Hello,

I'm an American writing on behalf of my sister-in-law, who is a Russian citizen. My husband (who is now a US citizen) wishes to invite his parents, sister, and brother-in-law to visit the States this year. His parents are very wealthy and have visited here twice in the past 10 years (they actually received multi-entry visas). Nine years ago, when my sister-in-law was an unmarried college student, she was denied a tourist visa two times at the American embassy in Moscow to attend our wedding (her parents were not denied). The second denial came about by her finding employment and then re-applying. Apparently the embassy officials frowned on this effort.

Today, her husband is a successful businessman in Moscow with a six-figure income and they've traveled extensively over the years. We do not expect any difficulties acquiring visas for any family members except her because of the past denials.

My question is this: Is there anything we or they can do to improve her chances of receiving a tourist visa?

Thank you for any information,
Emily