Regarding filling of DS-160 application

[masterTintumon]

Hello all.

My girlfriend and I are PhD students in a science field in a university in Taiwan. Its been 6 months since our joining. We were in the same lab as project students for 6 months prior to joining as PhD. We are Indian passport holders. Both of us, along with our three Taiwanese lab-mates, have been selected for a scientific conference in the US. As far as I know, Taiwanese nationals do not need to apply for US visitor visa. So, my questions are:

1: While filling the application, what should I answer in the 'Are other persons travelling with you' and 'Are you travelling as a part of group or organisation?'

2: Since we are a couple, would that affect the chances of being issued a Visa to us? Or should we not tell the VO, unless and until asked about our relationship? Or should we just say we are lab-mates?

3: And finally, where do you suggest we should apply for visa from? Taiwan embassy or any of the Indian embassies? We have address proof here in the form of ARC card and also have some savings here in our accounts. All expenses would be covered by our lab itself.

Your help would be really appreciated.

Thanks and have a nice day.

[Libra_14]

1. Yes
2. If you are not legally married, do not tell anything about your relationship.
3. If you are living in Taiwan for more than 6 months, then you can apply there. Otherwise go to your home country.

[masterTintumon]

Hello all.

Thanks Libra_14 for the immediate response. Really appreciate it.

I've got one more question.

What do you think about our chances of being issued a visa?

Thanks and have a nice day!
Regards.

[Libra_14]

Various factors are being considered when we check your eligibility of tourist visa.

Chances are good.

[masterTintumon]

Hello all.

Thanks Libra_14 for the response.

Presently we are waiting for the invitation letter from the conference organizers. That will take some time, I am sure!

Will keep you all updated regarding further developments.

Thanks and have a nice day.

Regards.

[Libra_14]

Best of luck !!

[masterTintumon]

Hello all.

So, my girlfriend and I had our respective US Visa interviews (B1/B2) at the Taiwan embassy.

My girlfriend got her visa approved immediately after her interview. She was asked questions like, what is the purpose, who is funding for the trip, who are the travel companions, what is she working on, etc. The VO was a very patient woman and went through all the relevant documents like invitation letter, funding letter, etc.

For my case, after the interview, I was handed the 221g pink slip for administrative processing. I guess my field of research might have been a cause for this, I could be wrong!
My VO asked me questions like what is the purpose of visit, which is the organisation conducting the conference, who was funding the trip, etc. Surprisingly, she asked me about my parents and siblings and their work related questions. None of them are in the USA. She asked for none of the documents in my hand and even said 'no' when I asked her if she would like to see the funding document and invitation letter.

After the interview, she handed me the slip and asked for a few documents like complete itinerary, CV, research thesis/abstracts and list of publications, which brings me to the question!

Since I am a 1st year PhD student, I don't have any publications as of yet. I was hoping that the conference proceedings would be the first one.

What do I do in this situation? Do I inform them in the mail that I have no publications as of yet and then attach the other requested documents, or do I just send the other documents without the list of publications and not inform them?

And finally, what do you think are my chances for Visa approval?

That's it for now. I thought I'll keep you guys updated about the status. Thank you forum, and especially Libra_14 for your advice.

Waiting for your advice regarding this issue.

Have a nice day!

[Libra_14]

For my case, after the interview, I was handed the 221g pink slip for administrative processing. I guess my field of research might have been a cause for this, I could be wrong!

Quite possible that your field of research triggered an alarm & she want to verify that your knowledge is not an issue for USA's security.

Since I am a 1st year PhD student, I don't have any publications as of yet. I was hoping that the conference proceedings would be the first one.

What do I do in this situation? Do I inform them in the mail that I have no publications as of yet and then attach the other requested documents, or do I just send the other documents without the list of publications and not inform them?

Yes, do not hide the truth, clearly mention that you do not have any publication yet. Or probably you can mention that you are still working on your own publication & this conference will be the first step.

And finally, what do you think are my chances for Visa approval?

Your visa is not denied yet, stay positive, just provide those extra documents & you'll get your visa soon (hopefully).

[masterTintumon]

Hey Libra_14,

Thanks again for the immediate response.

I'll do as you have advised and hope for the best!

I'll update it once there is a change in the Visa status.

Have a nice day you all!

[Libra_14]

Best of Luck & Hope for the best !!

[masterTintumon]

UPDATE

Hello all.

Hope all of you have been doing great!

So, I got my US B1/B2 visa stamped on my passport yesterday after quite a long wait of 48 days in administrative processing.

The visa has been issued for 1 year.

Hope all of you get your visas as well.

And thanks to immihelp and Libra_14 for prompt responses.

Have a great day.

Regards.

[Libra_14]

. Yes
2. If you are not legally married, do not tell anything about your relationship.
3. If you are living in Taiwan for more than 6 months, then you can apply there. Otherwise go to your home country.

Thanks Sderiis.