Andrea & BayCzech group,
I came across your name on the BayCzech website and I would appreciate any assistance you can suggest.
I am sponsoring my cousin in Czech Republic to come study here on a student visa. She is set for Las Positas College in Livermore (I live in Pleasanton) and she has completed all of her visa application paperwork. Her embassy interview is next week on Wednesday.
I'm wondering if your group includes any Czech students or members who might have any suggestions for a successful interview from their experience?
Also, I'm interested to know if there are members or other Czech contacts in the East Bay area who might help welcome her after she comes in December. She is fairly fluent in English. Las Positas College does not have any Czech students currently, so looking for options that may help ease any adjustment or for social contacts.
Thanks!
Mark
510-909-9797
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My cousin's Sudent Vsa interview at the US embassy in Prague was today and her application was denied. I had offered to pay for her tuition and living costs while here to attend Las Positas Community College. I provided copies of bank statements, showing the $12,000+ they require be available for a students's expenses. They questioned why I would pay for her and she explained the family relationship and my offer. They suggested I might decide not to pay her costs for her and she would decide to stay here illegally and go to work illegally.
I would greatly appreciate any input you or anyone you know from the BayCzech group or others may have for her abilitry to reapply or appeal and what to do differently. The e-mail from my cousin's mother is below, describing what happened today and some questions.
Please let me know any thoughts or contacts for assistance.
Thank you!
Mark Stafford
510-909-9797
---------------------------------------------------------------E-mail about interview and denial........
Dear Mark and Tamela,
unfortunately Sandra did not get the Student Visa. She was totally disappointed and sad. Her interview lasted about 20-25 minutes and the main problem or question of the clerk (uninviting woman) was of financial kind - why do you sponsor Sandra. What is the reason to pay the studies for Sandra etc? Sandra spoke about our relationship, common visits, holidays, but any contra arguments helped. At first the clark was doubtful whether decide for Sandra's Visa. She was inspecting the papers from the school and did not understand the total sum of costs on this Form (I-20). Then, these costs were not equal to your receipt from bank (2 small papers - Customer Relationship Inquiry).
Then Sandra told him about our plans to join her to your family; that she will help you with household and garden and work as a student in campus to partially pay off the costs. She was told that it could be the true but if Sandra won ´t be supported by you so she goes to work illegal there! To work illegal Sandra does ´t need Student Visa, she could do it with her valid tourist Visa! :((
After consulting with an other clerk/colleague she came back with decision Sandras application for VISA was refused and we have no appeal/rescission.
She can try again but the woman said her if she comes with the same school and documents about sponsoring she will decide like today.
So we thought (after the first sad emotions) that we try it again.
1) I thought I write a letter to the ambassador or consul and describe the situation and give more arguments about our family connection. I ask him to examine the matter.
2) My further idea is that you could write a letter or some kind of declaration/statement for the U.S. Embassy in Prague about your reasons for sponsoring Sandra studies (something like that we are your only family after your parents etc. and you will support her further education for better job chances in CZ ...)
3) We apply for VISA once more in 2-3 weeks after receiving the new papers from Sean (new operation days in January) and prepare some more documents for the interview - document about property ownership (the house is in ownership of Rita and Sandra half-half), saving contracts for Sandra to show the reasons why she will return back.
I must check if it would be possible to apply for Student Visa for e.g. in Vienna? I know that getting tourist Visa is possible there.
If she gets the Visa she can fly in January too. And when not, so we did all and it must have been so.
What is your first reaction to that?
Big hugs,
Eva and Sandra
Hi Mark,
sorry to hear about your bad experience with the Embassy in Prague. I came to the US 10 years ago on a Student visa (I-20) as well. I received a full scholarship for a local community college; my living expenses were covered by my sponsor (my dad's friend). I don't remember having much problems getting approved - but then again - that was before 9/11...
I suggest you try it again and hopefully you get some other clerk ..that could make all of the difference!!
Tanja
www.czechmatediary.com
The interviewer was probably jealous of this girl getting this chance to come to the USA and someone actually helping her. It makes me furious everytime I hear a story like this.
Unfortunately, I dont think writing to the Embassy will help, because I've done that myself when a relative of ours a few years ago kept getting denied and was not even being told WHY (this was in Bratislava). I even wrote to my congressman, but he couldnt pull any strings either. And it's not cheap anymore to apply for a visa. I dont think those people in the embassy are being fair at times, because sometimes I see people coming here to the USA that are total thrash and should not have gotten the visa. One look at them and you can tell they came here to be illegal workers (babysitters, housecleaners etc) Also, keep in mind those people are government employees at the Embassy...so that explains a lot, personally.
However, I thought I heard something about no Visa requirements for Czechs coming to the USA so maybe that'll help things? Good luck, try again maybe. Or try England.
Deniska
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