Possible visa denial for financial reasons? ("rich country")
Replies: 22 - Last Post: Nov 26, 2012 12:43 AM Last Post By: cantab
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Possible visa denial for financial reasons? ("rich country")
Hi there!I'm going to sail to the US (or at least i thought i was) on a freighter which is not part of the VWP, so I'm gonna need a visa. I've been to the interview, in which they told me that i could be denied cos I've been unemployed for a while and so i haven't got "strong ties" to my country, which could lead for me to overstay. That however seems ludicrous, since the living standards are higher and social welfare would be much easier to abuse in my own country. I haven't yet send the necessary documents to the consulate, so my fate is not yet sealed, and that's why I'm here.
I would like to hear if anyone has gotten their visas denied in similar situations, especially in the "rich countries", or the ones participating in VWP. What i would like not to hear are the speculations and citations of the law; those i've read many times already.
Thanks!
1
I would like to hear if anyone has gotten their visas denied in similar situations, especially in the "rich countries", or the ones participating in VWP.
You're not going to like this, but "the plural of anecdote is not data."The reason most of it is speculation is that you simply can't know until you apply, since every application is treated on its own merits. Two people can be in similar situations and get two different results.
That however seems ludicrous, since the living standards are higher and social welfare would be much easier to abuse in my own country.
And yet we have thousands immigrate here yearly, and even deport plenty back. What you think is "ludicrous" actually happens, so get over yourself.
2
They are cracking down in China on westerners from "Rich Countries" due to the jobs for english teachers have run amuck...overstaying tourist Visa's and not using a legal work Visa...so it goes both ways.You dont mention what passport you hold, but many countries can be a issue due to poverty/illegal immigration as history has shown...(Most of Latin America for instance)...
Do you have any idea how many people try to come to the US illegally? Or come legally and then stay? You seem a tad naive...
3
If you want a visa, you had better immediately develop a lot of compelling reasons to return home as scheduled--including pre-paid flights, if you can manage them, a job or other career plans, schooling, maybe a marriage and children, sick relatives needing care, and whatever else you can think of. Not that I'm suggesting you tell anything but the unvarnished truth, of course.Telling the nice interviewer that you really prefer life on the dole in your own country probably won't do it. In fact, even though you and I know that there are a good dozen countries with higher standards of living (by a variety of measures) than the USA, that doesn't mean your interviewer won't get peeved if you so much as hint that you believe this. A peeved interviewer will not grant your visa.
Good luck.
Mark
4
And yet we have thousands immigrate here yearly, and even deport plenty back. What you think is "ludicrous" actually happens, so get over yourself.
If my method of crossing the sea would be different i wouldn't need a visa and to prove "ties to my country". According to the map you presented, there are 60 deportations in 8 years back to my country (Finland). Comparing to Mexico: 1,329,425. So yes, given that contrast, and the fact that there is the VWP for making the traveling easier (which is for the countries which have higher income and therefore less temptation for overstays) i think it's kind of ludicrous if they deny the visa because of the method of transport.
It's not like I'm sayin that there shouldn't be any control of the people coming and going.
You're not going to like this, but "the plural of anecdote is not data." The reason most of it is speculation is that you simply can't know until you apply, since every application is treated on its own merits. Two people can be in similar situations and get two different results.
I think most of the people know what you just said here, (it should be kind of obvious) but still would like to hear some anecdotes. So now I'm one of those people, and i am asking, could you please, please just let this thread go.
Edited by: strukguig
6
i think it's kind of ludicrous if they deny the visa because of the method of transport.
This is because of laws requiring cruise ships and airlines to ensure that travelers are eligible to enter. This is not the case for private ships, since they are operate in a different manner (transporting freight rather than people).If you're so upset about having to get a visa, fly.
7
I think strukguig's problem is that if he (?) applies for a visa to enter the USA on a freighter, and this request is denied, then he will be automatically disqualified from the Visa Waiver Program (at least, that is my understanding). Which would be a pain. So he just wants to get a feel for the odds -- is it at all likely that his visa request will be denied?8
I think strukguig's problem is that if he (?) applies for a visa to enter the USA on a freighter, and this request is denied, then he will be automatically disqualified from the Visa Waiver Program
A visa denial does not make one automatically ineligible for the VWP. And a recent report here now proves that the ESTA does not automatically deny approval (though it still makes it difficult).However, a denial upon entry does make one ineligible for the VWP.
10
And your comment ("If you're so upset about having to get a visa, fly") was not a positive contribution!
I get sick of people who come here and post questions that suggest they just want to complain rather than seek help, which happens on fair occasion with visa questions like this.If someone is going to come here and espouse their political opinions on the matter, such as how they think it's "ludicrous," then they should expect a response. If you don't want the response, don't make it political. Even the FAQ notes this:
4. Be wary of mixing politics with tourism.
This board is about visiting the USA, a big, diverse country of over 300 million people. "Is it safe in Alphabet City after dark?"; is a tourism question "Is it safe in Disneyland thanks to your war mongering president?" will probably get you a fight, and no helpful answers.
This board is about visiting the USA, a big, diverse country of over 300 million people. "Is it safe in Alphabet City after dark?"; is a tourism question "Is it safe in Disneyland thanks to your war mongering president?" will probably get you a fight, and no helpful answers.
11
The OP is upset that US laws don't apply radically different standards to people from rich countries than they do to poor countries, i.e., that they look for strong ties to home in either case. I for one would rather not see that kind of discrimination on the basis of national origin. In any case, like #11 suggests, the laws are what they are, and complaining about them is different from seeking advice on how to navigate them.12
OP, according to your own statistics we have deported about 7 or 8 Finns a year for the last 8 years. (It makes no sense to compare absolute numbers to Mexicao; many more Mexicans enter the US than Finns.)Why does it surprise you that the US wants to make sure you won't be one of those seven or eight this year? Or, worse, one of those Finns, who must exist, who manage to work here illegally without being caught and deported?
I'm with bzookaj. You could solve your problem by flying and using the VWP. Alternatively, you could get a job.
13
Let me make a practical suggestion. Most of the regular posters on this branch are Americans, who don't apply for visas, or people planning to come to the US on the VWP. Someone who has been denied a visa is not likely to be visiting this branch.You might have more luck with your question on the Scandinavia branch. Just be sure to specify that you are posting on that Branch because you are looking for people who have experience in applying for US visas.
Have you verified that your freighter is not a "signatory carrier" for the VWP? Many are. List of signatory carriers
The affluence, or lack thereof, of a home country is not the only consideration in why a visitor would want to stay in the US instead of returning home. There are many reasons why someone might want to emigrate from Finland that have nothing to do with social conditions. A spouse, a fiancé(e), or family members in the US, for example.
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