, any attractive female between the ages of puberty and 70 cannot keep from running from me every time I get within 300 yards. I guess I am that fugly. 

[Bee Farmer]

treadmill, Bill's post went over your head.

If you get into a relationship with a FSU girl, they will be suspicious of you and any girl between puberty and 70.  For example, do not have any pictures of any female (in your house, on your computer or phone) who is not related to you.

Or keep the pictures, and you will quickly learn how well you are able to deal with her anger.  (Or just smile and tell her how cute she is when she's mad.)

[BC]

Guys this topic is near and dear to me as my lady and I are going to try to get a visitor's visa for her to visit me in July for two weeks. She'll be leaving behind her nine year old daughter, full-time job and small flat as well.

I plan on calling the consular in Kyiv and trying to pick their brain on what exactly I/we can do to increase her chances. I'm also planning on being there on the day of her interview but as Jon just pointed out, I won't be able to be in the room with her.

Not sure if it'll matter but for the last ten years I've been a DHS volunteer as a part of a branch of the Federal Air Marshals so there's been a government background check done on me and of course I can provide documentation of my continued involvement in the program. Maybe it would be a way to build my credibility as I'll be the person hosting her while she's here and also getting her popka back on the plane to Ukraine.

I appreciate the advice that has been written so far and anything else that might be forthcoming. 

Guppy,

Of course having a home and daughter is good motivation for returning as well as employment etc.

I usually put together a package that includes:
Short itinerary that includes purpose of the visit and table of contents for documents submitted

Old passports if they have prior visa's to other countries / EU etc.
Flight bookings
Hotel bookings
copy of bank statement showing a decent balance that covers trip costs.
copy of credit card / statement
travel insurance
employment letter / vacation statement
last couple years tax statements
Short letter from anyone who is sponsoring (providing lodging etc).

Anything that makes it appear that she is traveling independently as a real tourist is a plus.  Maybe there is a work or hobby related opportunity.. business conferences, sporting events, museums etc etc you can 'build in' to her visit.  Don't overdo it though, the more info you provide the more questions that can be asked.  Keep to essentials.

IMHO the more you put yourself into the picture by calling the consulate etc the more you risk raising eyebrows, if they will even talk to you at all. Nowadays the visa office is usually well insulated from the public with contractors handling appointments info etc.

Some tips:
Flight bookings - check conditions of booking, most airlines will reimburse in cases when a visa is refused.
Travel insurance is pretty cheap and widely available in RU
Credit card - after all how do you do anything without one in the US LOL
Application - review http://travel.state.gov/content/visas/en/forms/ds-160--online-nonimmigrant-visa-application/frequently-asked-questions.html  and http://www.ustraveldocs.com/ru/ru-niv-visaapply.asp  it's all done via the internet.  It can be somewhat frustrating especially with the picture upload.  I think 90+% of the decision is made before the interview based on the information in the application alone.

These consulate folks do interviews all day long and really know how to 'read' people.  Any hint of dishonesty will get picked up on.

Good Luck!

[jone]

Guppy,

Of course having a home and daughter is good motivation for returning as well as employment etc.

I usually put together a package that includes:
Short itinerary that includes purpose of the visit and table of contents for documents submitted

Old passports if they have prior visa's to other countries / EU etc.
Flight bookings
Hotel bookings
copy of bank statement showing a decent balance that covers trip costs.
copy of credit card / statement
travel insurance
employment letter / vacation statement
last couple years tax statements
Short letter from anyone who is sponsoring (providing lodging etc).

Anything that makes it appear that she is traveling independently as a real tourist is a plus.  Maybe there is a work or hobby related opportunity.. business conferences, sporting events, museums etc etc you can 'build in' to her visit.  Don't overdo it though, the more info you provide the more questions that can be asked.  Keep to essentials.

IMHO the more you put yourself into the picture by calling the consulate etc the more you risk raising eyebrows, if they will even talk to you at all. Nowadays the visa office is usually well insulated from the public with contractors handling appointments info etc.

Some tips:
Flight bookings - check conditions of booking, most airlines will reimburse in cases when a visa is refused.
Travel insurance is pretty cheap and widely available in RU
Credit card - after all how do you do anything without one in the US LOL
Application - review http://travel.state.gov/content/visas/en/forms/ds-160--online-nonimmigrant-visa-application/frequently-asked-questions.html  and http://www.ustraveldocs.com/ru/ru-niv-visaapply.asp  it's all done via the internet.  It can be somewhat frustrating especially with the picture upload.  I think 90+% of the decision is made before the interview based on the information in the application alone.

These consulate folks do interviews all day long and really know how to 'read' people.  Any hint of dishonesty will get picked up on.

Good Luck!

A good read - and spot on.

[Faux Pas]

When I first met my wife, a tourist visa for a single female with no relatives or ties was near unheard of. Mostly only special circumstances. Then, as Russia's economy improved it seemed, the rules were laxed considerably for Russians but still quite strict for Ukrainians and other former SU satellite countries. I personally know 6 different females from Siberia (4 single) that were granted tourist visas. All returned to Russia. In fact one of the young single women were just approved for a return.

jone, I'm not seeing it as difficult. Perhaps because I remember when it was near impossible. Kind of like what TooTall mentions, with the proper preparation chances can be increased greatly.

Guppy, I would strongly advise that you not contact anyone, not send an invitation and do not put yourself in the picture with Homeland Security at all. Any mention of you will only lessen her chances. She needs to completely be a tourist if she wants a tourist visa. Once she's here she is free to travel anywhere and with anyone but, get her here first. Requirements are different for a single woman versus a single man or a grand parent etc. It doesn't have to make sense to us, it's USCIS and Homeland Security. They can be as profiling and selective as they want and you have no recourse FWIW

[BillyB]

I did have to put a chunk of money in her account,

I put money in my MIL's account too but didn't work. With two properties she owns, money in the bank, and a passport showing she's travelled Europe and Africa, she still was rejected.

These consulate folks do interviews all day long and really know how to 'read' people.  Any hint of dishonesty will get picked up on.

If GuppyCaptain's girl get the bitch working at the consulate, his girl won't get read at all. My MIL got rejected before the interview. The bitch didn't ask questions. I got my Congressman involved but GuppyCaptain can't get that kind of help because his girl isn't family.


Now if GuppyCaptain gets an interviewer who asks her questions where she's travelling to inside America, she needs to disclose her plans with confidence and without hesitating. She might say she's going to NY for fun and Washington DC to see the monuments. She doesn't have to lie if that is where GuppyCaptain plans on taking her. She doesn't have to lie at all but she shouldn't voluntarily disclose GuppyCaptain is the main attraction.

[Chicagoguy]

I once had a girlfriend who wanted to come visit me in U.S. She owned her own flat in Moscow plus had a car. Even more she had a 3 story brick dacha less than 1 hour from Moscow. Good job in IT. Even more she had been to U.S and Paris before on business.

Rejected.

Move ahead 10 years and my wife's daughter who was about 28 when applied and had no ownership of anything but decent job. She got visa with no problem. When she applied again about 3 years ago they made it a 3 year visa without her even asking. Maybe it helped that she had also been to Turkey and Egypt ?   

Or perhaps it is just a crapshoot depending on the interviewer.

[BillyB]

Or perhaps it is just a crapshoot depending on the interviewer.

After my MIL's experience and reading experiences from other people including yours, I think the interviewer plays the biggest part in granting visas. I would prefer to have an American citizen rather than a citizen of the country the consulate is in to perform the interview. Citizens of those other countries value their wonderful paying job so much they don't want to lose it by having too many of the visas they grant violated. It's best to play it safe and reject 99% of the applicants so there is no chance even 1% of the people they interview can sneak into our country.

[GuppyCaptain]

Thanks for the replies gentleman. Very helpful indeed. What I'm taking away from this is that I will NOT be getting involved in her interview or application and will maintain a low profile. Ironically, this is the exact opposite of what my plan of attack was, but I guess that's why we have this forum.......to help each other out.

Okay, so are you guys suggesting that we build her a false itinerary (hotels, airline ticket, deposit enough $$$ into her bank account to be considered sufficient for two weeks spending money by the interviewer, etc.)? I can have her do that, but what's the "story" that's going to increase her chances the most?

Should the story not include me at all? If she's a bad liar then the interviewer will see right through her. Or should she have documents of her itinerary to present but say that we'll be meeting in NYC and D.C. to do touristy stuff for two weeks? Should there be absolutely no utterance of her staying at my house during her visit?

Honestly, this is just silly. I hate the fact that there needs to be a false "story" created. Honesty would be so much simpler, but I understand why it needs to be handled this way. Boy, I hope she's a good liar!

[David1963]

  (Or just smile and tell her how cute she is when she's mad.)

Yes, do this^^^^
 
RIP