Visiting US for first time to attend brother's graduation ceremony, please advice

[sprash]

Dear All,

I am a 29-yr-old Engineering professional from India. My younger brother is currently doing his MS degree in the US and he will be graduating in July 2015. I would like to visit him in July for attending his graduation ceremony. My parents would be visiting him as well, but as they already have US Tourist visas for themselves, they are not worried. I have to apply for a new US Tourist visa (B-2) for myself, as this will be the first time I am visiting the US.

I have gathered a lot of information regarding the B-2 visa procedures and interview questions & I feel there should not be much problem with respect to applying and getting the visa. However, I am a bit concerned when it comes to demonstrating my ties with India: I am currently unmarried & I do not own any property as yet. However, I do own a car and I have life insurance which will be valid till my 60s. Also, I can get a No-objection Certificate from my company as my visit will be only for 1 or 2 weeks at most.

I do not have any intention of settling down in the US - my visit is purely for the purpose of attending my brother's graduation ceremony and spending some time with him.

Do you think I have a fair chance of getting my B-2 visa approved, or do you think it will be extremely difficult for me to convince the Visa officer? Please advice.

[peace999]

B1/B2 decisions , there is a lot of officer discretion. One officer's denial can be another's approval.
And criteria are not uniformly applied across all applications.

Broadly, their main approach is to assess if you will return after the visit.
In your case, they will ask you how long you have been with the company and your salary. So a stable , well paying job
can get you the visa, even if you are single.
A lot of times other criteria can help like prior visits abroad.
There is nothing to convince, they will decide from your baseline life situation.
Carry copies of your parents' visas , proof of your bro's graduation, your salary slip, and leave letter.

[sprash]

B1/B2 decisions , there is a lot of officer discretion. One officer's denial can be another's approval.
And criteria are not uniformly applied across all applications.

Broadly, their main approach is to assess if you will return after the visit.
In your case, they will ask you how long you have been with the company and your salary. So a stable , well paying job
can get you the visa, even if you are single.
A lot of times other criteria can help like prior visits abroad.
There is nothing to convince, they will decide from your baseline life situation.
Carry copies of your parents' visas , proof of your bro's graduation, your salary slip, and leave letter.

Thanks for your valuable suggestions, peace999.

You mentioned "leave letter" - do you mean the no-objection certificate from my employer, or is it a signed letter from myself to my employer requesting for leave?

Also, one more small advice needed - actually I am working for a reputed Engineering consultancy & I was posted at the client site on a permanent basis. I am working with this client for the past 4 years. Now, should my no-objection certificate or leave letter be obtained from my client company or my consultancy? My job offer letter, confirmation letter, salary slips etc. are processed by my consultancy - however my leaves are sanctioned by my client only.

[peace999]

By leave letter I meant proof that you have been granted leave by your employer. I guess it is the same thing as what you call NOC.
It is not a hard and fast requirement and may not be looked at. But carry it nonetheless. One from your client should be fine.

[sprash]

Thanks, peace999

[raphicuzzi]

Graduation Ceremony

B1/B2 decisions , there is a lot of officer discretion. One officer's denial can be another's approval.
And criteria are not uniformly applied across all applications.

Broadly, their main approach is to assess if you will return after the visit.
In your case, they will ask you how long you have been with the company and your salary. So a stable , well paying job
can get you the visa, even if you are single.
A lot of times other criteria can help like prior visits abroad.
There is nothing to convince, they will decide from your baseline life situation.
Carry copies of your parents' visas , proof of your bro's graduation, your salary slip, and leave letter.

Please Peace.....My friend sent me an invitation letter to attend His graduation ceremony, am currently working for a private company here in Nigeria, my monthly salary is 350000, which is $1758.79, am married, I have a property as well. I have all the document needed Tax Clearance Certificate, all the letter from my company will be prepared appointment and letter if annual leave. and when I filled the DS 160 form I just mentioned am just going there just the purpose of the graduation, is it advisable, i add other tourist places that I will be visiting because am staying there for 5 days, I have made all necessary arrange of my travel, like flight details and also where to stay i have booked for that. my question is should I add a tourist places to attend.

[raphicuzzi]

Graduation Ceremony

B1/B2 decisions , there is a lot of officer discretion. One officer's denial can be another's approval.
And criteria are not uniformly applied across all applications.

Broadly, their main approach is to assess if you will return after the visit.
In your case, they will ask you how long you have been with the company and your salary. So a stable , well paying job
can get you the visa, even if you are single.
A lot of times other criteria can help like prior visits abroad.
There is nothing to convince, they will decide from your baseline life situation.
Carry copies of your parents' visas , proof of your bro's graduation, your salary slip, and leave letter.

Please Peace.....My friend sent me an invitation letter to attend His graduation ceremony, am currently working for a private company here in Nigeria, my monthly salary is 350000, which is $1758.79, am married, I have a property as well. I have all the document needed Tax Clearance Certificate, all the letter from my company will be prepared appointment and letter if annual leave. and when I filled the DS 160 form I just mentioned am just going there just the purpose of the graduation, is it advisable, i add other tourist places that I will be visiting because am staying there for 5 days, I have made all necessary arrange of my travel, like flight details and also where to stay i have booked for that. my question is should I add a tourist places to attend.