Thanks for the feedback. I didn't realize that her employment would be a red flag, I'm not exaggerating when I say that she has a comfortable life over there. Her income is on par with other professional fields, still managing to save money on top of living on her own and supporting her family and putting her brother through school; something that is out of reach for most young single filipinas.
some things that have been added:
- signed letter from my boss stating that i will be working abroad from our Manila office this fall (ie, no reason for her to overstay since i actually won't be here)
- notarized my revamped letter of invitation + affidavit (yes yes, i know it's not required). changed to better format sticking to the facts, more point form, explicitly described how i will pick her up, drop her off at the airport to ensure departure, promise to ensure she complies with all visa terms, etc
- updated certificate of employment showing a pay increase over last time
- updated vacation leave approval letter after canceling some leaves to align with asking for 2 weeks instead of 3
- added company ID
- her sister's ultrasound now accompanied by sworn statement that no one else is around to help with her baby due in August, that she is expecting her to be there; for the birth, to help care for her/baby, and to be present for subsequent baptismal
- 3yrs ITR instead of 1
- 6 months bank statements instead of 4
- signed lease agreement - previously had notarized affidavit of co-renter only. they got the landlord to agree to signing an actual lease for her, which is now included.
- notarized sworn affidavit from her brother stating that he is dependent solely on her to pay for his school tuition and that he's expecting her to be there for his graduation in March, + copy of his tuitiuon and school ID + referencing which pages to look at for proof of transfers to him in her bank statements
- detailed travel itinerary with daily activities and estimated expenses
- explanation letter revamped sticking to facts + referring to the specific document to evidence each fact presented and which page/section to see them on
- this time included the actual proof of payment for the airfare and travel insurance rather than just claiming it is paid for
To my biased eyes, it's compelling, but I suppose to a VO maybe not. It has been suggested to me (thx Bryanna) that she could take out a loan to help her parents by purchasing a vehicle or home renovations. That's certainly within her means, and she could save up more money over that period of time for the next application.
It wouldn't help her to overstay for so many reasons, but it's proving difficult to put it into a factual evidenced presentation for VO.
