Intro:

Starting today, and continuing forthnightly in your Sunday Express, the US Consul will answer questions and concerns regarding US visas in this column. Members of the public can write to the US Consul at the e-mail address: askUSconsultrinidad@state.gov

Question:

Dear US Consul,

I applied for a visa to the United States, but I did not get one. The officer I spoke to said something about "ties", but I'm really confused by what he meant. Can you tell me more?

Sincerely,

Confused in Vistabella

Answer:

Due to the frequency of general inquiries both before and after the application process, we want to demystify the process for all of our would-be applicants.

The most important thing you need to know is that our officers are required by US Immigration Law, to assume that all applicants intend to immigrate and live permanently in the United States until they prove to the officer otherwise. This is the same at every Embassy and Consulate throughout the world, not just in the Caribbean, and certainly not just in Trinidad and Tobago.

What this means is that the burden of proof is on YOU, the applicant, to prove to the officer that you will return to Trinidad and Tobago after your visit to the US.

So what are ties? Basically a tie is something that will require you to return to Trinidad or Tobago within a reasonable amount of time.

Ties can be a variety of things, but, generally speaking, our officers look at personal, professional, and economic ties. Our officers do not use a check-list of requirements; instead, they try to learn as much information about the applicant, including things like his or her family situation, employment history, financial ability to pay for a trip, travel history, or plans for the future. Then, based on the ties that the applicant has shown, the officer determines whether or not the applicant is qualified for a visa.

If your ties to Trinidad or Tobago are found to be strong enough, then the officer can issue you a visa. If, however, your ties are not strong enough according to US Immigration Law, then the officer is legally required to not issue a visa. It is also important to note that the ties of the applicant him or herself are the determining factor, not the purpose of travel, or the ties of any sponsor or third-party. Regardless of why you want to travel to the US, if your ties are not strong enough, then the officer cannot issue a visa.

* Send your questions and comments to: askUSconsultrinidad@state.gov