The | US Embassy | Thread

[Cen-Serv Ltd]

Good info..

[xtech]

Hi everyone,
My wife, son and I are going for our Visas soon. My wife and I are both 31 and we are owners of a registered business. What are our chances of being successful? TIA.

Slim... already looking suspect to me.

But if you tell them you are doing this to meet with and source new suppliers to expand your business as it’s your main source of income. Your chances will increase.

Don’t talk about vacation as main reason. They will say go Tobago. Since to them where we live is the ideal place for vacation.

[SR]

Reel visa experts in this thread boy


Gopaul luck aint seepaul luck

Everyone has a different background and what requirements worked for one may not work for another

I have a coworker whos application was returned and request for an interview was sent and further questions were asked and he is still awqiting a response

Previous visa holder with no history of breach of requirements married 2 kids both parents have stable jobs locally and hold assets. Wife is also canadian.

[Fiddy]

Hi everyone,
My wife, son and I are going for our Visas soon. My wife and I are both 31 and we are owners of a registered business. What are our chances of being successful? TIA.

Slim... already looking suspect to me.

But if you tell them you are doing this to meet with and source new suppliers to expand your business as it’s your main source of income. Your chances will increase.

Don’t talk about vacation as main reason. They will say go Tobago. Since to them where we live is the ideal place for vacation.

Thanks for the tips.
Just inquiring as to why you said 'Slim... already looking suspect'?

[SMc]

Thanks for the tips.
Just inquiring as to why you said 'Slim... already looking suspect'?

Agreed, why would going on vacation be suspect? 80% of my travel is for vacation and I dont get any issues

[xtech]

Thanks for the tips.
Just inquiring as to why you said 'Slim... already looking suspect'?

Agreed, why would going on vacation be suspect? 80% of my travel is for vacation and I dont get any issues

Once you have the visa You can do whatever you like with it as long as they let you use it at the border.

So as a young family with no really strong ties keeping them in Trinidad in order to increase your chances of getting the visa since you got your own buisness stress you want to travel primarily for biz purposes.

[Fiddy]

Once you have the visa You can do whatever you like with it as long as they let you use it at the border.

So as a young family with no really strong ties keeping them in Trinidad in order to increase your chances of getting the visa since you got your own buisness stress you want to travel primarily for biz purposes.

Understood. I went searching and found a trade convention that we will actually like to attend and luckily it's happening around the time that we want to travel. I'll mention it during the interview. Thanks again.

[christopherwilliams2]

ah GT allyuh

[vaiostation]

congrats bro...

[Kenjo]

ah GT allyuh

How was the process since it should still be fresh in your mind ?

[paid_influencer]

Understood. I went searching and found a trade convention that we will actually like to attend and luckily it's happening around the time that we want to travel. I'll mention it during the interview. Thanks again.

doh mention anything unless you familiar with that convention. they will ask you questions about your plans at the convention and if you doh know or unsure, they will be suspicious.

remember, by law they have to treat you an an intending immigrant and you have to prove otherwise.

[christopherwilliams2]

ah GT allyuh

How was the process since it should still be fresh in your mind ?

Ok well here it is.....


My appointment was at 10 am. I got there about 9.30am.

The embassy's customer carpark was filled (maybe with about 10 cars) and the rates are high (i think it was about $10.00 or more /hr.)..... Kam Wah has a carpark at the next corner for $6.00 /hr and that is where I went.

I walked back to the embassy building and informed the security officer that I was here for a 10 am appt. This was about 9.45am
He indicated to me to go join the line with the ladies (female security) in blue and black who would advise me more.
They asked for my passport and confirmation page from the website which I provided. After a review, they returned these to me and following a 5-minute wait ( 9.55am )...I was motioned to enter the embassy.
They reminded me that no electronic devices were allowed (phones and iPads etc) but I did notice that Apple Watches or smartwatches were not prohibited.
Two security officers asked me to remove all the items in my pockets, place my docs in a tray and walk through the body scanner. These officers give you several instructions on how to stand and where to stand, so you will have to listen carefully, be respectful and stay calm.

After the scan, I was given back my docs and sent along a short walkway where another officer checked my passport and confirmation letter and he directed me to the front reception desk. Some of these officers spoke with a Trini accent and some with a freshwater American accent.

I waited patiently, as the reception line sign requested until I was motioned to come to the reception desk.
There, the reception officer checked my passport and confirmation page again, accessed their system and printed a confirmation sticker on my passport and returned it to me.

Following that, I was asked to go to a special window where a pleasant Trini young lady sat behind the glass. She requested my passport and one of the two VISA photos that I had actually taken in a studio for $30.00 the day before.

After she typed up some info for my appointment, she returned the passport to me and sent me to another window to do my biometrics. After reviewing my passport again at this new window manned by an American accent young lady, I was asked to place my four left fingers to be scanned on greenlight glass, then my right, then my both thumbs.

After this was completed, I was pleasantly sent back to the reception officer who indicated that I should sit among a group of persons waiting for their interview.

The room was pleasant, brightly lit and there were several signs and posters reassuring you that they will treat you with respect, they understand that you might be nervous and that they will try to do everything to make the experience as smooth as possible.
I was a bit nervous.

They also have several feedback forms available for you to fill out.

Some magazines are available to read and they looped a 3-minute video (about 50 times) focusing on your rights as an immigrant worker in the USA.

Three windows were doing interviews for VISAs. Two of them were in the general area and the other was off in a more private room area. It was done in the order you sat. Two female interviewers and one male. One female interviewer in the public area, in particular, was quite loud with her interview so all sitting and waiting could hear the questions she asked each person, you heard the documents she asked for and you heard when she said: "I'm sorry, I cannot approve your visa request"

<rant> There was a lady sitting there flashing her bank statement showing how much money she had in FCB 54,000.76 while flicking here hair every minute ....the interviewer asked her where she worked...she said "I don't work, I drop my kids to school, my husband has a business"...when she was asked further questions on the business staff numbers, items sold and years in existence etc..she was a bit unsure...not sure how it eventually worked out but the interviewer asked for birth, marriage, business registration, 6 month company accounts...she really did a number on that person. </rant>

Another woman was rejected when she was told that she worked in the USA on her last trip about 20 years ago but had no evidence she paid taxes.

After seat shuffling about 20 times to get to the top of the interview line, I was called to interview window 1 (the more private room). I was a bit nervous still but more relieved that I did not have to go to the public, loud talking window.

This person was a pleasant American accent white lady maybe in her later 30s.
She welcomed me with a smile and asked for my passport and the purpose of the trip. I explained the attending of my sister's graduation and I was travelling with one of my relatives who also possesses a USA visa. She asked about my family, wife and children but she did not ask for birth or marriage certificates. She asked about my home but she did not ask me to present my deed or rent agreement/receipts (if you're renting).

She asked a bit about my work history, travel history (only Caribbean), activities I do outside work (i placed this on the application form). She did not ask for any documents but I had them all, just in case.

One interesting thing she asked is if I ever had any run-ins with law enforcement or anything of the sort.
The only thing I had was I got a ticket for 150.00 for parking on a taxi stand 10 years ago. I was not about to hide that so I made sure to state it. Though it was not a deciding issue, she did indicate to me that she was aware of the ticket before I made it known. hmmmm.....

She did not ask me to show any set of cash in my account although I had a sponsor letter from my sister, a university invitation letter to the graduation, my return ticket.
When I got the bank's embassy letter I did not have much money in the account when they did the letter but the account average was fairly good >8k and the balance was a bit over 2k

She then indicated to me that my visa was approved (handed me an information leaflet) and said that I would be notified in 7 days to collect or it would be delivered based on my preference selected before.

I thanked her and exit that building with speed.

I would say that anyone going should bring ALL SUPPORTING documents even if you don't think you need it, bring it, you only have one chance to prove your case and being rejected because of that is a waste of your hard earned money. Dress properly but don't overdo it. I wore dress pants and a short sleeve plaid shirt, clean dress shoes, hair neatly groomed. Watched interviewer in the eyes for all answers, answered firmly but friendly.

Feel free to ask any questions about my limited experience with this USA visa drama.

[Gem_in_i]

They watch you straight into eyes to right?

[MaxPower]

Wow Christopher Williams....you really nailed it. You did your research, went out there and brought it home. I always preach and commend this approach....works all the time, everytime.

I wish all the other local boys can follow your exact steps and not feel the US embassy owes them anything.

[rspann]

Christopher, if I get you right, this was a first time application and not a renewal?

[vaiostation]

Having a sponsor makes the process a whole lot easier...

[Kenjo]

Having a sponsor makes the process a whole lot easier...

A sponsor ??

[christopherwilliams2]

Christopher, if I get you right, this was a first time application and not a renewal?

It was not a first-time application but mine was last valid in 1999. At that time I was a minor when I got it. And of course, as a minor, I had no need to prove anything as an adult.
And the visa expired almost 20 years ago.
So essentially this was like a new application.

[christopherwilliams2]

Having a sponsor makes the process a whole lot easier...

Someone who can validly support you in the USA.

Once they've sent you all their documents and finance proof...

[Fiddy]

We GT!!!!!
As business owners, we mentioned that we wanted to attend a trade convention and do a little vacation on the side. My wife did extensive research on the convention so we were able to answer questions like the date of the convention, location, what the convention is about and the reason why we want to attend. She asked if we had any evidence of the convention, my wife then handed her a flyer which I assumed she checked to ensure that it is in fact a real event.

christopherwilliams2, I think we got the same interviewer as you. She was indeed loud and we could hear everything she asked people. Every applicant before us was told "I'm sorry but due to immigration law I cannot approve your visa". I started to cold sweat and pray that we don't go to her then BAM she calls us. She was pleasant though. She focused on why I stayed 5 months during my teens and the purpose for our trip, she kept going back and forth between these 2 topics to make sure that we were telling the truth. She asked us for our marriage certificate, son's birth certificate, business incorporation documents, bank statements (personal and business) and the purpose of our trip. When she said "Your visas have been approved, do enjoy your trip", I couldn't stop smiling.

[Jade_Inc.]

Having a sponsor makes the process a whole lot easier...

Someone who can validly support you in the USA.

Once they've sent you all their documents and finance proof...

U mean someone who is living in the USA legally and has a job and house etc?

[zoom rader]

Never had a problem for a US visa , cause I never applied nor will I ever.

Europe visa free

[christopherwilliams2]

We GT!!!!!
As business owners, we mentioned that we wanted to attend a trade convention and do a little vacation on the side. My wife did extensive research on the convention so we were able to answer questions like the date of the convention, location, what the convention is about and the reason why we want to attend. She asked if we had any evidence of the convention, my wife then handed her a flyer which I assumed she checked to ensure that it is in fact a real event.

christopherwilliams2, I think we got the same interviewer as you. She was indeed loud and we could hear everything she asked people. Every applicant before us was told "I'm sorry but due to immigration law I cannot approve your visa". I started to cold sweat and pray that we don't go to her then BAM she calls us. She was pleasant though. She focused on why I stayed 5 months during my teens and the purpose for our trip, she kept going back and forth between these 2 topics to make sure that we were telling the truth. She asked us for our marriage certificate, son's birth certificate, business incorporation documents, bank statements (personal and business) and the purpose of our trip. When she said "Your visas have been approved, do enjoy your trip", I couldn't stop smiling.

I am glad you GT...if anyone going, make sure you have all your 'ducks in a row' or else you could lose your $1100.00 easy so.

I did not get the loud lady, I got the window 1 in the other room...but I certainly was cold sweating after hearing her deny a few people before me.
Once I got approval...man I blast out of that place 'before dey change dey mind'

[christopherwilliams2]

Having a sponsor makes the process a whole lot easier...

Someone who can validly support you in the USA.

Once they've sent you all their documents and finance proof...

U mean someone who is living in the USA legally and has a job and house etc?

Yes..someone who can prove they can support you there.

[christopherwilliams2]

Never had a problem for a US visa , cause I never applied nor will I ever.

Europe visa free

lol...well there are some times you might have to go to the USA. Had it not been for the graduation...I might have never gone for it. I haven't any real desire to go to the USA. It is a nice place but I am not crying to go.

[xtech]

We GT!!!!!
As business owners, we mentioned that we wanted to attend a trade convention and do a little vacation on the side. My wife did extensive research on the convention so we were able to answer questions like the date of the convention, location, what the convention is about and the reason why we want to attend. She asked if we had any evidence of the convention, my wife then handed her a flyer which I assumed she checked to ensure that it is in fact a real event.

christopherwilliams2, I think we got the same interviewer as you. She was indeed loud and we could hear everything she asked people. Every applicant before us was told "I'm sorry but due to immigration law I cannot approve your visa". I started to cold sweat and pray that we don't go to her then BAM she calls us. She was pleasant though. She focused on why I stayed 5 months during my teens and the purpose for our trip, she kept going back and forth between these 2 topics to make sure that we were telling the truth. She asked us for our marriage certificate, son's birth certificate, business incorporation documents, bank statements (personal and business) and the purpose of our trip. When she said "Your visas have been approved, do enjoy your trip", I couldn't stop smiling.

Glad for you and your family. Good luck with your trip.

Easy way to understand how they think in there is say you work in the Trinidad Embassy In NY and an American comes in and asks for a VISA because he wants to live in Trinidad. You would be skeptical because you don’t even like living in Trinidad.

So consider when you go in the US embassy saying You want to go there just for vacation purposes the interviewer will have a hard time understanding why because In their mind he or she would rather vacation in the Caribbean or Europe which is where we live and they enjoy working here in the tropics. Plus going on vacation is expensive. So they have to look closer at your ties to see if anything pulling you back to Trinidad if you do visit and if you can even afford vacations in the USA. Once you convince them you are set.

If not make up some good excuses and research it and submit that as a major reason for visiting. Legit Biz owners have it easy.

What’s the biz convention about anyway?

[Fiddy]

xtech,
It's an auto show and we're in the auto industry.
Huge thanks to you because I believe linking the show to our business was a big part in us getting approved. :

[Nexus]

Congrats.


The next step is travelling and the chance of being pulled aside by immigration for further questioning. It is quite a nerve wracking experience and a bit embarrassing as everyone in the line see's you being pulled aside.
From my own experience having been pulled aside almost anytime I travel, what can I say:
- BE CALM!!! When approaching the immigration desk, listen carefully and answer directly, do not look fidgety. Last time thru MIA the guy had like a haitian accent and I had to keep asking him to repeat, maybe this flagged me.
- Have all your documents easily accessible on hand, this being passport for you and the family, reservations (hotel, car, theme parks), know the addresses as well. I always prepare and carry an Itinerary showing where I will be with contact information and a rough daily schedule.
- If you do get pulled over by Immigration, doh panic! You go be sh!ting bricks inside, but remember, you aint do nothing wrong! You will be escorted (along with your family) to a very glum looking room filed with armed officers and lots of other brown people that have also been pulled aside. The wait in there could vary, usually around 1/2 hr. Sometimes they will call you into a room, ask you a few questions (varies, but from my experience it has been things on my travel plans, travel history, job, whether I've been to the mid eat/ africa). After that you might either be sent to wait again and undergo a more extensive interview or be released (yes it is jail in some form or fashion). Now the Officers I found are just like public servants/ police here; some hog some very respectable. At all times be respectable, yes sir, no sir.
- Another tactic is sometimes you may get through immigration but flagged for a 'secondary baggage inspection' which in my limited experience seems to be the same background check just a little less stringent, not in a special room. This happened to me a time flying through Orlando, they were very crafty in how it was done. After immigration they informed me of the secondary baggage screening and sent me to collect the luggage while an officer 'kept my wife company'. When I had all the bags, I was sent to a special line and up to a counter (again everybody on the flight seeing this) where an officer asked me to open my bags, he didnt really seem to be interested in the contents but asked me some friendly questions all the while I guess trying to pick me. I was travelling with some of my camera gear at the time and he seemed interested in that! After I was discharged and my wife who was on the next side of the counter joined me back; she said the other officer asked her a bunch of questions about how we met, what do we do etc.... the officers I guess would have compared our stories.


I'm sure some other might have some good advice/ experiences to share. I have heard of persons being escorted off the plane itself. Generally I dislike MIA the most when traveling.

Good luck to you both, remember.... just be calm

[ronsin1]

My appointment was yesterday. I made that appointment just before they made the drop-off announcement so I had to attend the interview. It was a smooth process. Gave them my passport they looked like they reviewed my travel history to the US and said to me your Visa is renewed. They didn't even ask for a job letter or bank statement

[zoom rader]

Congrats.


The next step is travelling and the chance of being pulled aside by immigration for further questioning. It is quite a nerve wracking experience and a bit embarrassing as everyone in the line see's you being pulled aside.
From my own experience having been pulled aside almost anytime I travel, what can I say:
- BE CALM!!! When approaching the immigration desk, listen carefully and answer directly, do not look fidgety. Last time thru MIA the guy had like a haitian accent and I had to keep asking him to repeat, maybe this flagged me.
- Have all your documents easily accessible on hand, this being passport for you and the family, reservations (hotel, car, theme parks), know the addresses as well. I always prepare and carry an Itinerary showing where I will be with contact information and a rough daily schedule.
- If you do get pulled over by Immigration, doh panic! You go be sh!ting bricks inside, but remember, you aint do nothing wrong! You will be escorted (along with your family) to a very glum looking room filed with armed officers and lots of other brown people that have also been pulled aside. The wait in there could vary, usually around 1/2 hr. Sometimes they will call you into a room, ask you a few questions (varies, but from my experience it has been things on my travel plans, travel history, job, whether I've been to the mid eat/ africa). After that you might either be sent to wait again and undergo a more extensive interview or be released (yes it is jail in some form or fashion). Now the Officers I found are just like public servants/ police here; some hog some very respectable. At all times be respectable, yes sir, no sir.
- Another tactic is sometimes you may get through immigration but flagged for a 'secondary baggage inspection' which in my limited experience seems to be the same background check just a little less stringent, not in a special room. This happened to me a time flying through Orlando, they were very crafty in how it was done. After immigration they informed me of the secondary baggage screening and sent me to collect the luggage while an officer 'kept my wife company'. When I had all the bags, I was sent to a special line and up to a counter (again everybody on the flight seeing this) where an officer asked me to open my bags, he didnt really seem to be interested in the contents but asked me some friendly questions all the while I guess trying to pick me. I was travelling with some of my camera gear at the time and he seemed interested in that! After I was discharged and my wife who was on the next side of the counter joined me back; she said the other officer asked her a bunch of questions about how we met, what do we do etc.... the officers I guess would have compared our stories.


I'm sure some other might have some good advice/ experiences to share. I have heard of persons being escorted off the plane itself. Generally I dislike MIA the most when traveling.

Good luck to you both, remember.... just be calm

Bro ditch the US, Europe is far better and better mannered folk. More culture and way much more to learn and see.

Plus you don't even need a visa nor pay for one