US Embassy in Thailand Denies B2 visa

[jlseed]

Hello everyone.

My 47yo female Thai friend was denied a B2 visa the other day after her interview. Reason for denial was because they said "You have not been able to demonstrate sufficiently strong family, social or economics ties to a country outside the US. that would compel you to leave the United States after a temporary stay".

We were both totally surprised with this response as she owns a legitimate business in Bangkok with documentation (Trade Registration Certificate) to prove it.
Furthermore, she previously held a 10 year visa that expired a year ago. During that time, she has visited the USA, Canada, as well as Switzerland and Singapore. She has never overstayed her visit in any of these places and has always returned to Thailand.

She can reapply again, but my question is, what can she do differently this time that would convince the interviewer she will return to Thailand? Btw. I even provided a letter of sponsorship stating I would be responsible for her financially during her visit here.

Any suggestions would be kindly appreciated!

[raghvi]

I believe the problem was your sponsorship. If her business is doing well she should have been self sponsoring. You might want to try out with her self sponsoring her trip and costs associated with it. But for that she would have to show very good income from her business with relevant tax statements. This is my opinion not legal advice.

[peace999]

jlseed

raghvi is very correct .

Also, if she said the purpose was to visit a friend ( and that too on his sponsorship),
it was her undoing. ( no one flies 12000 miles just to visit a friend )

[jlseed]

So, what you are both saying is, that she should not have presented my sponsorship letter, but sponsor her own self instead, based on the merits of her business?
The fact she's had a 10 year Visa before, and never abused it, has no bearing on their decision?
I'm just trying to get a better handle on their logic.

PS - People do travel 12,000 miles for a visit, if someone else is paying for it.

[peace999]

THey are looking for strong financial and family ties to make sure the person will come back.

By showing sponsorship from a 'friend' host , you are indirectly admitting lack of your own funds,
so no financial ties .
This kind of funding support from the host ( sponsorship ) works only in select cases like parents going to visit their children in US.
Where it is expected that kids will support their parents.
In your case, the officer would wonder why a friend should pay for the trip ; there must be a hidden agenda (marriage in US, finding work in US)
etc.

The current presentation overrides previous positives; last 10 yr visa, no overstays, travel around the world.

[jlseed]

Follow Up: 2nd Request Denied

My Thai lady friend re-applied for a B-2 Visa again and had her interview on August 20th. Once again, she was denied after the interview.
This time, prior to the interview, she consulted the advice of an agency there in Bangkok, and they suggested she provide more information about her business and her involvement in it. They also suggested that she request a shorter, 15 day visit and for me to send a letter of invitation, which they provided a template for. The letter stated that she would be staying with me and I would be responsible for her expenses while here, and she would pay her own air fare to the US and back to Thailand.
I'm guessing the things that mostly worked against her is, being divorced with grown children and not owning a home or real estate.
At this point, I don't know of anything else different she can do for a 3rd interview, that would convince the interviewer she will return to Thailand.
Now I'm wondering if I should go to the extra trouble and just apply for a K-1 Fiancee Visa. Any thoughts or advice?