List of Documents Required for Parents Visiting USA

This article was last updated and fact checked on October 9, 2024 by Mani Karthik.

So, your parents are getting ready to visit the US? Whether it’s their first trip or the tenth, knowing exactly which documents they’ll need is crucial to avoid any last-minute hiccups.

Trust me, the last thing you want is for them to reach the airport and realize they left an important paper at home.

Here’s your go-to guide on all the essential documents your parents will need to enter the US smoothly.

1. Valid Passport

This is a no-brainer, but still worth mentioning. Your parents need a valid passport with at least six months of validity beyond their intended stay in the US. It’s a good idea to check the expiration date now—some countries even require that a passport be valid for several months after departure.

Pro Tip:

Make sure they have a few photocopies of their passport in case they lose it while traveling. Always better to be safe!

2. US Visitor Visa (B1/B2)

Your parents will need a B1/B2 visitor visa to enter the US unless they are from a country that’s part of the Visa Waiver Program. Most parents visiting from India will need to apply for a B2 Tourist Visa, which allows them to stay for up to six months.

How to apply:

• DS-160 Form: This is the online visa application form that needs to be filled out first.
• Visa interview: After submitting the form, your parents will need to attend a visa interview at the nearest US embassy or consulate.

Tip: Start the visa application process early! The visa approval timeline can vary based on consulate wait times.

3. Proof of Ties to Home Country

During the visa interview, your parents will need to prove they have strong ties to their home country (like India) and will return after their visit. This can be tricky, but these documents can help:

• Property documents: Proof of ownership of property or land back home.
• Bank statements: Recent statements showing financial stability.
• Employment letters: If they’re employed, a letter from their employer stating they have to return to work after their trip.

These documents are key to convincing the visa officer that your parents don’t intend to overstay.

4. Financial Documents (Affidavit of Support)

If you’re sponsoring their trip, you’ll need to provide financial proof showing that you can cover their expenses in the US. This usually involves filing an Affidavit of Support (Form I-134). You’ll need:

• Bank statements: At least the last three months of your bank statements.
• Tax returns: Your recent tax returns to prove your financial standing.
• Employment letter: A letter from your employer showing your current salary and position.

Tip: Always include a formal invitation letter from you to your parents, explaining the purpose of their visit. This helps establish clarity.

5. Medical Insurance

While not mandatory, it’s highly recommended to buy travel medical insurance for your parents. The US healthcare system is expensive, and a simple doctor’s visit can cost hundreds of dollars. Having insurance gives peace of mind in case of any medical emergencies.

6. Travel Itinerary and Accommodation Details

Your parents should carry a detailed travel itinerary including:

• Flight tickets: Both to and from the US (it’s important to have a return ticket).
• Accommodation details: This could be your address in the US or hotel reservations.

7. Visa Fee Payment Receipt

Once your parents have paid the visa fee, make sure they keep the receipt of payment. This is crucial for the visa interview.

Tip: Save copies of all these documents in both digital and physical formats to ensure nothing gets misplaced!

8. Photographs (For Visa Application)

Your parents will need recent passport-sized photographs for their visa application. Make sure these photos meet the US visa requirements (2×2 inches, white background, neutral expression).

The photo guidelines can be strict, so make sure they double-check the requirements.

Summary Checklist:

1. Passport (with six months validity)
2. US Visitor Visa (B1/B2) + DS-160 confirmation page
3. Proof of Ties to Home Country (property documents, bank statements, etc.)
4. Affidavit of Support (Form I-134, if sponsoring)
5. Medical Insurance
6. Travel Itinerary + return flight ticket
7. Visa Fee Receipt
8. Visa-compliant Photographs

Final Thoughts: Be Prepared!

Getting your parents ready for their trip to the US involves a lot of paperwork, but if they have all these documents lined up, the process should go smoothly.

Make sure they carry copies of every document and store them in both their luggage and carry-on. Double-checking these details now will save you a lot of stress later.

For official details and visa application updates, always refer to the USCIS website or the US Embassy website.