Parents always want what’s best for their children, including their education. If you’re a student in the United States, or on a H1B work visa, you may be wondering how to invite your parents to visit. The process is actually quite simple, and there are a few ways to go about it. In this complete guide, we’ll show you how to invite your parents to visit the USA, step by step.
In general, the steps to applying for a US visit visa include:
- Determine which type of US visa is required for the purpose of the planned travel.
- Complete the online visa application form (DS-160).
- Schedule an appointment for a visa interview at the nearest US embassy or consulate.
- Pay the visa application fee.
- Attend the visa interview and provide all required supporting documentation.
- Wait for a decision on the visa application. If approved, the visa will be issued and mailed to the applicant.
Let’s get to the steps in detail.
Determine the Type of US Visa
There are a few different types of US visas that parents can apply for in order to visit the USA. The type of visa that is required will depend on the purpose of the visit, as well as the length of time that the parent intends to stay in the country.
If the parent is coming to the USA for a short-term visit, such as for tourism or business purposes, then they will likely need to apply for a B-1/B-2 visa. This type of visa allows for stays of up to 6 months in the USA.
If the parent is coming to the USA for a longer period of time, such as to visit their child who is studying at an American university, then they will need to apply for a different type of visa.
The most common type of visa for this purpose is called the F-1 visa. This type of visa allows for stays of up to 4 years in the USA.
There are other types of US visas that parents can apply for, depending on their specific situation.
For example, if the parent is coming to the USA to receive medical treatment, they may be eligible for a medical visa. Parents who are planning to work or study in the USA will need to apply for the appropriate visa for their specific situation.
It is important to note that all parents who wish to visit the USA will need to apply for a visa before traveling.
It is not possible to enter the USA without a valid visa. Parents should make sure to apply for the correct type of visa for their specific purpose and length of stay in order to avoid any problems when entering the country.
Also read: Things to know before applying for visa.
Complete the Online Visa application (DS-160)
The DS-160 is the online visa application form required by all applicants for a nonimmigrant visa to the United States. The form must be completed and submitted online, and a printout of the confirmation page must be brought to the visa interview.
All applicants must answer every question on the form truthfully and completely. If any of the information on the form changes after it has been submitted (e.g., you get married, have a child, etc.), you must submit a new form.
Also read: How to invite my parents to visit USA
Some of the questions on the form may not apply to you. In these cases, you should enter “NA” (not applicable).
1. Personal Information
This section includes your name, date and place of birth, current and previous addresses, and contact information. You will also need to create a username and password, which you will use to access and update your form in the future.
2. Passport Information
In this section, you will enter information about your passport, such as the passport number, expiration date, and country of issuance.
You will also need to upload a digital photograph of yourself that meets the requirements specified on the form.
3. U.S. Visa Information
In this section, you will need to enter information about any previous U.S. visas you have held, including the visa type, issuing office, and expiration date.
You will also need to answer questions about your eligibility for a visa.
4. Employment Information
In this section, you will need to enter information about your current employment situation, including your employer’s name and address, your job title, and your salary. You will also need to answer questions about your previous employment history.
5. Education and Training Information
In this section, you will need to enter information about your education and training, including the names and addresses of the schools you have attended and the degrees you have earned.
You will also need to answer questions about your English language proficiency.
6. Travel History
In this section, you will need to enter information about your travel history, including the countries you have visited in the past five years and the dates of your most recent travel. You will also need to answer questions about your plans for future travel.
7. Family Information
In this section, you will need to enter information about your immediate family members, including their names, dates of birth, and relationships with you. You will also need to answer questions about
Schedule an appointment for a visa interview at the nearest US embassy or consulate.
Pay the visa application fee.
Attend the visa interview and provide all required supporting documentation.
Wait for a decision on the visa application. If approved, the visa will be issued and mailed to the applicant.
Tip: Getting medical insurance during your visit, is a good idea.
Book Your US Visa Interview Appointment
Once you have determined the type of visa you need, you can begin the application process. The first step is to fill out an online application form.
You will need to provide personal information, such as your name, address, and date of birth. You will also need to provide information about your education and work history.
After you have submitted your application, you will need to schedule an appointment for a visa interview.
Visa interviews are conducted at US embassies and consulates around the world. You can schedule your interview online or by calling the embassy or consulate where you will be applying.
At the time of your interview, you will need to bring certain documents, such as your passport, application form, and photographs.
You will also need to pay a visa application fee.
During the visa interview, a consular officer will ask you questions about your trip to the United States.
They will also ask about your background, including your education and work history.
After the interview, the consular officer will decide whether to approve or deny your visa application.
If your application is approved, you will be issued a visa. If your application is denied, you can appeal the decision or reapply for a visa.
The US visa application process can be complex. However, if you follow the instructions and requirements, you should be able to obtain a visa without difficulty.
Funding Your US Trip
Assuming you are a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, there are a few ways to fund your parents’ visit from the United States.
If you are able to cover the entire cost yourself, that is the simplest solution. However, if you need help covering the costs, there are a few options to consider.
One option is to have your parents apply for a tourist visa. If they are approved, they will be able to stay in the United States for up to six months.
Another option is to apply for a family reunification visa. This type of visa is available to parents, children, and spouses of U.S. citizens or permanent residents.
The process can take several months, so it is important to plan ahead.
If you are unable to cover the cost of your parents’ travel and lodging, you may be able to get help from family or friends.
There are also a number of organizations that offer financial assistance for families reuniting with loved ones.
Documents Required for US Visit Visa
There are a few documents that seniors need to provide when applying for a US visit visa. These include a passport, a photograph, proof of financial resources, and a letter of invitation.
Passport:
All applicants must have a valid passport. If you do not have a passport, you can apply for one at your local post office.
Photograph:
You will need to provide a recent passport-style photograph.
Proof of financial resources:
You will need to show that you have the financial resources to support yourself during your stay in the United States. This can be in the form of bank statements, tax returns, or pay stubs.
Letter of invitation:
If you are visiting family or friends in the United States, they will need to provide you with a letter of invitation.
This letter should include their contact information and an explanation of the relationship between you and the inviter.
What to Expect at the US Visa Interview
A US visa interview is a short meeting between an applicant and a consular officer, during which the officer will ask questions to determine whether or not the applicant is eligible for a visa.
The interview usually lasts less than 10 minutes, and the questions asked will be based on the information in the visa application.
Some of the questions that may be asked during the interview include:
- Why are you applying for a visa to the United States?
- What is the purpose of your trip?
- How long do you plan to stay in the United States?
- Do you have family or friends in the United States?
- What is your employment history?
- Do you have any criminal history?
The consular officer may also ask for additional documents during the interview, such as proof of financial support, proof of ties to your home country, or a letter of invitation from someone in the United States.
After the interview, the consular officer will either approve or deny the visa application.
If the application is approved, the visa will be issued and mailed to the applicant. If the application is denied, the applicant will be given a reason for the denial.
What to Do Once Your Parents Arrive in the US
Assuming that your parents have already obtained their visas and are preparing for their trip, there are a few things you can do to make their transition to the United States as smooth as possible.
First, it is important to have a plan for where your parents will be staying.
If you have the space in your home, great! If not, you may need to make arrangements for a hotel or other type of lodging.
Regardless of where they stay, be sure to set up a comfortable space for them with all the amenities they may need, such as fresh towels, clean sheets, a place to store their belongings, etc.
Next, you will want to help them get acclimated to the time difference.
If they are coming from a different time zone, their bodies will need time to adjust. To help with this, try to avoid scheduling any activities for the first few days of their visit.
Instead, let them sleep and relax as much as they need to. Once they are adjusted, you can start planning outings and activities.
Finally, be prepared to answer any questions they may have about the United States.
They will likely want to know about the culture, the food, the people, and anything else that may be new to them.
It is also a good idea to research any places they may want to visit so that you can help them plan their trip.
Read more about what to do and what not to do while visiting the US on this website.
Got questions? Please ask in the comments.
