The Visitor's Visa Finally!

[ChrisB]

Last May my In-Laws were denied the visa. We had provided a lot of documents with good reasons for them to visit and then return to Russia. I was angry at the time because I didn't believe the Embassy had read their documents.

I called and wrote to several of my area politicians both in Washington and in Georgia. The ones in Washington are the only ones that seemed to be effective.

This time, they were approved. They were told that the visa would be available at the ELF office two days later. Because they didn't expect to receive the visa so soon, they left on the train for their home that after noon. They'll have their friends pick up the package and give them the details of the visa this week.

The story of their time at the Embassy was similar to their first interview. Scores of people and close to 100% not receiving approvals. They said they talked to many of them this time. They only found one other person that was approved. The rest were denied.

When they were at the window with the interviewer, they could see that their documents contained a lot of circles and highlites through out.

This was unlike the first interview, where they were asked how long Natalia, my wife, had been in the US. After that, they were handed a yellow piece of paper that said they were being denied a visa.

I think my e-mails to the Moscow Embassy and they several letter from my local Government reps, in Washington, helped them be motivated to actually read their documents.

For anyone wanting their distant family to visit, be sure to get your Senator in Washington involved. Of course have as many documents as they can gather showing a compelling reason for their return to Russian home. Mine did both times, however, the second time it was a little more thorough and I had provided an English translation of what each document was.

Good luck,

Chris

[SteveM]

... in response to The Visitor's Visa Finally!, posted by ChrisB on Oct 7, 2002

Hey Chris,

I have a similar experience to report.  My MIL was denied a year ago; then approved with Congressional and Senatorial inquiries this past spring.  My problem now is whether (and how) to get Congressional help to ensure that the Embassy doesn't revert to the standard denial routine.

Steve M.

[DJD]

... in response to The Visitor's Visa Finally!, posted by ChrisB on Oct 7, 2002

Chris,

Thanks for posting your experience with this.  Marina and I are hoping that her parents will be able to visit us sometime next year (in their case, from Ukraine).  I have a couple of questions for you.  First, you mentioned that your parents were originally asked how long your wife had been in the USA, and you believe that the answer had a negative impact.  How long has Natalia been here?  My wife has been here two years.  Second, what sort of documentation did you provide the second time, that was more effective than the first?  I understand that US visa law is based on the "presumption" of permanent immigration, so I am very curious to see what information you used to get past this "presumption".  Thanks for your help,

Dan D.

[ChrisB]

... in response to Re: The Visitor's Visa Finally!, posted by DJD on Oct 7, 2002

Natalia and I were married in Moscow at the end of July 2001. We arrived in the US August 31, 2001. So basically, we've been here for the past year. I do not believe that had any impact on their denial of a visa.

I believe the denial came from the fact that they didn't look at the documents submitted. I received a reply from the Consulate stating something about her father not providing enough proof of his employment. He only provided a letter on company stationary with logos stating his employment salary and vacation schedule, so go figure that one.

They submitted papers that they owned a house in a village, where they live, and that they own a dacha and apartment in another city. There were other items, such as her 16-year-old sister staying in Russia and her enrollment in the University at Kazan.

Immediately after learning about the denial, I sent an e-mail to the Embassy and directly accused them of not reading their documents and let them know how upset I was at their lax attitude.  I got a reply back the next day that quoted their rules about who gets a visa, about proof of strong ties that compel them to return to Russia.

That’s when I called a friend that’s a State Senator. In addition to talking to him about the situation, I e-mailed my Congressman and Senator in Washington. The State Senator also faxed them about my issue. So they were hit from a local politician and myself.

The only real difference in documents submitted was the inclusion of one privatized apartment. They had not completed the “privatization” at that time, although it was in process. I did get a copy of all the documents and made an itemized listing of each and described what each was. I sent follow-up letters to the Congressman and Senator in Washington.

I received a copy of the reply from the Moscow Embassy to my Congressman. It requested that my In-Laws bring that letter with them for the interview, because they didn’t keep files on all applicants. They took the letter, but I don’t think they had to give it to the interviewer. Like I said previously, when they stood at the window with the interviewer, they saw a lot of circles and highlite marks on several pages of the documents that were submitted. This was much different when they had been denied in May.

I hope this helps you or anyone else, seeking to get visas for extended family.

Chris

[DJD]

... in response to Re: Re: The Visitor's Visa Finally!, posted by ChrisB on Oct 8, 2002

Chris,

Thanks for taking the time to describe your situation in detail.  Marina and I are hoping that her parents will come to visit us sometime next year, and your information was really helpful.

Dan D.

[ChrisB]

... in response to Thanks Chris, posted by DJD on Oct 9, 2002

Glad to be of help for you. I hope the silent ones found something interesting too.

Chris