⌛ Neg. Orient. Expat Population

Pat, I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but the chances of your newlywed wife receiving a tourist visa to the US are somewhere between nil and none. My wife and I process US visa paperwork, and a large portion of our spousal visa clients just wanted a tourist visa to show their bride around. They have no intention of living there, but are unable to get a tourist visa.

Larry

 

Larry, thank you for level setting for me. Is there a quota system for U.S. B2 visas? Looking at the embassy website and the information the Manila US embassy emailed me, we would meet all the qualifications as she had property and bank accounts here, as do I, I don't have a U.S. residence, and I have a US bank account to show support while she is in the US. Are there other criteria? We are waiting for the NSO copy of our marriage certificate and then apply for her passport and then I was going to contact you regarding your services. Appreciate the advice.

 

Guess things have changed....we went back and forth to the US for years while my wife was on her Filipino passport. She was more than a bit slack about getting her Australian citizenship so it's only recently she's travelled on an Aussie passport. First time to the US was a few months after we married - but we applied for the visa in Saudi (maybe the issue is Manila) - and have gone on trips to the US many times. Anyway Pat if you get stuffed around by the US govt - think about giving Australia a visit. We like tourists and there is plenty to see and do. I have yet to meet anyone who has come down here and didn't like it.

 

Garbonzo, thank you for the kind response. I lived in Sydney (King St. Wharf) and spent a lot of business time in Melbourne as well, love the country, the friendly people, the beaches, and the wine. Still have close friends there who will put us up if we can't get to the U.S. My priority is to introduce my bride to my U.S. family, if that works. If not, it's off to the land of wonder, the land down under! Cheers mate.

 

My apologies to the forum for getting off track on the expat population thread.

 

What they will be looking for (if they bother to look at all) is what will make her return to the Philippines? Does she have strong business ties? Is she employed long term? How long has she owned the properties? How long have you lived here? Do you have a resident visa?

Most tourist visa interviews are over in 5 seconds. They will not allow her to explain anything, or give her the opportunity to present her case. They will spend one minute looking at her file, invite her in, and deny her without cause. She has one big strike against her, she is newly married to an American, and therefore in their eyes she is only out to get into the USA where she can immediately go TNT.

If, on the other hand, you had been married for several years, you had a long standing home here, a business, a resident visa, and strong ties to the RP, her chances would be 50% or better.

Our good Gov. Perdices was denied a US tourist visa.

One way to look at it though, it will only cost $140 and a trip to Manila. It may be worth a shot.

Larry

 

I would love to visit Australia one day, and/or possibly live there. All my dealings with our own US government has left me with a sour taste in my mouth for our government.

Larry

 

I will bet a beverage of your choice or mine that I will get her a U.S. visa. Optimistically, I believe I have all the bases covered and expect a favorable outcome; I live by the 'glass is half full' mindset. Having said all that, 9-11 changed our lives forever....

 

I will bet a beverage that you will not get her a US TOURIST visa the first attempt!

Larry

 

Larry, haha, you are hedging your bets. I can't even get an order for an Egg McMuffin at McD the first time here, always handed a number. My bet stands, first time, against your bet on multiple attempts. A good marine is always prepared.