Too American for a B1/B2?

[pcmc87]

Hi everybody,

I am glad I found this forum! Quite lots of information for disoriented people like me.

I was hoping somebody could give me his/her opinion on my situation, or advice if available. I just came back to my home country (Colombia) after graduating from college in the US. I went to school in CA for about 5 years on an F-1 visa.

In the past, I've had three consecutive multiple-entry 5-year B1/B2 visas and I have used them to make two short trips of about a month each. At the time, I applied to these visas alongside my parents. Since I was in the states for so long, I couldn't go to the embassy with them last year, and now I that I am back home, I am applying to a B1/B2 by myself. My main goal is to spend the holidays with some friends in CA.

Nevertheless, all my education and employment background is from the US. I have a social security card and a valid driver's license from the US. I have no assets or employment history in my home country besides what my parents have. On my side, I have that I will be going to graduate school in Germany, but it doesn't start until October and I don't have the German visa yet.

My question is, would the fact that I spent so much time in the US, that I have a SSN and a valid driver's license and that I have no apparent solid ties with my home country in my early twenties, have a negative effect in my application process?

Any thoughts are very much appreciated!

 

[BigJoe5]

Hi everybody,

I am glad I found this forum! Quite lots of information for disoriented people like me.

I was hoping somebody could give me his/her opinion on my situation, or advice if available. I just came back to my home country (Colombia) after graduating from college in the US. I went to school in CA for about 5 years on an F-1 visa.

In the past, I've had three consecutive multiple-entry 5-year B1/B2 visas and I have used them to make two short trips of about a month each. At the time, I applied to these visas alongside my parents. Since I was in the states for so long, I couldn't go to the embassy with them last year, and now I that I am back home, I am applying to a B1/B2 by myself. My main goal is to spend the holidays with some friends in CA.

Nevertheless, all my education and employment background is from the US. I have a social security card and a valid driver's license from the US. I have no assets or employment history in my home country besides what my parents have. On my side, I have that I will be going to graduate school in Germany, but it doesn't start until October and I don't have the German visa yet.

My question is, would the fact that I spent so much time in the US, that I have a SSN and a valid driver's license and that I have no apparent solid ties with my home country in my early twenties, have a negative effect in my application process?

Any thoughts are very much appreciated!

Yes, the application process will be harder than in the past. It is not hopeless if you can show evidence of the acceptance for graduate study in Germany and the fact of at least applying for a student visa there. Also, if you are still dependent on your parents for support in future schooling that would help. Do you still live with your parents now? That would help. Can you show your travel itnerary for your desired visit with friends in the U.S.?

 

[pcmc87]

BigJoe5, thanks for your reply.

Yes, I currently live with my parents, and they both have their B1/B2 already (in case that matters). I have my official admission certificate from Germany, which I was planning of bringing as well, and I will bring the financial affidavit showing support from my parents to go through college again. As for travel itinerary, what does that entail? I mentioned my tentative arrival/departure dates as well as the city, address and person I would like to visit; yet, I haven't purchased any tickets for instance.

Now, the other option would be to apply for a B1/B2 once I am in Germany, but, for what I've seen and read, it would be more difficult to do it from there given I am a dependent of my parents, which don't live in Germany.

Uncertainty, uncertainty I am telling ya...

 

[Triple Citizen]

Regardless of where you apply, whether Germany or Columbia, your challenge will be the same. You will need to overcome 214(b).

Now, the other option would be to apply for a B1/B2 once I am in Germany, but, for what I've seen and read, it would be more difficult to do it from there given I am a dependent of my parents, which don't live in Germany.