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

Sponsoring usually means bringing to the United States or petitioning. There is an increase in American Residents sponsoring their parents for permanent move to the United States or to visit their family in the United States. Immigrants often seek guidance from immigration lawyers in the United States about sponsoring their parents for either purpose.

What to do if my Parents want to Visit the US?

Visitors to the United States (not permanent residents) must get USA visitor visa first (visa category B-1/B-2). In general, visitor visas are non-immigrant visas for persons who are entering the United States temporarily on business (visa category B-1), on vacation (visa category B-2), or both (B-1/B-2).

How to Apply for Visitor Visas?

There are 9 steps to applying for the B2 Visitor Visa:

●     Scan your Parents' Passport Copies

To complete the online application, get a scanned copy of your parent's documents with the essential details.

●     Collect an Employment Verification Letter from your Employer

Your salary and job description are outlined in the letter, which verifies your current H1B visa employment. You may be asked to submit your parent's passports by the employer to receive this letter, so make sure you have them completed to give them.

●     Get a Bank Verification Letter from your Private Bank

For a visa, you must obtain a bank verification letter from your primary bank, where you have your longest-standing checking and savings accounts. You will need a letter from both the banks if your accounts are at two different banks. Check with your bank to know how long it will take to retrieve this information in advance. Some banks provide instant information retrieval, while others take days or weeks.

●     Collect the Copies of your Paystubs, I-94, H1B Approval, and W2 Form

The W2 forms from the previous year in the United States are another essential part of your B2 tourist visa application. Additionally, you will need:

●     Last three pay stubs or salary statements

●     Last three bank statements

●     Copy of your passport

●     Copy of your I-94

●     Copy of your H1B visa approval ( I-797)

●     Sign and Write the Invitation Letter to your Parents to Visit you in the US

Your invitation letter will state that you are inviting your parents to visit you in the United States. As well as legally supporting your parents' intention to immigrate to the US, the letter shows that you sponsor their visa application.

●     Send a Cover Letter with the Application

Include a brief cover letter explaining the visa process and a list of the order of all the documents in your application. The visa officer reviewing the application may not require this information, but it is done out of courtesy. In addition, your parents will be able to keep track of all the documents you have acquired to stamp your visa successfully.

●     Collect an Affidavit of Support I-134 Form

By submitting this form, you are legally taking responsibility for all liabilities your parents may find themselves in.

●     Submit all the Documents

Ensure that everything is printed and signed. There are several signed documents to submit, including the cover letter mentioned in part 6, the optional I-134 form in part 7, the DS-160 from the online application and, the invitation letter mentioned in part 5.

●     Book the Visa Stamping Appointment for your Parents

A US embassy or consulate must stamp your parents' B1 visa before they can travel to the US. Your parents may do this if they have access to the internet and are familiar with the process, but sometimes it is best to do it yourself to ensure you fill out the forms correctly. In the application form, there is a section called "Application prepared by," where you must put your name and sign.

[Read More: Find the Complete Checklist of Documents required for USA Visa]

How to Book my Parents' Visa Stamping Online?

There are two steps to booking the appointment online:

●     Fill out the DS-160 Form

●     For their visa interview, parents should provide additional supporting documents. The documents may include:

1.    Documents notarized for all their property

2.    Bank statements of parents

3.    Letters regarding pensions and employment benefits

4.    Any financial papers, such as fixed deposits.

5.    (If applicable) Tax returns

6.    Documents that demonstrate strong financial stability

What are the Documents Required for Final Submission?

●     I-94, passport, and visa

●     Obtain a copy of your H1B approval letter (Form I-797)

●     A letter of employment from your employer

●     Letter of verification of bank account

●     Bank statements from the last three months

●     Three salary statements from the past three months

●     Tax returns for the previous year - W2 forms.

●     If you filled out the DS-160 form

●     The I-134 form, if you filled it out

Need Guidance?

Reach out to Global Tree for a hassle-free visa application at www.globaltree.in.

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