Problem with MIL visitor's visa

[ielocal]

Been a while since I posted anywhere but an issue has arisen creating a question...

My MIL applied for a tourist visa to come and visit. We sent her in with a letter of invitation from me, a letter from my wife's doctor stating her assistance is needed for recovery for an upcoming procedure, receipts from recent renovations for her flat and proof of employment. Well, her visa application was denied.  The information I have received so far is it is because she has no family living around her for her to come back to. Apparently, the examiner only reviewed the application and didn't look at the backup. I knew the odds were against her but the attempt had to be made. BTW, this was an application in Kiev.

The question is, is there a process to request a written explanation of the reason for the denial? Also, does anyone have any experience with a process to have the decision reviewed (appealed if you will)? Finally, would it do any good to attempt an appeal on medical reasons as there was a letter from my wife's Dr?

Thanks in advance.

ielocal

[ScottinCrimea]

The medical issues might have been a big reason for the denial.  In their minds it doesn't make sense to grant a tourist visa to someone who is too ill to engage in tourism, and more important, there is the fear that she is coming to take advantage of government funded healthcare or that the illness might be used as an excuse to overstay her visa and prevent subsequent deportation, especially with no family back home to care for her.  Was anything included in the application that addressed these?

[ielocal]

The medical issues might have been a big reason for the denial.  In their minds it doesn't make sense to grant a tourist visa to someone who is too ill to engage in tourism, and more important, there is the fear that she is coming to take advantage of government funded healthcare or that the illness might be used as an excuse to overstay her visa and prevent subsequent deportation, especially with no family back home to care for her.  Was anything included in the application that addressed these?

Thanks for the reply, but the by what I was told of the questions, although I may not have noted it very well here, the examiner did understand the the medical issue was my wife's, not my MIL's and she was going to assist with the care of our child during the recovery. Also, had the examiner read the letter from the Dr (reportedly it was not read), he would have noted that the recovery period was only for week or two while we were requesting at least a month long stay.

With her having no other family in her home town, no previous international travel, passport that is less than a year old, and on and on, they had ample justification not to grant the visa. I am curious at this point if there is a method of getting more information about the denial so we can determine if there is any justification to have the decision reviewed. Also, the interview occurred this morning (CA time) and she in now on her way home. Once she arrives home I can find out more information. If anything should be added here, I can add that information later.


Thanks,
-ielocal

[kievstar]

I would not have mentioned the medical issue.  They get a ton of visas and really do not read them but do scan for unusual things.  They probably got confused and it is easier to deny.

In future just mention she is visiting her daughter and her family.  Show bank statement she has money in her country and proof of ownership of apartment.  Than you write a simple letter you will pay for her expenses and be responsible for her.  Put some pictures of you with her MIL.  Keep it simple to the point.

[ScottinCrimea]

My mistake.  I misread and thought that it was a medical issue with your MIL.  It's too bad they have to begin with the assumption that one intends to overstay their visa until proven otherwise, but I guess given the large number who have done just that, what else can they do?  Still, I would think your MIL would be much lower risk than most.