If you are a U.S. citizen or a permanent resident wishing to have your parents visit you in the United States, you will have to assist them fill out a B2 visa. This guide will share detailed information about the steps of applying for the USA tourist visa for parents, the application, preparation for the interview, and after it.
Step 1: Determine Visa Eligibility
Before you assist your parents in applying they need to fulfill the various B-2 tourist visa requirements for applicants that include: For instance, to secure the permission your parents must show that they have a strong bond linking them to the home country and that they are bent on returning when they are through with their trip in the United States. Such relations could be in the form of proof of employment, tenure on a piece of real estate, investment, or details of close family members.
It matters to note that you cannot propose your parents for a B-2 visa. If you want to become a permanent resident in the U.S., for instance, use an IR-5 parent visa application.
Step 2: Complete the Travel Visa Application
Once you’ve determined your parents are eligible, the next step is to complete the online travel visa application, Form DS-160. This form asks for basic biographical details, travel plans, and other necessary information. Each parent must submit a separate DS-160 form if both are applying for a visa.
For help with filling out the DS-160 form, you can refer to the detailed guide provided by Law and Visas.
Step 3: Pay the Visa Application Fee
The application fee for a B-2 tourist visa is $185, and it’s non-refundable. Payment methods vary depending on the country, but most U.S. embassies and consulates allow you to pay online via credit card or electronic transfer. Be sure to print the payment receipt, as it will be needed for the visa interview.
Step 4: Schedule the Visa Interview
After completing the DS-160 form, your parents will need to schedule a visa interview at the U.S. Embassy or consulate in their home country. Depending on the location, this can be done online or by phone. To schedule the interview, they’ll need to provide their passport number, DS-160 confirmation number, and payment receipt.
Step 5: Gather Supporting Documents
Once the interview is scheduled, your parents should start gathering the necessary documents to bring to the visa interview. These include:
- Passport: It should be valid for at least six months beyond the intended stay in the U.S. and must have at least one blank page.
- Photograph: A recent, color photo that meets U.S. visa specifications.
- Evidence of strong ties: Proof of employment, property, family connections, or financial stability to show they will return home.
- Travel itinerary: A copy of their flight details and hotel reservations.
- Invitation letter (optional): A letter from you inviting your parents to visit, including your contact details, the purpose of the visit, and the duration of their stay.
Step 6: Attend the Visa Interview
Your parents will need to appear in person at the U.S. Embassy or consulate for the interview. The interview typically lasts about 15 minutes, during which a consular officer will ask questions about their travel plans, ties to their home country, and other relevant topics. Your parents must answer truthfully and provide any requested documents.
To help your parents prepare, you can review a list of sample interview questions to give them an idea of what to expect.
Step 7: Receive a Decision
After the interview, the consular officer will make a decision. If the visa is approved, your parents will need to wait for their tourist visa to be processed. This can take anywhere from a few days to several weeks, depending on the embassy or consulate. It’s best to wait for the official B2 visa before making any travel arrangements.
Step 8: Prepare for Travel
Once the tourist visa is approved, your parents can begin planning their trip to the U.S.! Be sure to gather any necessary travel documents, such as insurance, and make their travel arrangements. If it’s their first time flying into the U.S., you may want to help them understand U.S. airport procedures and customs requirements to ensure a smooth arrival.
By following these steps and being thorough with the application process, you can help your parents successfully apply for a U.S. tourist visa and enjoy a visit to the U.S. together.
