If shes already traveled on visas

[Bill_McC]

Is it easier to get a visa for someone that has already traveled and has had a visa or visas than it is for someone that hasn't? I suspect that the time involved will be the same regardless, but the actual application process, will it aid in this area? Granted, she'll know the ropes and what is required, but will it change how they look at her in the interview?

I'm trying to set some standards for my continued search.

Bill

[Ray]

Bill.

It depends a lot on the type of visa.

If she had a previous fiancée visa(s) and is applying for another fiancée visa, it may very well raise red flags and hurt her chances.

If she has previously had visitor visas or traveled abroad and returned promptly as required, then I think it would definitely have some positive effect on her getting another visitor visa.

Will a prior visitor visa with travel to the US help her in getting a fiancée/spouse visa to the US? Probably somewhat because it tends to negate the suspicion of visa fraud.

WARNING: For fiancée/spouse visas, don’t ever ass-u-me that she “knows the ropes” of the process. Do your own research, insist that she ignore any and all advice from “experts” back home, and YOU be her guide through the process.

Ray

[william3rd]

Agreed that there is not enough factual information to give an accurate response. Prior good behavior is helpful in getting another tourist visa. Prior bad behavior means no further tourist visas. Prior visits to the US followed by a fiancee visa is positive because it shows that the girl was already here and went home on time, honoring her prior commitments.

[Bill_McC]

I'm just curious William. I don't have any factual data or for that matter anyone in mind. It was simply a question. The thought occured to me that if she had a history of good performace by returning home and not overstaying the previous visa/s that it may be easier for her to get another visa, be it visitors, spousal, or fiancee, than it might be for someone that hadn't traveled and returned home on time.

Bill

[william3rd]

EXCEPT-if she has a fiancee visa or spousal visa filed on her behalf. In which case, she is an intending immigrant or shows the intention to reside in the US. Then the NIV visas are not available to her since she no longer has nonimmigrant intent. People who do not return home on time may be subject to bars on return to the US or be completely ineligible for for tourist visas

[Bill_McC]

Understood.

Thank you

[william3rd]

anytime!!!

[z_k_g]

Bill, Ray,

Would it be a good strategy to get my sweetie to travel to Hong Kong, Singapore or Thailand for a short weekend trip on a tourist visa to establish that she will return as agreed after an overseas trip?

I read what you posted earlier and was just wondering if those trips would have any effect on here getting a tourist visa to the US.

After she travels to those very liberal nations, then make a trip to Osaka, Japan on Cebu Pacific.  Japan would be Ideal because the US recognizes and respects that countries immigration process.  My thought is once she goes there and visits and returns as agreed, her ability to apply for and get a tourist visa to the US vastly improves.

Is this sound logic?

Zulu

[Ray]

No.

It would be a waste of money and time...

I would forget about tourist visas. Get your butt on the plane!

Ray

[Bill_McC]

Get your butt on the plane!

Ray

I agree 100% and this is exactly why I started the air fare search thread. Lesson learned.

Bill

[z_k_g]

No.

It would be a waste of money and time...

I would forget about tourist visas. Get your butt on the plane!

Ray

Ray,

These trips will be after I visit her. 

I will be in those countries on business and she will be coming to spend time with me while I work.

We are not marrying for another year and I was wondering if those tourist trips would increase her chances get a tourist visa to the USA.

Zulu

[Ray]

So when are you going to make that trip to visit her zulu?

[z_k_g]

So when are you going to make that trip to visit her zulu?

In the next few months.

Zulu

[william3rd]

Bill, Ray,

Would it be a good strategy to get my sweetie to travel to Hong Kong, Singapore or Thailand for a short weekend trip on a tourist visa to establish that she will return as agreed after an overseas trip?

I read what you posted earlier and was just wondering if those trips would have any effect on here getting a tourist visa to the US.

After she travels to those very liberal nations, then make a trip to Osaka, Japan on Cebu Pacific.  Japan would be Ideal because the US recognizes and respects that countries immigration process.  My thought is once she goes there and visits and returns as agreed, her ability to apply for and get a tourist visa to the US vastly improves.

Is this sound logic?

Zulu

Not if she has a US boyfriend!!!!

[Ray]

zulu,

William makes a good point.

As I have often stated in the past, in order for a young Filipina woman with an American boyfriend to obtain a visitor visa for the U.S., she will have to be a very good liar. Do you want an accomplished liar for a mate??

My advice, for what it’s worth: Marry her first before you attempt to drag her all over Asia as your travel companion. You could have her accompany you as your wife while you are waiting for the spousal visa processing.

That way, she keeps her honor intact, you wouldn’t have to convince her to lie on her visa applications and risk a ban on future U.S. travel, and she could have a traditional Filipino wedding ceremony at home. What could be better than that?

Ray

[z_k_g]

Good point Ray, Thanks W3!

Just curious, they ask if you have a BF when you apply for a tourist Visa to the US?

Is it like a standard question if you are a young filipina?

Zulu

[Ray]

Good point Ray, Thanks W3!

Just curious, they ask if you have a BF when you apply for a tourist Visa to the US?

Is it like a standard question if you are a young filipina?

Zulu

The visa application asks stuff like… purpose of your trip, any relatives in the U.S., persons traveling with you, name of person paying for your trip and relationship to you, address where you will be staying, occupation, employer, monthly salary, etc...

Similar questions are asked during the visa interview and again at the port of entry by ICE. Typical questions might include:

What is the purpose of your trip?

Are you married or engaged?

Whom do you know in the States? Any relatives or acquaintances? Any male friends?

Where will you stay?

Who will you be visiting during your stay?

How will you finance your trip?

Do you know a guy who goes by the name of Zulu?

Young single Filipina women are almost always suspected of fraud or overstay risk. A lot of couples attempt to use the visitor visa as a means of beating the long wait for a fiancée or spouse visa. And some guys just don’t want to bother getting off their arse and travel half way around the world to meet her.

Ray

[william3rd]

 and she could have a traditional Filipino wedding ceremony at home. What could be better than that?

Ray

A traditional Thai wedding at home!!!!

Seriously- Over the years I have had probably a half dozen Filipinas turned away at the airport at LAX both before and after summary exclusion went into effect. One girl's wedding dress turned up in customs. Another had a packet of papers including her birth certificate, college transcripts and work references- you really need those things at the magic kingdom.

Another question frequently asked by the interviewer at the POE would be "who is picking you up?" "WHere are you staying?" After paging the person, "So how do you know Nelly?"  Do you know anyone named ? Or ??" So when are you and Nelly planning to be married?"

The problem with these situations is that the alien never sets foot on US soil. The return plane ticket is advanced to today's date and she is put on the next plane home. Visa cancelled and passport stamped. Consulate notified of the detected attempt to enter the US under false pretenses.

[Capstone]

Just curious, they ask if you have a BF when you apply for a tourist Visa to the US?

Is it like a standard question if you are a young filipina?

Zulu,

Below are the exact questions & answers that my in-laws were asked at their recent B-2 visa interview. As you can see, they were asked as many questions about my wife and I as they were about themselves - the VO wanted details about who they were going to visit. Keep in mind these questions were for a retired couple who own several apartments and with a pretty sizable bank account balance - I am sure that they would be much more probing for a single female with minimal financial ties to her home country. My in-laws will arrive in the US in 2 more weeks and I will post the questions they are asked at POE afterwards.

1. Why do you want to visit the US? To visit our daughter and her husband and to help them out whenever their baby is born in February.

2. How long do you plan to stay? We will go in February and stay 2-3 months - we need to return to China before the summer break starts because we will need to keep our grandsons in Xiamen during that time.

3. How did your daughter and her husband meet? They originally met online and then my son in law came to China to visit 4 times before they were married.

4. When did your daughter move to the US? July 2009

5. What company does your son-in-law work for? My mother-in-law gave the VO one of my business cards

6. How many family members do you have that live in China? My Mother in law had made a small photo album of family photos which she showed to the VO and briefly explained who the various people in them were.

[z_k_g]

Do you know a guy who goes by the name of Zulu?

Zulu

[Bob_S]

Is it easier to get a visa for someone that has already traveled and has had a visa or visas than it is for someone that hasn't?...  I'm trying to set some standards for my continued search.

If it's very important to you, you can do your search in countries that are part of the visa waiver program.  Otherwise, forget it.  You'll have to go there first, second, third, etc...