Planning to bring your parents to the USA for a visit? Whether it’s for a family event, sightseeing, or just spending quality time together, the B1/B2 visitor visa is your go-to option.
But like everything related to US immigration, the process comes with its own set of steps. Here’s a simple guide to bringing your parents over on a visitor visa.
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What is the B1/B2 Visa?
The B1/B2 visa is a non-immigrant visa for visitors. The B1 part covers business visitors, while the B2 is for tourists—this is the category your parents will likely fall into.
With a B1/B2 visa, your parents can visit the US temporarily for up to 6 months at a time. It’s a multi-entry visa, usually valid for up to 10 years, depending on the US consulate’s approval.
Tip: Start the visa process early—visa interview wait times can be long, especially during peak travel seasons.
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Step 1: Fill Out the DS-160 Form
The first step in applying for a B1/B2 visa is to complete the DS-160 form online. This is the main visa application form, and your parents will need to provide their personal details, travel history, purpose of visit, and other relevant information.
Make sure all the details are accurate, as any inconsistencies can cause delays or even a denial. After submitting the form, print out the confirmation page—they’ll need to bring this to their visa interview.
Pro Tip: Have your parents’ passports handy while filling out the DS-160, as you’ll need details like the passport number and expiration date.
Step 2: Pay the Visa Fee
Once the DS-160 is submitted, you’ll need to pay the visa application fee. This fee is non-refundable and currently sits at around $160 (check the US Travel Docs website for the latest fee).
After payment, save the receipt—you’ll need it to schedule the visa interview.
Step 3: Schedule the Visa Interview
The next step is to schedule a visa interview at the nearest US Embassy or Consulate. Keep in mind that interview wait times can vary depending on the location, so don’t wait until the last minute to book an appointment.
To schedule the interview, visit the US Travel Docs website, create an account, and follow the prompts to book a date. Be sure to select the B1/B2 visa category during the scheduling process.
Tip: Book interviews early, especially if your parents are planning to visit during a busy season like summer or the holiday period.
Step 4: Gather the Required Documents
Your parents will need to bring several documents to the visa interview. Here’s a quick checklist:
- Valid passport (make sure it’s valid for at least 6 months beyond their intended stay)
- DS-160 confirmation page
- Visa fee payment receipt
- Visa interview appointment confirmation
- Evidence of ties to their home country (this is key to proving they intend to return after the visit, such as property ownership, employment, or family ties)
- Financial documents (like bank statements, to show they can cover the cost of their trip)
- Invitation letter (optional, but you can provide a letter inviting your parents to visit you in the US)
The consular officer might not ask for all the documents, but it’s better to be prepared with everything.
Pro Tip: Include an affidavit of support (Form I-134) if you’re sponsoring your parents financially for their trip—it’s not mandatory, but it helps strengthen the case.
Step 5: Prepare for the Visa Interview
The visa interview is one of the most important parts of the process. During the interview, the consular officer will ask your parents about their travel plans, reasons for visiting, and how they plan to fund their trip.
The officer will also assess whether your parents have strong ties to India that would motivate them to return after their visit.
Sample questions could include:
- Why are you visiting the US?
- How long do you plan to stay?
- Who is sponsoring your trip?
- Do you have family or property in India?
Encourage your parents to answer confidently and honestly. The goal is to show that their trip is temporary and that they intend to return to India after their visit.
Tip: Remind your parents to keep their answers clear and concise—over-explaining can sometimes complicate things.
What Happens After the Interview?
After the interview, the officer will let your parents know whether their visa has been approved or denied. If approved, their passport will be stamped with the B1/B2 visa and returned within a few days to a couple of weeks, depending on the processing time.
Once they have the visa, your parents can start planning their trip!
Pro Tip: The visa approval doesn’t guarantee entry to the US. The final decision is made by the US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officer at the port of entry.
Final Thoughts
Bringing your parents to the US on a B1/B2 visitor visa is a straightforward process, as long as you prepare well in advance.
Make sure all the documents are in order, prepare for the interview, and be patient during the processing period. Once everything’s approved, your parents will be able to enjoy their visit with peace of mind.
For more details, visit the USCIS website or the US Travel Docs page.
