Recently I was working on getting Visitor Visa, B2, for my parents and even though there are many blogs, forums and other websites available which are really helpful, I did realize that at every place, you will be left out wanting more information and details of the documents required to successfully get the Visa.
I did my homework in following all the steps and collecting all the necessary documents, but to tell you the truth, I literally got tired in order to find the details by going from one place to another and I am sure many of you guys also feel the same. All of us do wish about having a place which can be considered as the "Complete Guide" for obtaining the visa.
Now since I am done with the entire process and everything, thought it will be a good idea to list down the various steps I underwent as it might help some of the folks who want to invite their parents/relatives to visit the United States of America.
Before I started the actual process I created a checklist of what all documents I will be needing: both sponsor & visitor related documents. I know probably I over did the preparation, but I am always a believer of the saying "Better be over prepared than under prepared" as it wont hurt if you have too many documents, but it might hurt you badly if you miss just that one "particular" document. And I am sure nobody wants to go to the embassy the 2nd time as it is one heck of a thing, to travel, wait in the queue and then once your number comes, all you hear is "I am sorry, you don't have 'this' document, please come again once you have it". Alas, the embassy people are not courteous enough to tell you about "that" document, but instead they will just say "We can't grant you visa this time. Status: 'Rejected' ".
Lets cut the crap and come to the point on what "all" documents one needs to collect/prepare to have an edge over the success. I am listing down my checklist one by one.
I organized all my documents into 4 main categories:
I. Sponsor Documents
II. Visitor Documents
III. Supporting Documents
IV. Sample/Travel Documents
Apart from organizing all the documents, one also needs to be prepared for the actual interview process which is required for most of the visitor visa applications and is a 2 step process.
It always better to have an idea of what all questions can be asked during the interview and prepare accordingly.
Hi Rohit, My parents will be applying for visitors visa shortly and I found this page very useful. Thank you for sharing the information. I have a question. Had you booked your parents' flight before they went for the visa interview?
ReplyDeleteNope, I booked the tickets only after the visa interview.
DeleteIts risky to book tickets in advance as the visa may get denied. The interviewer can ask about the travel plans aka tickets, your parents can reply saying you will take care of it once the visa has been granted.
Does the sponsor have to sign the copies before submitting it
DeleteThe only document which you will be submitting on the Immigration website will be DS-160. It needs to be signed electronically only, no need to hand sign it.
DeleteApart from DS-160, you will be creating other supporting documents of which the following needs to be signed before you send it to your parents:
1. Invitation Letter
2. Letter to Consulate
3. Letter to Immigration Officer(if any. This will be required only if you feel your parents are not comfortable with English)
4. I-134 form.
Do you need to get any of the documents or forms to be notarized before sending to the applicant in India?
DeleteI didnt notarize any document and i believe there is none which is needed.
DeleteHi
DeleteIf my parents are self sponsoring than do I need to send my husbands income details and I-94 documents are needed
Please do reply this question
DeleteHi Angel, since they are self sponsoring, dont believe you need to provide your husbands income details as such. But will be a good idea to provide the I-94 details as it can establish the current resident status for you and your husband in case the consulate officer seeks it.
Deleteonce your us visa has been rejected are there any chances to get it 2nd time.
ReplyDeleteYes, offcourse you can. But before applying for the 2nd time, please try to find out the reasons/grounds for which it was rejected earlier. Mostly it happens due to lack of documentation. I hope that you can find information on most of the documents(which you might have missed) here. Good luck.
DeleteHi Rohit..I have question..Do we need to carry original I-134 document sent by sponser. Because my parents have only scanned copy of I-134 form.Will that work??
DeleteHi Krish,
DeleteBased on my understanding of the entire visa process, all the documents are needed in original only, though the consulate website never talks about it, but i have heard people getting into trouble for not having the originals.
Will suggest you to send the original's by post(all of the documents which you have created).
Hi Rohit,
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing information. Is it mandatory to carry (my) Birth Certificate for my parent's B2 Visa interview. I dont have a BC, please advice how to get one either from India or Indian embassy in US
Thanks
In my case, they didn't check it and usually they don't do it either. But saying its not a necessity might be a wrong statement as the B2 visa guidelines talks specifically about it.
DeleteCheck this link on how to create Birth Certificate: http://indiansushant.blogspot.com/2011/01/to-make-birth-certificate.html
Hi Rohit.
ReplyDeleteI am applying for my B1 and B2 for my wife together. As we got married recently around 7 months, we haven't registered our marriage yet. But we can produce the wedding cards and Photos in case if required. I have only 2 weeks for the visa interview.
Could you please let me know if this is fine.
Hi Phani,
DeleteFirst of all, there is a 99% percent chance that your wife's visa will get rejected seeking lack of marriage certificate, so I will advice to first get one. If leaving India is not of time essence, then I will suggest to postpone your visa interview and go there only after you have collected your marriage certificate.
I don't have any idea about getting a marriage certificate, but whatever research I have done in the last 2 days, it looks like its very much feasible to get one within a weeks time. Hope these links will help. http://praja.in/en/blog/dvsquare/2012/05/02/marriage-registration-need-help-and-suggestions-get-it-done-without-agent-a . Check out the comments from "dvsquare - 16 May 2012 - 8:16pm" .
Hopefully this law firm link will also help. http://www.madaan.com/marriage.html
Hi Rohit,
ReplyDeleteMy husband and I am applying for B2 visa. My friend (green card holder) is sponsoring our travel. He mentioned that Letter to Consulate is not required and he didn't gave that. He sent us the invitation letter. How important is "Letter to Consulate" ? and please list me the most important documents that I should get from my sponsor.
Hi Meher,
DeleteLetter to the Consulate is more or less like an oath which the Sponsor takes stating that s/he will ensure that no matter what, the people who s/he is inviting will not become a public property once they arrive in US. Also, this is the only letter which is addressed to the Consular/Consulate. The main purpose of this letter is to provide a very brief detail about the sponsor and also provide a list of document enclosures which makes the work of ppl at consulate a little easier as they dont need to ask/search for each & every document which you will be carrying.
I am really not sure if its a mandatory document or not, but providing one is always better.
Below are the documents which to my understanding are important ones to be sent from sponsor:
• Completed Affidavit of Support (Form I-134)
• Copy of Sponsors H1B approval notice (Form I-797)(In your case, its the Green card)
• Copy of Sponsors passport, visa, and I-94 (whichever is applicable)
• Sponsor's birth certificate
• Employment verification letter (if applicable)
• Copy of last 6 pay stubs (if applicable. In case of business, i am not sure which document can be a suitable substitute).
• Copy of Sponsors last 6 months bank statements
• Bank account verification letter
• Copy of last two years' tax returns and W2's
Does the sponsor have to be a US national? Or it could be a parent in India, too in the case of students etc.
ReplyDeleteThe sponsor doesnt needs to be US national but someone who is currently staying/working in US(Legal Alien Resident).
DeleteIf you are talking in terms of a student Visa, thats a separate procedure all together. Sorry but i dont have enough details on how one can get Student Visa.
Assuming you are currently a student in US, you are probably not in a position to sponsor anyone(assuming), in that case, if the parents have enough financial support by themselves, then can still apply for self sponsored Visitor Visa by furnishing the required documents. I have mentioned most of the documents in the blog above.
What about Indian students who are going on holiday to the US... who obviously can't self sponsor.. can parents in India sponsor the trip?
DeleteWhat sort of docs would that need?
If your college/school is sending a group of students, then they will take care of all the formality. In case, you will be travelling alone aka not with you college group, then i guess you need to obtain the following documents(havent done much research, just writing what i feel might be necessary):
Delete1. NOC certificate from your Principal(HOD?) granting you permission for the trip.
2. All your Mark Sheets till not to prove that you are undertaking a course and need to return to finish the same.
3. Probably a letter from the Clerks office stating that they hold your TC(Transfer Certificate).
4. Documents stating your close ties with your family(Birth Certificates, Family photos. Vehicle papers if you own one, etc .
Yes, your parents can sponsor your trip as they are your guardians.
All the best and let us know how your Visa interview went.
Hi Rohit,
ReplyDeleteI need to apply for Visitor visa for my parents and my sister. Do I need to mention details of all 3 in single i-134 form? Also how much balance I need to show in my account if I am sponsoring all 3 of them.
Thanks,
Pranay
i-134 is needed per head, which means you need 3 in your case.
DeleteThere are no clear guidelines on how much bank balance is absolutely necessary for visa sponsorship, but if you have around 10k, i think that should be good enough depending on the duration of the trip.
i am applying for b2 visa and my brother in law/sister will spocner,i am a student and do not work what document do i need and what my sister need?
ReplyDeletePlease refer to my replies to Alma above. Hope that helps.
Deletei have completed my studies and a graduate and my sister will sponcer and pay for all the trip expediture in this case what documents do i need to take with me and i am resident of italy and applying from here
DeleteI am really not sure what to suggest you. To be frank, since you are not studying and not working either, it will be difficult for you to get visa as there is no proof which states that you have reasons to come back. A lot will depend on the diplomatic ties btw the 2 countries. If your parents are old, you can produce that as a reason to come back as you have to take care of them. All the best.
DeleteHey , I wanted to ask you if the Letter to Consulate , did you post it to consulate or to your parents?
ReplyDeleteThere is no need to post it to the consulate, just send it to your parents.
DeleteThanks a lot for timely reply. My parents are in India too , they got their visitor visa rejected so my father stumbled upon your blog and understood that I needed to send that letter to consulate , so I said I will check with u.
DeleteHi Rohit,
ReplyDeleteI need to pay fee for my parents Visitor Visa. How can i pay fee for them together? The form that i am filling is for my father by creating his account on Stanley WebSite?
Thanks
Mandeep
Hi Mandeep,
DeleteThe best way to pay the visa fee is to ask someone in India to go to the bank. There both the fees can be remitted at the same time on the same Bill number. You can then ask them to send you the scanned copy of the bill(i think even the bank will send a soft copy to that person, not sure though). Once the remittance has been done successful to the Consulate, then you will be required to create 2 a/c's(one for each person) on Stanley website(you will require 2 email id's) and after entering the bill number, information will populate. Hope that helps.
Hi Rohit,
DeleteFor father and mother if we pay fees on same deposit slip, they will get same fee receipt number right? So need to enter same fee receipt number for both of them while scheduling interview?
Yes, thats correct as far as i remember Shruthi.
DeleteHi Rohit,
DeleteFirst of all thank you so much for a comprehensive explanation.
I do have the same question as Shruthi. I've created a profile for my mom and added my brother as a dependent in the same logon. So only one CGI reference number is created and the fee displayed there shows $320 (for 2 persons).
So I believe the same number shall be used to pay the fee and the bank slip will have the same receipt number.
So shall i use the same number for both of them and schedule an appointment using my mom's logon? Or do I need to create 2 separate logons?
Based on what i remember, i used the same CGI number & the receipt number but i had to use 2 different logins to schedule individual interviews.
DeleteRohit,
ReplyDeleteI contacted AXIS bank in India. They need CGI number to accept any Visa Fees Payment. As far as I researched on internet CGI number is getting generate from Stanley WebSite after creating profile. So steps should be
1. Create Stanley Profile
2. Generate CGI Number - Not sure how to generate this
3. Then Pay Fees in Bank in India against that CGI number
But i am not getting how to generate common CGI number for my Father & Mother to pay Visa Fees for them together.
Hi Mandeep,
DeleteNot very sure as i dont remember the exact steps, but these should be the steps:
1. Create 2 separate profiles.
2. Add your mother as dependent to your father or vice verse.
3. Once you have completed both the profiles, almost at the end you should be able to see a link "view all payments options".
4. When you click on this link, a popup opens. On the popup you have multiple options to click like...NEFT...Bank of America...Citibank...AXIS Bank...and some other bank name.
5. When you click on AxisBank, a new window/tab will open.....SAVE THAT PAGE (take a screenshot of that page and save it) ... that page consits of the fee amount and the CGI Reference number and instructions.
As said, not 100% sure if thats the exact steps(its almost a year when i did), but it was very similar...
Hi Rohit,
ReplyDeleteThank you very much for the web site and all the information posted here. It has been very helpful. We are getting my parents a visitor visa for coming to visit me who was sick (breast cancer - first surgery and then chemo therapy) in the US. For questions like
.What are you going to do in the US?
.What is the purpose of your trip?
what's the appropriate answer? In any case, thanks in advance...
Marina
Hi Marina,
DeleteGlad that you found the post helpful and sorry to hear about the cancer.
Regarding the purpose of the visit, you can tell the truth, something like "Medical Treatment, Rehabilitation etc " or anything better if you can think of.
On a side note: since your parents will be coming for medical treatment, I suggest you to check with the insurance provider's around regarding which kind of insurance can work the best for your parents. The reason being, the simple visitor insurance will not cover for this treatment.
Rohit,
DeleteThank you for the quick response. I think I confused you when I asked questions. I mean that I am the one who has been sick who was first diagnosed breast cancer and went through the cancer treatment.
My parents are very old, thought, one is over 80 and another one is almost 80 but I miss them so much....
Your help is much appreciated.
Marina
Hi Marina,
DeleteI think you now have a lot of good reasons to call your parents. Your parents can probably say:
• Purpose: We are going to meet our daughter who recently underway chemo. We are really worried about her and since she is advised not to travel due to treatment, we are going there instead.
• We are planning to spend some quality time with our daughter & her family. She is missing us a lot and we hope that our presence there will help her in faster recovery from the side effects of the treatment.
If i was in your place, i will say something similar and to me, thats a very good reason to get visa. Best of luck and i wish you good health in future.
Rohit
Rohit,
DeleteGood morning! For the i-134 form, I am not working and have no income. Should I put my husband's name on the i-134 form?
Thanks again!
Marina
Hi Marina,
DeleteYes, you should put your husbands name. Not sure but you might have to produce a legal document probably your marriage certificate to establish the spouse relationship.
Hope that helps.
Rohit
Rohit,
DeleteI will.... thanks...
Do you have recommendation for medical insurance? I am desperate looking for medical insurance now.
Marina
I took the HCC Medical Insurance Services(http://www.hccmis.com), not sure if thats the best or not though as i didnt do much research on this part.
DeleteRohit
Thanks again, Rohit! Really appreciated all the helps! You did such a great job for helping here.
DeleteHiya Rohit thank you very much for your efforts in educating people regarding visa help. what u doing is really helpful. well i myself have done MBA from UK class of 2012. i am not working atm cos came back some 5 months before. i want to visit a friend who is a US citizen. i will be staying with her and want visa for at 5 to 6 months. basically i read all the requirements from the answers above but i wod like to know is it mandatory for a US citizen also to keep all these things as mentioned here( • Completed Affidavit of Support (Form I-134)
ReplyDelete• Copy of Sponsors H1B approval notice (Form I-797)(In your case, its the Green card)
• Copy of Sponsors passport, visa, and I-94 (whichever is applicable)
• Sponsor's birth certificate
• Employment verification letter (if applicable)
• Copy of last 6 pay stubs (if applicable. In case of business, i am not sure which document can be a suitable substitute).
• Copy of Sponsors last 6 months bank statements
• Bank account verification letter
• Copy of last two years' tax returns and W2's ) with the consulate letter.and if she is sponsoring me do i stilll need to show money at all. well i have my bank account but as i said i came recently so was not using it at all since ur replies to some people suggested that you need to keep bank statements from last 6 months which is not possible for me. as far as comin back to india is considered i can i show my family business on the name of my father and also is itpossible if i show money added to my account recently. and how much ruppes do i need to show in my bank account. can you plz take out some time and guide me. your help will be much appreciated.
thanking in advance
MUZZ
Hi Muzaffar,
DeleteIrrespective of whether citizen or not, these documents are needed as they are the only proof which states that the person inviting is financially sound enough to take care of the visitors.
Since she will be sponsoring you, your bank balance doesn't matter much.
Things will get really tricky for you coz:
• You are not working
• She is a friend & not a family member
• I assume you are single
(based on what I have read, its extremely difficult to get visa if any of the above is true as there is a high possibility of you going to US, marry someone and get settled).
You really need to do a thorough paper work at your end to prove that you have all the reasons to come back.
Best of luck.
Rohit
thank you very much Rohit for your help. much appreciated fella. any ideas if i show my family business. is that gonna help and also my recent visits to ireland and UK i did come back on times. what about if i show photographs of my family?
Deleteregards
Muzz
Yes, all of the above said documents by you should be good proofs. If your name exists in your family business, that can act as the best proof for you to return and take care of the same.
DeleteRohit
Hi Rohit,
ReplyDeleteThanks for the detailed writeup. I noticed its mentioned in the actual interview part of the interview that your parents were only asked to bring the visitor portion of the documents. So in the end were none of the documents(sponsor or visitor) documents verified? I know this is all left to the officer at the time, but just curious.
Another question - what about photo? Is a 2X2 inch photo still needed despite the fact that they take the photo during the OFC appmt?
Thanks,
Anita
Hi Anita,
DeleteSorry if my mention of the documents is misleading. What i meant is my parents did carry all the documents, just that, only the visitor specific documents(file)were asked to keep handy to be presented. Rest of the documents were indeed with them during the whole process to be produced in case the officer asks for them. As in their case, no other documents were verified but i have heard from others where the officer did verify a lot of documents and the interview went for over 20 mins.
Regarding the photo, i am not aware if they take any additional photos, atleast dont remember my parents mentioning about it.
Hi Rohit , I was too much worried about my mother's visa as she had to go alone for the interview as my father already has B2 visa. The interview happened today and visa got approved.I cannot thank you enough for the detailed post , it is really very helpful. once again thanks a lot for putting it all together.
ReplyDeleteHi Prashant, really Happy & glad that the information helped you in getting visa for your mother.
DeleteRohit
Hi Prashant,
DeleteI am in the same boat as you(need to send my mother for B2 visa and my father already has B2). In my case, my father has B2 visa through his company for tourism. Did they ask your mother anything specific about your father's visa in the interview? Also, I am not sure if father will accompany my mother during this trip, should I add his name in DS-160 form in the 'Persons travelling with you' question? Please let me know any other tips that will be handy when sending one parent while other already has visa.
Thank you,
Diya
Hi Rohit,
ReplyDeleteThis is an excellent source for comprehensive information about visitors Visa! Thanks for putting it together. One question, do my parents have to carry my original birth certificate with them? (I have seen in some site that original is required).
Thanks,
Diya
Hi Diya,
DeleteMy parents did carry my original(as it was with them only). But in case you have it with you, i suppose sending them an attested copy should do. There is no clear cut guidelines about which all documents are needed in original.
Rohit
Hi Rohit ,
ReplyDeleteThanks for detailed blog its really helpful . I have a quick question can I fill DS-160 for my parents in India as they are not computer literate. I am in US currently.Should I create two different log in ids also can I send the scanned copy then to them .Also can we have the finger print and Interview scheduled for same day.
Thanks
Raj
Hi Raj,
DeleteAll of your questions are answered above. Please have a look and let me know in case you still have any left.
Thanks,
Rohit
Hi Rohit,
ReplyDeleteThank you for all this detailed information on B2 visa, which i found on the net.
My parents will be going for the interview at the same time, is it still necessary to create two login accounts on Stanley website? while creating my dad's login i added my mom as dependent so i guess will have the same REF# on Axis bank receipt and will i be able to schedule the interviews together? Would really appreciate your comment on this.
Thank you.
Ravi
Hi Ravi,
DeleteEven i had the same trouble and confusion. The website does allows you to add a dependent... but it also asks you to create 1 login per person. Will advice to create 2 just to be on the safer side.
Rohit,
ReplyDeleteI am sponsering my parents B2 visa and i want to know set of documents required from my parent side specially - any bank statements . They might not have strong financial balance but i think it's shouldn't be necessary. My parents are working in Govt Sector so do they also need employment verification letters as they will be carrying their current salary slip .
Jatin,
DeletePlease refer to the section 3: Supporting documents as mentioned in the blog. It will give all the answers. Do let me know in case you still have any.
Thanks for all this information! As my inlaws are getting all of their documents ready for the interview in China, we were wondering which forms you had notarized in the foreign country? I see where some people notarized everything (property, bank statements, marriage certificates, everything), is there anything that must be notarized on the visitors side (as opposed to the sponsor)
ReplyDeleteThe only document notarized by my parents(visitor side) was the personal affidavit.
DeleteHi Rohit,
ReplyDeleteDo I need to fill I-134 even if my parents are self sponsoring their visit to US?
For self sponsorship, your parents can fill the form.
DeleteHi Rohit,
ReplyDeleteI have following question:
1) Do parents need to submit any documents (hard copies of passport, DS-160 etc) before the actual visa interview? Or just carry them all to the interview.
Just carry them along(passport & other docs), DS-160 needs to be submitted online on the consulate website: https://ceac.state.gov/genniv/
DeleteHi Rohit, I am a senior citizen and wish to renew mine and spouse visa shortly.I want to fill up form DS-160 by myself for self and spouse. After completing my form and taking confirmation page printout and sending a copy of the filled DS-160 to my e-mail ID,can I proceed filling up form for spouse. pls clarify.
ReplyDeleteHello sir,
DeleteI believe you are talking about renewing B2 visa here.
Yes, you can offcourse do that. Also, when you will try to have your interview scheduled, you can add your wife as a dependent(or vice versa) and should be able to schedule the same time slot for both: Bio metric & Consulate interviews.
Hi Rohit,
ReplyDeleteThis is an amazing list of steps in getting everything right. I have a sister who's on F-1 and inviting our parents for her graduation. Also, I just started working and on H-1. I can try to sponsor my parents but no that much. So, do I have to combine both letters - a simple invitation from me and the graduation invite from my sister? As far as finances, can I combine self-sponsorship from my parents and sponsorship from my end?
Hi Kara, i am a little confused on what exactly you are asking here..
Delete1. If you sponsor: If you are going to sponsor your parents, then you need to send the invitation letter and mentioning abt your sisters graduation will be a good idea. In this case, will be a good idea to sponsor your parents entire trip which offcourse means you will have to show bank balance.
2. If parents self sponsor: If your parents have good enough financial strength and can self sponsor, then they can simply write a letter to the consulate saying they want to attend their daughters graduation and hence are requesting a visa. Your sister should be able to get a letter from the college which will state the graduation day and probably an open invite to parents.
Hope this helps.
Hi Rohit,
DeleteThanks. I've understood a lot more about my situation. Since I won't be able to sponsor my parents I wouldn't be required to submit I-134 document. However, is there still a need for me to send documents such as bank a/c verification letter, last 6 months transaction history, w-2 forms, pay stubs, etc? If my parents are self sponsoring, do I need to provide any supporting documents at all? Or would it just be fine if my sister sends her graduation invite and required documents from her side?
Thanks again.
Your sister sending the required documents should be good enough since its a self sponsored visa for your parents. No need for you to send anything.
DeleteHi Rohit,
ReplyDeleteI am on H1-B visa and I traveled to US this year (2013) only. As a result, I dont have W2 forms(last 2-3 years) as mentioned by you for sponsoring my parents. On another note, my father is retired and I want to know what documents they should take along with themselves at the consulate. Most of the documents like property papers are in regional language (hindi), do we need to get them translated with the help of any certified agency
Hi Abhishek,
DeleteSince you traveled to US in 2013 only, so offcourse you cant present tax related documents.
I have heard that its a little difficult to get visa for non working parents. But if they can provide enough documents supporting their case of returning to India(the ones i have mentioned in the supporting docs section), then it should go smooth.
There is no need to get the document translated. If the consulate ppl want to verify the document, they will arrange for someone who can read the regional language.
I'm not sure who to contact, but your blog seems like an awesome place to start. My fiance and I met almost 2 years ago on a work trip to Morocco. After several visits there, he proposed a year and a half later. Because I am in the military and pending a possible deployment, we'd like to marry soon. With that being said, we'd like to apply for a B2 visa to allow him to visit long enough to do the 8 weeks of marriage counseling, meet my family, all while simultaneoulsy planning a wedding. My finance has also determined that he wants join the US military as soon as possible. Is it possible to apply and have the B2 extended pass 6 months long enough to wait for the marriage certificate and then apply for the CR1 visa which will require him to return to Morocco for the interview. We figure that this is a better option than the K1 visa which would force us to complete everything in 3 months. Looking forward to your response and opinion.
ReplyDeleteBased on the description you have provided, it looks like you are an US citizen. If thats the case, then getting B2 visa for your fiance shouldnt be that difficult as you should be able to sponsor him and provide all the necessary documentation. Though I am not aware of any law or anything which can deny a person B2 visa if the purpose of visit is marriage(in your case), will advice you to check on that either with an attorny or online so that you can prepare your invitation letter accordingly.
DeleteI have no clue about the K1 or CR1 visa, so cant really comment.
Hi, can i know how much avg balance should i maintain because i only have max $200 of avg bal. Do i have any alternatives .i need to sponser my parents immediately this month.
ReplyDeleteThe whole purpose of showing Balance in your a/c is to ensure that you should be able to take care of your parents and that they wont become a liability once then enter US. You do have the option of showing avg balance of all your a/c's (like Checking, Savings, Salary etc). If the $200 avg balance you have mentioned above is from all the 3, then i think the only possible way will be to show your salary a/c balance/transactions as you must be receiving regular salary which can help here.
DeletePlease provide for taking a print out, it helps us senior citizens, who are not comfortable on screen.
ReplyDeleteSir, all the documents can be downloaded and hence printed. I have provided links to all of them. Do let me know in case you are having trouble with any specific one...
ReplyDeleteHi Rohit,
ReplyDeleteThanks fo detailed writeup !! I have question regarding self sponsorship. First time when I sponsored visa for my mother it was rejected with 214b as reason. I wanted to try with self sponsor now. Will that improve chances of getting visa ? She is widow and I think that is hurting her chances of visa. Also want to know if I can apply for her visa while I am on vacation to India.
214B usually means the consular who took the interview was not convinced that the applicant has enough reasons to come back. In your case, as you mentioned, your mother is single and i assume she is not working. If she is - then you can get a NOC certificate from her office and also a letter which can confirm that she still has job and will be coming back to India. If this is not the case, then you need to prepare your paper work. Please look at the Supporting docs section i have mentioned.
DeleteYes, you can apply for visa from any place. As far as chances of getting visa, please prepare your mother for the interview so that she is able to convince the consular that she will surely return back.
Hello Rohit
ReplyDeletei read the blog it was a great help. I am applying for a B2 visa with my wife and two kids 4 year and 1 year old daughter. I collected all the docs do we need to carry any photocopies of the docs which we need to submit their.I mean to say the passport copies do they will collect the copies and keep with them.
I am not aware if the process has changed, but there was no need to submit anything earlier. Just to be on the safer side, carry the photocopies
DeleteHi Rohit,
ReplyDeleteI read your blog and found it quite useful. Well my situation is slightly different, I am planning to visit my relatives during my summer vacation (B2 visa),and my father is paying for all my expenses as I am student.
What documents do my relatives (they are not sponsoring me and but only hosting me for the given time period) send me ? I read a couple of blogs and forums that saying that a letter to the consulate is needed and also a few said about i-134 form . However the instruction says the form is necessary only for immigrants . Is it needed for non-immigrants?
I be really glad if you help me out .
Per my understanding, an invitation letter will be still needed, just that they don't need to mention that they are sponsoring the trip, but rather just say that they are inviting you to visit them during the vacation and that you will be taking care of your own expenses.
DeleteFrom your end, it will be a good idea to take a letter from your school/college stating that you are studying and that you need to return in order to complete the course you have undertaken. Apart from this, your parents have to provide the financial documents and other related documents, most of them are mentioned in the "Supporting Document" section. Hope this helps.
Hi Rohit,
ReplyDeleteMy mother in law is widow and she is sponsoring herself. i wanted to know if i need to send invitation letter to her?? Since i am not sponsoring her i believe it is not needed. I have sent her my H1B and I-94 Copy so that she can tell VO that she will be staying with her son-in-law once she travels to USA.
Thanks for your help
Puneet
Please refer to my comment on the previous question.
DeleteHi
ReplyDeleteI plan to sponsor my In Laws and Brother in law for B2 Visa. My brother in law is a Sr VP and doing financially very well.
As they all intend to goto the consulate together for the interview , I have two questions :
1. Should I say that I am financially sponsoring only my In Laws and my Brother in law will sponsor himself?
2. If they are sponsoring themselves , do I need to send I134?
Appreciate any help in this.
Thanks
Hi
ReplyDeleteI plan to sponsor my in Laws for B2 Visa. My Brother in law is bachelor and he is working in india.
My father-in-law is a farmer and he has land and house in his village. They owned the property since from their ancestors. They don't have any registered documents related to the property. But my father-in-law had a written document from his father, which states that so and so property belongs to my father-in-law. This document was written in our native language(telugu). My questions is
1. Is that enough to prove my father-in-law has strong financial bond to come back to india ( We will translate the document to english with licensed translator)? or else we need do any other things.
Please suggest me. As i thought to plan their visa appointment by april end.
As far as i know, the Govt of India has recently launched a website where one can find all the details of Land which is registered to a person, though I am not aware of the website. In any case, if the land belongs to your family, there has to be an official record, probably visiting the local authorities ofc will help.
DeleteHey Rohit
ReplyDeleteI have applied for the B1/B2 visa for personal visit ,
1) Is it mandatory to have Bank account verification letter
2) My employer applied my H1b cap case fot this fiscal year ... is there ny prob in this .... if they ask have applied before what should i say
Hello Anirudh,
Delete1. Bank A/c verification letter is not compulsory but it helps the Consular to validate that the person inviting is capable to taking care of the applicant and has enough funds to ensure that the applicant will not become a public property.
2. H1B & B1/B2 are totally different visa's. I don't think it will create any sort of trouble.
Hi Rohit,
ReplyDeleteThanks for a detailed blog. I have one question. Is there any place where we mention that we are sponsoring our parents or they are self sponsoring themselves? Because I have seen sample documents from my friends that even if they are sponsoring their parents, the affidavits are being written saying that we will sponsor our parent's stay including air fare etc.
Thanks,
Santosh
As far as i remember, we mention about whether we are sponsoring or are they self sponsoring in the following documents:
Delete1. Invitation letter
2. Letter to Consulate
3. In the DS-160 page under the Travel Information Page -> Person/Entity Paying for Your Trip.
Rohit,
ReplyDeleteThank you for the detailed info, my parents interview is schedule the coming week, they will be answering the interview together , but won't be travelling to usa at the same time,presently I intend to take my dad with me to us and later my mom as she presently wants to be in India due to some family reason. I decided to apply for them at the same time,as it will save me from doing all this formalities again and again n also we have to travel out of state for the interview, hence what should they mention when asked - will your wife accompany you to usa? should my dad ( as he'd d principal applicant) answer no, she will be coming later or yes both of us are travelling together with my daughter to the usa, plz reply to my question urgently, as d interview date is approaching, thank you
Usually they dont ask this question, but in case its asked, they can just reply saying they are still working on the plan on when to go keeping in mind the approaching winter. As far as visa is considered, there is no restriction saying if 2 ppl applied together, they need to travel together as well. Hope that helps.
DeleteHi Rohit,
ReplyDeleteCan you throw some light on this issue will be very helpful to me.
I'm planning to apply B2 visa for me and my daughter 1yearr old to visit my brother and for tourism and my brother will sponsor for the trip. I'm a house wife 28yr old with a Masters degree (M.C.A but i don't have any work experience) my husband is working in Chennai ,he is not accompanying us and we have property (house) in Chennai. what are the documents needed to show that i have a strong tie in India so my chances of getting visa in a positive side.Please help me in this.Any help or suggestions.Thanks in advance
Regards,
Ramya S
Hi Sir,
ReplyDeleteThis is Vijay, 25 years old, working in Hyderabad and iam Unmarried.
My sister and brotherilla are staying in Minneapolis MS, planning to apply for B2 visa to visit them and places.
Do they accept my application??
I found out that, in most of the cases they are rejecting visas for bachelors who is applying for B2,
What are the documents needed to show for accepting?
Kindly reply
Thank you :)
Hello Rohit,
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing detailed information.
I am working with H1 visa since 2 years. Now I am planning to bring my mother ( My father was expired) and father-in-law( Mother-in-law was expired).
In this scenario, is there any additional documents needs to be carry?
Is it okay to create only one CGI receipt? and can I use the same CGI number, to book the interview slot?
Please help me this strange situation.
Thanks and Regards,
Krishna
The only additional document I can suggest in this case is to carry the death certificate, if you have one.
DeleteAs far as scheduling the interview and CGI receipt, you better have 2 different ones coz 1 CGI receipt is fine if the persons appearing for interview are couples or have blood relations which is not in this case.
Hello Rohit,
DeleteThanks for the information.
Before getting reply from you, I have generated single fee receipt and booked single appointment for both.
Today (8th April15) they interviewed and Visa got approved.
Thanks,
Rama Krishna,
Hi,
ReplyDeleteI am planning to bring my mother-in-law and sister-in-law to US. My mother-in-law is not working, do I need to consider sponsorship or self sponsor would be fine? If I do the sponsorship do I need to send my original documents? I don't have my birth certificate, is it mandatory to carry sponsor birth certificate? Thanks
Hi Rohit i am on h1b and want to invite my mother to USA. How many months do i need to put length of stay? My mother is a government teacher what are my chances? Can i fill DS 160 and use confirmation number without submitting? I need confirmation number to access Stanley website for the available interview dates. Please respond ASAP.
ReplyDeleteIn continuation with my query. Once i mention length of stay in DS 160 does she needs to return back to India every time for the length of 10 years ? Example if i mention 4 months in DS 160 and during her first visit she goes back within 4 months does she needs to go back within 4 months every time she visits USA ?
ReplyDeleteSince your mother is still working, all she needs to get is a NOC certificate from the Principal and also leave approval - overall the chances are very good for her to get the visa. No, you need to submit DS160 form before you can do anything further. Length of stay is purely dependent on the amount of leave she is approved. B2 visa allows a person to legally stay in USA for upto 6 months at 1 stretch.
DeleteHi rohit
ReplyDeleteI am a us citizen and I am a housewife , can I sponsor my parents who are living in India? Can you please help me out ..
Offcourse you can, your case if similar to someone inviting while working on visa as far as i know. Just follow the same set of steps / documentation as mentioned and your parents will reach here.
DeleteHi Rohit,
ReplyDeleteFirstly many thanks for creating this post. I is very helpful.
My question is : As there are so many documents specially the Sponsor's documents sometimes it can create a fumble at the time of the interview. SO is it OK to staple together the documents in bunches like six months bank statements, pay stubs, tax and W2 forms. (Offcourse leaving the I134, Letter to Consulate etc as separate)
Hi,
ReplyDeleteThanks for such a detailed blog - very helpful. I still have a few questions, would appreciate if you could shade some light there.
I am an Indian expat living in Kuala Lumpur on a dependent pass. My husband works in Kuala Lumpur. He also has an Indian passport and is here in Malaysia on a work permit. We want to go to the US for a 2 weeks holiday. My husband will be sponsoring me for the trip. We have travelled around the world (UK, Schengen, some Asian, African & South American countries' visas on previous passports) and wanted to know if applying for US visa from our country of residence - Malaysia (and not our country of origin - India) will hamper our chance of being granted the Visitor's Visa. We can show my husband's employment contract, bank account, letter from employer as our ties to this country. Do you reckon we should also carry our Indian Bank account and residential deeds in India to show our ties to our country of origin?
Also, me being a travel writer and home maker now, what are my chances of getting an US B2 Visa ? My previous passport has enough and more stamps of travel around the world - but since its pages got exhausted, I have a new passport now, still to be inaugurated. I will of course carry all my previous passports with me for the interview.
We are planning to buy our US return tickets, subject to Visa approval. Is that a prudent thing to do?
My husband's cousin works in the US, but we may not be visiting them. He won't be sponsoring us - my husband will be taking care of all expenses for the trip. Do we still need to mention him or get an I134 form from him?
Any tips or advice will be highly appreciated.
Thanks.
Hi Thank you for the detailed information. However I have question on the US visa for my parents. I work in US since last 3 years on J1 visa with my wife on J2. I want to call my parents who resides in Maharashtra state and are a farmer by profession. They own the farm land and our house in small village of the state. Now my questions are-
ReplyDelete1) Will it be good idea that I sponsor them for the trip and provide the necessary documents?? Or apply for their visa as themselves as a sponsor. Either situations works for us. But to increase the chance to get the visa what will be better??
2) As Indian farmers are exempted from tax they can not show the proof of tax return on the our yearly income. So what documents they need to provide?
3) Farm land as well as our home is on name of my father. But if both my parents apply for visa together can those documents will also be considered for my mother. Or needs to separate documents for her as well?
4) Can my father apply as a principle visitor visa (do not know the exact class) and my mother as a dependent to the visitor?? What will be better??
1. It doesnt matter who is sponsoring, all that matters is whether you have sufficient funds for the trip.
Delete2. All the supporting documents are good to have, but not compulsory. The same stands for tax document in your case.
3. There is no need of separate documents as they are legally married. Try if you can get a marriage certificate created for them to prove the same.
4. Visitor visa is issued per person, there is no "dependent" criteria as such. They both need to get their individual visa's stamped.
Hi Rohit,
ReplyDeleteHeartfully i am very thankful to you. Thanks a lot for each and every line of information you posted.
Hi rohit. Thanks for your detailed information. Please my case is a little different, I am applying for a b2 visiting visa my uncle (a US citizen) is the sponsor he as sent me a letter addressed to the consulate and he also stated in the letter that he's goin to take care of all my expenses for the visit . I told him about the 1-134 and this was his reply. "Form l 134, is too detailed, and requires time to fill out, I don't have that time right now, my inlaws come here all the time, and all we sent them was a letter of invitation, even for Mums green card, I did not have to fill out that form. If this is part of the requirement, I can't promise getting it done any time soon. ". Please rohit what re my chances of my visa been granted without the form1-134? Is it compulsory for him to send it down obviously he dosent have the time to fill out the form. Secondly as for my strong ties to my home country I have been employed but my job starts by January and also am into a serious relationship and I have pictures to back that up and I also have pictures of me and my parents and siblings, is that enough for the strong ties? Pls I would love you to reply as soon as you get this because am about booking an appointment with the consulate *anticipating for your reply thank you
ReplyDeleteHi Rohit, I am sponsoring my parents visa Is sending only copy of birth certificate is enough or do they need to carry original?
ReplyDeleteHi Rohit, MY visa and I94 got expired sep 2016, Im the 2nd girl child for my parents. I want to bring my retired parents here. Is it good idea to sponsor them or invite them with self-sponsored visa. ?
ReplyDeleteI have lot of suggestions saying that if u area girl better todo self spponsored visa... if father is retired better to go with self sponsored... if retired better i sponsor...
Any guidance will help me alot.
Thanks in advance
Bhavya
Hey Rohit
ReplyDeleteI want to invite my parents to visit US. But my husband is sponsering them, do they put my or my husband's name on ds160? Also is i-134 mandatory or just an invitation letter stating we will take care of the expenses is enough?
Hi,
ReplyDeletewe are planing for USA, our sister is the sponor
we r have required documents like below, do we need any other than that?
D160
conformation letter
Passport
marriage certificate
all marks cards
voiter ID
CGI axisis paid bill
pay slip
office offer letter
Hi Rohit.
ReplyDeleteThanks for this interesting blog ,but I have a problem filling up the DS-160 form regarding occupation.I am single and not working(because of health issues) .I stay at home,take a few tutions and look after my aged parents who are 69 and 71. I have income from Mutual Fundss(monthly around 20000 rs) but basically my dad is sponsoring this trip and my sister is a US citizen.So do fill up self employed ,not employed or other or homemaker(though I am not married).Pls advise
Hi Rohit,
ReplyDeleteI am planning to initiate visitor visa for my mother and brother. They are planning to visit me in May 2019.
Do I have to fill separate document like Letter to Consulate,Invitation letter,I-134,DS160 etc. for them ?
Thanks in advance
Bikram
To prove strong ties for a B-1/B-2 travel visa, provide evidence of significant connections to your home country such as stable employment, property ownership, family ties, or ongoing educational commitments. Documentation like employment letters, property deeds, family records, and enrollment in educational programs can strengthen your visa application.
ReplyDelete