Visas, visas everywhere

[Bala]

The State Dept. just released the Visa issuance figures for year 2007.

http://www.travel.state.gov/visa/frv...tics_4179.html

I thought that some of the figures were interesting to look at.

FIGURES:
Total numbers of K-1, K-2, K-3 and K-4 Visas issued in Year 2007:
(These are Fiancee and Spousal visas, meaning guys (and gals) who actually traveled to the foreign country, became engaged to their significant other and got them a visa).

Worldwide: 50,935 (K-1 Visa specifically 33,190 and K-3 Visa specifically 9,816)

Central America and Caribbean: 9,033

South America: 5,094

Top Six Countries in Central America, Caribbean and South America
1. Mexico: 4,381
2. Colombia: 1,960
3. Peru 1,086
4. Haiti: 1,083
5. Dominican Rep.: 1,011
6. Brazil 993

Almost half of all K Visas were issued for people in Asia: 24,088

As for Immigrant Visas (CR-1 and IR-1) for Spouse of US Citizen:
Worldwide: 34,858 (IR-1) and 27,093 (CR-1)

Colombia is top issuer of all Immigrant Visas for Spouses of US Citizens in South America (913)

Mexico is top issuer of all Immigrant Visas for Spouses of US Citizen south of the border: (10,195)

COMMENTS:
You are free to draw whatever conclusions you wish from this data.

What I take from all this is:
1. Most U.S. guys (and some gals) go to Asia, as opposed to other parts of the world, to look for or simply find a K visa partner.
2. Most U.S. guys (and some gals) in South America (meaning starting with Panama and going south) look for or simply find their K visa partner in Colombia or Peru.
3. Haiti is a country with a surprisingly high number of K visas issued. (No. 4 in South and Central America and Caribbean)
4. The least number of K Visas of major countries in South America: Uruguay (21 K Visas) and Paraguay (27 K Visas).

Interesting stats Gary -- Thanks!

[Cap'n Jib]

I am also 'facing' a visa situation for my wife (Colombian) and daughter. One of my 'older' daughters is getting married in September and I am having some difficulity in getting visas for them to attend. However, I expected as much.

An acquaintence of mine, his wife is a Tica, could not get a visa to the US for the passing of his mother. They even had two doctors signatures stating the medical condition. No Luck.

My memory is not all what it used to be but didn't some politician run for a high level office on "FAMILY VALUES"? :detective:

[LastLion]

Originally Posted by Cap'n Jib

I am also 'facing' a visa situation for my wife (Colombian) and daughter. One of my 'older' daughters is getting married in September and I am having some difficulity in getting visas for them to attend. However, I expected as much.

How do you get a visa for your wife, when you are an american citizen living in a foriegn country with her!

How do you get one to bring her home on visits???

[Cap'n Jib]

LL,

Simple answer....I DON'T!

[Tim413]

" Worldwide: 50,935 (K-1 Visa specifically 33,190 and K-3 Visa specifically 9,816)"

This is such a small number of visa!!!!!! I would think this would be much more considering that many people in the US travel all over the world.

Haiti does not surprise me. Many people use the K-1 or K-3 visa process to come to the US.

Tim

Tim

[Charlie640]

I wonder what the trend is over the years.... and if IMBRA has had any effect.

[LastLion]

Originally Posted by Cap'n Jib

LL,

Simple answer....I DON'T!

I would think a visa would be a given to an ex pat married and living in a foreigner! WTF

[Golfguy]

asia has more visas? WOW !

[Micky10]

Without looking at any stats. I would say that the high number from Asia is not at all a suprise. Over the last 5/6 decades, the American connections - Korea - Vietnam - Thailand - The Phills - Taiwan. It is all perplexing to me, my entire life I can not understand why we (America) turn our backs on our neighbors, LA and SA, while we sleep with others. But there is the fact that I am an idiot.

Love - Micky