Visa to US - Embassy interview

[littlechub]

Hi, hope you can help.
My Dad's a UK 'subject' rather than a UK 'citizen', and as he was born in Eire he doesn't qualify under the Visa Waiver Programme for travel to the US.
He has an interview at the US Embassy in London tomorrow for a visa (for a week's holiday next year), and needs to take some kind of 'proof that he's likely to return'. The Embassy said that he'd have to make his own mind up as to what that proof may be.
He has children and grandchildren here in England and owns a house and car. He's lived here since around 1965. He's retired so can't give proof of work here.
Any ideas on what the Embassy would like to see?!
Many thanks!

[Rollo]

The usual proof of return is having a return ticket.

If he was born in Ireland then he should be entitled to a Republic of Ireland passport, which would qualify under the waiver scheme.

[littlechub]

Wow, that was quick, thanks Rollo!
He's applying for an Irish passport too - he's applying for the visa just in case the passport takes a while (he's travelling early next year, because I daftly booked him and my mum a holiday, not realising he wasn't covered under the Waiver Scheme!). Thanks.

[bobs1975]

There have been people who've retired who have had trouble getting a B2 visa. The problem is that as there's no ties to a job the US are paranoid that retirees are going to overstay their welcome. Take as much proof as you can, A property deed, mortgage or UK rental agreement. They will presume you are overstaying and it's your job to convince them otherwise. Unfortunately they like the full time UK job which you don't have.

[tigwig]

My hubby had to go last year. He was told to take everything he could!! Mortgage statements, bank statements etc anything that shows he has ties in the UK. Good luck to him! It is very military when you get there, only he will be allowed in on his own and you have to line up and be told how far you can go! It is totally over the top but the staff were very nice to my hubby once being questioned and he had to go because of a drink driving conviction (which we later found out wouldn't have been necessary!)

[bobs1975]

That's right - US Embassy website states one thing - US law states another. Drink Driving is not a crime involving moral turpitude. So you can answer correctly NO on VWP or ESTA. Its a cruel joke

[dzug]

The usual proof of return is having a return ticket.

Not much use if they advise you not to make travel plans until you have your visa.

[littlechub]

Thanks everyone, you've been really helpful - I feel a lot better about the bits and bobs he's taking with him now.
tigwig, really glad to hear of your first-hand experience, thanks!

[munchie63]

hope you read this in time.

I had to attend last year.

just take documents such as work payslips, any mortgage paperwork/statements etc.

what they want to see is something that shows you have ties to the UK.....something to come back for.......IE you have a house, job, family etc here and aren't intending to stay in the UK

I took 2 bank statements, work payslip, copy of mortgage statement.

And, tell him not to panic....the interviews aren't a grilling under a spotlight.
Mine lasted 3-5mins max.

[munchie63]

just read the earlier bit about being 'very military'.....well it is an embassy :)

he'll get told which Q to wait in outside, then let through about a dozen at a time - it's just to keep the numbers down inside. Once inside, he takes a number, and waits to be called to hand in his paperwork.
then it's a wait (could be 60mins) sitting down in a largeish waiting room, with tea etc available, until he's called for the interview.
this takes place in a room that looks like a post office, with lots of glass screens and other people around you, not a private grilling in an office. It'll be fine

[Earth-Angel]

... Travelling to the USA after 12 Jan? Apply for a Visa Waiver ONLINE before you go
The days of filling a Visa Waiver form for US travel on the plane are ending. ...
www.moneysavingexpert.com/latesttip/ - 101k - Cached

[bobs1975]

2 steps forward 1 step back - we can only try