Will staying with a friend hurt my chances of receiving B2 visa?

[mooguy]

Hello,
About my self - 22 Years old living and working in Sierra Leone (Africa), which is where i will be applying from US SL embassy in Freetown.
I am a resident in this country but not a citizen (Just here for work), been working here for the past 7 month and intend to work here for at list another year, probably much more than that.
My annual salary is 66,000$ (5,500$ Monthly), and my work is based on a work-leave rotation - 2 month work-1 month leave. During my leaves i usually go traveling which is why i don't apply in my home country. My intention is to visit my best friend from my home country who lives in the US during my next leave from work.
My friend is in american citizen who recently moved to the US for work, and he has a place in his uncle's house.

For my visa interview i will provide the following documents:
1. A letter from the company i work for stating my salary and my leave rotations.
2. My home country passport
3. A letter from my friend to the US embassy consulate inviting me to stay with him for the dates i plan to travel to the the US signed by him + a copy of his American passport signed by him.
4. Flight itinerary - arriving in the start of January, departing in the start of February.
5.Bank statements - over 10,000$ currently in my account, more than enough to cover all expenses during my stay in the US, that is before mentioning that i dont pay for the flights (company pays).
6. All Relevant documents for the interview - confirmation, receipt etc...

Obviously i have strong ties in Africa and have no intention of staying more than a month in the US (have to go back to work anyway).
So my question is - will staying with my friend decrease my chances of getting a visa?
* My friend will not be sponsoring me in any way - i will pay for everything during my stay (just staying at his place). - This will also be stated in the invitation letter.
Would like to hear what you guys think, and if there is anything else i can do to help my case.
Thanks A Lot!!!!

[PryncissQueen]

I think all you can do it try! If I was the consulate that would be enough for me to grant your visa... But unfortunately I am not... Seems like you have a pretty good chance at trying! Let us know how it goes!

Just my opinion... Use at your own risk...

[Trinity71]

Your chances of being approved for a B1/B2 visa would be very low. You could have your friend provide you an invitation letter, but it will not be enough to overcome what I can see will be the mains reasons for probable visa denial.

1. Your age- you are very young
2. No strong ties to home country- No spouse or children, you do not own property there, etc. A job is not going to be considered a strong enough tie.
3. Sierra Leone is a high immigration risk country for the U.S.
4. You never mention your country of citizenship. If it is also a high risk country for us, that will of course lessen your chances further.
5. The purpose for your visit while certainly a nice idea, will not be considered a strong purpose.

This is my opinion and not legal advice. Use of this information is strictly at your own risk.

Trinity71

[mooguy]

Your chances of being approved for a B1/B2 visa would be very low. You could have your friend provide you an invitation letter, but it will not be enough to overcome what I can see will be the mains reasons for probable visa denial.

1. Your age- you are very young
2. No strong ties to home country- No spouse or children, you do not own property there, etc. A job is not going to be considered a strong enough tie.
3. Sierra Leone is a high immigration risk country for the U.S.
4. You never mention your country of citizenship. If it is also a high risk country for us, that will of course lessen your chances further.
5. The purpose for your visit while certainly a nice idea, will not be considered a strong purpose.

This is my opinion and not legal advice. Use of this information is strictly at your own risk.

Trinity71

So my chances are low but not because of where i intend to stay?

1. Well nothing i can do about that one...
2. I do not have a spouse or any family in SL, but i basically live here for work... Also it will be very hard for a 22 years old guy, with no green card, and no high education to get a job that earns the amount of money i make don't you think?
3. Home country - where im a citizen - Israel, not where i currently live, is that a high risk country also?
5. So what will be considered a strong purpose only if its a special occasions and not "just to visit"?

I Already payed the visa fees so i hope ill get lucky...

[Trinity71]

So my chances are low but not because of where i intend to stay?

1. Well nothing i can do about that one...
2. I do not have a spouse or any family in SL, but i basically live here for work... Also it will be very hard for a 22 years old guy, with no green card, and no high education to get a job that earns the amount of money i make don't you think?
3. Home country - where im a citizen - Israel, not where i currently live, is that a high risk country also?
5. So what will be considered a strong purpose only if its a special occasions and not "just to visit"?

I Already payed the visa fees so i hope ill get lucky...

1. True
2. You do make a good living, but that is not really something that would keep you from trying to immigrate. You can travel to other countries, work, and make good money. It almost works against you.
3. No.
4. Well if everything else were strong, it would be fine, but in conjunction with the things that would cause possible concern, it seems a little less necessary.

But, you never know, all you can do is apply. Good Luck to you I hope you are able to come here and have a enjoyable visit.

Trinity71

This is my opinion and not legal advice. Use of this information is strictly at your own risk.