10 Year Multiple Entry Visas to the US

[ECOCKS]

So, has anyone had any recent information from a credible source as to the availability of 10 year, multiple entry tourist visas?  As best I can tell, these are not available to Ukrainian citizens but there are occasional mentions of them on commercial immigration assistance sites and claims by others that they exist.

From the US Embassy website (FAQ - Visas Section) in Kyiv as of this date:

Now that I have a U.S. visa, how long can I stay in the U.S.?

"The Consular Section currently issues two types of visas for Ukrainian citizens. They are:

* A single-entry visa, valid for six months;
* A multiple-entry visa, valid for five years.

The validity of the visa only determines the time frame that the visa-holder may enter the U.S. For example, anyone with a single-entry, six-month visa may enter the U.S. one time during the six month period.

USCIS at the port of entry will determine how long the visa-holder may remain in the U.S. USCIS has stated that applicants who require stays of longer than thirty days may be granted a longer stay if they can justify reasons for a longer stay when they enter the U.S."

[Vaughn]

Personal friends of ours, both from Moldova, had trouble getting even a single visit by the
wife's mother approved. I helped them author a letter of invitation on the second failed attempt.

Their solo third attempt produced a 10 year multi-entry toursit visa just last year. Patience and
persistence can pay off - although I happen to believe there's some luck involved, depending on
who conducts the almighty interview that day.

[ECOCKS]

Personal friends of ours, both from Moldova, had trouble getting even a single visit by the
wife's mother approved. I helped them author a letter of invitation on the second failed attempt.

Their solo third attempt produced a 10 year multi-entry toursit visa just last year. Patience and
persistence can pay off - although I happen to believe there's some luck involved, depending on
who conducts the almighty interview that day.

I was just looking at the V-Nonimmigrant Visas and wondering if these were somehow involved with the 10 year options.  Could it be that those who have a family relationship with a US citizen/permanent resident are eligible and that is why they don't show up under the normal travel-related tourist visa situations?

That would be very interesting since it would mean my wife's mother could get one and also my step-son pending his eventual request for a GC.

As I look more, it seems like this may be some sort of discretionary situation and a family relationship makes sense as to being a good reason to exercise discretion on the time period.

Shame that the Consulate is closed until the 9th except for emergencies.  I will try to determine what triggers the discretionary award of 10 year time limits.  LOL - Enquiring minds want to know!   

Thanks for that post Vaughn!

[Enot]

My wife's friend wasn't coming to see a relative and she got a 10 year visa.