What are the laws to obtain a visa to come to the us?

Question

Im corresponding with a woman in england , Which I care for very much. She want s to come her, but she was arrested in england, but never went to jail. had to pay a penalty. She works as a nurse. iShe applied for a Visa. The told her two way to come her, as a tourist with her family and must go to disneyland. Or I have to travel to london , and get a fiancee visa so she can travel to the US. Is there something else she could do?

Answer 1

I don't know why they told her she has to travel with family and must go to Disneyland... that WOULD be hilarious, but there is no such law (fortunately I guess).

The general rule to obtain a tourist visa is to show that you have strong ties to your country of origin -- ties that would compel you to leave the US within the time frame allowed by your visa. Proof of employment (like a letter from your employer saying you're taking off for however long and will be back to resume working), of real estate ownership or rent, or proof of study, or even serious family relationships (such as minor children/dependents).

You need to carry proof of those ties to your home country even as you enter the US and your passport is inspected, as the decision to let you in or send you back is, ultimately, the immigration officer's who inspects you upon entry.

As for the fiance visa, it is a time-consuming process for people who are very serious about getting married. The US citizen has to file a petition with US Citizenship and Immigration Services in the US to allow a consulate or embassy of the US abroad to issue a fiance visa to their partner. Once that person has the visa, it must be used within 6 months, and once the person has entered the US, they must marry the US citizen within 90 days or depart the US.

So the fiance visa is not for you two if you're not serious about getting married yet. Also, one of the main requirements to apply for a fiance visa is that you must have met face to face at least once within the past 2 years.

British citizens are normally eligible to travel to the US without a visa but since she's been arrested/convicted in the past, she may not travel under that regulation. I think the tourist visa (type B-2) is the best for her situation.

Read this for more information on tourist visas:

http://travel.state.gov/visa/temp/types/...

Check the web site of the US embassy in London as well:

http://london.usembassy.gov/cons_new/vis...

They also have an online "wizard" to help you determine if you need a visa: http://london.usembassy.gov/cons_new/vis...