HELP: family's visitor visa application was denied - officer refused to look at the proofs
Feb 28th 2006, 5:19 pm
#1
Guest
Posts: n/a
HELP: family's visitor visa application was denied - officer refused to look at the proofs
My family just applied for visitor's visa at the Surabaya consulate,
Indonesia. This is to attend our upcoming wedding. I am a US permanent
resident and he is a US citizen. We are actually already married at the
courthouse, but chose to delay the church ceremony until we can have
our families around.
Only my mother was granted visa, my siblings were rejected in what
equal to 3 minutes interview for each. No question except "How are you"
was asked, and the officer refused to check the papers they brought to
proof ties with the home country. He didn't even ask the reason of the
visit. My brother said, can you look at our papers? The officer said,
not necessary. My mother was granted visa after asked only one
question: what is the reason of her visit - no papers were checked.
They brought a lot of papers, our financial info and employment, letter
of invitation,
our contract with our wedding vendor, their house certificate, proof of
job, my sis brought proof that her baby and husband stay at home and
that she has a house, anything we could think of, really, but the
officer refused to look at the docs.
When I called, the consulate said that the officer felt that he could
make the decision without looking at the paper.
My brother had to fly for the interview, this is so unfair. I am
willing to reapply, but it looks useless compiling the proofs anyway.
Please someone advise, I am so sad and angry. Thanks.
Indonesia. This is to attend our upcoming wedding. I am a US permanent
resident and he is a US citizen. We are actually already married at the
courthouse, but chose to delay the church ceremony until we can have
our families around.
Only my mother was granted visa, my siblings were rejected in what
equal to 3 minutes interview for each. No question except "How are you"
was asked, and the officer refused to check the papers they brought to
proof ties with the home country. He didn't even ask the reason of the
visit. My brother said, can you look at our papers? The officer said,
not necessary. My mother was granted visa after asked only one
question: what is the reason of her visit - no papers were checked.
They brought a lot of papers, our financial info and employment, letter
of invitation,
our contract with our wedding vendor, their house certificate, proof of
job, my sis brought proof that her baby and husband stay at home and
that she has a house, anything we could think of, really, but the
officer refused to look at the docs.
When I called, the consulate said that the officer felt that he could
make the decision without looking at the paper.
My brother had to fly for the interview, this is so unfair. I am
willing to reapply, but it looks useless compiling the proofs anyway.
Please someone advise, I am so sad and angry. Thanks.
Mar 1st 2006, 4:56 pm
#2
Forum Regular
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 107
Re: HELP: family's visitor visa application was denied - officer refused to look at the proofs
I believe visa is a discretionary benefit, they don't have to give any reasons why they deny and they can deny because they feel so.
One can always reapply and hope that the outcome is different.
[QUOTE=Newton]My family just applied for visitor's visa at the Surabaya consulate,
Indonesia.
One can always reapply and hope that the outcome is different.
[QUOTE=Newton]My family just applied for visitor's visa at the Surabaya consulate,
Indonesia.
Mar 1st 2006, 7:48 pm
#3
Account Closed
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 2
Re: HELP: family's visitor visa application was denied - officer refused to look at t
Have the service in Indonesia and combine it with a holiday?
Mar 1st 2006, 8:08 pm
#4
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: HELP: family's visitor visa application was denied - officer refused to look at the proofs
newton wrote:
> My family just applied for visitor's visa at the Surabaya consulate,
> Indonesia. This is to attend our upcoming wedding. I am a US permanent
> resident and he is a US citizen. We are actually already married at the
> courthouse, but chose to delay the church ceremony until we can have
> our families around.
> Only my mother was granted visa, my siblings were rejected in what
> equal to 3 minutes interview for each. No question except "How are you"
> was asked, and the officer refused to check the papers they brought to
> proof ties with the home country. He didn't even ask the reason of the
> visit. My brother said, can you look at our papers? The officer said,
> not necessary. My mother was granted visa after asked only one
> question: what is the reason of her visit - no papers were checked.
How old are brothers and sisters? if they are under 45, raegardless of
your sponsor, they may be viewed as potentially having
immigration-intent. This depends on the countries of application.
> They brought a lot of papers, our financial info and employment, letter
> of invitation,
> our contract with our wedding vendor, their house certificate, proof of
> job, my sis brought proof that her baby and husband stay at home and
> that she has a house, anything we could think of, really, but the
> officer refused to look at the docs.
> When I called, the consulate said that the officer felt that he could
> make the decision without looking at the paper.
> My brother had to fly for the interview, this is so unfair. I am
> willing to reapply, but it looks useless compiling the proofs anyway.
> Please someone advise, I am so sad and angry. Thanks.
Does the consular know that your siblings are related to your Mom? If
so, they have higer risks. Having a sibling inside US (worse if
he/she is a resident) signals potential to stay behind in a
non-immigrant visa.
> My family just applied for visitor's visa at the Surabaya consulate,
> Indonesia. This is to attend our upcoming wedding. I am a US permanent
> resident and he is a US citizen. We are actually already married at the
> courthouse, but chose to delay the church ceremony until we can have
> our families around.
> Only my mother was granted visa, my siblings were rejected in what
> equal to 3 minutes interview for each. No question except "How are you"
> was asked, and the officer refused to check the papers they brought to
> proof ties with the home country. He didn't even ask the reason of the
> visit. My brother said, can you look at our papers? The officer said,
> not necessary. My mother was granted visa after asked only one
> question: what is the reason of her visit - no papers were checked.
How old are brothers and sisters? if they are under 45, raegardless of
your sponsor, they may be viewed as potentially having
immigration-intent. This depends on the countries of application.
> They brought a lot of papers, our financial info and employment, letter
> of invitation,
> our contract with our wedding vendor, their house certificate, proof of
> job, my sis brought proof that her baby and husband stay at home and
> that she has a house, anything we could think of, really, but the
> officer refused to look at the docs.
> When I called, the consulate said that the officer felt that he could
> make the decision without looking at the paper.
> My brother had to fly for the interview, this is so unfair. I am
> willing to reapply, but it looks useless compiling the proofs anyway.
> Please someone advise, I am so sad and angry. Thanks.
Does the consular know that your siblings are related to your Mom? If
so, they have higer risks. Having a sibling inside US (worse if
he/she is a resident) signals potential to stay behind in a
non-immigrant visa.
Mar 1st 2006, 8:24 pm
#5
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: HELP: family's visitor visa application was denied - officer refused to look at the proofs
My brother's friend had their whole family applying for visa late last
year, at the same consulate, to attend a wedding in the US, and
everybody got the visas. This actually included non-immediate relatives
also. No papers were checked.
I found out from my co-workers that their families (only one person
applying in some cases) also got turned down at the interview without
having the papers checked. A lot of people think the process is random
and just depends on the mood of the visa officer.
Looking at the customer service statement that they advertise:
http://travel.state.gov/visa/visa_2796.html
I believe there is a fraud and/or abuse case here. The problem in many
cases are not really with the denial of visa. It is about an entity
advertising a service, taking customer's money, and openly not
providing the services paid for, against their own customer service
statement. I am shocked that this happens with US government run
services.
year, at the same consulate, to attend a wedding in the US, and
everybody got the visas. This actually included non-immediate relatives
also. No papers were checked.
I found out from my co-workers that their families (only one person
applying in some cases) also got turned down at the interview without
having the papers checked. A lot of people think the process is random
and just depends on the mood of the visa officer.
Looking at the customer service statement that they advertise:
http://travel.state.gov/visa/visa_2796.html
I believe there is a fraud and/or abuse case here. The problem in many
cases are not really with the denial of visa. It is about an entity
advertising a service, taking customer's money, and openly not
providing the services paid for, against their own customer service
statement. I am shocked that this happens with US government run
services.
Mar 1st 2006, 8:50 pm
#6
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: HELP: family's visitor visa application was denied - officer refused to look at the proofs
The officer refused to see their papers. If only the officer saw their
paper, he would have found out that my brother is a high rank official
with a respectable Indonesian company, that my sister is financially
sound (her husband is an exporter) and will leave behind her newborn,
husband and house for my wedding.
The service statement said:
# We will treat you as an individual and your case as unique.
# We will use the limited time available for the interview to get as
full a picture as possible of your travel plans and intentions.
This was not the case.
paper, he would have found out that my brother is a high rank official
with a respectable Indonesian company, that my sister is financially
sound (her husband is an exporter) and will leave behind her newborn,
husband and house for my wedding.
The service statement said:
# We will treat you as an individual and your case as unique.
# We will use the limited time available for the interview to get as
full a picture as possible of your travel plans and intentions.
This was not the case.
Mar 1st 2006, 11:16 pm
#7
American Expat
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 7,598
Re: HELP: family's visitor visa application was denied - officer refused to look at the proofs
Originally Posted by Newton
My family just applied for visitor's visa at the Surabaya consulate,
Indonesia. This is to attend our upcoming wedding. I am a US permanent
resident and he is a US citizen. We are actually already married at the
courthouse, but chose to delay the church ceremony until we can have
our families around.
Only my mother was granted visa, my siblings were rejected in what
equal to 3 minutes interview for each. No question except "How are you"
was asked, and the officer refused to check the papers they brought to
proof ties with the home country. He didn't even ask the reason of the
visit. My brother said, can you look at our papers? The officer said,
not necessary. My mother was granted visa after asked only one
question: what is the reason of her visit - no papers were checked.
They brought a lot of papers, our financial info and employment, letter
of invitation,
our contract with our wedding vendor, their house certificate, proof of
job, my sis brought proof that her baby and husband stay at home and
that she has a house, anything we could think of, really, but the
officer refused to look at the docs.
When I called, the consulate said that the officer felt that he could
make the decision without looking at the paper.
My brother had to fly for the interview, this is so unfair. I am
willing to reapply, but it looks useless compiling the proofs anyway.
Please someone advise, I am so sad and angry. Thanks.
Indonesia. This is to attend our upcoming wedding. I am a US permanent
resident and he is a US citizen. We are actually already married at the
courthouse, but chose to delay the church ceremony until we can have
our families around.
Only my mother was granted visa, my siblings were rejected in what
equal to 3 minutes interview for each. No question except "How are you"
was asked, and the officer refused to check the papers they brought to
proof ties with the home country. He didn't even ask the reason of the
visit. My brother said, can you look at our papers? The officer said,
not necessary. My mother was granted visa after asked only one
question: what is the reason of her visit - no papers were checked.
They brought a lot of papers, our financial info and employment, letter
of invitation,
our contract with our wedding vendor, their house certificate, proof of
job, my sis brought proof that her baby and husband stay at home and
that she has a house, anything we could think of, really, but the
officer refused to look at the docs.
When I called, the consulate said that the officer felt that he could
make the decision without looking at the paper.
My brother had to fly for the interview, this is so unfair. I am
willing to reapply, but it looks useless compiling the proofs anyway.
Please someone advise, I am so sad and angry. Thanks.
Mar 2nd 2006, 2:14 am
#8
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: HELP: family's visitor visa application was denied - officer refused to look at the proofs
I adjusted from H1-B. Does it matter?
Mar 2nd 2006, 2:43 am
#9
American Expat
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 7,598
Re: HELP: family's visitor visa application was denied - officer refused to look at the proofs
Originally Posted by Newton
I adjusted from H1-B. Does it matter?
Mar 2nd 2006, 4:52 am
#10
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: HELP: family's visitor visa application was denied - officer refused to look at the proofs
Problem is, the service statement said:
# We will treat you as an individual and your case as unique.
I actually went to school overseas. I didn't have strong ties to home.
My siblings went to school back home, have much stronger ties than me,
and are at later stage of their life that for most of them it is too
late to move without sacrificing a lot. And they don't speak good
English. There is no question they would move to the US, unless the
want to abandon the good life they have at home and take the jobs that
nobody wants to do. It is not like they need to live here to earn the
big bucks.
# We will treat you as an individual and your case as unique.
I actually went to school overseas. I didn't have strong ties to home.
My siblings went to school back home, have much stronger ties than me,
and are at later stage of their life that for most of them it is too
late to move without sacrificing a lot. And they don't speak good
English. There is no question they would move to the US, unless the
want to abandon the good life they have at home and take the jobs that
nobody wants to do. It is not like they need to live here to earn the
big bucks.
Mar 2nd 2006, 5:06 am
#11
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: HELP: family's visitor visa application was denied - officer refused to look at the proofs
I mean, there is no possibility that they would move overseas to be
illegals. They have good career and future where they are. We have good
career and future in the US that having illegal relatives will destroy
it. If only they would see the papers!
illegals. They have good career and future where they are. We have good
career and future in the US that having illegal relatives will destroy
it. If only they would see the papers!
Mar 2nd 2006, 5:11 am
#12
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: HELP: family's visitor visa application was denied - officer refused to look at the proofs
I have to bow out of this thread, since I am sleepless and need to get
things working. Moving to read only mode. I would appreciate advice on
what to do to, since time is running out. Please post comments only if
it is helpful, thanks.
things working. Moving to read only mode. I would appreciate advice on
what to do to, since time is running out. Please post comments only if
it is helpful, thanks.
Mar 2nd 2006, 5:14 am
#13
Account Closed
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 2
Re: HELP: family's visitor visa application was denied - officer refused to look at t
Originally Posted by Newton
Problem is, the service statement said:
# We will treat you as an individual and your case as unique.
I actually went to school overseas. I didn't have strong ties to home.
My siblings went to school back home, have much stronger ties than me,
and are at later stage of their life that for most of them it is too
late to move without sacrificing a lot. And they don't speak good
English. There is no question they would move to the US, unless the
want to abandon the good life they have at home and take the jobs that
nobody wants to do. It is not like they need to live here to earn the
big bucks.
# We will treat you as an individual and your case as unique.
I actually went to school overseas. I didn't have strong ties to home.
My siblings went to school back home, have much stronger ties than me,
and are at later stage of their life that for most of them it is too
late to move without sacrificing a lot. And they don't speak good
English. There is no question they would move to the US, unless the
want to abandon the good life they have at home and take the jobs that
nobody wants to do. It is not like they need to live here to earn the
big bucks.
And your Mother was given a visa, so they did treat the applications individually.
Mar 2nd 2006, 10:33 am
#14
American Expat
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 7,598
Re: HELP: family's visitor visa application was denied - officer refused to look at the proofs
Originally Posted by Newton
I have to bow out of this thread, since I am sleepless and need to get
things working. Moving to read only mode. I would appreciate advice on
what to do to, since time is running out. Please post comments only if
it is helpful, thanks.
things working. Moving to read only mode. I would appreciate advice on
what to do to, since time is running out. Please post comments only if
it is helpful, thanks.
If Indonesia was such an excellent place to live and the future is so bright then you would still be living there.
I know you want only helpful comments, but when you post here, you get all comments. That's part of the deal.
Some people just don't qualify for visas.
Mar 2nd 2006, 12:28 pm
#15
Account Closed
Joined: Aug 2002
Location: Kentucky
Posts: 38,865
Re: HELP: family's visitor visa application was denied - officer refused to look at the proofs
Originally Posted by Newton
... And they don't speak good English.
Ian