Episode 2: Mom's visa approved. Questions asked...

[ouster]

Hey all,
Thanks for all the info on this site. Its really helpful and thanks to the folks at immihelp.
My mom got her passport with the visa stamp. The interview was at Chennai on March 24th. She received her visa by courier on March 25th in Hyderabad!!! She got a 10 year multiple entry visa!!!
Big Pluses - Earlier journeys to Singapore and Australia, mom's care-a-damn attitude(we decided it wouldn't be the end of the world if she didn't get a visa)
Big minuses - Extension on Australian visa, widow(I'm lead to believe this could be a minus), over 70 years old, all children abroad, no source of income, no major binding ties in Hyd other than own apartment, my I134 showed less money in the bank than the recommended 5k.(around 4k)

I had sent nearly every document listed on immihelp except this years tax returns. Papers were sent in Jan.
The appointment was at 12:30p.m-12:45p.m. She went to the consulate a litte early. But there was a lot of rush and she was interviewed only at 3:00 p.m
Questions asked:-
1) How many children do you have(mom: n)
2) How did you come to Chennai?(mom: By flight)
3) Which flight?(mom: Air Deccan)
*Interviewer didn't know the airline, or had a big question mark on his face*
4)So your son lives in city X and daughter lives in city y? (mom: no, my son lives in city Y and my daughter lives in city X)
*I don't know if this was meant to be a trick question but after my mom corrected the interviewer he glanced over the papers*
5)What status is your son on? (mom: H1)
6) How long do you plan to be in the US?(mom: 4 months)
Thats it. We couldn't believe our luck when mom said she received the passport today with a 10 year multiple entry visa!!!
It would be wrong of me to attribute the approval to any particular factor as I know there's other more qualifying people whose visas are rejected. However I'm posting this info for others to use.
Again, thanks to immihelp and the members on this website for all the valuable information

[divyasri]

for u and ur mom
for me and my mom !!!!! uff !!

[ouster]

Thanks

Hey thanks. Read your earlier posts. Sorry to hear about your parents' rejections. Did they try going to the interview individually? I mean would it be possible for your mom to apply for the visa alone? Most people I've heard of whose parents went alone for the interview didn't have much of a problem. Also don't lose heart. I've seen posts here(and I'm sure you have too) where peoples parents have got their visa after three attempts. Best of luck to you and your mom

[divyasri]

Amma did go alone once. They didnt c a paper she was carryin. All they asked was why my father wasnt along. He cannot take leave every now and then..specially in the busy March/Apr season...plus spend so much...and then take the travel toll. I have no idea wht to do more actually. So many rejections on the passport worry me at times.

I must say though..when I hear stories of parents' marriage certificates being asked...or a mom being told 'wht will you go and do between ur newly married son n dil....' .... I feel way better tht my mom or dad didnt have to face these nut cases. How more insane can one get from the other end..my god !! Why do they need to know wht this poor window mother wud do in her family..once she visits her newly wed son :O uff !!