how to apply visit visa for parents in usa

US Visitor Visa(B2) for Parents – Process, Sample Documents

One of the most frequently asked questions among friends, either during graduation time, after they start working in the US, or if they are expecting a baby, is “What is the process to apply for a visitor or tourist visa(B2 visa) to parents to come to the USA? What documents do I need? How do I start ?”

The below article covers the step-by-step process to apply for a B2 visitor visa for parents or family members, including sample documents and templates.

Basic Requirements: Passports,   Funds for US Trip, Documents

The two most important things you need to plan before applying for a visa are passports for your parents and the funds required for their travel to the US.

Getting Parents’ Passports

• The first step before you plan the B2 Visa is to apply for a passport for your parents if they do not have one. 
• Depending on the country, the time to get a passport can vary. Consider the time to get the passport when you plan the overall time to get a B2 Visitor visa for them.
• Check out the passport application website for details. You may read our article on applying for How to do passport renewal in India to get an idea of the process.

Bank Savings for Sponsorship

• If you are paying for your parents’ trip, you need to have enough funds secured for the same.
• There is no official guidance on how much money you need to have in the bank account from the US Department of State. They say the applicants must have enough funds to pay for the trip.
• You can do a ballpark estimate of the expenses that your parents might incur based on flight tickets, local travel, etc., and come up with an amount you think makes sense.
• As a rule of thumb, a good amount totaling up to $10,000 Dollars or more to cover their expenses would be ideal to have in the bank account.
• It is advised to start saving for the same three months before and accumulate steadily rather than just borrowing money and putting it in the bank. Again, there is no hard-and-fast rule, just some general guidance.

Also, it is important to secure all the relevant documents about your status in the US as they would be important for the process. Let’s look at them below.

Employment Letter from your Company or Graduation Letter

When you invite your parents or family, one of the things that a US Consular officer would look at is your current US Visa status and supporting documentation for the same. You may need to get a different set of documentation based on your status as an employee working in the US or a student studying in the US.

Below are the two main options based on your situation:

Working in the US on a Visa (H1B, L1, OPT , Green Card) – Employment Letter

If you are working on a work visa, you need to get an employment letter from your current company verifying that you are working in the US on H1B, L1, or other visa, including Green Card, OPT or STEM OPT. This is to make sure you are in good standing in the US and are getting paid to support the travel of your parents.

Depending on the company, your company may ask for details of your parents or their passport copies and directly address the employment verification letter to the consulate. There is no rule or format given by the US Consulate. You are free to use what your company gives. Check the sample templates section at the end of the article, if you want a sample. All they care is if you are employed and in good standing.

The employment verification Letter should have information like when you joined them, what role you are working in, and how much salary you make. Some employers are quick, and some are slow in doing this. Plan well and make sure you have it with you.

International Student on F1 Visa – Graduation Invitation

If you are an F1 international Student inviting your parents for Graduation, you need to send your current status details like your F1 Visa copy, I-94 copy , I-20, and Graduation invitation letter to your parents. This would act like an invite as well as supporting documentation for them.

Step-by-Step Process for Parents’ US Visitor Visa (B2)

Below are the various steps that you can follow to apply for a visitor visa for parents. Some of these can be done in parallel, but below is a general step-by-step guide.

Step 1: Complete DS-160, Book US Visa Appointment

Before booking your parents’ US Visa stamping appointment, you must fill in Form DS-160, which is nothing but the online Nonimmigrant US Visa application form. Make sure you have scan copies of their passports before you start the process to avoid issues. Sometimes, your employer may also ask for the same for documentation.

Complete Form DS-160 Online for Parents   

Unless your parents are well educated and have all the facilities, such as a computer with internet access, etc., they may not be able to do DS-160 on their own. It would be better if you fill it out for them and then declare the same at the end. It saves a lot of pain for your parents to fill it out without any mistakes.

Important Info to know before you fill out Form DS-160 Form for Parents

• Separate DS-160 Forms: You must create separate DS-160 application profiles for every visitor visa applicant. If you invite both your mother and father, you must create two DS-160 Profiles online separately for your parents.
• Creating Family Member DS-160 from the Thank you page : When you are filling out the first DS-160 form for the first family member, at the end, when you select ‘Email Confirmation’ on the confirmation page, you will go to “Thank you ” page and on that page you will have the option to create a family or group application, you can choose this option so that some of the information from your first application will be copied over and imported. Of course, you can change those details as needed.
• Required info to Fill DS-160 form: You will need a lot of information like education details, work history, identification info, etc. We have compiled the entire list of required items for DS-160 and tips to fill the same. Read the article: Documents Needed to Fill out DS-160 Form, to get an idea.
• Filling up the DS-160, Declaration: If you are filling out forms on behalf of your parents, at the end of the completion of DS-160 form, there is a section that reads ‘Sign and Submit page’, you should fill out your details as a third party and then inform your parents regarding the endorsement of the application by them and help them click on sign and submit button. You may check more info and discussion on sign and submit  option.

Where to Fill out DS-160 online at the Official State.gov website

You should go to the Official US Govt State.gov website for DS-160 form Creation. Here is the link: US Govt ceac.state.gov Non-Immigrant Visa Application Website

• If you have any questions, you can visit any of the below links to fill the DS-160 form.  
• US Travel Docs India Official Website:   Info on DS-160 form
• US State Govt Website:  FAQs on DS-160 form

Once you complete the DS-160 form, next step is to pay the fee and book visa interview appointment.

Booking US Visa Interview Appointment , Native Language

You need to book a visa appointment at a US embassy/ consulate to get B2 Visa stamping to travel to the US. It involves paying fees, selecting a location, and interview language. Let’s look in detail.

• US Consulate Location for Interview: Depending on your home country, there may be one or more locations in your country. You need to choose the US Consulate that is close to where your parents live. For instance, in India, each consulate has a list of states that they serve. Depending on your state, you need to select the respective Consulate. You can read US Consulates India – What states they serve, contact info .
• India Consulates – No Option to Choose Language in System: Starting from 2023 with the new system in place, in India, you do not have the option to choose the interview language such as your mother tongue like  Telugu, Tamil, Gujarati, etc. You will only get the option of English. If you feel your parents are not fluent in English, then you can ask them to request a local translator at the US Consulate/ Embassy on the day of the interview. For India, depending on the consulate, some languages may not be available. So, it is important to attend the interview at a location that is relevant for your state. You can check US Consulates Contact Info, Served States for more info. You can email the consulate/ embassy beforehand to be sure as well.
• You need to create an account and follow the process in there. You will be asked to pay the fee online for booking an appointment.
• If you cannot pay online, you may need to go to the bank, pay it there, and get a code to use for booking an appointment.
• You do not need two accounts, you can add your parents as family in the same account and book visa interview appointment.
• If you are booking an appointment in India, you can read How to Create Account on USVisaScheduling.com

You can also read the complete guide apply for a US Visa Appointment for step-by-step process.

Step 2: Prepare for US Visitor Visa(B2) Interview, Documents

You will need to prepare and carry all relevant documents for the US Visitor visa interview for your parents. You will need to send them invite letters, sponsorship letters and other info. Let’s look at each of them.

Funds Proof – Bank Account Balance Lette r, Sample

If you are sponsoring your parents or in-laws trip, you need to send the relevant proof to show that there are enough funds in your bank. While you can print out the Bank statements online, it is recommend that you go to your Bank and get a Bank verification or Bank Balance Statement Letter signed and stamped by the Bank officer.

Go to the primary bank, where you have your longest standing account and the bank which has your savings and ask them to give you a Bank Verification letter for Visa. Depending on the bank, the process can vary.

For instance, at Chase Bank they do it instantly. For Bank of America, or others they make take couple weeks or more. Do this in advance.  All they do is, give a letter saying when the bank account was opened and average running balance since opening.  It is just a simple letter. If possible, get the visiting card of the bank manager( not necessary, more documentation the better). Check out   Sample Bank Verification Letter for Parents Visa

Invitation Letter, Visa Officer Cover Letter, Other Documents

Below are the other set of documents that you will need to have ready for the visa interview, so that your parents or in-laws can show the same.

• Invitation Letter: You need to send an invitation letter to your parents saying that you are inviting them to visit you and sign it. It supports your parents intent to come to the US and  you are inviting them to visit. You can get a sample template copy in the below section.
• Visa officer Cover letter: It is recommended to send a cover letter with all the documentation addressing the visa officer. It just lets you keep in track of what you are sending and if visa officer needs to check, it is easier for him and more clear for our parents. See the templates section below.
• Copies of W2 Form, Pay stubs, etc : You will need copies of W2 Forms for all the years, last three pay stubs or salary statements, Last three bank statements, Copy of your passport, I-94, H1B visa approval ( I797). This is extra piece of documentation to be given to your parents to avoid any issues. This is like an optional, I strongly suggest that you carry these documents.
• F1 Student Status Documents: If you are a student on F1 visa and not working, you may not have pay stubs, so do not worry about it. Send whatever you have regarding your current status like I20, etc.
• (Optional ) Affidavit of Support I-134 Form: This is an optional form, which is typically filed with family-based green card applications by sponsors. This is to establish that the applicant will not become public charges while in the United States. If you submit this form, you are legally signing that you take all the liability and they will not become a public charge. You may fill, sign and send the affidavit of support to your parents.  It has some basic info. Nothing fancy and tricky out there. All you are telling in this document is that you are going to support their entire trip.  You can Download the I-134 Form, Affidavit of Support from USCIS website
• Sending Documents to Home Country: Ideally, you want to print out everything and sign all the documents where you filled forms I-134 (optional), invitation letter and cover letter. Make copies of all the documents as listed above. Send originals of Employment letter and Bank letter. You can use DHL or FedEx. It may cost you up to $60 USD.

Below is the checklist of B2 visitor visa stamping documents for parents.

Parents US Visitor Visa(B2) Documents Checklist

Below are the documents that Parents need to carry from their side

• DS-160 Form Submission Confirmation letter
• US Visa Appointment Confirmation Letter

Below are the documents parents need to carry related to their sponsor(son or daughter) in the US or if they would be staying with them.

• Copy of work visa approval notice from USCIS ( H1B/ L1 Approval Notice Form I-797 ).
• Copy of Passport, US Visa stamped on passport.
• Copy of I-94.  (Check How to get I-94 Online )
• Current Employment verification letter
• Copy of Bank statements from the last six months.
• Bank Account verification/ balance letter.
• Copies of last three salary statements/ pay slips.
• Copies of previous years Tax Returns –W2 forms ( if applicable).
• DS forms (if you have filled it and signed the same)
• Copy of Green Card ( if you are not working on visa )
• Form I-134 ( Optional )

US Visitor Visa(B2) Documents Checklist for in-laws

If you are sponsoring for your in-laws like mother-in-law or father-in-law, in addition to above checklist of documents, you need to include spouse’s details and documents as well along with the package.

• Your Spouse’s Passport
• Spouse’s approval notice I797
• Spouse’s US Visa Copy
• Any other supporting documents like marriage certificate to prove the relationship.
• Spouse Birth Certificate

Thanks to Rajesh for suggesting the above after his bad experience of missing the documents of in-laws.

Additional Supporting documents by Parents for Visa Interview

Fundamentally, your parents have to prove that they have enough ties in their home country, so that they would return after their trip.  Some of the ways that can be done is by good supporting documentation. The below list of documents are intended to prove that they will return to home country:

• Notarized documents of land/ sites, buildings ( any kind of property).
• Bank Statements with enough balance
• Pension / employment benefits letters, if applicable.
• Fixed deposits, any financial related documents.
• If there are Tax returns, then carry them as well
• Any other documents that shows your financially strong and you will come back.

If you do not have all documents or big property back home, it is OK. No big deal. Because, you are the one in the US, who is sponsoring the visitor visa for your parents. So, do not worry. Also, if your parents are older, then they are fine.

You may join our Telegram B2 Visa Community Group to ask questions or share your experiences.

Sample Document Templates for Parents US Visitor Visa

Below are some of the templates that you can use. Make sure you change the content to fit it for your situation.

• Parents US Visitor Visa Invite Letter Template: You need to send an invitation letter to your parents saying that you are inviting them and also specify, if you plan to pay for their expenses when in US. We have given a sample letter, but I recommend you edit it with your own flavour and make it unique :  Invitation Letter Templates for Visitor (B-2) / Parents Visa
• Employment letter Sample Letter Template for US Parents Visa : You should also send an employment letter that tells that you are employed in your company with your designation and salary. It can be any standard employment letter. You may use : Employment letter Template for Parents Visa USA
• Cover Letter for Visa Officer at US Consulate:  It is a good idea to put in a cover letter to the visa officer listing all the documents you are sending. You may use : Cover Letter for Visa officer – Parents visa USA

These are just standard templates that you can use, no hard fast rule that it has to be in this format. We highly encourage you to use them as guideline only and create your own letters with your own flavour, so that it looks unique.

Step 3: Attend Biometrics & US Visitor Visa Interview Appointments

Once you have all the documents ready, the next step is to attend the Biometrics appointment at a US Visa Application Center(VAC) and give biometrics on that required day. After the biometrics are taken, parents must carry all the documents listed in the above checklist and attend the visa interview on the respective date and time.

Having all the documents is essential, but the most important thing is to give your parents confidence and all the details related to you and what you do in the US so that they can answer the questions. You need to coach your parents to do well in the interview.

You can expect to see questions like the below for your parents in the visa interview.:

• Who lives in the US? Son or Daughter?
• What does your Son or Daughter do in the US?
• Did they study in the US?
• Where did they study?
• What does your son or daughter do for work?
• Which city do they live in?
• Do you plan to settle down there or come back?
• What is the purpose of your visit?
• When do you plan to go?
• When do you plan to return to India?
• What is your son or daughter’s salary?
• How long have your son or daughter lived in the US?
• Do you currently work, or are you retired?
• Do you get a pension? Have you paid taxes?

You can check out previous US Visitor Visa experiences at below links 

• Collection of Latest B1/B2 Visitor Visa Stamping Experiences
• Parents US Visa Stamping Experience -Telugu  
• English Stamping Experience US Parents Visa .

Step 4: B2 Visa Approval, Passport with Visa

If the B2 visa interview went well, your parents would be informed that their visa was approved and their passports would be collected. If the passports are collected, then they can expect the actual B2 Visitor Visa foil to be glued in their passport and delivered to their given address within a few days.

If your parents chose to pick up a passport, they could collect the same with the visa stamped in it. The approved B1/B2 or B2 Visitor Visa glued in the passport would look in the screenshot below.

If the visa were not approved, the consular officer would inform your parents and give them a piece of paper indicating the reason for Visa denial. One of the common reasons for visa denial for B2 visitor visa is 214(b). If your parents are unlucky, they can again reapply. You can read more on it at State.gov US Visa Denials reasons .

Hopefully, your parents get their US Visa in the interview. One last thing, before they go to the US, is to look at health insurance for their US Travel.

Health Insurance for Parents:  After you get the US Visa and plan to arrive in the US, having visitors health insurance is important for parents to avoid any unforeseen health conditions, when in the USA. It is always a good idea to get Health Insurance from a US vendor, who can support you. We recommend Buying Parents Insurance at Visitors Coverage – Parents Insurance as they have US support and you can compare all insurance plans.

Common FAQs

Yes, US Consulates in India are doing both in-person interviews as well as dropbox appointments for parents B2 visitor visas. There are no restrictions.

All the appointments that are available on USVisaScheduling.com for 2024, 2025 and beyond are all real appointments. They are not placeholder appointments like in the past.

That’s it folks…not so much complex, all you need to do is get all the list of documents and have things rolling as per plan and schedule.

Do you have any other ideas or documents that are important ?  Do share your experience and thoughts.

Other Articles

1,792 comments.

Hi, Applying B1\B2 Visa Renewal Interview Renewal for parents, seen the below details on the US Visa Scheduling portal effective 1st April so seeking the clarification.

“”””Regardless, of the location of the consular post for which the interview waiver appointment is scheduled, applicants can still submit their documents free of cost at any of the five Visa Application Centers in Chennai, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Mumbai, or New Delhi””””

As currently only New Delhi VAC is having appointments for B2 Visa Renewal – Interview weaver category, Pls. suggest if the applicants can submit the documents at Chennai VAC at the same time for which appointment is booked at New Delhi.

For example if the applicants book B2 Visa Renewal Interview Waiver case appointment for New Delhi VAC at 29th April 10 AM, can at the same time instead of going to New Delhi VAC can the applicants visit Chennai VAC and provide the documents and finger prints ?

Did any one of you gone through this experience recently, Pls. help.

Thanks in Advance.

Mahi, Technically, there is no fingerprints for renewal, it is usually submitting documents. Yes, you can do that at any location. The only catch is, if you were to be picked for interview, then you would need to go to New Delhi.

Hi, I am preparing documents for my parent’s upcoming US B2 visitor visa appointment , i have some doubts if you can guide me then that will be the best .

1. My parents does not have birth certificate but they do have school leaving certificate in which DOB is mentioned & as per my research you can submit that as proof if DOB certificate is not available ? (Am i correct ?) 2. I already fill DS-160 form 1 year ago , earlier the reason was my sister’s baby shower function but due to interview slots unavailability it dragged , so should need to fill DS-160 form again with the new reason or that will be ok ? 3. I want local translator (Gujarati) for my parents , should i have to do any process before interview or can i request for the translator at a time of interview ? Or if no one is available that moment then can i be the translator for my parents ?

Thanks in advance.

Me and my wife have submitted DS160 and got confirmation. Can U explain how to pay visa fee and what step next? Thanx.

Om Dutta, You need to register an account on USVisaScheduling.com and pay fee. Check How to create account at USVisaScheduling.com

Hi, Firstly, thank you so much for this post, it is really helpful! I am working on OPT and I have my grad walk in May this year, I am applying for B2 visa for my parents and younger brother right now. My younger brother is giving his 10th Standard Board exams right now, and the results will be announced in May end. I have below questions – 1. I am putting him as a student, with the school details as his current school, is that alright? 2. Also my brother’s case makes him a candidate for rejection? And will this affect my parent’s visa too? My father works as an employee at a Logistics Company and my mom is a homemaker and we don’t have any property to our name. Thank you for the help!

I have applied B1/B2 visa for my parents i am currently on H4 Visa and we have applied my Parents visa based on my sister F1 visa . so in this case do i need to send my documents and my husband documents along with Sister Documents? if yes what all documents should we send?

Note : I have added my Info in DS160 but my husband info was not given in DS160

Hi i have b1/b2 as visa class on appointment letter instead of b2 for my parents. WIll this be fine if the visa class is correct on DS160?

Shilpa, Well, it is good to keep them consistent. Ideally, all of them should be B2. Try to call the customer service and see, if anything can be done. You can also create a new DS-160.

I may sound stupid but i am not aware how long is the wait time to get b1/b2 visa interview scheduled for delhi in person? I have applied b2 visa for my parents and its the first time visa for them so in person interview is required. Will they be releasing visa slots like they do for h1b or are all visa slots already booked for nexy 1-1.5 yr?

Need some help. My parents have a B2 visiting visa interview next month and I am gathering all the required documents. I felt inviting using the graduation invitation letter is easier than direct invitation. I got my degree in 2016 but I never did the graduation walk, my college has confirmed that I am eligible to do the graduation walk in December so I got the required invitation letter but I am checking with the community if this is the best path forward for the visa interview considering it has been so long since I got my degree?

Thanks, Sagar

Sagar, Frankly, it does not matter. Having said that, Graduation Walk is a big deal for many and it can be a nice way to invite your parents. It could be a good reason to share with VO as well, if asked.

Thanks for your reply, Kumar.

Is the bank statement, account verification, and other financial documents required if I am inviting with the graduation walk invitation letter?

Sagar, Not really, if they are going to be sponsoring the trip. Usually, if you are sponsoring the trip, it helps to carry them. Again, these are supporting documents and not mandated by them to show.

I’m so thankful for this comprehensive guide on the US visitor visa for parents. It’s not easy to find such detailed information in one place. Your blog post addresses common concerns and provides practical advice. Keep up the excellent work! check -t.ly/NaxHX for more details related to this blog

Hi can you help out I have apply US visa for my parents, my graduation and grad walk completed I am on OPT, if interviewer ask my parents, what is your son doing? What answers should they have to reply? Please reply

Deepthi, You should exactly answer what you are doing on OPT. Never cook up answers.

Please show me the step-by-step process of requesting my mother’s US Visitor Visa(B2). I am a US-born and raised citizen and would like to request my mother to visit the US. What documents would I need? Where would I apply? Please help me with a step-by-step process.

Erica, The process is exactly same as what is outlined above. Re-read the article.

My father is 80 above and he has only drop box appointment, can my mom drop off his documents along with her documents ? I guess he doesn’t need to go to OFC right ? Please advise.

Naveen, Yes, he does not need to go. Yes, your Mom can drop off documents. Carry an authorization letter from your dad to make life easier during submission and pickup.

Hi, I filled the application for parents in 2021 and they have visa interview in October 2023. In DS-160, we filled the intend travel dates back in 2021. But because of COVID, there were no interview slots. Do we need to fill a new DS-160 now to change the intend travel dates? or the older version is still fine?

How do we satisfy this “Your travel itinerary and/or other explanation about your planned trip.” Do we need to book tickets beforehand? or is it not necessary?

Thanks for your post. Very informative!

1) How imp. is form I-134 if parent is 80+ pension holder and have sufficient amt. In his bank in india. 2) if not filling I134 should we(GC holder) still submit our pay check, bank statements etc. 3) if son in law filled Ds160 cover letter for supporting documents should be signex by him only

My sister graduated from BTech in August 2022 and has been preparing for CAT exam by attending coaching center since then. In the primary occupation section of ds160, should I mention UNEMPLOYED(with above explanation) or STUDENT(with coaching center details)?

Eshwar, Coaching Center is not really an institution that gives degree like University. You should mention unemployed.

I am working on OPT.In DS160 of my parents, i have mentioned that they will be sponsoring their trip. Is it better to provide my sponsorship or is it ok if they themselves sponsor..what are the documents required

403 Permission Denied You do not have permission for this request /wp-content/uploads/securepdfs/2018/10/US-Parents-Visa-Cover-letter-for-Consulate-for-B2-Visa.pdf

Sample Document Templates for Parents US Visitor Visa link is not working , Says permission Denied , Please help

Yeah, says Permission denied. Have downloaded

Thanks for the detailed writeup

Can you please confirm if – 1. Photo will be taken at the VAC or parents need to take photos themselves to the appointment

2. Also we suddenly got the appointment rescheduled for next week( it was originally end of 2023) . There is not enough time to get letter from bank and send originals via post.

Are copies of my US Bank statements enough , or will it cause any problem from any previous experience. Should I postpone the appointment.

Hi, I scheduled appointment for my parents B1/B2 in AUG 2021, the interview is on APRIL 2023. I saw a rule that DS 160 is only valid for 1 year which means it’s almost 1.5years since I booked the appointment.my only doubt is do my parents need to file new DS 160 and take it to the interview or does the old one is fine? Please help !

You need to update their existing DS160 with the recent information applicable.

I have a similar situation. Does updating the DS 160 form with recent information mean i’ll need to apply for new interview dates? Or the original appointment dates still stand.

Hi, in my fathers application DA-160 I have selected visa category as B1/B2 instead of B2. He has already taken appointment too. Will there be any issue because of visa category? Should I fill out a new DS-160 with visa type as B2 before the interview or is it okay to select visa type as B1/B2.

Hello, in my fathers visa application DS-160 I have selected visa category as B1/B2 instead of only B2. Will there be any issue in the interview because of this? Should I fill out a new DS-160 with B2 as category. He has already take the appointment date with B1/B2 category selected.

Hi, My current H1B visa validity is up to September 1st, 2023. My company will be soon filing for extension. I am sponsoring my parents B2 visa. They have got the interviewed scheduled later in this month (March 2023). I have got all the documents ready. My question is will my current visa validity be an issue during their interview?

I am on similar boat. My i-94 is valid till July 2nd 2023. I am still looking for appointment. Should I wait till I get my i797 approved and new i-94 or can I book an appointment if I get one soon. Can you let us know what the experience of your parents was. TIA

Hi, I am on H1b. My mother already has a valid B1/B2 visa and she is visiting to USA this month. Because of my i94 expiring sooner(due to passport expiry), I plan my aunt (mother’s sister) who is US citizen to send her invitation letter for immigration purpose at point of entry. Can you please provide some guidance on what documents of Aunt will be required to be carried in this case?

Currently I got my H1B stamping done in January 2023 and I’m still in India.

I want to apply B1/B2 for my mother and travel with her to US(my first time travel to US)

Can I book slot with her without myself going there atleast once ? Will they ask any additional questions? What are the chances of rejection

Hi, My parents have B2 visa interview slot mid march. I am sponsoring for there visit. The last name in there passport and my passport is different ( there is a spelling mistake). Would it be a reason for rejecting visa. And also are there any other documents that I can provide to support this situation. Please help me.

I am having the same issue. But my husband is sponsoring for my parents. Did your parents get the visa now?

We booked visa interview for both mom and dad, but my dad is not in a position to go for the interview. can my mom go for the interview and able to get visa for both ??

purni, No, I highly doubt it for normal cases. If you are going to the US for medical treatment, you may try to explain the same to US embassy and ask for exception, I have not seen anyone get stamping without going to interview for normal cases. Do update how it goes.

Hi im married to a citizen in usa ( married for three years now) , my paper work is still in process. is there going to be any problem if my husband sponsers my mother for tourist visa to usa from India ? Will there be any issue since my papers are still in process?

Ana, It should not be as long as the person is able to support with relevant documentation on how he will pay for the trip.

Hi, My husband is a H1 visa holder and i got H4 recently and my mother will be giving her B2 visa interview in march. So i had a query regarding her B2 related documents. My husband is going to sponsor her trip completely also i am going to travel with her to US. But the thing is my mother is not together with my father like in 2020 due to conflicts my mother left the house along with me and now she is living in a rented apartment. So for showing proof of funds she has got her mutual funds and the money she invested after her retirement also she has some problem with the pension as the pension application is under process not sure when it will get resolved.But for property she dosnt have those papers as they are with my father and the house is under boths name but the papers are difficult to obtain as my father wont give them. So what documents can be shared in this case. Can someone help me out?

vedanti, If your husband is going to sponsor, all the documents of your mother related to finances are irrelevant. Frankly, all of these documents are just supporting ones and not required. Tell her to be confident. Carry the bank statement from your husband, and whatever documents she has and be honest and say the reason for visit. Try to keep it simple and answer confidently.

What to reply in case if they ask her why im still here and not in us. What should be the reason in that case for visiting. Only son in law is present in US. So what can be better? That visiting son in law or both and tourism?

Vedanti, You should tell the truth. Do not make up anything and answer, they will identify false answers easily. Tell the truth!

I am on H1b Visa I have applied B1/B2 visa for my parents. Do I need to fill I-134 form as well. They have sufficient amount in their accounts and they are running business in India. Still do I need to fill I-134?

Ram, It is optional and not needed.

Hi Kumar, I am currently on H1B and I want my parents to come visit me on B2 visa. Is it fine for my parents to sponsor their trip on their own instead of me and what are the disadvantages of doing that?

MM, Yes, they can. There are no disadvantages to that. As long as they have the financials to support them for the trip, they should be fine.

I am in the usa on a h1b, also i have my aunt living here and she is a citizen. My mother wishes to come to states to meet her on a b2 visa.

would it be okay if my aunt provides the invitation letter instead of me? will there be uncomfortable questions asked in the interview and can this cause complications.

Mohsin, As said, both works. yes, there could some tricky questions as well, why sister, when you have son, etc. So, best to go with your letter.

I am on a h1b visa and I have an aunt(moms sister) who is a US citizen. Is it advisable to have my aunt send the invitation for the B2 visa for my mom and dad, instead of me sending it. Will this create trouble during the interview.

Mohsin, It does not matter. Either works. It is best for you to send as you will be the main person sponsoring her and she would mainly stay with you. Again, it is a choice, both works.

Hello, I am an H1 B holder and having B2 visa interview for my mother next month. Does cover letter/ Invitation letter or any documents needs my signature OR just send soft copy and print out would do. Any info on this would be greatly appreciated! Thanks

Vishal, There is no official rule that tells you need a wet signature. It is just suggested. Personally, I sent it. As long as there is an invite, it should work as well. It is your discretion.

My father is 74 year old and is suffering from depression and now having some memory loss too. Can I accompany him for b2 visa interview

Nidhi, Sorry to hear. You can request consulate for the same. You need to write to them indicating the same. You can accompany as a translator as well. Need to plan ahead.

For a B2 visa if VISA officer requires further documents or details will they notify us what is required or they reject the visa, does anyone know or has any experience, please share.

Sandeep, They will tell immediately if they want more documents. If not, they can issued 214b and ask to reapply, which does not require any documents.

Hi, 1. Should I choose B1/B2 category in DS-160 or only B2 when applying for visa for my parents? 2. I’m applying for tourist visa for my parents as well as 28 year old brother(unmarried) – can all 3 of them attend the same appointment slot?

Hitesh, 1. It would be B2 2. Well, as he is 28 years old, not sure. You can check with customer service. If under 21, can add for sure under dependent.

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How to Get a U.S. Tourist Visa for Your Parents

Learn how to help your parents apply for a b2 travel visa, in this guide.

• Submitting the Travel Visa Application
• B2 Visa Interview Process
• Related Information

If you are a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, and you’re planning a family trip or want to bring your parents over from abroad for a visit, the first step is to help them apply for a B2 tourist visa.

In this guide, we’ll cover how to guide your parents through the travel visa application, help them prepare for the visa interview, and more.

Boundless’ B-1/B-2 travel visa service offers more than just help with your forms. We’ll help assemble your entire application, file it with the U.S. government on your behalf, and help schedule your visa interview. You’ll even get interview prep tips from a former consular officer who knows what it takes to succeed. Get started today!

Get personalized, end-to-end visa support with Boundless.

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Determine Visa Eligibility

In order to help your parents apply, they must meet the eligibility requirements for a U.S. tourist visa , also known as a B-2 visa. Your parents must be able to demonstrate that they have strong ties to their home country and intend to return after their visit to the U.S. For more details on how to prove strong ties to home, check out Boundless’ guide .

Many people wonder if they can apply for a travel visa for their parents. It’s important to note that it is not possible to “sponsor” a family member for a temporary tourist visa or apply for the visa on their behalf. If you’re interested in helping your parents immigrate to the U.S., you would need to go through a separate process and sponsor them for an IR-5 parent visa .

Complete the Travel Visa Application

Once you’re ready to move forward with the travel visa process, you’ll need to help your parents complete the online travel visa application, Form DS-160 . This form collects biographical information, travel plans, and other details about the travel visa applicant. Each applicant must fill out a separate DS-160, meaning both parents will need to file their own forms in instances where both parents intend on traveling to the U.S.

You can learn more about the DS-160 process and how to complete the form at Boundless’ detailed guide .

Pay the Visa Application Fee

The visa application fee for a B-2 visa is $185, and it is non-refundable. Payment options vary depending on which country your parents are applying from, but most U.S. Embassies and consulates accept online payment via credit card or electronic transfer. Your parents will need to print the receipt as proof of payment.

Schedule the Visa Interview

After filing the DS-160 forms, your parents must schedule visa appointments at the U.S. Embassy or consulate in their home country. It’s possible to schedule online or by phone, depending on the location. Applicants will need to provide their passport number, DS-160 confirmation number, and payment receipt to schedule the appointment.

Gather Supporting Documents

Once the appointments are scheduled, you can help your parents gather the required supporting documents . They’ll need to bring several documents to the visa interview, including:

• Passport: The passport must be valid for at least six months beyond the intended stay in the U.S. and have at least one blank page.
• Photograph: Your parents will need to bring a recent, color photograph of themselves that meets the U.S. visa requirements.
• Evidence of strong ties to their home country: As mentioned above, strong ties can include proof of employment, property ownership, financial assets, or family connections.
• Travel itinerary: Your parents should bring a copy of their travel itinerary , including flight details and hotel reservations.
• Invitation letter: You may choose to write an optional letter inviting your parents to visit you in the U.S. The letter should include your contact information, the purpose of their visit, and the duration of their stay.

Attend the Visa Interview

Your parents will need to appear in person at the U.S. Embassy or consulate for the visa interview. The interview usually lasts about 15 minutes, during which a consular officer will ask questions about your parents’ travel plans, their ties to their home country, and other relevant topics. Your parents should answer truthfully and provide any requested documents noted above.

The visa interview can be a stressful process, but you can help your parents prepare with confidence by following the tips in Boundless’ travel visa interview guide . We also provide a list of sample interview questions you can practice with your parents, so they know what kinds of questions to expect.

Receive a Decision

After the interview, your parents will receive a decision from the consular officer and if approved, they’ll need to wait for their tourist visa to be processed. The length of time can vary depending on the embassy or consulate, but it usually takes a few days to several weeks. Your parents should not make any travel arrangements until they receive their official B2 visa.

Prepare for Travel

After the visitor visa is approved, you can start planning your parents’ travels to the U.S.! You should make sure that your parents are prepared for the trip by gathering any necessary documents (such as travel insurance ) and making the necessary travel arrangements. If it’s your parents’ first time flying into the U.S., you may want to help familiarize them with U.S. airport requirements and how to navigate U.S. customs before their flight.

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Find Answers to Immigration Questions

U.S. Tourist Visa for Family and Dependents

1. what documents are required for a family or dependent of a us tourist visa application, 2. what evidence must be provided to prove family relationship for a us tourist visa application, 3. can family members travel on the same us tourist visa, 4. how long is the us tourist visa valid for, 5. what is the length of time i can stay in the us on a tourist visa, 6. are there any restrictions on what activities i am allowed to do while in the us on a tourist visa, 7. how can i extend my us tourist visa, 8. what is the fee for applying for a us tourist visa, 9. are there any medical requirements for obtaining a us tourist visa, 10. how long does it take to process my application for a us tourist visa, 11. who can be included as a dependent in a us tourist visa application, 12. does my dependant need to have a separate application for a us tourist visa, 13. does my dependant need to attend an interview for their us tourist visa application, 14. will my dependant have access to the same benefits as me while in the us on a tourist visa, 15. are there any restrictions on the type of work that can be done by dependents of a us tourist visa holder, 16. is there a minimum age requirement for dependents of a us tourist visa holder, 17. is there an age limit to be eligible to apply for a us tourist visa for family and dependents, 18. what is required to prove financial stability when applying for a us tourist visa for family and dependents, 19. how long before my planned travel date should i apply for my us tourist visa, 20. are there any exemptions from the visa requirements when travelling with family or dependents to the usa.

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Bringing Parents to Live in the United States as Permanent Residents

To petition for your parents (mother or father) to live in the United States as Green Card holders, you must be a U.S. citizen and at least 21 years old. Green Card holders (permanent residents) may not petition to bring parents to live permanently in the United States.

The table below describes what steps you must take to petition depending upon your circumstances:

Note : If your name or your parent’s name has changed, please include proof of the legal name change (may include marriage certificate, divorce decree, adoption decree, court judgment of name change, etc.)

We will notify you if your Form I-130 petition is approved or denied. If it is approved and your parent is outside the United States, we will notify your parent to go to the local U.S. consulate to complete visa processing. 

If your parent is currently in the United States, your parent may be eligible to file  Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or to Adjust Status , at the same time as you file  Form I-130 . See the Concurrent Filing of Form I-485 page for more information.

For additional information, see our How Do I Guides .

Your parents do not need to apply for employment authorization (work permit) once they are admitted as an immigrant with their immigrant visa. If your parents are now outside the United States, they will receive a passport stamp upon arrival in the United States. This stamp will prove that they are allowed to work in the United States until they receive their Green Cards.

If your parents are in the United States and have applied to adjust to permanent resident status by filing Form I-485, they are eligible to apply for employment and travel authorization while their case is pending. Your parents should use  Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization  and  Form I-131, Application for Travel Document , to apply for travel authorization. 

Note: If your parents have minor children abroad, those children (your siblings) cannot be sponsored on the same petition. See the Bringing Siblings to Live in the United States as Permanent Residents page for more information. After your parent becomes a permanent resident, your parent may file a new petition for any qualifying relative. See the Family of Green Card Holders (Permanent Residents) page for more on that. 

If the visa petition you filed is denied, the denial letter will tell you how to appeal and how much time you have to file the appeal. After your appeal form and the required fee are processed, the appeal will be referred to the Board of Immigration Appeals. 

• I-130, Petition for Alien Relative
• I-864, Affidavit of Support Under Section 213A of the Act
• I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status
• I-751, Petition to Remove the Conditions of Residence
• I-824, Application for Action on an Approved Application or Petition
• I-129F, Petition for Alien Fiance(e)
• I-765, Application for Employment Authorization

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• Concurrent Filing of Form I-485 
• Green Card (Permanent Residence)
• Adjustment of Status

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Parent Visitor Visa to the USA – 2022 Complete Guide

If you want your parents to come to visit you in the United States, we help you in finding the answers to some of your more fundamental questions about applying for a Visitor Visa for them in their home country.

Currently, the visa application process is taking longer than usual due to backlogs at visa processing centers/US consulates. This has impacted countries where the US embassies/consulates see a large volume of visa applications, like India.

The US Embassy & Consulates in India recently announced opening up appointments for 1st time B-1/B-2 Visitor visa appointments from 1st September 2022. Anyone, renewing their visa within 28 months of expiry will continue to be eligible for an interview waiver.

If you want to secure a Visitor Visa for your parents then you need to be on top of the application process. Read on to find more details about the process in this article.

You generally do not need immigration services from a lawyer/attorney, the US Visitor Visa application process can be managed by yourself. If you are short on time and need professional help then consider obtaining professional/immigration services.

If you have already secured a visitor visa for your parents then read about Travel Insurance for Parents visiting the USA . You can generate free no-obligation travel insurance quotes from here.

What is a US Visitor Visa?

Non-Immigrant visitor visas are available to those who wish to briefly enter the country:

• Business – visa category B-1
• Tourism – visa category B-2

The B1/B2 Visa is popularly known as the Visitor Visa OR the Tourist Visa.

B-1/B-2 Visitor Visa for the USA

If you want to visit the United States temporarily you can apply for a Visitor Visa i.e. the B-1/B-2 visa.

If you live in the United States and want your parents to visit you then you can apply for a visitor visa for them to be able to come and visit you.

Visa Status and Allowed Activities

There are several visa categories and the activities allowed under each of them. As far as a parent’s visa for visiting the USA is concerned the Visitor Visa and activities allowed under them are:

B-1 Visa/Business Visa may be used for activities such as:

• Attend Business Meetings
• Consulting with business partners
• Attending conventions or conferences
• Settling estates, and contract negotiations

B-2 Visa/Tourist Visa may be used for activities such as:

• Tourism, Vacation, Holiday
• Visiting friends or family
• Receiving medical treatment
• Taking part in social events hosted by fraternal, social, or service organizations
• Amateur participation in musical, sporting, or similar events or contests (can’t be paid for such activities)
• Enrolling in a brief recreational course of study that is not for credit toward a degree

Note: B1/B2 visa falls under the non-immigrant visa category, this category of visa is popularly known as a Visitor Visa for temporary visits to the USA. If you want to bring your parents/family members permanently to the US then explore other categories of Visas.

As you prepare for your parents to visit the United States you will find this information helpful on travel insurance .

Documents to Check before starting the Visitor Visa Application process?

To apply for a B1/B2 visa you need to first collect all the documents needed to submit the visitor visa application.

Have a valid passport?

You need a passport valid for 6 months beyond the planned period of stay in the USA.

Consider applying for a new passport for your parents before initiating a visitor visa application process if:

• Parents never had a passport
• Currently don’t have a valid passport
• A valid passport is nearing its expiry date
• The passport is torn/damaged

Bank Account Statements & other financial-related documents?

Being able to display the availability of funds for the planned trip and strong ties to the home country for returning after the visit makes for a strong case for parents’ visas.

The required documents need to support their financial strength (bank statements/bank verification letter) and/or your resources to support your parents while they are visiting you in the USA. Collect documents like real estate/property ownership documents and other relevant papers to demonstrate ties to the home country.

The funds available in the bank account should be >= $5,000 -10,000 or more. If this is not a concern and the bank account balances are usually higher, you can go ahead with the application. If you need to arrange for the money then it is recommended to start the process once you have accumulated the needed funds.

Do I Need a Tourist Visa OR a Visitor Visa to Enter the United States?

The only people who must apply for a tourist visa/visitor visa/b1-b2 visa to the USA are those who are not part of the US Visa Waiver Program .

You’re in luck if your country offers visa waivers. You can simply follow the easy steps to apply for an ESTA , and after that, plan your trip.

What are the requirements for a Visitor Visa?

Your visit must be for one of the following reasons if you want to obtain a US visitor visa:

• Enjoy your holiday in America.
• Visit several American cities.
• Visit family or friends.
• Attend social gatherings that various organizations host.
• To receive medical treatment or care.
• Take part in music or sports-related events or competitions (not being paid for them).
• Enroll in brief study courses that you won’t get credit for (ex. cooking classes).

If you do not fit into any of the aforementioned categories, you should research additional US non-immigrant visa categories to determine if you are eligible for any other visa category.

You will also need to show that you have the financial resources to support your stay in the US on a B1/B2 Visa and that you intend to leave the nation as soon as your approved stay/visa expires.

How can I obtain a US tourist visa?

You must follow these basic steps to apply for a US tourist visa OR the Visitor Visa:

Submit the DS-160 form.

• Pay the fees for the visa.

Schedule your Visa interview

• Create the file for your B2 Visa documents.
• Attend the interview

Send in your contact information as well as information on why you are visiting. For your US tourist visa, you must complete the required documentation and submit it online. You will receive a verification confirmation page and code after submitting it, which you must keep for your document file.

The DS-160 form is available online either with assistance from a visa processing assistant or through the Consular Electronic Application Center.

Pay Fees for the Visa

The application fee for a b1/b2 visa is $160. You might also be required to pay additional fees, depending on how your nation and the US are related. They are known as visa issuance fees, and they differ from one nation to the other.

After completing the payments, you need an application fee payment receipt to proceed further on your application. Keep all your papers/documents organized in a file that can be taken for the visa interview.

All visa applicants must attend a visa interview at the US Embassy and must be between the ages of 14 and 79.

You must make an appointment with the US Embassy in your home country to attend this visa interview. Considering their heavy workload, be sure to schedule an appointment as soon as you can.

You will receive an interview confirmation letter following the completion of this process, which you must bring with you to the interview.

Create the file for your B1/B2 Visa documents.

All the additional supporting documents are in the file you have, which demonstrates to the US Embassy that it is safe to grant you a visa. At your visa appointment, all required paperwork must be brought with you.

You must submit the following required documents/paperwork when applying for a B1/B2 visa:

• Valid passport
• A picture that complies with the rules and specifications
• Page and confirmation code for the DS-160 form
• Receipt for the paid visa fees
• Confirmation page for the visitor visa interview
• A letter outlining the objective of your journey
• Evidence of financial capacity: Financial or bank letter demonstrating that you have at least $266 available for each day of your intended stay in the US
• Ties to your native nation: family, employment contract, rental agreement, or property deed, which attest to your return
• An optional invitation letter from US-based friends or family
• Criminal history or a letter from the authorities confirming your innocence
• The records of your previous trips. This only applies if you’ve previously traveled to the US
• Certificates or transcripts. Only students are affected by this
• An employment verification letter from your employer and the previous three months’ pay stubs for those who are employed
• Documents of your relative’s immigration status in the US
• Letters from your doctors detailing your diagnosis and care if you’re traveling for a medical reason
• Social media information: list the social networks you are a member of, along with the name of your account

Attend the Visa Interview

On the day of your interview, a consular officer will quiz you about your past and the reasons you wish to visit the USA.

The consular officer will examine your papers to make sure everything is in order. Although the interviews are brief, it is important to provide all pertinent information.

If a question is not understood then there is no harm in asking the visa officer to repeat the question rather than trying to answer without context.

The visa officer will decide if the case merits a visa approval or a denial or needs more information. If the visa is approved then the passport will be mailed back with the visa stamped on the passport.

Note: For parents who don’t speak English, local language interview appointments are usually available as an option.

Important Links

Check out these links from the US State Government Website and the US Travel Document Official Website for information on how to successfully process a DS-160 form for your parents.

Consider getting travel health insurance for your parents if they are planning to visit you in the USA.

1) How long does it take to process a B1/B2 Visa Application?

The processing of the B1/B2 visitor visa could take a few weeks to a few months. Processing dates vary from nation to nation because they are heavily influenced by the workload of the US Embassy where you submitted your application. Covid-19 has heavily impacted the processing timelines.

2) How long parents can stay on a visitor visa in the USA?

A B2 visa allows for a stay of up to 6 months OR as approved at the port of entry by the CBP officer. You are free to go anywhere in the US or for any other reason during that period. You must go back to your country of residence nonetheless after your visa expires.

If you want your parents to stay longer then you can consider filing a stay extension before their approved stay expires.

3) Do I Need a US Tourist Visa to Apply for a Green Card?

If you are visiting the country as a tourist, it is extremely challenging to obtain permanent residence or a Green Card. Since the B2 visa is only valid for a short period, you must demonstrate that you will leave the USA when your approved stay or visa expires. Additionally, you are prohibited from looking for work or enrolling in school, which means that you might not be able to take the simplest routes to obtain permanent residence.

4) Do tourists have access to American healthcare?

American healthcare is extremely expensive , and if someone had an ankle or wrist broken in the past year, the average cost for the treatment would be about $2,500. While the average cost of a single night in a US hospital is over $10,000.

Therefore, the purchase of visitor medical insurance is recommended. If your parents have pre-existing medical conditions then this information will be helpful. If your parents have pre-existing conditions then read about travel insurance plans that cover pre-existing conditions.

5) Can my parents visit me in the USA with a B2 visa?

You can ask your parents to come to visit you if you are studying, working, obtaining permanent residence or are a Green Card holder, or have become a citizen in the US.

6) What is the validity of a visitor visa/b1-b2 visa?

The B-1/B-2 visitor visa is generally issued with a validity of 10 years however you can stay for a maximum of 6 months at a stretch or as approved during entry to the USA. Obtaining a visa is not a guarantee to enter the United States. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers will ultimately decide at the port of entry if you will be allowed into the country. If allowed into the country then your I-94 record will contain the details of your approved stay.

We sincerely hope that this article has given you enough information to help you through the entire process.

The B1/B2 Visa is the most commonly issued visa at the same time there are many cases where the visas are rejected, even for parents wanting to visit their children in the USA.

There have been many cases where the visa is approved for one parent but rejected for the other. This usually happens when the appointments were scheduled on different dates for each parent and for some reason the visa officer was not convinced of the reasons for the visit during the interview.

So plan ahead, organize, and prep up your parents as needed. If they are well-traveled internationally then perhaps they don’t need hand-holding in this process whereas parents who have not traveled internationally may need more guidance on the process.

Assess your situation and plan according to it. All the best.

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How Can I Bring My Parents to Visit the United States?

This article will help answering some of the basic questions you may have if you would like your parents to temporarily visit you in the United States. However, we encourage you to talk to an experienced lawyer about your specific case in order to avoid any potential problems and complications.

  If your parents want to temporarily visit (and not permanently live in ) the United States, they must first obtain a visitor visa (visa category B-1/B-2). Visitor visas are non-immigrant visas for persons who want to enter the United States temporarily for business (visa category B-1), tourism, pleasure or visiting (visa category B-2), or a combination of both purposes (B-1/B-2).

Some examples of activities permitted with a B-1 Business Visa include: consulting with business associates; attending a scientific, educational, professional, or business convention or conference; settling an estate; negotiating a contract.

Some examples of activities permitted with a B-2 Tourism and Visit Visa include: tourism; vacation (holiday); visiting with friends or relatives; medical treatment; participation in social events hosted by fraternal, social, or service organizations; participation by amateurs in musical, sports, or similar events or contests, if not being paid for participating; enrollment in a short recreational course of study, not for credit toward a degree (for example, a two-day cooking class while on vacation).

Some examples of activities that require different categories of visas and cannot be done while on a visitor visa include: study; employment; paid performances, or any professional performance before a paying audience; arrival as a crew-member on a ship or aircraft; work as foreign press, radio, film, journalists, and other information media; permanent residence in the United States.

A) Do My Parents Need a Visa?

If your parents are citizens of one of the 38 currently designated countries, they may be able to visit the United States on Visa Waiver Program. Visa Waiver Program allows citizens of certain countries to come to the United States without a visa for a stay of 90 days or less. For more information, and to see a list of designated countries, please visit https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/tourism-visit/visa-waiver-program.html .

If your parents’ country of citizenship is not on the list, or if they would like to visit the United States for longer than 3 months, they will need to apply for a visitor visa.

B) How to Apply for a Visitor Visa (visa category B-1/B-2)?

To apply for a visitor visa, your parents will need complete the Online Non-immigrant Visa Application (Form DS-160). It needs to be completed and submitted online and is available on the Department of State website: https://ceac.state.gov/genniv/ .

C) What to Expect after Applying for Visa?

Once your parents applied for a visitor visa online, they will go to the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in the country where they live for a visa interview.

If your parents are 80 years old or older, then an interview is generally not required. But if your parents are under 80, then an interview is usually required (with some exceptions for renewals).

Your parents must schedule an appointment for their visa interview, generally, at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in the country where they live. While visa applicants may schedule their interview at any U.S. Embassy or Consulate, it may be difficult to qualify for a visa outside of the applicant’s place of permanent residence.

The Department of State encourages applicants, including your parents, to apply for their visa early because the wait times for interview appointments vary by location, season, and visa category.

Before the interview, your parents have to gather and prepare the following documents required by the U.S. Embassy or Consulate: (1) a valid passport (must be valid for at least six months beyond their period of stay in the United States); (2) non-immigrant visa application (Form DS-160) confirmation page; (3) application fee payment receipt; (4) photo.

D) What to Expect during the Visitor Visa Interview?

During your parents’ visa interview, a consular officer will determine whether they are qualified to receive a visa, and if so, which visa category is appropriate based on their purpose of travel.

To be approved for a visitor visa, your parents will need to show that:

• They are coming to the United States temporarily for an authorized purpose, such as to visit their family, to travel, to visit sightseeing sites, etc.
• They will not engage in unauthorized activities such as employment. Sometimes, even babysitting a relative’s child may be considered unauthorized employment. For example, while your mother is certainly allowed to visit your child – her grandchild – and spend time with him or her, she cannot be coming specifically for the purpose of babysitting the child.
• They have permanent residence in their home country, to which they will return. This is shown by demonstrating close ties to their home country such as family relationships, employment, business ownership, school attendance, and/or property ownership.
• They have sufficient financial means to pay for travel expenses and expenses of intended activities. If your parents cannot cover all the costs for their trip, they may show evidence that you or another person will cover some or all costs for their trip.

To establish that your parents qualify for a visa, they must prepare documentation to prove that they satisfy the above requirements. For that reason, it is important that your parents thoroughly prepare for their interview and collect all the necessary documents. A good attorney can guide them through this process.

E) What Happens after the Visitor Visa Interview?

At your parents’ visa interview, their applications may be approved, denied, or they may require further administrative processing.

If your parents’ visas are approved, they will be informed how and when their passports with visas will be returned to them.

If your parents’ visas are denied, they can reapply at any time. However, unless there is a substantial change in their circumstances, it will be very difficult to receive a visa after a denial. For that reason, it is best to consult an experienced attorney before your parents initially apply for a visa to improve their chances of an approval.

F) What Happens after Visa Approval?

When your parents enter the United States with a visitor visa, they will usually be permitted to stay in the United States for up to 6 months, although the specific time they are allowed to stay will be determined at the border and indicated on your parents’ Form I-94. If your parents wish to stay beyond the time indicated on the Form I-94, they may apply for an extension or change of status.

For more information about visitor visas and application process, please see the Department of State website: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/tourism-visit/visitor.html .

It is important to get in touch with a good immigration lawyer in the United States as early as possible to avoid potential problems and to plan the best immigration strategy for your family. Attorneys at I.S. Law Firm have provided immigration help to many immigrants and their families. To learn more about our services and for consultation, please contact us at +1-703-527-1779 or via e-mail: [email protected] .

Article Information

Article Title: How Can I Bring My Parents to Visit the United States?

Short Description: Many immigrants who live in the United States want to “sponsor” their parents to come to the United States either to visit their family or to live permanently with their family. The term “sponsor” usually means to bring to the United States or “petition for.” Such immigrants often reach out to immigration lawyers in the United States for guidance on how to sponsor their parents to come to the United States for either purpose. This article will help answering some of the basic questions you may have if you would like your parents to temporarily visit you in the United States.

Author: Ismail Shahtakhtinski

Publisher - Orgnization: I.S. Law Firm, PLLC

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Family-based immigrant visas and sponsoring a relative

If you are a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, you may be able to sponsor a family member for a Permanent Resident Card (Green Card). Learn about the process and who is eligible.

Categories of people eligible for family immigrant visas

Applying for a family-based immigrant visa is the first step in the process for the person you are sponsoring to become a permanent resident. There are two categories of this type of visa:

Immediate relative visas

These visas are for close relatives of U.S. citizens, such as spouses, unmarried children under 21, or parents. An unlimited number of visas are available for this visa category. These visas include:

• IR1 and CR1 for spouses
• IR2 for children
• IR5 for parents

Family preference visas

A limited number of family preference visas are set aside each year for:

• F1 visas unmarried children who are 21 years of age or older
• F3 visas for married children
• F4 visas for siblings
• F2A visas for spouses and unmarried children under age 21
• F2B visas for unmarried children who are 21 years of age or older

Check the U.S. Department of State’s chart of immigrant visa categories to learn more about each category of immediate relative and family sponsored visas .

How to apply for permanent residency for a family member

To sponsor your family member, submit a United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) Form I-130 . Each person you sponsor needs a separate Form I-130. You can submit the form online or by mail.

The process for your relative to immigrate to the U.S. requires that both you, as the sponsor, and your relative, as the visa applicant, complete the necessary steps.

The process is different depending on whether your family member is already in the U.S. or abroad.

• If your family member is in the U.S. - Learn about Adjustment of Status
• If your family member is outside the U.S. - Learn the steps for Consular Processing

Submitting Form I-130 is the first step of the immigration visa process. Learn what other steps are involved , including:

• National Visa Center (NVC) processing
• Fee payments
• Required supporting documents
• Interview preparation

LAST UPDATED: December 8, 2023

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How to apply

Additional changes to entry, testing and quarantine requirements in response to the Omicron variant

There are temporary changes for all travellers, including Canadian citizens, regardless of their vaccination status.

Additional restrictions and requirements now apply to these countries:

• Botswana, Egypt, Eswatini, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Nigeria, South Africa, Zimbabwe

News release

Changes to border measures

New border measures include

• rules for re-entering Canada, if leaving for 72 hours or less
• who is considered fully vaccinated
• rules for travelling within Canada

Starting January 15, 2022, there will be new rules for who can enter Canada as an unvaccinated or partially vaccinated traveller.

Learn more about the new measures

Venezuelan passport holders

You may need to complete extra steps when you fill out your application .

If the printed expiry date on your Venezuelan passport has passed

If the printed expiry date has passed and you’re applying for a visitor visa, study permit, work permit or to extend your stay as a temporary resident in Canada, follow these steps:

• Add 5 years to the printed expiry date shown on your passport and enter it in the expiry date field of the application form.
• Include a letter of explanation with your application stating: “I am a Venezuelan national with a Venezuelan passport, which has been extended for 5 years”.

Warning: If your passport is still expired after adding 5 years to the printed expiry date, your passport is considered expired. You’re not eligible to submit an application with that passport.

Prepare documents and apply

The reason you’re traveling to Canada determines the way you apply and the documents you need to submit with your visa application.

Why are you applying for a visitor visa?

• To visit as a tourist
• To visit for business
• To visit your spouse or partner who has sponsored you for permanent residence

What is your family member’s status in Canada?

• Canadian citizen
• Person registered under Canada’s Indian Act
• Canadian permanent resident
• Temporary resident in Canada
• For compassionate reasons
• None of the above

Do you plan to visit your children or grandchildren for more than 6 months?

You may be eligible to apply for a Super Visa

A super visa lets you visit your children or grandchildren for 5 years at a time. It’s a visa that provides multiple entries for a period up to 10 years.

Find out how to apply for a Super Visa

Step 1 Gather documents

Gather these documents to submit with your visa application and bring when you travel.

About the documents listed

• Not all documents listed below are required—some are optional.
• This is not an exhaustive list of acceptable proof to support your visa application.
• Only submit the recommended documents that prove you’re eligible for a visa.
• Even if you submit all the documents listed, there is no guarantee that we’ll approve your application.
• We may request more information from you in addition to what is listed here.

Documents we accept:

• passports (regular, official or diplomatic)  from most countries (see exceptions below)
• alien’s passport for stateless persons
• US Permit to Re-Enter (Form I-327)
• US Refugee Travel Document (Form I-571)
• other refugee travel documents for non-citizens

Documents we don’t accept:

• any passport issued by Somalia
• non-machine-readable passports issued by the Czech Republic
• temporary passports issued by the Republic of South Africa
• provisional passports issued by Venezuela

A clear, colour copy of your valid passport or travel document that you’ll use to travel to Canada

If you have a passport, you must provide a copy of

• the page that shows your birth date and country of origin
• any pages with stamps, visas or markings

If you have a travel document, it must be issued by a government and include your

• date of birth
• document number
• citizenship or residency status
• expiry date (if applicable)

Submit this document with your visa application.

Family members or third parties who apply on behalf of the applicant need to complete this form.

Submit the completed form with your visa application.

Each applicant 18 years or older must complete this form.

Submit the completed form with your visa application

Documents needed depend on whether a child under 18 years of age will travel with only 1 parent, with a relative or friend or alone.

You may need to show

• a letter that authorizes the minor child to travel to Canada
• other documents, such as adoption papers or a custody decree, depending on if the minor child travels alone or not

Consult Minor children travelling to Canada .

Submit these with your visa application.

• Show the border services officer when you arrive in Canada.

If you’ve travelled to Canada or to other countries, this can show that you’ve been able to get a visa in the past.

Proof of this includes copies of previous visas in your passport.

Include a clear copy of 1 or more of the following:

• your previous passports and/or visas (used within the last 10 years to travel outside your country)
• entry and exit stamps
• study and/or work permits that indicate your duration outside of your country
• expired or valid visas

Submit this document with your visa application

Documents that show how long you plan to stay and what you’ll do in Canada

Include copies of any of the following:

• flight details
• hotel reservations
• registration for an event

This can help us understand if you have enough money to support yourself during your stay in Canada.

Bank name and contact This allows us to contact your bank or financial institution with questions.

Proof it is your account Your name and address on the statement show that the account is yours.

Account details At least 6 months of account details, including balances, helps us understand your financial situation.

Use this form if you want to allow Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) to release your personal information to someone you choose.

The person you choose will be able to get information on your case file, such as the status of your application.

Business visitor

A clear, colour copy of your valid passport or travel document that you'll use to travel to Canada

Submit this with your visa application.

A clear copy of 1 or more of the following:

• study and/or work permits that indicate your duration outside your country

Copies of any of the following:

A letter from your employer can confirm that you have a stable job and will return to it. It can also show that your employer supports your visit to Canada.

The letter should be printed on your employer’s official letterhead.

The letter should include the following:

• date, no earlier than 3 months before you apply
• confirmation that you have a job with the employer
• your full name and date of birth
• date you started the job
• brief description of your job
• current salary
• contact information of your manager
• phone number
• email address
• employer information
• company name
• state or province
• Your manager or human resources contact should print their name and sign the letter.

A letter from a business or company in Canada

It can confirm that your purpose for visiting Canada is valid.

A copy of the letter from the business or company inviting you to Canada

• The letter must be written to you from the business or company.

Consult the details to include in the letter .

Visit your spouse or partner who sponsored you for permanent residence

Proof of your relationship with the person or family member inviting you to Canada

This can include a copy of

• a marriage certificate
• Statutory Declaration of Common-Law Union (IMM5409)
• a birth certificate
• an official document naming you as a parent

Each applicant 18 years and older must complete this form.

The documents needed depend on whether a child under 18 years of age will travel with only 1 parent, with a relative or friend, or alone.

• other documents, such as adoption papers or a custody decree, depending on whether the minor child travels alone

Consult Minor children travelling to Canada

A letter written by your family member in Canada

A copy of the letter from the family member inviting you to Canada

• The letter must be written to you from your family member.
• current Salary

Complete the form that declares you and your partner are in a common-law relationship. Also provide proof that you and your common-law partner have combined your affairs and set up a household together.

What is a common-law partner?

Proof can include

• joint bank accounts or credit cards
• joint ownership of a home
• joint residential leases
• joint rental receipts
• joint utilities (electricity, gas, telephone)
• joint management of household expenses
• proof of joint purchases, especially for household items
• mail addressed to either person or both people at the same address

Faster visitor visa processing for spousal applicants

If you’re being sponsored for permanent residence (PR) by your spouse or partner, you could benefit from faster processing for a visitor visa.

You may be eligible if you

• submitted an application to be sponsored for permanent residence
• received an acknowledgement of receipt (AOR) that confirms the application is in progress

Applications that need more information, for example custody documents for a child, will take longer to process.

When your sponsor receives the AOR for your permanent residence application, you can apply for a visitor visa. If you’re eligible, your visitor visa application will automatically receive faster processing. You don’t need to request it.

You must still meet all of the requirements to be eligible for a visitor visa .

Visit family (Canadian citizen, person registered under Canada’s Indian Act, or permanent resident of Canada)

Submit with visa application

Visit children or grandchildren Super visa option

Submit this with your visa or super visa application.

For super visa applicants only

Proof that medical insurance for at least $100,000 coverage has been purchased from a Canadian insurance company.

A copy of the insurance certificate or policy you received for medical insurance coverage for 1 year with a Canadian insurance company.

Submit this with your super visa application.

Documents that show that the super visa applicant’s child or grandchild meets the low income cut-off minimum.

Submit one of the following documents:

• If the child or grandchild does not have a paper copy of their notice of assessment on file, they can view and print their tax returns as well as other personal tax information using the Canada Revenue Agency My Account online service.
• a copy of the child’s or grandchild’s most recent T4 or T1
• an original letter from the child’s or grandchild’s employer stating their job title, job description and salary
• a letter from an accountant confirming the child’s or grandchild’s annual income, if they are self-employed.
• proof of other sources of income (pension statement, investments, etc.)

A document confirming that you had an  immigration medical exam (IME)

The exam must conducted by a panel physician authorized by IRCC.

Get complete details about how to get a medical exam with a panel physician.

Submit this with your super visa application, or wait for instructions from the visa office.

Visit family (temporary resident of Canada)

A letter written by your family in Canada

Documents that show how long you plan to stay and what you’ll do once in Canada

Visit for compassionate reasons

A clear, colour copy of your valid passport or travel document that you'll use to travel to Canada.

• Show the border services officer when you arrive in Canada

A letter written to you from a person or business inviting you to Canada

A copy of the letter from the person or business inviting you to Canada

• registration for an event.

Step 2 Apply through the IRCC Portal

Step 2 apply.

To apply for a visitor visa to visit Canada on business, you need to qualify as a business visitor.

To qualify, you must show that:

• you plan to stay for less than 6 months
• you don’t plan to enter the Canadian labour market
• your main place of business and source of income and profits is outside Canada

Business visitor activities include business meetings, special events or training for a few days or weeks.

If your meeting, event or conference is registered with us, include the event code in your application. You should get this code from the organizer.

Note: If you plan to stay for more than 6 months, or if you plan to work in Canada, you may be considered a temporary worker and have to  apply for a work permit .

To apply online, you need a scanner or camera to create electronic copies of your documents, and a valid credit or debit card.

Read the instruction guide before you complete your application. As an online applicant, you can ignore steps 3 and 4 of the guide (paying the fees and submitting your application).

If you’re applying for the first time , you must pay the biometrics fee when you submit your application (unless you’re exempt). Otherwise, you may experience delays.

Apply through the IRCC Secure account

Sign in to your IRCC secure account

Apply through the IRCC Portal

Only for tourists, visiting for business, family visits, compassionate reasons

Sign in to the IRCC portal

Applying on paper for specific situations

If you need a visitor visa to travel to Canada, you must apply online for one. Only online applications will be accepted and processed. However, you can apply on paper if:

• you can’t apply online because of a disability or
• you’re travelling with an identity or travel document that was issued to a refugee, a stateless person or a non-citizen

The application package includes an instruction guide and all the forms you need to fill out.

Read the guide carefully before you complete your application . We will not refund your application fee, so make sure you need a visitor visa before you apply.

Each individual applicant must submit a completed application form. Applicants under the age of 18 must have this form signed by a parent or a guardian.

Download the application package .

Pay your application fees

In most cases, your fees will include processing fees for you and anyone you include on your application.

If you’re applying for the first time, you must pay the biometrics fee when you submit your application (unless you’re exempt). Otherwise, you may experience delays.

Third-party fees

Depending on your situation, you may need to pay third parties for

• your medical exam
• a police certificate

Our instruction guides (opens in a new tab) can help you understand which fees apply to you.

Submit your application

Families should send their individual applications in one package. The principal applicant must send this combined package to the location where their application will be processed.

Select the country/territory you’ll be applying from to find out where to submit your application. You can choose your country of nationality or the country or territory where you have been legally admitted:

• Afghanistan
• Antigua and Barbuda
• Bosnia and Herzegovina
• British Virgin Islands
• Burkina Faso
• Burma (Myanmar)
• Cayman Islands
• Central African Republic
• China (People’s Republic of)
• Comoros Island
• Côte d’Ivoire
• Czech Republic
• Democratic Republic of the Congo
• Dominican Republic
• El Salvador
• Equatorial Guinea
• Guinea-Bissau
• Hong Kong SAR
• Liechtenstein
• Marshall Islands
• Micronesia (Federated States of)
• Netherlands
• New Caledonia
• New Zealand
• North Korea
• North Macedonia (Republic of)
• Palestinian Authority (Gaza)
• Palestinian Authority (West Bank)
• Papua New Guinea
• Philippines
• Puerto Rico
• Sao Tome and Principe
• Saudi Arabia
• Sierra Leone
• Solomon Islands
• South Africa
• South Korea
• South Sudan
• St. Kitts and Nevis
• St. Vincent and the Grenadines
• Switzerland
• Timor-Leste (Timor oriental)
• Trinidad and Tobago
• Turkmenistan
• Turks and Caicos Islands
• United Arab Emirates
• United Kingdom
• United States of America
• US Virgin Islands

If you need to give biometrics (fingerprints and photograph), and you’re applying on paper, submit your application in person . VAC staff will check that it is complete and will confirm that you have paid the correct fees before you can give your biometrics.

Credit cards and prepaid cards

We accept the following credit cards and prepaid cards:

• MasterCard ®
• American Express ®
• UnionPay ® (for online applications only; debit cards not accepted)

If you use a prepaid credit card, keep it for at least 18 months after you pay to make refunds easier. Find more on prepaid cards .

We also accept all Visa Debit cards.

The card you use doesn’t have to be in your name. The cardholder’s name will appear on the receipt but it does not need to match your application.

Debit cards

• be from a Canadian bank using INTERAC ® Online
• be registered for online banking through your bank’s website

We also accept all Debit MasterCard ® and Visa ® Debit cards. If your card has the Visa Debit logo on it, alone or with the INTERAC ® Online logo, select Visa Debit as your payment method.

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Family Immigration

Family Based Immigration

A foreign citizen seeking to live permanently in the United States requires an immigrant visa (IV). To be eligible to apply for an IV, a foreign citizen must be sponsored by an immediate relative who is at least 21 years of age and is either a U.S. citizen or U.S. Lawful Permanent Resident (that is, a green-card holder).

There are two types of family-based immigrant visas:

Immediate Relative – these visas are based on a close family relationship with a U.S. citizen, such as a spouse, child or parent. The number of immigrants in these categories is not limited each fiscal year.

Family Preference – these visas are for specific, more distant, family relationships with a U.S. citizen and some specified relationships with a Lawful Permanent Resident (LPR). The number of immigrants in these categories is limited each fiscal year. 

Keep in mind that U.S. citizens can file an immigrant visa petition for their:

• Spouse • Son or daughter • Parent • Brother or sister

U.S. Lawful Permanent Residents can only file an immigrant visa petition for their:

• Spouse • Unmarried son or daughter

More Information

Visa News   Laws and Regulations A-Z Index

Who's Involved

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS):  USCIS oversees immigration to the United States and approves (or denies) immigrant petitions, and more.  Learn about USCIS

National Visa Center:  After your petition is approved, the National Visa Center (NVC) will assist you in preparing your visa application for interview for certain visa categories at U.S. Embassies & Consulates.  When and how to Contact NVC .

U.S. Embassies and Consulates:  Find a  U.S. Embassy or Consulate , nearest your residence abroad, where you will apply and be interviewed for your U.S. visa.

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7 Work Visa Options to Bring Your Spouse to the US

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This article was originally published by Annie Blay on legalpad.

“Are you married?” This is one of the first questions we ask when we speak with someone exploring their U.S. immigration options. You can bring your spouse and unmarried children (21 years or younger) to the U.S. with you on most U.S. visas, but the benefits for your spouse vary depending on the visa category. 

U.S. visas with no benefits for spouses

There is no dependent visa for the B-1/B-2 visa , but a B-1/B-2 visa holder’s spouse can apply for their own B visa to come to the U.S.

U.S. work visas that enable spouses to live in the U.S. and go to school

The O-1 visa for individuals of extraordinary ability and the TN visa for NAFTA professionals both have dependent visas. O-1 and TN dependents can live in the U.S. and go to school in the U.S. without applying for a student visa. The downside of the O-1 and TN dependent visas is that spouses cannot work in the U.S. unless they get their own work visa. 

U.S. work visas that enable spouses to live, work, and go to school in the U.S. 

Numerous U.S. work visas allow spouses to work and go to school in the U.S., including the H-1B , H-1B1, L-1, E-2 , and E-3 visas. Getting a U.S. work visa can be challenging, so having a visa that allows both you AND your spouse to work is highly advantageous.

What is the process for getting a dependent visa for my spouse?

The process of getting a dependent visa for your spouse differs based on location. 

Applying for a dependent visa outside the U.S.:

File your U.S. work visa (O-1, TN, H-1B, L-1, E-2, or E-3) petition with USCIS. Your petition may not initially contain any information about your spouse (or children). Don’t worry; the process of getting your spouse’s dependent visa starts after USCIS approves your visa petition.

Once your visa has been approved, you’ll complete the DS-160 form online . In the DS-160, you’ll include biographical information about your spouse (and children). Once you have completed the DS-160, you’ll make an appointment at a nearby U.S. consulate or embassy. If you filled out the DS-160 with your spouse (and children), they should attend the appointment with you.

However, your family can fill out the DS-160 and attend a separate visa appointment if needed.

To prove that your spouse (and children) qualify for a dependent visa, you’ll need to bring evidence to the visa appointment, such as:

• Appointment letter for the scheduled visa interview
• Valid passport
• Completed DS-160 Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application containing a CEAC Barcode 
• A passport-style photo
• Original marriage certificate and additional documents proving their marriage to the primary applicant. Examples could include wedding photo albums, wedding invites, and wedding ceremony programs.
• A copy of the principal applicant’s visa holder’s visa petition
• An employment verification letter from the principal applicant’s U.S. employer
• The principal applicant’s passport
• The principal applicant’s Form I-797 (approval notice)
• A photocopy of the principal applicant’s income tax return and pay stubs
• Visa issuance fees

After the visa interview, you and your spouse can travel to the U.S. 

Applying for a dependent visa inside the U.S.:

If your spouse is already in the U.S. on a different visa status (for example, B-1), they’ll need to file Form I-539 . Form I-539 can be filed either when you submit your visa petition or afterward.

Typically, when filing Form I-539, spouses will need to include the following documentation:

• Proof of valid status
• The principal applicant’s Form I-797 , if applicable

While Form I-539 is processing, your spouse can remain in the U.S. Upon approval of the I-539, your spouse’s immigration status will officially change to the dependent visa. 

Want more? Check Out Our Resources for International Students Here .

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