Question for those of you already married...

[JohnG]

I wonder if any of you know at what point your wife can have her parents visit her here in the States? We've only been married 5 months now, and our AOS interview isn't until November (Miami Immigration is a zoo!).

Does anyone know how you go about having your wife's parents come here for a visit?

Thanks,

John

[Bill P]

... in response to Question for those of you already marrie..., posted by JohnG on Jun 2, 2002

I've been told that it is easier to get a visa for parents who are 60 or older because they are less likely to want to work here illegally.  Also, a compelling reason like to visit for the birth of a grandchild helps.  But a friend whose mother is 38 contacted senators after the first visa denial and eventually succeeded in getting her visa as well by showing compelling reasons why she must return.

-Bill P

[ChrisB]

... in response to Question for those of you already marrie..., posted by JohnG on Jun 2, 2002

John,

I was married in Moscow last July. We already went the route of trying to get my In-laws here. It doesn't seem to be a matter of how long your wife has been here. It seems to be the amount of "proof" they submit with the application.

By "Proof", I am meaning proof that they have STRONG compelling reasons to return to Russia.

Do they have a job? Then don't just give a letter from the company stating so. Provide a company letter head letter and copies of their paycheck stubs.

Do they own an Apartment? Then get the Privatization papers from the local government. That may be a pain.

If they belong or are active members in an organization, then show something about their membership.

The best thing is to be able to show they have traveled outside Russia. Hopefully it was sometime in the recent past.

You also may need to give them a letter inviting them and saying that you will pay for all their expenses during this trip. It will help to give them a copy of your Tax return in case there may be any question about the fact you can afford to pay for it.

My In-laws were denied the first time. I thought they provided everything I mentioned here. It turns out that they left a few items out.

They are now gathering new documents of everything I listed and some others thing too.

The problem is the fact that the Embassy (by law), looks at all non-imigrant visa apps as though they actually intend to never leave the US once they arrive. Hence the burden of proof is on the applicant to show their strong ties that compell them to return to Russia.

Hope that helps.

Chris

[Jack]

... in response to Re: Question for those of you already ma..., posted by ChrisB on Jun 3, 2002

Yes, as Chris says, it really depends on the type of proof you can offer that will convience the INS that the family members will return.

There is one couple I know in Houston and her parents were from Moscow. They were able to come and visit her and this was about 18 months after she arrived.

I think each case will be looked at differently and it will be pretty much a hit and miss type deal.