Don't exploit visa-free Japan

The Japanese government on Tuesday approved a measure to lift visas for tourists from Thailand and Malaysia to boost the tourism sector. The step will be implemented this summer but the launch date has not been announced. Summer in Japan runs from this month to August.The minister said he was afraid that Japan might revert to a visa fee for Thais if they overstay in Japan, now one of the most popular destinations for tourists from Thailand.I was refused a visa for “not demonstrating strong ties outside the United States." What does that mean?

According to section 214(b) of the U.S. Immigration and Nationality Act (INA), “every alien … shall be presumed to be an intending immigrant until he/she establishes to the satisfaction of the consular officer, at the time of application for admission… that he/she is entitled to a nonimmigrant status."Applicants must satisfy the consular officer that they intend to visit the United States, that their intended activities in the United States are lawful, and that they intend to depart the United States after a short visit. One way to do this is for applicants to show they have possessions, jobs, and family relationships outside the United States that they will not abandon. This requirement is the same for applicants all over the world.

How can I demonstrate strong ties if I'm young and single, or older and retired?During the visa interview, Consular Officers 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, or older applicants who may have fewer ties than when they were working, consular officers may look at the applicant's specific intentions, family situations, and long-range plans and prospects within his or her country of residence.My family member was given a tourist visa, but I was denied. How is that possible?Visa applicants must qualify according to their own circumstances, not on the basis of anyone else's circumstances. Each case is examined individually and is accorded every consideration under the law.