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electric
United Kingdom
28 Posts |
 Posted - 22 Jun 2007 : 18:51:16
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Jambo, I was indeed very honest in my invitation letter....I think it helps if the invitee is in a well secured job.
But how about those who haven't got jobs, just friends who will sponsor for a visit. You don't have to get a good job to travel or do you , folks!
And for the fees, atleast a part of it if not ALL shoud be refunded period.
These Western countries pretend to help and then ripoff its citizens...counter- productivity |
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MADIBA
United Kingdom
1275 Posts |
Posted - 22 Jun 2007 : 22:36:13
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quote:
Originally posted by jambo
the quote is from the first posting, from Madiba....
Yes indeed the quote is frm me. Qouting a friend who was denied. His friend in the UK apparently sent him all the required documents and just for the consular to refuse him flat on that flimsy excuse. Before handing the decision my friend reported that the consular, interviewed him, then left him there went inside for abt 15mins and came back to hand him his decision. In his case his friend in the UK is working(his job i dnt know) how much he earns i dnt know. However he was ready to pay his way, accommodate and feed him for the duration of his stay. The maths this consular worked out to know that his sponsor cannot continue to foot the expenses beats my imagination. Both guest and host were devastated by the decision.
Its very painful with the anxiety, sleepness nights and the burning desire to pay viist to some so close to you,is very very heartbreaking atleast to me.
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madiss |
Edited by - MADIBA on 22 Jun 2007 22:37:13 |
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Carolyn
United Kingdom
7 Posts |
Posted - 23 Jun 2007 : 02:34:38
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| A Gambian friend told me that you can pay to obtain good papers ie bank statements and a leave letter. And this was through an actual bank. I got the impression the bank provides a false bank statement and a letter to say you work there. He knows people who have done this and got visas. |
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bantaba
Switzerland
61 Posts |
Posted - 23 Jun 2007 : 04:17:36
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Some information from USCIS website in regards to United States Visa denials. I think the definition of strong ties depends on the visa issuer.
Visa Denials
Liza was excited. In three days her friend Timothy would come visit her in the United States. Suddenly, the phone rang. Liza couldnt believe her ears! Sadly, Timothy told her, "I cannot come...the consul said I am 214(b)."
On any given day throughout the world some visa applicants find themselves in Timothys situation. They hear the consular officer say, "Your visa application is refused. You are not qualified under Section 214(b) of the Immigration and Nationality Act." To be refused a visa when you are not expecting it causes great disappointment and sometimes embarrassment. Here is what a 214(b) visa refusal means and what applicants and friends can do to prepare for a visa reapplication.
WHAT IS SECTION 214(b)?
Section 214(b) is part of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA). It states:
Every alien shall be presumed to be an immigrant until he establishes to the satisfaction of the consular officer, at the time of application for admission, that he is entitled to a nonimmigrant status...
To qualify for a visitor or student visa, an applicant must meet the requirements of sections 101(a)(15)(B) or (F) of the INA respectively. Failure to do so will result in a refusal of a visa under INA 214(b). The most frequent basis for such a refusal concerns the requirement that the prospective visitor or student possess a residence abroad he/she has no intention of abandoning. Applicants prove the existence of such residence by demonstrating that they have ties abroad that would compel them to leave the U.S. at the end of the temporary stay. The law places this burden of proof on the applicant.
Our consular officers have a difficult job. They must decide in a very short time if someone is qualified to receive a temporary visa. Most cases are decided after a brief interview and review of whatever evidence of ties an applicant presents.
WHAT CONSTITUTES "STRONG TIES"?
Strong ties differ from country to country, city to city, individual to individual. Some examples of ties can be a job, a house, a family, a bank account. "Ties" are the various aspects of your life that bind you to your country of residence: your possessions, employment, social and family relationships.
As a U.S. citizen or legal permanent resident, imagine your own ties in the United States. Would a consular office of a foreign country consider that you have a residence in the United States that you do not intend to abandon? It is likely that the answer would be "yes" if you have a job, a family, if you own or rent a house or apartment, or if you have other commitments that would require you to return to the United States at the conclusion of a visit abroad. Each person's situation is different.
Our consular officers are aware of this diversity. During the visa interview they look at each application individually and consider professional, social, cultural and other factors. In cases of younger applicants who may not have had an opportunity to form many ties, consular officers may look at the applicants specific intentions, family situations, and long-range plans and prospects within his or her country of residence. Each case is examined individually and is accorded every consideration under the law.
WHO CAN INFLUENCE THE CONSULAR OFFICER TO REVERSE A DECISION?
Immigration law delegates the responsibility for issuance or refusal of visas to consular officers overseas. They have the final say on all visa cases. By regulation the U.S. Department of State has authority to review consular decisions, but this authority is limited to the interpretation of law, as contrasted to determinations of facts. The question at issue in such denials, whether an applicant possesses the required residence abroad, is a factual one. Therefore, it falls exclusively within the authority of consular officers at our Foreign Service posts to resolve. An applicant can influence the post to change a prior visa denial only through the presentation of new convincing evidence of strong ties.
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Edited by - bantaba on 23 Jun 2007 04:19:37 |
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Sibo
Denmark
231 Posts |
Posted - 25 Jun 2007 : 15:40:20
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| This whole non-refundable visa fees are nothing but the western world doing what it has always done to Africans RIPPING US OFF. I donīt understand when they complain about 419 the Nagerians are doing to them. They are ripping africans off as much as 419 is ripping them off if not more, they just legalize their rippoff. It is wrong to deny people a visa for no reason an to keep their money is totally out of line. They know how hard some of tese people have to work to get the fee, some even sell their compouns. So when you sell your compound and get denied a visa, you have nothing left. They are just crushing the dreams and better futures for for a lot of people. Thats just not right...... |
Edited by - Sibo on 25 Jun 2007 15:41:09 |
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MADIBA
United Kingdom
1275 Posts |
Posted - 25 Jun 2007 : 16:21:49
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quote:
Originally posted by Sibo
This whole non-refundable visa fees are nothing but the western world doing what it has always done to Africans RIPPING US OFF. I donīt understand when they complain about 419 the Nagerians are doing to them. They are ripping africans off as much as 419 is ripping them off if not more, they just legalize their rippoff. It is wrong to deny people a visa for no reason an to keep their money is totally out of line. They know how hard some of tese people have to work to get the fee, some even sell their compouns. So when you sell your compound and get denied a visa, you have nothing left. They are just crushing the dreams and better futures for for a lot of people. Thats just not right......
Can't say it any better my sister. God Bless you |
madiss |
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LEMON TIME
Afghanistan
1295 Posts |
Posted - 25 Jun 2007 : 17:19:53
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| well said Sibo,bravo. |
There is no god but Allah |
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gambiabev
United Kingdom
3091 Posts |
Posted - 25 Jun 2007 : 19:05:24
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Yes my guides dreams were crushed and furthermore from being 100% honest this system encourage people to consider the less honest ways such as false marriages, false bank accounts and bribes.
My job as a teacher is just about as secure as it can get. I have references, police checks, bank accounts etc.
I have heard that banks will provide false accounts for a bribe. What hope is there when an INSTITUTION has bribery at its heart?
My guides paperwork was 100% honest.
My paperwork was 100% honest.
Nothing was missing.
THEY JUST DIDN'T BELIEVE HE WOULD RETURN. |
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anna
Netherlands
730 Posts |
Posted - 25 Jun 2007 : 22:22:51
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Then perhaps you all did not write very convincing letters of invitation....
My Gambian partner got a tourist visa in 2005, he got a permit to travel into my country in 2006, he got a permit for one year upon arriving and now he got a permit to stay here which is valid until May 2012.
The tourist visa was refused the first time (April 2005), i called the Dutch embassy in Dakar - they advised me to make the reason for the visit more clear and also what exactly was our relationship. They especially want to know how long we'd been acquainted (so they can see clearly that you are not inviting someone who you have only known for the duration of one or two holidays) and to put in some pictures. After we'd done this, the visa was granted within 5 days (May 2005).
There might be a big difference in how embassies of different countries decide upon these matters. But so far i have been surprised from the start about how easy it all was for us.
So: if you want a tourist visa - come up with evidence that the invitee concerned has everything to come back to the Gambia for (job, compound, children) and if you want a permit for residence come up with evidence that the invitee is much better off being where you are.
Honesty is best, but sometimes you have to 'upgrade' it a bit.
To say that not refunding the money that was paid at the application is something governmental institutions do especially to 'rip off' Africans is a bit far-fetched. When you say that sometimes Africans are so desperate that they sell possessions in order to come to Europe (or anywhere else western) anyway after they were denied visas in a 'normal way', i believe you immediately.
Unfortunately, many Africans still believe that if you have succeeded in entering the western world it is a guarantee to become rich. It's a fairy tale, and a very cynical one. |
When an old African dies, it is as if a whole library has burnt down.
Amadou Hampate Ba (Mali) |
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Sibo
Denmark
231 Posts |
Posted - 26 Jun 2007 : 08:25:58
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Thanks Madiss and Lemon time.
This whole thing is just BS, they are ripping us off with the visa thing and 419 is ripping them off, what goes around comes around. |
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inez
279 Posts |
Posted - 26 Jun 2007 : 13:44:58
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| This visa thing really sucks but at least they give you a reason to denial..they donīt do that in swedish embassy and they claim they donīt have to give a reason to it.If you start asking reasons in general, they can say it could be that they donīt believe the person will return or that the relationship is not serious. Itīs almost impossible to invite someone to visit here if you are not married with that person. When married and having the lisence to show up there is nothing they can do to stop the visa... |
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Sibo
Denmark
231 Posts |
Posted - 26 Jun 2007 : 13:55:06
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Yeah, they give you reasons, but those reasons just suck. How can you look at someone and tell them that you think their marriage is fake, wat makes them the judge of that???
As I mentioned earlier, they are nothing but rippoffs |
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electric
United Kingdom
28 Posts |
Posted - 26 Jun 2007 : 14:10:20
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Anna, Honesty is better, you reckon, but its best to UPGRADE it..
Babes, you've truly lost me proper [:0...are you suggesting that its best to lie
Sibo, had hit the nail where it should be, no argument!!!
quote:
Originally posted by anna
Then perhaps you all did not write very convincing letters of invitation....
My Gambian partner got a tourist visa in 2005, he got a permit to travel into my country in 2006, he got a permit for one year upon arriving and now he got a permit to stay here which is valid until May 2012.
The tourist visa was refused the first time (April 2005), i called the Dutch embassy in Dakar - they advised me to make the reason for the visit more clear and also what exactly was our relationship. They especially want to know how long we'd been acquainted (so they can see clearly that you are not inviting someone who you have only known for the duration of one or two holidays) and to put in some pictures. After we'd done this, the visa was granted within 5 days (May 2005).
There might be a big difference in how embassies of different countries decide upon these matters. But so far i have been surprised from the start about how easy it all was for us.
So: if you want a tourist visa - come up with evidence that the invitee concerned has everything to come back to the Gambia for (job, compound, children) and if you want a permit for residence come up with evidence that the invitee is much better off being where you are.
Honesty is best, but sometimes you have to 'upgrade' it a bit. To say that not refunding the money that was paid at the application is something governmental institutions do especially to 'rip off' Africans is a bit far-fetched. When you say that sometimes Africans are so desperate that they sell possessions in order to come to Europe (or anywhere else western) anyway after they were denied visas in a 'normal way', i believe you immediately.
Unfortunately, many Africans still believe that if you have succeeded in entering the western world it is a guarantee to become rich. It's a fairy tale, and a very cynical one.
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jambo
3300 Posts |
Posted - 26 Jun 2007 : 15:54:58
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madiba, you are right about the visa funds, they should be refunded if they are refused, but I have a problem with people not being aware of what is entailed when applying for a visa. the criteria for visas is clearly stated on any form that you collect from the embassies, all people have to do is their homework.
A marriage in a geniune place should not be refused. But if you are bringing over your "friend", for a visit that is open to lots of interpretation. |
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sab
United Kingdom
912 Posts |
Posted - 26 Jun 2007 : 16:51:21
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Jambo, have u received many visitors from The Gambia?
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The world would be a poorer place if it was peopled by children whose parents risked nothing in the cause of social justice, for fear of personal loss. (Joe Slovo - African revolutionary) |
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