US Visa Story #2: My In-Laws'

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If my visa story seems archaic to you (found here), wait till you hear of how my in-laws processed theirs. 

Way before I got mine, my in-laws were invited by their daughter (SIL) for a visit.  This was around 1999-2000. My SIL sent all the necessary documents:  invitation letter; a notarized affidavit of support;  proof of income (pay slips); bank statements;  and, a Certificate of Employment with compensation. 

From our end, we prepared my SIL’s Birth Certificate and my PIL’s Marriage Certificate (to establish kinship) and filled out the application forms. 

Back in the day, there was no hotline to schedule an appointment.  One had to line up really early at the US Embassy.  Believe it or not, people ACTUALLY laid out sleeping bags in front of the embassy the night before (they intend to be interviewed), just to secure a slot.  Droves of people did that, and some, from far provinces, braved the smog and all the undesirable elements of the night only to go home disappointed, as slots were limited.  Now, Pinoys being very enterprising, would sleep in alongside other hopefuls, line up, and get a slot for you for a fee. Sort of a stand-in.  Ingenious, eh? That’s how my in-laws got theirs.

Interview Proper   (Note: They were interviewed together)

Consul:  So what is the purpose of your visit?

PILs:  To visit my daughter and your beautiful country, ma’am

Consul: How long do you plan to stay in the US?

PILs: For three months, ma’am

Consul: When do you intend to leave?

PILs:  In ________ (stating the month)

Consul: What do you do for a living?

PILs:  Retired, ma’am

Consul:  I see.  Well, congratulations and welcome to the USA...

My in-laws were granted 10-year multiple visas which they enjoyed to the hilt – travelling from state to state and living the really good life. And then my SIL got married and had kids.  The old folks couldn't be happier,  helping out with the kids and the chores, and going out for many fun activities with the young family.  

Alas, the 10 years flew by so quickly.  Eager to help out the growing family, my PILs set out to have their visas renewed.  But there was a little problem though. On their last visit prior to visa expiration, my SIL requested for, and was granted, an extension for their stay. And extend they did, for yet another 6 months.  No problem with that, right? It was after all, properly executed – with documents and all.  SO WRONG!  When my in-laws requested for visa renewal,  the consul flatly denied their application(s). On the grounds of OVERSTAYING!  

Oops, it could be a fluke, they thought. So we attempted a take 2. No siree, just won’t do. The reason?  OVERSTAYING.  

 So yes, it’s true what Benjamin Franklin said after all: “Fish and houseguests smell after three days”

Some Final thoughts

  • Never  overstay your welcome (in the US, and everywhere else).
  • Senior citizens seem to have an easier time with the consuls. Perhaps because they no longer pose the risk of illegally working there.
  •  On my in-laws’ second attempt, (although the reason for the visit as stated on the application form was to visit their daughter and new granddaughter), they instead said “to take care of our granddaughter”. This was probably what did them in. Why? They were not supposed to take care of their grandkid -- or any one else for that matter. 
  •  Always remember: taking care of a kid is the job of a carer / nanny (who would have been potentially deprived of employment if you were allowed entry).
  • A visit (B1/B2) visa IS A VISIT VISA.  Just for VISIT.






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