Ramakrishna Saripalli

Hello all,
My mom went for an interview for a visitor visa at the US Consulate in
Chennai on 07/13/2004 at 11:00 am ( Her time slot that was assigned to her
by TT Services ). I am a US permanent resident ( and will be eligible for my
citizenship end of this year, if that matters ) and I am sponsoring her to
come visit us . This is her first application for visa.

She took all the documentation ( passport, photos, I-134(although on 2nd
thoughts I probably should not have signed off on this), DS-156 and all
other supporting documentation). The consulate refused her a visa, I believe
indicating section 214(b). I still have to verify this but i think it is
because she was not able to prove strong ties to India(in the eyes of the
consulate staff, that is). She was probably considered a strong candidate
for immigration. I am really frustrated. I have in the past sponsored for my
in-laws( They have multiple entry visas ) and they have left the country
well before their I-94 expired. Does not the consulate take into account
such a history?.

I personally think they are doing it to make money. The only comfort is that
my mom is not alone(if that is a comfort, at all). It looks like lots of
people are being affected.

I have also heard now that people can reapply any number of times. That is
certainly good for the consulate and US treasury. They rip people off in
India by rejecting them and they rip off the tax payers , like us here. I am
not sure what good it does for us except heartburn.

Anyways, enough of my grief. What can I do (or my mom do, to be more
precise) to improve her chances of getting a visa on her 2nd visit to the
consulate?. Should she wait for some time before reapplying?.. should she
submit the i-134 this time around?.

Any suggestions are appreciated.

Thanks,
RK

Mac

RK.

Visa grant is subjective and depends on case to case.
Since there is no restiction on number of attempt you should reaplly
with better preparation. There are many cases where visa is granted
after even 4 times refusal so if you prepare well , there are chances
of getting the visa.
To prepare for interview refer to
http://www.path2usa.com/experiences/welcomepage.php

where you can find lots of information on this topic.
Hope this helps.

crg

You should see all of the visa overstays from India (and other countries) who are currently living in the United States unlawfully. I think the Americans are the ones getting ripped off. the consulates in India are often handing out visas to the wrong people and should hand out fewer visas.

I'm not saying that your family member is going to overstay, but don't fault the consulate for not handing out visas like candy.

Sam Williams

Hey RK,
"
    >I have in the past sponsored for my
    > in-laws( They have multiple entry visas ) and they have left the country
    > well before their I-94 expired. Does not the consulate take into account
    > such a history?."
No, they don't have all this records infornt of them!!


My Parents had a similar problem they went for visa. They went to
Mumbai and were refused first time. Luckely they got the visa second
time.
Your mom should take as many documents as possible to show that she
has enough to come back to India. Things like house, land, bank
balance, savings account, income tex returns etc..
But still it really depends upon them, for my parents case, first time
they gave the same reason as yours. Second time my parents were well
prepared but they didn't ask much and just gave them visa.. so don't
loose hope..

Good Luck

"Ramakrishna Saripalli" <[email protected]> wrote in message news:<[email protected]>...
    > Hello all,
    > My mom went for an interview for a visitor visa at the US Consulate in
    > Chennai on 07/13/2004 at 11:00 am ( Her time slot that was assigned to her
    > by TT Services ). I am a US permanent resident ( and will be eligible for my
    > citizenship end of this year, if that matters ) and I am sponsoring her to
    > come visit us . This is her first application for visa.
    >
    > She took all the documentation ( passport, photos, I-134(although on 2nd
    > thoughts I probably should not have signed off on this), DS-156 and all
    > other supporting documentation). The consulate refused her a visa, I believe
    > indicating section 214(b). I still have to verify this but i think it is
    > because she was not able to prove strong ties to India(in the eyes of the
    > consulate staff, that is). She was probably considered a strong candidate
    > for immigration. I am really frustrated. I have in the past sponsored for my
    > in-laws( They have multiple entry visas ) and they have left the country
    > well before their I-94 expired. Does not the consulate take into account
    > such a history?.
    >
    > I personally think they are doing it to make money. The only comfort is that
    > my mom is not alone(if that is a comfort, at all). It looks like lots of
    > people are being affected.
    >
    > I have also heard now that people can reapply any number of times. That is
    > certainly good for the consulate and US treasury. They rip people off in
    > India by rejecting them and they rip off the tax payers , like us here. I am
    > not sure what good it does for us except heartburn.
    >
    > Anyways, enough of my grief. What can I do (or my mom do, to be more
    > precise) to improve her chances of getting a visa on her 2nd visit to the
    > consulate?. Should she wait for some time before reapplying?.. should she
    > submit the i-134 this time around?.
    >
    > Any suggestions are appreciated.
    >
    > Thanks,
    > RK