If she applies for a tourist visa why can't she just say she is going to the US to see the sights and visit a friend?... At that point she won't be my fiancee, a girlfriend maybe but that's all. Maybe a fiancee before she goes home.
Maybe a fiancée before she goes home...or maybe a marriage while she is here with an adjustment of status so she doesn't have to go home and endure that lengthy fiancée visa process. That's how the visa interviewer is likely to be thinking. If they even suspect that she is going to meet a potential husband she is very likely to be denied.
However, if she has solid evidence of very strong ties to home…a good job with significant longevity, real property and/or automobile ownership, history of overseas travel, etc., then she still has a chance for approval. Her age may also help somewhat. It would help too if she has a reasonable vacation itinerary planned out with names of hotels, detailed travel plans, sights she wants to see, etc. Show the interviewer some vacation brochures, price lists, and maybe maps. The interview usually only lasts 2-3 minutes so she must be prepared to state her case briefly and to the point.
It is never a good idea to attempt to BS the visa interviewer. She doesn’t have to volunteer her life story, but she should be truthful and open in answering questions and in stating the real purpose of her trip. If she comes across as sincere and genuine, they may give her the benefit of the doubt.
Keep in mind also that the visa only gets her on the plane. When she lands in the states, she will still have to answer some questions by the ICE agent at airport immigration and they are the final authority on whether or not she is admitted and for how long she can stay. Ever try to BS an immigration or customs officer? They aren’t stupid (well, most of them anyway…)
Like I said before, it will only cost her USD $100 to try for a visitor visa.
Ray
