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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After two years of a global crisis, things are gradually returning to normal and everyone is excited to pack their bags and travel. People have missed out on so many experiences and staying in their homes has struck a sensitive nerve. Everyone is quite eager to go out and get some fresh air. Now that we can travel once more, it's important to do it responsibly because it’s easy to get carried away by new experiences.

While traveling abroad doesn’t come off as potentially risky at a glance, one must be careful. In light of this, we have created the best manual on remaining safe while traveling overseas. We also have to be careful with Visa formalities depending on the country you want to visit. Follow these travel safety tips to ensure that your trip is memorable for all the right reasons

1.     Make Copies of Important Documents

A copy of your passport, driver's license, or another form of identification may be required at any time. Print multiple hard copies of these documents after scanning them to save online.  This way if you need to return home due to an emergency, you won't have to worry about locating the important document.

[Read More: How to Apply for US Tourist Visa from India?]

2. Pack the First Aid Kit

Basic travel necessities like first aid kits can help you deal with injuries like scratches, bruises, and pains like stomachache or nausea. Band-aids, gauze, a tiny pair of scissors, tape, antiseptic wipes, safety pins, tweezers, cotton buds, and other items are typically found in first aid kits. For a few bucks, you may purchase a tiny ready-made first aid kit.  We advise bringing sunscreen, antibiotics for allergies, painkillers, and anti-nausea medication for long flights for the majority of locations.

3. Get Vaccinations and Check the CDC Website

To learn about the necessary vaccinations and health information for your destination, check the CDC website. For example, there are vaccines for the Zika virus, yellow fever, and cholera. You should take any necessary vaccinations six weeks before your trip for the best protection. Consult a travel medicine expert for personalized advice if you're traveling to a nation where the disease is widespread.

4. Limit the Amount of Cash You Carry

Carrying a lot of cash will only lead to trouble. If you accidentally flash it, it may make you a target and if your bag or wallet is stolen, it might disappear in a matter of seconds. For overnight or while using public transportation, we advise using a money belt or a small bag to store your cash, passport, and other belongings.

5. Download and Learn How to use a VPN

It could be difficult to learn how to use a VPN because you often just turn them on and off. However, it is important to safeguard your data and online accounts while you are abroad, particularly if you need to use public Wi-Fi. When visiting new locations and walking unfamiliar streets, free Wi-Fi is a great convenience. Therefore, downloading a VPN or a virtual private network, to fully conceal your online actions and make you private on the network is important.

6. Plan and Share that Plan

Sure, spontaneous trips sound more exciting, but they are also dangerous. Map out where you want to be and when before your trip. Travelling is more fun and safer when you have a plan.  We also advise giving a trusted friend or member of your family who isn't traveling with you a copy of your itinerary and proof of travel insurance coverage. In this manner, it will be simple to locate where you were supposed to be at a particular time in case something unforeseen occurs.

7. Don’t Draw Attention to Yourself

Try to blend in as much as you can because criminals target people who appear to be from out of town. Choose an attire that won't stand out and draw attention. When studying maps, exercise discretion and use caution when approaching strangers to ask for directions.

Canada Travel Tips

Canada is a great place for visitors. There are fun activities, relaxing spots, and a great ambiance for any type of vacation. An Indian citizen has to get a Visitor Visa to Canada. The following travel tips are for people traveling to Canada: -

1. Visa Procedures

Visas are issued for entry into some nations upon arrival, but in other cases, important documentation must be completed before a visa is issued. It is necessary to adhere to all the instructions and documentation listed on the official visa website in order to successfully complete the visa process for Canada. For a number of nations, electronic travel authorization is required for entry into Canada. 

2. Weather

Canada is a huge country with widely differing terrain from coast to coast. So be sure to pack appropriate clothing based on the region of the country you'll be visiting. Make sure to check the weather in Canada before you go if you intend to drive there. Additionally, look for road closures! You'll save a great deal of time by doing that.

3. Travel Insurance

Canada is well known for its affordable healthcare system, but it is only for Canadians. If you get an injury while traveling to Canada and don't have proper health insurance, you may face huge medical expenses. Therefore, make sure you have travel insurance that covers any medical bills in Canada before you leave for the country.

4. Right Travel Documents

To immigrate to Canada, you typically require a visa or an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA), unless you are a citizen of the United States. Except for Americans, all visa-free individuals must have a Canada ETA. Getting your ETA is a quick and easy online process that takes a few minutes to complete.

5. Emergency Numbers

In Canada, dial 911 to get in touch with emergency services like the police, ambulances, and firefighters. This is something you should know before visiting Canada.

[Read More: Summer is Here! Plan a Vacation in Canada]

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