Tourist Visa - Complicated situation(?)

[shreyash511]

Hi,

I'm an Indian resident and I'm studying in London since the last 9 months.

Last year, in December, I applied for a US Tourist Visa. Unfortunately, my application got rejected because:

1. I did not show strong proof/evidence of intent to returning back after my visit.

2. (I'm not sure, but) Maybe I did not have sufficient funds.

3. I didn't get sponsorship of visit, and the person I intended to visit was a student there, and not a US citizen.


Now, at this point in time, I really need to visit the USA for personal reasons. And I need advice on how to go about it this time. There are a few questions for which I seek answers from you:

1. As stated above, I'm studying in London. However, my course is virtually complete, and I just need to submit my Dissertation in September. So, I'm back home in India to spend time with my family until August. I applied for a Tourist Visa last year in London. Should I apply for a Tourist Visa again in London? Or should I apply for a Tourist Visa from India, as I'm currently here for the next 3 months?

2. Based on the first question, how should I show the intent of returning back after my visit in the following cases -

(i) If I apply for the Visa here in India, it would be easy to show the intent of returning back to India, as I have lived here for 23 years and have my own residence here. I can also provide any and every property-related documents, et al.

(ii) If I apply for the Visa in London, then what do I say? Last time around I said that I have a course that runs till June 2010 and I'll have to go back and continue my course after the visit. I also provided a letter from my University stating the same. But all to no avail. What should be different this time around? (Note: I live in a flat that I'm renting, in London. And I've lived in London for almost 9 months now on a Tier 4 UK Student Visa.)

(iii) If I apply for the Visa in London (I read about reapplying in the same Consulate), and state that I'll be returning to India after the visit, how would that be received by them? I don't see this as a viable option in terms of applying for the Visa. But I want to know from you, the chances of success and the requirements, in this case.

There you go. 2 questions, 3 scenarios. What should I do? It's complicated (atleast in my mind), and I really need to visit the USA.

Thanks in advance,
Shrey.

[shreyash511]

Almost a 100 views, and still no replies...

Anyone care to help me out here? Anyone? Please...

[visjig]

Based on my personal viewpoint only as I'm in London and many friends who are Indian citizen-student visa in London have gone through the same situation as you, I have the following opinion:-

For your first question- If you are going to be in India then apply from India as you can show more financial ties and social ties in India, from India.

For your second question - show everything you have in your name e.g. bank balance, fixed deposits, life insurance policies, fixed assets. Also get affidavits from family showing financial support.

For your final question - as I said applying from India makes more sense then applying from UK. When you apply from India tell them that you still have unfinished course in UK. Get letters from your uni/college in UK stating that you still have to finish your course. Show how you paid for your tution fees for UK course.

Also can I ask your true reason about why you want to go to the states. PM me if you can.

[shreyash511]

visjig,

Thank you so much. I mean it. I can assure you that the situation I posted here was nothing short of complicated. And for you to read it, and come up with solutions, is truly remarkable in my eyes.

Thank you so very much, and yes, you have a PM.

-Shrey.