Articles Posted in B2 Visitor Visas

Tourist Visa denials are very common in certain parts of the world. In fact, there are countries where it is virtually impossible to obtain a Visitors Visa to the United States.

Under a recent Calculation of the Adjusted Visa Refusal Rate for Tourist and Business travelers under the Guidelines of the Visa Waiver Program, released by the State Department we can learn some very Interesting Statistics.

How can Visitors Enter the US?

Wouldn’t it be nice to enter the US visa Free. I just left Israel a few days ago, most Israelis complain about the harsh requirement to get a simple visa to enter the US. Now the debate is on if Israel should join the Visa Waiver Program.

The Visa Waiver Program (VWP) is a program of the United States Government which allows citizens of specific countries to travel to the United States for tourism or business for up to 90 days without having to obtain a visa. The program applies to the 50 U.S. states as well as the U.S. territories of Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands in the Caribbean, with limited application to other U.S. territories. Most of the countries selected by the U.S. government to be in the program are high-income economies with a very high Human Development Index and are regarded as developed countries.

Israel’s entry into the 37-nation U.S. Visa Waiver Program is the most controversial element in a pair of broader U.S.-Israel bills dealing with everything from improving cybersecurity to enhancing economic cooperation. Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen is hoping to get the House Foreign Affairs Committee’s approval before Congress’ August recess. A version by Sen. Barbara Boxer is picking up support in the Senate.

This is a very important Change effective today. Be aware that this change applies to nonimmigrants only. It has no bearing on U.S. Citizens and U.S. Lawful Permanent Residents.

Beginning April 30, 2013, U.S Customs and Border Protection will begin automating the I-94 process. Form I-94 provides nonimmigrants with proof that they have been lawfully admitted to the U.S. As part of the automation process, individuals traveling to the U.S. by air or sea will no longer complete or receive a paper I-94 document.

Despite this change, USCIS will continue to require applicants to submit a paper copy of Form I-94 when requesting certain benefits. In addition, other government agencies such as State Departments of Motor Vehicles and the Social Security Administration offices will still require a paper I-94. The paper I-94 may also be useful for work-authorized nonimmigrants to present to their employers during the employment eligibility verification (Form I-9) process, and to demonstrate lawful presence in the U.S. to other U.S. authorities.

In order to apply for most B visas, one must file form DS 160 online to make an appointment and obtain a Bar Code. But what if you made mistakes on that form after submission?

While it is not possible to change information on a DS-160 after it has been submitted, there are two easy options for creating a new DS-160.

If it is within 30 days from when the original application was submitted, the first option is to log into the CEAC system and select “Retrieve an Application” using the application ID number. Next, you will be asked whether you want to go to the confirmation page or create a new application. Select create a new application, and the entire application will appear, except for travel plans to the U.S. Then, you will need to edit and update the information and submit again.

Recently we have seen many cases where Tourist Visa B2 extensions were denied by the Service. The rise in denials is concerning, but how can you increase your chances to get approved. Our very own Attorney Nadia Galash shares her experience in fighting B2 Tourist Visa denials.

Based on our experience working with responses to USCIS’s requests for additional evidence and motions to re-open/reconsider USCIS denials of requests for extensions on behalf of our clients, We can see that some factors are more important to prove to USCIS than others. Below is the overview of the requirements that any applicant should follow.

A B Visa visitor may apply for extensions of stay in six month increments. An extension of stay may not be approved if the extension was filed after the previously accorded status expired which may be excused at the discretion of USCIS. Extensions are not available to people who entered on visa waivers.

The Rome District Chapter of AILA (RDC) offered the following information from the NIV Chief in Shanghai, Mr. Mr. Richard Larsen. We specially wanted to update on the issue on non immigrant visas and in particular visitor visas for certain kind of applicants.

What is the status of B visa adjudications for pregnant mothers? B for dependent parents? Domestic Partners? What should be provided above and beyond a standard B visa applicant?

Mr. Larsen stated, The law does not prohibit pregnant mothers from applying for B visas or to have their babies in the U.S. The post reviews an application from a pregnant mother like other applications, looking for ties to China, financial resources, credibility, etc. If the post is