Visitor Visa And Pregnancy

[divyasri]

I see n no of queries here almost every other day, stating pregnancy as the main reason for wanting a Visa, inspite of repeated statements by the advisors of this forum, that pregnancy cannot be treated/looked at as an emergency situation for wanting a visa.

I will share my story, hoping that it might help some of u looking for parental help while u r expecting a newborn.

We have been living in states since 6 yrs...and my mom, like anyother typical andhramom, wud always pass my idea of her getting a visa, sayin ' I will do it when it is necessary, and when u get pregnant'. My father never applied for a passport, sayin it is my mom who needs to come and help me when I will have a baby, and tht he is noways is interested to come n c states. Hundreds of times I've asked them to get a visa and keep it before hand, so tht it is easy in times of need. N no of times I've asked my mom to comedown here, looking at it as a break..but aaha....she was sooooo damn sure tht God will take care of everything and tht she will come down when it is time. (Guess God took a vacation looking at hundreds of visa petitions from all visa wanters...n specially my mom's file n her tons of poojas in the last minute)

In good time, I knew I was gng to have a baby this April...and when I looked up, found a visa apptmt only in Feb. I WAS NOT PREPARED FOR A VISA REJECTION, so had no plan B. None of my frnd's parents had any issues getting one....and mine is a story ppl listen to today with their open mouths..not knowing the reason why the visa got rejected.

We work with one of the major s/w giants here, well settled g/c holders, with u can say good assets. I have put in proper paperwork to whr my knowledge goes, and also prepared my mom well for the interview. The day she went in for the interview in feb, she was asked only one qn...why ur husband didnt come along with u?? My father is a govt employee still in service, and we never leave the house locked back home. I do have siblings of which there is one unmarried sister as well. My mom replied sayin my father got no leave as such to come along ( which was partly true becoz it was a busy yr end thing at work...though he had no passport). One qn...and a rejection. I booked again in March...and between this time...my father somehow managed to get a tatkaal passport (when things get to ur neck...u run for wht not...n my father who cudnt' afford a day's leave to accompany my mom...actually had to take 3 days leave to take trips to counsulate in hyd). N no of prayers hehe, n in March apptmt...only 3 qns....who stays in us? wht does ur daughter do? whr do u work? Visa rejected again. We again reapplied in the last week of march....again for both...and this time I wrote a covering letter...clearly stating all the ties they have back home, specially the fact tht my father is a govt employee in service, have a daughter to get married off yet, n so on. I mentioned specially to deal with their case fairly and also the fact tht none of the documents they were carrying were looked at in their prior apptmts. Sooo...out of generosity, this time...they rejected the visa...TAKING A LOOK at their documents for a change.

I have a three week old today, n DONOT ASK wht one has to go thru both emotionally n physically at this time, if one is alone. I also had complications including severe reactions on the baby's end n my end....baby in ICU for a while, n me walking up and down 4 miles a day right out of my delivery bed. I have not been able to sleep un-interrupted for 4 hrs since three weeks, which does take its toll on health n energy. I am running to doctor visits twice a week for some issues my baby is fighting with still. (I can go on and on with my minute to minute hurdles to give u an idea how trying a time it is, becoz everyone here seems to feel tht theirs is the worst situation)

In short, inspite of all these serious issues, I cannot go and ask the consulate to issue my mom a visa becoz I am suffering here trying to manage a baby. VISITORS VISA IS SOLELY FOR THE PURPOSE OF TOURISM !!! After getting the visa, when does ur family visit u, and why they come down is totally a different thing...but...for getting a visa as such, DONOT STATE PREGNANCY as a reason. IT HAMPERS UR CASE instead of helping it !!

My adivse wud be:

Ask ur parents to apply for visas way before...so tht u atleast have time to reapply if they are rejected for some reason....plus u n ur parents r not under pressure either. This will help them do their interview good as well.
Never apply right away after a visa rejection. It sends wrong signals to the interviewer, as in wht might be the possible cause for such immediate reapplications! Tourism can wait a little u c.
With my experience , if for some reason ur family is not able to visit u, donot take the chance of managing all on ur own. In telugu we say 'cinema kanipisthundi '. I cudn't go becoz of my medical history here, plus when my mom's visa got rejected, I was already in my 7th month, and I wudn't be allowed on a flight as its unsafe.

I am trying for an apptmt to c if my mom can go in again sometime, n to my luck n time n energy, the latest I have is for Aug. I am almost on the verge of crying at times.....not able to take the pressure of managing house + this new n unknown little subject I hold in my arms everyday.
But again...SHE IS ALL MY STRENGTH

Grab tips or lessons..whtevr u might call, from my story...and get prepared before hand. It is always better to plan ahead. Tons of us make the same mistake....WAITING TILL THE LAST MINUTE !

I comedown everyday n go thru this site for updates n news. Picking up 10 mins to do this everyday is a bigthing now. Donot get into my shoes/situation. It is no fun sleeping 2 hrs a day n working nonstop the rest of the 22.

PLAN WISE....PLAN AHEAD!!!!!
REMEMBER...Visitors visa is for Tourism ONLY !! N Pregnancy is not treated an emergency situation in any situation.

BEST OF LUCK with ur bundles of joy!!!

[SK_2005]

Re:Visitor visa and Pregnancy

I am sorry that your mother's visa got rejected. Did she say that she is coming here to help you with the baby? I have heard that this may be the main reason why the visa is rejected. My neice had invited her parents but since her dad was a govt. employee with year end job stress, he could not come. So her mom went alone and she got the visa with no problems. She didnot mention that she was coming to help her daughter with the baby and also the daughter was not a green card holder.

There is no valid reason why a visa is rejected - You can get all the tips you can, but sometimes nothing helps!!

Good Luck.

SK.

[divyasri]

I knew abt the fact tht the consulate wud never issue a visa if one mentions abt pregnancy. My parents only mentioned tht it was for visiting me n tourism.

Bad luck...yea..I guess so !! Three times n rejections for no valid reason...well what els can one call it

[immihelp]

Sorry to hear that.

I completely understand that many parents simply don't listen to their children. They still think you are their small child.

[padmapriya]

My experience

Dear friends,

First of all i have to thank u for your patience for reading this.

My parents visa got rejected in chennai.I am in such a strange situation,I thought to share my exp with you so that i will get some relief from this pain.

My parents didn't have passport and 1 year before i was telling them to take the passport.Because my friends told it will take time to get the passport after we apply.But my dad told we can try it later.

After that i got pregnant and i told my father again to apply for passport .From september i am telling this and he applied on january last.Every day i was calling because I can see the appointment dates are filling fast.So if i get ppno then only i can apply.They don't understand all these situations.And my mother got passport in march first week.But at that time the dates for appt in chennai available only in july.And i took the date in july itself and took it in my native language.After trying so much she got a date in june.After two weeks my dad got pp and i came to know that if i want appt for both at same time,I have to cancel moms and take appt again.
At that time my dad told they can talk in english,I had a doubt whether he will be able to understand the accent.Anyway i took appointmentment in english.

We tried again for better dates and got on may.And i was so happy .You know i was'nt able to sit in front of computer for long time,But my hubby didn't have time,so i have to.Every day i was crying because of the back pain.After that we send all the documents by march itself.I told my father to chk all the documents.Me and my hubby called him everyday and telling him the same thing.But he didn't even listen to my words.He told me when the Consular officer see me he will give visa immediately because we are old.He is only 58.What answer i have to give him for this.

And after that they didn't even took the photos, Here i was reading all the experiences in this site and advices from immihelp and all.I was very tensed.They took photos in april middle.I am telling all these to show u how much careless my parents were.

I told him to go to travelagent if he did any difficulties.But he didn't listen.And i prepared them for interview within two weeks,because i didn't got time for that.I called them 3 days before interview and i asked him whether he checked all my hubby's documents,he told me i didn't touch it because i don't understand anything in that.My friends,Me and god only knows how much stress they gave me.I told him to chk that .When we called in the evening and asked him about all papers,he told I-797 is not there.My hubby got mad ,because they were leaving to chennai that day 7pm.

We told him to chk,two times he told he's not able to find that.After that we described the paper is like this that and all,And at last he got it.And anyway they went for interview.We called him to give him courage and confidence.

U know From this site i had so many ideas,i told them 1000 times to greet the officer.When they entered they had no trouble.And their visa got rejected.He told questions were simple.

My parents were very sad.I tried to console them by keeping pain in my mind.

After they came home,I called dad again and asked him in detail,

He told,

He wasn't able to greet the CO,because he didn't get time for that.

The questions were very simple
Q,Show me documents.
A,Son-in-laws or what
Q,SIL's
A, He gave all that
Q,Where is he working
A,so and so
Q,what u r doing
A,wholesale business
Q,Is u'r daughter working
A,no,she is housewife
Q,How many children do u have
A,three daughters
Q,What they are doing
One in us and others here
Q,does u'r daughter have children
A,no
Q,what others doing
A,studying
Q,where
A,My father told name of my place
Q,the officer didn't get that and again he asked where
A,My father told here in INDIA
That's it rejected according to 214(b)

My friends Now i think the last answers didn't satisfied him

My sister's, one is doing training in a hospital,and is in hostel and last one studying also in hostel.Second one's engagement was over and marriage they decided to do in October.If he had shown all the documents and told this in detail maybe they have given visa.


My father now says if it was in my nativelanguage it was easier.And he is saying now to take an earlier date for interview now i will do the best i can.And he is telling he will enquire the travel agents this time.If he did all this last time atleast we had enough time to prepare for interview.

Now the date is only in september,But i am not able to send them for interview at that time,b'coz our visa is expiring in january.We need six months gap.

I don't want to blame him,but i am getting mad thinking all these,If he had given some importance for this......................

My friends if i get a date earlier,if CO ask why this urgent,can we tell him about my visa expiring and all.Can anyone say what all mistakes my father made in answering.So that i can tell him,atleast next time to be careful.And is there any use of going thru travel agent atleast to get some confidence.Anybody have experience like that.

After reading divya's experience,I think mine is nothing.I am bold now,because i have done everything i can,given all the papers and all 1 month earlier and called them everyday.

But they considered me as a kid,and told there is not so much to worry for all these.Now they understood, why we worried that much and all,but what use........Anyway past is past.Now I am praying to give courage and all to everyone who is going through my situation.

Thanks again for u'r patience for reading this,

Priya.

[divyasri]

Aww !! U poor thing !! Dont' u let ur stress affect ur baby. I know wht it is like sitting in front of the comp for apptmts I used to sit atleast 8-10 hrs everyday...checking every 10th min. My husband almost went crazy looking at me n ttsvisas site.

Hmm...how much time do u have till ur due date? Travel agents...well..honestly I dont c how it can help one...unless one is too conscious about procedures, paperwork they are carrying or qns one might be asked. It is simply a case wherein gng thru a travel agent might give psychological boost to some.

We, thnks to so many sites, know wht paperwork to send across, wht to expect, how the procedure goes n so on. Unfortunately, our message doesnot get across into our parents' brains in time They dont' intend to give us hard time I am sure, but, with their own so called 'I heard this from Mr so n so' attitude with half knowledge, pave way to situations such as these. I feel, tht it is my mistake tht I didn't push them enough all these yrs. Like I said, I was never prepared for a rejection, becoz I never heard of one in my circle. Also, u know of it only when u go thru it. Such is this experience.

Depending on how much time u have left till ur due date, perhaps we can plan out wht to do next. At the end wht matters is the counsulate's decision, but, some things we plan on do help.

Also, I have not had the time to check the authenticity of this news, but, I believe tht the american consulates have been given a 20000 new visa issuance quota. Which visas, no idea whtsoevr. Hundreds of ppl have been rejected in the months of Feb, March n April for no obvious reasons. I've also heard from reliable sources, tht one of the major reasons for my parent's rejection under 214(b), was lack of enough liquid cash in India on their name, which made no sense to me. It is stupid to expect a middle class govt employee to show lakhs of bank balances to prove home ties. Doesnt' make sense !!

Let me know when u r due padma, n we can plan ur case, with the help of other frnds out here, who will come with suggestions n ideas I am sure. U can perhaps give another good try and leave the rest to luck

Again, donot stress urself too much. Stay calm n hope for the best.


Divya

[sejmit]

Hi Divya
My name is Sejal.
I have similar case as yours.
I am 8and half months pregnant and due on july 12th.
I am on h4 visa and my husband on h1.
My parents went for visa on my husband's sponsorship for first time on 22nd feb. and their visa got rejected at mumbai consulate.
After talking to my father they asked last question about his pension income which is only Rs.8000 pm. he is retired bank manager.
SO, we thought that would be the reason.
After that we contacted sentor here and they also wrote to consulate explaining their financial and social ties to india.
They appeared second time on april4th and this time they just asked two questions why u want to go to US?
Ans: for tourism and to meet daughter and son in law.
Que:what were u doing prior to retirement?
Ans: I retired as a bank manager
That's it and visa rejected.
We are so frustrated and especially me and my parents.
I have gestational Diabetis and on insulin and having hard time managing the things though i am at home and not working.
In our case the only difference from yours is we never thought of applying for their visa earlier.
And with the mind set that we will call them only on my delivery.
Though my parents were ready with their passports and everything.
but, even my daddy was like yours taking the things easy and said the same as your daddy said officer will give the visa just looking at my face as i have no intention of staying at US for more than 4 months.
I am so frustrated.
Now appt. are availlable for aug. and we asked sentor to write again to mumbai consulate.
In reply we recd. they mentioned don't apply beofer 90 days from rejection.
I just don't enjoy anything and feel depressed all the time.
Anyways after reading your experience i really feel someone is like me and thank u so much for sharing your experience.
Sejal

[padmapriya]

Thanks my friends

Dear friends,

I am very much happy,atleast someone read our experiences.

Divya thank u so much and sorry for sejal also.

Now i am even more confused because after 90 days i am not able to bring them b'coz of visa problem.My date is on june20.But we have time upto july firstweek or something like that b'coz six month gap is there.Visa is expiring in january.And my sister's marriage ,They decided to do in october.If i bring them,they can stay for three months atleast.What to do now?

Now i got appntment date in sept27 only.And if i am not getting earlier dates,then no use also.what will we do?

Do u have any suggestions.what is your openion abt previous rejection.What can be the reason.

Waiting for your reply,
Priya

[sejmit]

Hi Priya,
Hey don't get confused about 90 days rule as i mentioned in my experience
As this what mumbai consulate says due to heavy flow for visitor visa whose visa is rejected earlier shouldn't apply before 90 days of rejection.
I have no idea about chennai consulate so first make sure and try for early appt.
good luck

[padmapriya]

worried

Dear sejal,

They r telling we can apply after 3 working days.But there r no dates and the native language,it's very difficult to get also.Anyway i am trying and trying.

Thanks,
Priya

[divyasri]

Hi Sej ... Sorry to hear about ur experience as well.

U both are pretty much on the same boat...I mean u n priya...but, in ur case, things are worsened becoz of the 90 day gap. This is wht happns when u try to take extreme measures as in senator's help etc. U r applying for a visitor's visa, we shud always remember tht. Things such as senator's letter etc in 99% of the cases only hamper the already existing situation.

Sej...I dont' c wht u can do except build ur confidence n prepare urself for the d-day. I TOTALLY understand wht u must be gng thru. On the other end, dont' u have nyone els who can comeover n help u? Like may be sum1 from ur other family's end? How old r u? And is this ur first baby? Usually if it is ur second or so...u atleast have an idea on wht to expect etc. With first one...like in my case...goodness...brain goes dead at times with pressure n worry. Let me know wht I asked on, n perhaps I might have some suggestions tht might come of use on ur personal end. In visa case, I am sorry to say, but u have to admit tht nuthing can be done right now n 3 months is a very long time indeed. DONOT get depressed plz. I really donot want to scare u, but, it takes a toll on ur baby's health. The baby reacts to ur chemical releases n stress, strain n sadness makes the body release chemicals tht a baby can identify the difference about. Cheerup and hope for the best!! Realise ur strengths and believe me when I say, ur baby will become ur absolute strength. Just keep good thoughts, think good, n I wud say think on how strong u shud be, so tht ur baby will take tht attitude from U. It is hard, but it is not impossible UR LITTLE ONE WILL BECOME A FIGHTER LIKE U.....take ur first steps towards tht path with confidence.

Priya....u might have a chance if u get lucky. Though the fact is tht u r applying almost too closely from the prior rejection, I have known ppl personally who applied right after their rejection n got the visa the second time. Qn seems to be on getting an early apptmt. This is summer, and the busiest season of the yr for tourist visas. Hmm....like I said, I dont' find time to check on the apptms myself, but, if I come across any, I can always let u know n vice versa. U can mail me ur id n I can mail u, if it helps. Previously, it was very easy getting an apptmt slot. But now, tts visas have changed n no of things on their site. Just hope for the best. I have an apptmt for Aug 2nd....and if I cud, I wud give it up to u. But, apptms are not transferrable now. They go into the general pool once u cancel them. I mean seriously, I have already gone thru the hard part, n by Aug my baby will almost be three n half months. I donot mind giving it up to ppl in need for sure, if there is a way. To my knowledge, there is now way u can transfer an apptmt. So, keep trying Priya, n at the same time, donot overdo it. Just prepare urself n have a Plan B. NOONE CAN BE A BETTER CAREGIVER TO UR BABY THAN URSELF Say this to urself every sec. If I cud do it, u can do it. In the time u have, divide some on visa efforts, and use the rest to take a break n plan on wht is needed. Plz go thru sites such as babycenter.com and learn/get urself acquainted with wht to expect. Ppl tell u hundred things. Eat this/dont' eat this...do this do that...but believe me...it only adds chaos n confusion. Follow one thing, either tht or this. Donot put ur legs in two boats. I decided to go by the doctor here, plus use my sense n follow some good enough guidelines. Afterall it is the doctor here tht will save u n ur baby, not the ppl who advise. FOLLOW UR GUTT INSTINCTS n like I said to Sej, pool ur strengths n use the force, so tht ur baby can learn it from u and become a fighter in life

I am here for u guys if u have any qns I can be help of. No one can help much in this case trust me, but, sometimes, just talking to ppl who have gone thru the same thing, eases one out a lot.

Chill gals....we can be exceptionally strong moms. And bravo....it is a great feeling at the end of it all to tell urself tht u've managed it all on ur own. Gives such a boost in life.

Okies....time to put my baby to nap. She must be wondering wht amma is upto on laptop so early in the morn'

Priya about ur qn on why a visa rejection, hard to answer. Did ur parents carry a CA letter on assets?

[sejmit]

Hi Divya,
Thanks a lot for your moral support.
I know it is tough but i am trying my level best to come out of it for my baby.
But, at times i get frustrated.
It is my first baby.
My in laws might come but they can never fill the place of my parents.
I hope everything goes well.
Once again thank you so much for giving support.

Sejal

[moon]

Hi Divya,
Thank you very much for posting your experience as it will help a lot of people. How much cash do you think they expect people to have in their bank accounts? And do you think that amount can be in the form of fixed deposits or does it have to be in a current or savings account? Please give me your opinion.

Thanks again.

[immihelp]

It can be in any form.

There is no set rule regarding how much they expect. I have seen people getting rejected even after showing Rs. 1 crore in bank.

[padmapriya]

thank u so much

Dear divya,

Thank u so much.I know we are not able to exchange our appointment dates.But if we have luck maybe we will get right.Your words are giving me strength and confidence.I know preganancy period is tougher,i am also a first time mom-to be.But if we go thru it once that will be a lifetime experience to remember right.

I called my dad today and he is saying we made some faults,i didn't give all the documents when CO asked and everything like that.This makes me even more sad.

But i am giving strength to everyone.Divya U can send me e-mail to [email protected] is our common id.u know now a days
i have swelling in legs and more worse the backpain.Not able to sit and check appointment dates and all.

My hubby is doing that for me.Anyway thank u so much for u'r support.

Take Care,
Priya