One of the most frequently asked questions among internationals living in the US, either during their graduation time, after they start working, or if they are expecting a baby, is: “What is the process to apply for a visitor or tourist visa (B2 visa) for their parents to come to the USA? What documents do they need? How do they start the B2 visa process for their parents ?”
The article below covers the step-by-step process for applying for a B2 visitor visa for parents or family members, including sample documents and templates.
Basic Requirements: Passports, Funds for US Trip, Documents
The two most important things you need to plan before applying for a visa are your parents’ passports and the funds required for their travel to the US.
Getting Parents’ Passports
- The first step before you plan the B2 Visa is to apply for a passport for your parents if they do not have one.
- Depending on the country, the time to get a passport can vary. Consider the time to get the passport when you plan the overall time to get a B2 Visitor visa for them.
- For example, if you are from India, in the past, it used to take 3 to 6 months; now, with outsourcing to companies like TCS, you can get a new passport in a little under 15 days. Also, there are new schemes, such as Tatkaal, where you can get it in less than a week. If it is an emergency, you can get your passport within seven days, but you have to pay an extra fee for Tatkaal.
- Check out the passport application website for details. You may read our article on applying for How to do passport renewal in India to get an idea of the process.
Funds for your parents’ US Trip: Bank Savings for Sponsorship
- If you are paying for your parents’ trip, you need to have enough funds secured for the same.
- There is no official guidance on how much money you need to have in the bank account from the US Department of State. They say the applicants must have enough funds to pay for the trip.
- You can do a ballpark estimate of the expenses that your parents might incur based on flight tickets, local travel, etc., and come up with an amount you think makes sense.
- As a rule of thumb, a good amount totaling up to $10,000 Dollars or more to cover their expenses would be ideal to have in the bank account.
- It is advised to start saving for the same three months before and accumulate steadily rather than just borrowing money and putting it in the bank. Again, there is no hard-and-fast rule, just some general guidance.
Also, it is important to secure all the relevant documents about your status in the US as they would be important for the process. Let’s look at them below.
Employment Letter from your Company or Graduation Letter
When you invite your parents or family, one of the things that a US Consular officer would look at is your current US Visa status and supporting documentation for the same. You may need to get a different set of documentation based on your status as an employee working in the US or a student studying in the US.
Below are the two main options based on your situation:
Working in the US(H1B, L1, OPT, Green Card): Employment Letter
If you are working on a work visa, you need to get an employment letter from your current company verifying that you are working in the US on H1B, L1, or other visa, including Green Card, OPT or STEM OPT. This is to make sure you are in good standing in the US and are getting paid to support the travel of your parents.
Depending on the company, your company may ask for details of your parents or their passport copies and directly address the employment verification letter to the consulate. There is no rule or format given by the US Consulate. You are free to use what your company gives. Check the sample templates section at the end of the article, if you want a sample. All they care is if you are employed and in good standing.
The employment verification Letter should have information like when you joined them, what role you are working in, and how much salary you make. Some employers are quick, and some are slow in doing this. Plan well and make sure you have it with you.
International Student on F1 Visa – Graduation Invitation
If you are an F1 international Student inviting your parents for Graduation, you need to send your current status details like your F1 Visa copy, I-94 copy, I-20, and Graduation invitation letter to your parents. This would act like an invite as well as supporting documentation for them.
Step-by-Step Process for Parents’ US Visitor Visa (B2)
Below are the various steps that you can follow to apply for a visitor visa for parents. Some of these can be done in parallel, but below is a general step-by-step guide.
Step 1: Complete DS-160, Book US Visa Appointment
Before booking your parents’ US Visa stamping appointment, you must fill in Form DS-160, which is nothing but the online Nonimmigrant US Visa application form. Make sure you have scan copies of their passports before you start the process to avoid issues. Sometimes, your employer may also ask for the same for documentation.
Complete Form DS-160 Online for Parents
Unless your parents are well educated and have all the facilities, such as a computer with internet access, etc., they may not be able to do DS-160 on their own. It would be better if you fill it out for them and then declare the same at the end. It saves a lot of pain for your parents to fill it out without any mistakes.
Important Info to know before you fill out Form DS-160 Form for Parents
- Separate DS-160 Forms: You must create separate DS-160 application profiles for every visitor visa applicant. If you invite both your mother and father, you must create two DS-160 Profiles online separately for your parents.
- Creating Family Member DS-160 from the Thank you page: When you are filling out the first DS-160 form for the first family member, at the end, when you select ‘Email Confirmation’ on the confirmation page, you will go to “Thank you” page and on that page you will have the option to create a family or group application, you can choose this option so that some of the information from your first application will be copied over and imported. Of course, you can change those details as needed.
- Required info to Fill DS-160 form: You will need a lot of information like education details, work history, identification info, etc. We have compiled the entire list of required items for DS-160 and tips to fill the same. Read the article: Documents Needed to Fill out DS-160 Form, to get an idea.
- Filling up the DS-160, Declaration: If you are filling out forms on behalf of your parents, at the end of the completion of DS-160 form, there is a section that reads ‘Sign and Submit page’, you should fill out your details as a third party and then inform your parents regarding the endorsement of the application by them and help them click on sign and submit button. You may check more info and discussion on sign and submit option.
Where to Fill out DS-160 online at the Official State.gov website
You should go to the Official US Govt State.gov website for DS-160 form Creation. Here is the link: US Govt ceac.state.gov Non-Immigrant Visa Application Website. You may read the below links for any questions on form DS-160.
- US Travel Docs India Official Website: Info on DS-160 form
- US State Govt Website: FAQs on DS-160 form
Once you complete the DS-160 form, the next step is to pay the visa appointment fee and book the slot for the visa interview.
Booking US Visa Interview Appointment, Native Language
You need to book a visa appointment at a US embassy/ consulate to get B2 Visa stamping to travel to the US. It involves paying fees, selecting a location, and interview language. Let’s look in detail.
- US Consulate Location for Interview: Depending on your home country, there may be one or more locations in your country. You need to choose the US Consulate that is close to where your parents live. For instance, in India, each consulate has a list of states that they serve. Depending on your state, you need to select the respective Consulate. You can read US Consulates India – What states they serve, contact info.
- Parents US Visa Interview Language – Mother tongue vs English: If your parents are not comfortable with English, you should choose their preferred mother tongue or native language. Most of the US embassies around the world give you the option to choose the local language.
- India Consulates – No Option to Choose Language in System: Starting from 2023 with the new system in place, in India, you do not have the option to choose the interview language such as your mother tongue like Telugu, Tamil, Gujarati, etc. You will only get the option of English. If you feel your parents are not fluent in English, then you can ask them to request a local translator at the US Consulate/ Embassy on the day of the interview. For India, depending on the consulate, some languages may not be available. So, it is important to attend the interview at a location that is relevant for your state. You can check US Consulates Contact Info, Served States for more info. You can email the consulate/ embassy beforehand to be sure as well.
- Scheduling US Visa Interview: The US Visa interview appointment booking is handled by www.ustraveldocs.com website in most countries. Depending on your country, click on the country and choose the relevant website, where you will get the actual website that is used for booking the appointment. For instance, to book a visa appointment in India, you need to use the website USVisaScheduling.com.
- You need to create an account and follow the process in there. You will be asked to pay the fee online for booking an appointment.
- If you cannot pay online, you may need to go to the bank, pay it there, and get a code to use for booking an appointment.
- You do not need two accounts, you can add your parents as family in the same account and book visa interview appointment.
- If you are booking an appointment in India, you can read How to Create Account on USVisaScheduling.com
You can also read the complete guide apply for a US Visa Appointment for step-by-step process.
Step 2: Prepare for US Visitor Visa(B2) Interview, Documents
You will need to prepare and carry all relevant documents for the US Visitor visa interview for your parents. You will need to send them invite letters, sponsorship letters and other info. Let’s look at each of them.
Funds Proof – Bank Account Balance Letter, Sample
If you are sponsoring your parents or in-laws trip, you need to send the relevant proof to show that there are enough funds in your bank. While you can print out the Bank statements online, it is recommend that you go to your Bank and get a Bank verification or Bank Balance Statement Letter signed and stamped by the Bank officer.
Go to the primary bank, where you have your longest standing account and the bank which has your savings and ask them to give you a Bank Verification letter for Visa. Depending on the bank, the process can vary.
For instance, at Chase Bank they do it instantly. For Bank of America, or others they make take couple weeks or more. Do this in advance. All they do is, give a letter saying when the bank account was opened and average running balance since opening. It is just a simple letter. If possible, get the visiting card of the bank manager( not necessary, more documentation the better). Check out Sample Bank Verification Letter for Parents Visa
Invitation Letter, Visa Officer Cover Letter, Other Documents
Below are the other set of documents that you will need to have ready for the visa interview, so that your parents or in-laws can show the same.
- Invitation Letter: You need to send an invitation letter to your parents saying that you are inviting them to visit you and sign it. It supports your parents intent to come to the US and you are inviting them to visit. You can get a sample template copy in the below section.
- Visa officer Cover letter: It is recommended to send a cover letter with all the documentation addressing the visa officer. It just lets you keep in track of what you are sending and if visa officer needs to check, it is easier for him and more clear for our parents. See the templates section below.
- Copies of W2 Form, Pay stubs, etc : You will need copies of W2 Forms for all the years, last three pay stubs or salary statements, Last three bank statements, Copy of your passport, I-94, H1B visa approval ( I797). This is extra piece of documentation to be given to your parents to avoid any issues. This is like an optional, I strongly suggest that you carry these documents.
- F1 Student Status Documents: If you are a student on F1 visa and not working, you may not have pay stubs, so do not worry about it. Send whatever you have regarding your current status like I20, etc.
- (Optional ) Affidavit of Support I-134 Form: This is an optional form, which is typically filed with family-based green card applications by sponsors. This is to establish that the applicant will not become public charges while in the United States. If you submit this form, you are legally signing that you take all the liability and they will not become a public charge. You may fill, sign and send the affidavit of support to your parents. It has some basic info. Nothing fancy and tricky out there. All you are telling in this document is that you are going to support their entire trip. You can Download the I-134 Form, Affidavit of Support from USCIS website
- Sending Documents to Home Country: Ideally, you want to print out everything and sign all the documents where you filled forms I-134 (optional), invitation letter and cover letter. Make copies of all the documents as listed above. Send originals of Employment letter and Bank letter. You can use DHL or FedEx. It may cost you up to $60 USD.
Below is the checklist of B2 visitor visa stamping documents for parents.
Parents US Visitor Visa(B2) Documents Checklist
Below are the documents that Parents need to carry from their side
- Passport
- DS-160 Form Submission Confirmation letter
- US Visa Appointment Confirmation Letter
Below are the documents parents need to carry related to their sponsor(son or daughter) in the US or if they would be staying with them.
- Copy of work visa approval notice from USCIS ( H1B/ L1 Approval Notice Form I-797).
- Copy of Passport, US Visa stamped on passport.
- Copy of I-94. (Check How to get I-94 Online )
- Current Employment verification letter
- Copy of Bank statements from the last six months.
- Bank Account verification/ balance letter.
- Copies of last three salary statements/ pay slips.
- Copies of previous years Tax Returns –W2 forms ( if applicable).
- DS forms (if you have filled it and signed the same)
- Copy of Green Card ( if you are not working on visa )
- Form I-134 ( Optional )
US Visitor Visa(B2) Documents Checklist for in-laws
If you are sponsoring for your in-laws like mother-in-law or father-in-law, in addition to above checklist of documents, you need to include spouse’s details and documents as well along with the package.
- Your Spouse’s Passport
- Spouse’s approval notice I797
- Spouse’s US Visa Copy
- Any other supporting documents like marriage certificate to prove the relationship.
- Spouse Birth Certificate
Thanks to Rajesh for suggesting the above after his bad experience of missing the documents of in-laws.
Additional Supporting Documents by Parents for Visa Interview
Fundamentally, your parents have to prove that they have enough ties in their home country, so that they would return after their trip. Some of the ways that can be done is by good supporting documentation. The below list of documents are intended to prove that they will return to home country:
- Notarized documents of land/ sites, buildings ( any kind of property).
- Bank Statements with enough balance
- Pension/employment benefits letters, if applicable.
- Fixed deposits and any financial-related documents.
- If there are Tax returns, then carry them as well
- Any other documents that shows your financially strong and you will come back.
If you do not have all documents or big property back home, it is OK. No big deal. Because, you are the one in the US, who is sponsoring the visitor visa for your parents. So, do not worry. Also, if your parents are older, then they are fine.
You may join our Telegram B2 Visa Community Group to ask questions or share your experiences.
Sample Document Templates for Parents US Visitor Visa
Below are some of the templates that you can use. Make sure you change the content to fit it for your situation.
- Parents US Visitor Visa Invite Letter Template: You need to send an invitation letter to your parents saying that you are inviting them and also specify, if you plan to pay for their expenses when in US. We have given a sample letter, but I recommend you edit it with your own flavour and make it unique: Invitation Letter Templates for Visitor (B-2) / Parents Visa
- Employment letter Sample Letter Template for US Parents Visa: You should also send an employment letter that tells that you are employed in your company with your designation and salary. It can be any standard employment letter. You may use: Employment letter Template for Parents Visa USA
- Cover Letter for Visa Officer at US Consulate: It is a good idea to put in a cover letter to the visa officer listing all the documents you are sending. You may use : Cover Letter for Visa officer – Parents visa USA
These are just standard templates that you can use, no hard fast rule that it has to be in this format. We highly encourage you to use them as guideline only and create your own letters with your own flavour, so that it looks unique.
Step 3: Attend Biometrics & US Visitor Visa Interview Appointments
Once you have all the documents ready, the next step is to attend the Biometrics appointment at a US Visa Application Center(VAC) and give biometrics on that required day. After the biometrics are taken, parents must carry all the documents listed in the above checklist and attend the visa interview on the respective date and time.
Having all the documents is essential, but the most important thing is to give your parents confidence and all the details related to you and what you do in the US so that they can answer the questions. You need to coach your parents to do well in the interview.
You can expect to see questions like the below for your parents in the visa interview.:
- Who lives in the US? Son or Daughter?
- What does your Son or Daughter do in the US?
- Did they study in the US?
- Where did they study?
- What does your son or daughter do for work?
- Which city do they live in?
- Do you plan to settle down there or come back?
- What is the purpose of your visit?
- When do you plan to go?
- When do you plan to return to India?
- What is your son or daughter’s salary?
- How long have your son or daughter lived in the US?
- Do you currently work, or are you retired?
- Do you get a pension? Have you paid taxes?
You can check out previous US Visitor Visa experiences at the below links
- Collection of Latest B1/B2 Visitor Visa Stamping Experiences
- Parents US Visa Stamping Experience -Telugu
- English Stamping Experience US Parents Visa.
Step 4: B2 Visa Approval, Passport with Visa
If the B2 visa interview went well, your parents would be informed that their visa was approved and their passports would be collected. If the passports are collected, then they can expect the actual B2 Visitor Visa foil to be glued in their passport and delivered to their given address within a few days.
If your parents chose to pick up a passport, they could collect the same with the visa stamped in it. The approved B1/B2 or B2 Visitor Visa glued in the passport would look in the screenshot below.
If the visa were not approved, the consular officer would inform your parents and give them a piece of paper indicating the reason for Visa denial. One of the common reasons for visa denial for B2 visitor visa is 214(b). If your parents are unlucky, they can again reapply. You can read more on it at State.gov US Visa Denials reasons.
Hopefully, your parents get their US Visa in the interview. One last thing, before they go to the US, is to look at health insurance for their US Travel.
Health Insurance for Parents: After you get the US Visa and plan to arrive in the US, having visitors health insurance is important for parents to avoid any unforeseen health conditions, when in the USA. It is always a good idea to get Health Insurance from a US vendor, who can support you. We recommend Buying Parents Insurance at Visitors Coverage – Parents Insurance as they have US support and you can compare all insurance plans.
Common FAQs
Yes, US Consulates in India are doing both in-person interviews as well as dropbox appointments for parents B2 visitor visas. There are no restrictions.
All the appointments that are available on USVisaScheduling.com for 2025, 2026 and beyond are all real appointments. They are not placeholder appointments like in the past.
That’s it folks…not so much complex, all you need to do is get all the list of documents and have things rolling as per plan and schedule.
Do you have any other ideas or documents that are important ? Do share your experience and thoughts.
Hi,
I am on H1B visa (recent approval April 2012). I want to call my parents on visitor’s visa. They had applied last year for my graduation walk and their visa was rejected twice (VO believed my parents won’t come back to India and that my status- student visa would not be able to support them). Now my question is:
1. My father is a practicing physician and mom is a housewife. Should I tell them to go for visa interview separately? If going together can they opt for dual languages (as my father speaks english and mom does not)?
2. Should I wait for my H1 to begin (Oct)?
3. I am only 6 months old with this company and do not have enough to show in my bank. Is it still imperative that I should sponsor them? They are financially sound but VO never asked anything about them earlier. All the questions were related to me, my studies and my visa status. What do you think to have the best way out for me to have them here.
Thanks for all your help. You are doing a great job. God Bless.
-Dia
Hi,
I want to invite my brother and sister in USA. Brother is studying and sister is doing job. I already got visa for my parents.
I want to know what supportive documents they should carry. My father has to show all properties, IT returns of 3yrs etc. on behalf of them.
Savita,
They will have to show ties w/ home country. So brother will have to present leave of absence letter from the school, while sister will have to show letter from employer granting her the leave. They will also have to show assets of the person sponsoring the trip.
Thanks a lot Saurabh.
If my father is sponsering the trip then I need to just send invitaion letter and letter to consulate only…is this right or any other dcuments also will be required.
And other question is, My sister is CA and has worked earlier with CA as a partener(few months ago) she has her visiting cards also. Should she show her doing a job or running a business(if visiting card can help), because in other case she does not need to ask for leave letter and may be as trong point that she will go back to her home country. Which factor will be strong to get the visa.
Thanks,
Savita
Savita,
You will have to send those 2 letters along w/ some proof that you are maintaining legal status in US. This involves letter from school or payslips, and I-94 and visa copy.
She can show that she is self-employed and will return to handle her business. It will be good to carry information on open projects that she is working on and to show that business is doing reasonably ok. Is she currently self-employed or working for a firm? If latter, then she should go w/ leave of absence as the other point will be a lie.
Thanks you very much Saurabh. I appreciate your quick response.
Hi,
I would like to know what to do if some one is applying for the B2 visa for USA and by mistake on his passport his full name including his surname is as his given name and surname space is blank. What should I mention in visa application form as surname? Please help ….
Thanks,
S.Sinha
Sinhas,
You should put FNU (first name unknown) in first name, and entire name in the surname. For US visa, it is important to have last name field filled, and this is the way to do it. You can search for FNU online.
Hi Saurabh,
First of all I really appreciate your effort to help people by answering their queries! Great Job.
I have a question regarding B2- VISA.
My sister is 23 years old, doing her undergraduate in India. She attended VISA interview along with my parents on April 9th, 2012 and she was denied a VISA on Potential Immigrant grounds (214(b)). My parents were granted VISA and they are visiting me in May for my graduation. My sister also wants to visit me and attend my graduation.
My questions:
1) In form D-160, my sister filled the application saying she has completed her undergrad, whereas she still has exams in October (her previous semester exams). She has a letter from her college saying so, but the VISA officer never looked at it. Can she fill DS-160 saying she is still pursuing her undergrad and reapply for VISA? Will this be considered as a good reason for not being Potential Immigrant?
2) Her tickets are already booked and her departure is one month after my parents leave? Is this a problem, should I prepone the dates? Will that help?
3)If her VISA gets rejected again, Can she apply through Travel agents like Cox and Kings /Thomas Cook and come and visit me? Will she be granted VISA then?
4)My dad is sponsering the trip and she has all the valid required supporting documents. Will the fact that I am working in US be a problem for her to get the VISA?
Appretiate your time and help.
Thanks.
1. She can try, but then the officer can assume that she either lied earlier or is lying now
2. No, it won’t help getting visa approval
3. She can try, but I don’t think it will significantly improve her chances as she has already been flagged as potential immigrant
4. I don’t know w/ surety. I think the biggest reason why it was denied was that she mentioned she has completed her studies, and is not currently employed.
Hi,
My parents visitor visa got denied twice in last 2 years and I am planning to apply again next month. Me and my wife both are working in US on H1 visa.
My Dad is retired and mom is a housewive. My parents stay with my elder brother in Mumbai. They do have sufficent funds and property, but still there visa got rejected with 214B, my question is –
1. Should I sponsor them again, or my brother in India sponsor them?
2. Any thing else I should try other than sponsorship letter, Invitation letter, Property affidavit, Bank letters, W2 etc??
Please suggest.
Thanks & Regards,
Sumeet
Sumeet,
1. Eiher of you can
2. Those documents are enough from you side
For successful stamping, they need to show strong social and financial ties w/ the home country. Was their previous visa rejected as they were found to be potential immigrants?
Hi Saurabh,
I have some question regarding Tourist visa
Me and parents are planning to visit to my brother which lives in chicago IL
My parents are applying for tourist for first time and 2 years back I have applied for B2 Visa (Business visa) which got rejected for 4 times in 6 months time period .
My Brother has sent us all the sponsorship papers (green card holder by marriage)
I just want to confirm, would we 3 of us will grant a visa ?
Or what should we do in order to grab the visa ?
Please Awaiting for your reply.
Vijay,
One cannot say w/ surety whether you will get the visa or not. Your past rejection can play a part in the outcome of your stamping depending upon what was the reason for rejection. For successful stamping you all need to show strong ties to home country (financial and social), so that VO can be satisfied that you all will not immigrate to US and will return to home country after the stamping.
Hi Saurabh,
Thanks for your reply,
In D-160 I have mentioned in Marriage column “Engaged With Girl name” Would It changed the VO mind. Also I am carrying engagement photographs with me at the time of interview ..
Waiting for your reply.
Thanks Saurabh,
Thanks for your reply and help for to outcome in this situation.
We have all the sponsorship Documents with us from my brother. Is this not enough ?
I will appreciate if you guide me that how can I over come
any suggestion or question so that I can prepare
Thanks in advance
Vijay,
It helps in showing that you have social ties w/ home country if the girl is not in US.
Like I said earlier, you need to show social and financial ties w/ home country so that officer knows that you will return to home country and will not immigrate to US. This includes family ties, assets, college/employment details, land etc
Thanks Saurabh,
The girl is my home land India. I am carrying all my property documents engagement photos our family photo and my parents grand children photos and employment leave sanction letter offer letter as well as my salary pay slips with me…
We have booked group interview in native language as well as my parents are not so good with american assent.
Any more suggestion will be appreciated
Thanks in advance..
Hello Saurabh,
I have read all the links question and helpful answers commented (Really Appreciated your work)
Regarding the B2 visa (Tourist visa ) I have read that parents gets the visa without any problem.
But me (not married yet but engaged and willcarry photographs with me at the time of interview also mention D-160 my leave letter and my appointment letter) and my parents are going in group interview in my native language (Marathi)
Would we 3 of us get the visa approved
Please suggest.
Thanks & Regards,
Vijay
Vijay,
There is no one-size-fit-all answer. So it varies from case to case, and your visa will get approved as long as they don’t find you as a potential immigrant. A person needs to show social and financial ties to home country in order to get tourist visa.
HI Saurabh ,
Thanks for your answers. I have a question. My parents planning for US tour. How Many days before we have to submit tourist visa documents and is it mandatory that documents must be submitted by my parents only. or can I submit on behalf of them ?
Thanks in Advance
Harivanam,
It is better to go for visa stamping 2-3 months prior to planned travel date. This way you will still have some buffer time in case their processing takes longer than expected.
Are you referring to advance document submission at Hyd and Mumbai consulates? If yes, then you can submit those documents as well. But they need to personally appear for their own interviews and carry the documents themselves at that time.
Hi Saurabh,
I have few questions.
1) I am recently married and i am planning to get my wife on H-4 to US. At the same time i am also planning to get my parents for a visit to US. Now my question is, which way is better to apply for visitor visa. Would it be better if they apply for visa saying that i am sponsoring or is it better if they apply for visa saying that they are sponsoring by themselves, but coming for a visit to see me. I am currently on H1 working for close to a year now.
2) If i want to sponsor them, what is the minimum balance i need to show up in my bank account. i heard recently that it should be around $15,000. is that true?
3) As i do not have much amount in my account, is it fine if i can get from others and put it in my account. Would there be any risk associated with it. As i am planning for them to give their interview in mid may, is that ok if gather that much amount all of a sudden and show it to them?
Any help or suggestions on these lines would be really helpful.
Thanks in Advance.
Regards,
Raghu.
RaghuRam,
1. If they have funds they can self-sponsor else you can do it for them
2. There is no hard figure available. You can add-up your general expenses, tourism, flight tickets etc to get a rough estimate. However, having 10K-15K helps. The other thing is that it’s not like you will not be getting any more salary. So there can be regular increment in your bank balance every month (depending upon how much you save).
3. You can distribute the expenses, like your parents taking care of air-fare and you taking care of all expenses after they are here. Again, 15K USD is not a hard number. Submit your payslips and last few bank statements to show that you maintain a good balance and that there will be regular flow of funds to your account.
A lot of people live in US on credit. So VOs should know that it’s not important to have all funds in the savings/checking account, but a person can take up some credit debt as well to cover the expenses (at least I hope they understand this).
Thanks Saurabh,
That is a very quick and helpful information. You are doing a wonderful job by helping everyone with their questions. cheers!
Hi Saurabh,
My husband is working with an Indian company and he is currently deployed on client site in USA, he is on L1- B visa and I’m on L-2 visa.
I’m pregnant and I want to invite my in-laws to visit us at the time of baby’s birth but we are very confused regarding the visa documentation, and looking for your guidance;
1. My father in – law is retired from bank and my mother in-law is house wife – can we show pension ( 14 k monthly )as his income?
2. My in- laws don’t file IT returns. Is it mandatory to provide ITR ?
3. He has 5 – 6 Lakhs in multiple bank accounts, plus owns house and some property and money investments (Fixed Deposits, etc) – Do he need to show anything else?
4. As he don’t have any responsibility, can he self sponsor his trip?
5. In case of self sponsor trip, do we still need to provide any invitation letter for them or to embassy?
6. Do we need to mention about my pregnancy in visa application or during visa interview?
7. My husband’s visa will expire in Dec 2012 (but I – 94 is valid till 2015) and my in-laws are planning to visit us from July 2012 to Nov 2012, and we are also planning to come back in Dec. 2012, is there any problem?
Please advise what else we could do to make their case stronger?
Thanks
Skhare,
1. Yes, if that is the only income.
2. It helps in showing the income for previous years.
3. It should be enough to show financial ties w/ home country.
4. If he has the funds, he can sponsor.
5. Yes, you should still send the invitation letter stating that they will be staying w/ you and help you during the pregnancy. As you are not sponsoring them, you can skip the part of providing the financial support for airfare etc.
6. Yes, refer (5). It is one of the most common reason for B-1/2 visa for parents
7. This should not be an issue.
Hi Saurabh ,
Thanks for your quick reply. I have one more question:-
I have a discussion with other Indians those who are residing in USA and invited their parents at the time of their delivery and they have suggested not to mentioning about my pregnancy anywhere / anytime, as by doing this there is a high chance for visa rejection and as per your suggestion we should mention about pregnancy. One person even told us about her experience that when her parents mentioned about her pregnancy during the visa interview they said in that case there is very low possibility that they are willing to come back and their visa was rejected. This particular point is very confusing for us and I really want my in-laws to come here, please advice.
Thanks,
Skhare
Skhare,
I don’t have any personal experience to either refute or agree to what others have mentioned from their experiences. So if others have personal experiences that suggest not to mention pregnancy, then you can go w/ that.
Hi Saurabh,
Thanks for your help and guidance, my parent’s visa is approved and they’ll be here soon.
Thanks a lottttttt 🙂
Skhare,
Congrats! Did they tell about your pregnancy or not?
Actually interviewer didn’t put any question about me or any other family person , she just saw few docs and asked about my husband as his name was mentioned in the application form as their child who is in usa and approved the visa.
Once again thanks for your help.
Regards,
Skhare
Hey Saurabh,
You have doing a fantastic job in answering people’s questions here. Kudos to you!
I do have a question myself if you can answer.
I am hoping to get my girlfriend to the US on a visitor’s visa for just 2 weeks. Her father is sponsoring her trip. I have heard from various sources that single/young people are almost always denied a B2 visa. Is that true? What would be a good/safe reason for her visit to the US (from the visa interview point of view)
I have a friend who is graduating from her university in May from New Jersey. I also have an invitation letter from her University stating that the graduating student would like to invite my gf to attend the event. Would this letter help or make it worse(implying my gf does know people here and hence becomes a potential immigrant?)
Is it better for my gf to tell the consular officer that she is going to the US just on a casual visit to see various places (no mention of the graduation invitation) or the graduation ceremony being the primary reason to visit or USE BOTH as reasons to come to the US???
I would appreciate a quick and honest response from you. I thank you in advance for your help!
Nikhil N,
Single people are often treated as potential immigrants. What is your gf doing? If she is studying/working then she can carry a leave of absence letter from school/employer to show that she is travelling to US for a short visit and will return to home country after completing the trip. It is important to show financial and social ties w/ home country.
I would suggest against the graduating reason as officer cannot treat their friendship as a strong relationship that she should travel to US to attend it.
As usual, you are prompt with your responses. Thanks a ton again.
So I hear you. I will have my GF tell the officer that this is purely a pleasure/tourism trip to the US. I assume that she is not even supposed to bring the graduation ceremony.
She is working, so she can and will get the employment letter from her firm.
Now, her father is sponsoring her trip and she is paying for the tickets herself.
1. What kind of average balance would be decent for 2 weeks of stay that her father needs to show in his account(not including the ticket charges)?
2.Will he need to provide a notarized affidavit of support?
3. If she blocks her air ticket with a travel agent, take a printout of her return ticket confirmation and take it to the interview, will she be expected to show the source of money for the tickets(her bank account or some proof that the tickets have been paid for)?
4. Since she is not going to reveal that she knows anyone at all in the US, isn’t it important for her to show that she has made arrangements for her accommodation? (Hotel reservations or something?)
Nikhil N,
1. She may be asked about her boarding, tourism, daily expenses etc. I don’t know where she is traveling and what typical expense would be at that place. If you know that, then you can use it. Otherwise here is how you can guesstimate – look for any tours online (like SOTC, King & Cox) and see for the cost is for 2 week tour to US (to a major city). Multiply that number w/ 1.5 and take that as the minimum balance required in the account. As you will have taken the cost of major city, you would have included pricing premium, and multiplying by 1.5 will take care of group discounts that are offered to such tours. Does that sound reasonable?
2. I don’t think it needs to be notarized, but a simple letter from her father would work.
3. No, she won’t be. BTW, consulates discourage people from making reservations until visa has been confirmed.
4. She can say that she has short-listed few hotels (she should know the name) but don’t want to make reservation until visa is confirmed as those hotels have huge cancellation charges.
Saurabh,
Thanks for that response. Very informative and indicative. That makes a lot of sense.
My last question to you is (I promise) :),
If her friend, here in the US (she is married and lives with her husband-Husband has been here for a few years and got married and got his wife less than a month ago on a dependant visa from India) were to invite her to the US (as opposed to the other friend inviting for a graduation ceremony), would that make any difference(better case at the interview or worse)?
If it is a good idea for her to invite(in order to eliminate accommodation scare and expenses) what documents will we need from them considering my gf will still be self sponsoring???
God bless you for all the help you are extending to people who are just as confused as I am……
Nikhil N,
Is the friend in the same city she plans to travel to? If yes, then it will help the case as she can mention that she plans to stay w/ her friend. However, if the friend is in a different city, then it doesn’t help much. However, this is still better than graduating friend sponsoring her.
See, if someone in US wants to invite her, then she needs to travel to that city and not to any other city (unless she can show domestic flights to travel to the other city).
Don’t know if adds to the confusion or eases it out 🙂
I totally get your point. But what you confused me with is that you said they dont encourgae booking tickets in advance. But then how would it matter where her friend stays and where my gf travels to if we are not showing them any itenarary details? How will they even know if its 2 diff cities?
Is this going to come up at the Port of Entry by any chance (if there is some annotation to the Visa details that the officer at the POE can bring up on his computer)???
The thing is, her friend is going to invite her, but obviously she is going to stay with me for those 2 weeks in a diff city all together.
Nikhil N,
You can prepare tentative itinerary. So she can reply saying that she plans to visit for 2 weeks in August (just as an example) and will be staying w/ her friend and travelling to different cities. If the VO asks for tickets, then she can reply stating that she hasn’t made any reservations and will do it once visa has been approved.
I am not 100% sure, if the VO adds some sort of notes which can later be accessed by PoE officer. One possible solution is to travel to friend’s place and then take a domestic flight to your place (could be expensive though).
Hi
I have a question. My mother father went for their B2 visa interview today. They hardly asked anything from mom or dad but for mom they gave a red sheet which had a list of documents and asked her to email those to embassy. They took passports for both of them.
Any idea what does that mean? My mom is a chemistry teacher for class 11-12. The sheet says that the visa processing can take upto 8 weeks.
Have you heard of any such cases and what hapens in such cases?
Neha,
What are the documents asked from her? If the sheet was issued just to your mother, then your father’s visa should get approved soon. For mother’s visa it will depend upon the asked documents and the submitted response.
She was asked to submit all the documents in pink sheet based on 221(g). Her passport was however taken by the consular.
Neha,
Pink slips usually get resolved within 2-4 weeks after the documents have been submitted (at least that was the processing time in New Delhi sometime ago). Most of such cases result in approved visa (but again it’s not a surety).
Hi Saurabh,
Sorry to bother you again.
1.If visa is rejected first time, I have to mention it on DS-160 and it also provides space for explaination/Reason.
Since my parents had recevied 214(b) after visa rejection, do I just enter that number or mention exactly what went wrong? (Actual reason was , i think on DS-160 primary occupation of dad was agricuture and at interview he answered retired for question”what you do?”
2. I am spospering their visit as a daughter and currently working full time but in about 6 months my baby is due so I might work half time or I might leave job on temporary basis(only 3month nonpaid leave allowed). In that case, even they get visa in this or coming week, would that be problem while they actally visit and go through immegration?
3. Purpose of visiting, provided is tourist purpose and visiting daughter and family, I haven’t told before also that one of reason is for delivery care. Any suggestion on this?
Please advise.
Thanks!
Leena
Leena,
1. You can mention just the number 214(b)
2. No, it won’t be
3. You can mention visiting family and daughter who is expecting, and tourism
Saurabh,
Thanks for all of your help!
Much much appreciated.
Have a wonderful day!
Leena
Hi Saurabh,
My Parents had 10 yrs b1/b2 visa that expired in May 2011. I got H1b recently and landed in NJ a week back. I want to apply for Parents US visit visa as they are retired now. They do not have any bank statement but do have house on their name. I have enough documents to support their visit but do not have any current financial statements from US banks to complete form I-134. Should I sponsor my parent or should my friend send an invitation for them. I’m currently staying in an hotel and do not have permanent address in US. your advise would be really helpful.
Yajvin,
It is better for you to invite them and not your friend. Will your parents arrive in next few weeks? If not, I would suggest first you settle down and then send them the documents including payslip, bank statement, rental address etc. From their perspective, it is better for them to carry their own bank statements, house ownership document and other documents to show investments they have made in the home country.
Please check the guideliness at VFS, I think all you need is to send your passport all pages and an invite letter. I 134 is no more Required , that is optional. I had called VFS as well and they told me. Also your bank statements/pay slips etc are optional as I was told. However your parents need to carry property docs/bank statements/fd’s etc. Your original BC is also required. Just check the guidelines of VFS for B1/B2 you willfind everything you need there.
Hi Saurabh
I am on H1b visa & it is going to expire in August, I need to apply for extension & I am planning to invite my parents & they are planning to attend interview in May, As my h1b is going to expire in 3 months can I send invitation letters to them or I should wait until my h1b extension is done.
Thanks in advance
Riteesh,
When do they plan to travel to US? If they plan to US in next few months, then it’s you should invite them using current 797. You can also add a letter from employer stating their intent to file your extension soon which your parents can show to VO (if asked). If they are ready to wait for few months before travelling to US, then you can file after you get the extended petition (which can take 2-6 months to process).
Hi,
My parents have a B2 visa interview tomorrow…I am in india these days..we are GC holders there. My parents have applied for self sponsor visa as we mentioned in ds 160 that they will pay for their trip. In that case they dont need any financial supporting documents from our side…they are taking their own financial support docs….is that ok.
from my side i have given copy of GC, birth certificate and last 3 salary statements for my husband, will it be ok.
Priya,
They typically look at 2 things – whether the applicant has strong social/financial ties w/ home country, and whether the person is able to sustain the expenses. So if they can carry information about their financial assets (like land, FDs etc) that would also be beneficial.
Hi Saurabh,
I am graduating in Dec 2012 and would like to invite my sister and brother to the US for a visit in July. Both my sister and brother are working in privater companies back home. I am on J-1 student visa and my husband is working on J-2 visa(with EAD). Since I am a student, my sister will self-sponsor her trip. My brother puts my sister as his sponsor because he does not have sufficient funds. Questions:
1) Should I ask my husband to sponsor them to support their visa application?
2) Will there be an issue for my brother since he is using my sister as his sponsor?
(FYI, my brother has a family and owns a home)
3) If there is a change in date of travel, will there be a problem if the date of leave issued by their employers in the employer verification letter during visa application, differ from the real date of arrival in US? They will re-apply for new letter to show at port of entry.
Thanks.
Suri,
1. If you have enough funds to sponsor their trip, then he should do it. Otherwise, your sister can self-sponsor and your husband can sponsor your brother.
2. It may show too much burden on sister (self sponsor + your brother). I would suggest (1)
3. When they go for visa interview, the dates are only tentative as they do not want people to book their tickets and then cancel them in case of any delay. So even if their actual travel dates change, they can continue w/ existing letters and existing dates, and later get updated letters for PoE.
Hi Saurabh,
Thank you so much for your immediate reply. Your answers clear my doubts and your suggestions make more sense.
HI Saurabh,
First of all I would like admire you all efforts for helping visa questions. Really Way to go!!
I checked into forum but didn’t find the similar question.
My dad is retired government forest officer but takes care of his own farm nowadays fulltime so on DS_160, I selected Agriculture as a primary occupation, then what should I enter in monthly income(if employed)? (if emplyed) confuses me as he is not employed anymore 🙁
How to fill up approx pension(as he just retired, pension hasn’t started yet).
Can you help me with this. If officer asks him his annual income should he say pension+farm income? Please help me out with this. I would really appreciate your help!
Thanks!
Leena
Question on DS-160,
So he is self-employed. He can enter the salary as per his last tax return (where he would have shown income). If he is getting pension, that can also be added to his Agriculture income. It mainly asks for primary profession, and a person can have various sources of income.
Hi Saurabh,
Thanks for reply but sorry I didnt get “He can enter the salary as per his last tax return (where he would have shown income). ” Do you mean salary of previous job? He retired in October 2011.? So you mean in Monthly income(if employed) field I can enter his pension +Farm income right? For farm income how to show all proof as its time to time receipts and those are all not available.
For sponspership, I work but my husband’s salary is way better than mine then should I sposper as their daughter or if sponser’s salary matter should my husaband sponser them?
Appreciate your time and help!
Leena
Question on DS-160,
I meant income in his last tax return which would have included both Agriculture income and his pension. He can carry other information/documents that show he is working full-time on the farm as self-employed and other retirement benefits.
Your husband can sponsor him, but in the invitation letter he can mention that his wife is also working and can contribute to the expenses (if required).
Thanks a ton Saurabh.
That really helps. My parents visa was rejected once where I had sponsered. Dont want hide my salary it’s $46K and had mentioned in letter my bonus also which is about $7000 per year. Reason for rejection might be that on the form even I had mentioned that he takes care of his farm, in visa interview Dad somehow told that he is retired government officer so that might be problem for rejection.
Now I am trying to avoid last mistakes. His monthly income shouldn’t show up less (last time I showed only farm income, not the pension) also sponser salary shouldn’t less. ( I had read somewhere that spospership by daughter is strong than son-in law but this time dont want to take chance. Would that conflict with previous DS-160 that sposper is changed? Your time is appretiated.
Thanks!
Leena
Question on DS-160,
Past rejection will effect the current processing. So they will look at last rejection reasons and compare to see what has changed since. I think it was more to do w/ his retirement than w/ your salary. It shouldn’t matter that now your husband is sponsoring and not you.
Thanks a lot Saurabh.
I really appreciate your quick replies.
Have a great day!
Leena
Hi Saurabh,
I graduated (Aerospace Engineering) from an US University in May 2011 and currently working for an Airline in USA. My OPT expires in June 2012.
My employer is in the process of applying my H1B visa. Please let me know whether I need to renew my OPT before the H1B application could be made. Please advise
Lawrence
Lawrence Dantis,
Once your H-1 is filed w/ COS, you will be eligible for cap-gap b/w June 2012 and Oct 2012 (earliest start date of H-1). As your H-1 will be filed while you are in valid OPT, you can continue to stay and work during cap-gap period. If you have concerns that your H-1 can get denied, then you should also file OPT extension as a back-up. The other option is to file H-1 w/ premium processing so that you get your H-1 result early and have more time to go for OPT extension (if H-1 is denied).
Hey there,
Many thanks for the info above.
I am graduating this August and want to invite my parents for the grad walk. My mom works for the state govt at a higher level and dad retired 2 yrs back. My mom has a sister and brother-in-law in the US (my uncle and aunt) who want to sponsor their visit. As I am a student, I don’t have any finances to support their visit (they’re going to be with me and my wife -who’s on H1 before visiting my aunt).
Is this too complicated to explain in the consulate? My uncle has prepared all documents already and I got a letter from my university. My parents have properties back home and except my dad who’s retired (but a cardiac patient – needs constant care), their end looks ok. What do you suggest we do their visa?
Gotham,
I would have suggested your wife sponsoring their B-1 as you are a student and she is working. But if you have already completed the documents, you can go ahead w/ this. There are 2 areas of focus:
– strong ties w/ home country which you are showing through properties. Your mother can carry a letter from her employer granting her the leave. If they have any other kids in home country, then they can highlight that as well.
– financial sponsorship
If the VO asks about their itinerary then they can mention about the above in precise manner. VO can question why you or your wife are not sponsoring, and she will have to provide a satisfactory response to it.
My marital status has not been updated anywhere in the US (other than the joint tax return we filed this year and we entered the PoE together in January as a couple). My wife doesn’t make much either because she had her own parents here for her graduation on self-sponsorship.
I think we will take a stab at this with primary reason being my graduation and secondary being visiting my mom’s sister. They are self-sponsoring anyway.
Here’s the catch, I don’t have an OPT as this is my second Masters degree. But I have job offer lined up. If the VO asks them about my OPT status and, I am guessing within their rights, to deny visitor visa because my I-20 itself will end in August?
Gotham,
I don’t think they will reject the visa as your graduation is in Aug and you don’t have OPT yet. In worst case scenario, they will issue B-1/2 for limited period and not 10 years, but again probability of this happening is low.
Saurabh, your advice is much appreciated. Thank you so much!!
Hi Saurabh,
I am currently on H1 B visa was previously on F1 . I had postponed my graduation walk so I could save money and then call my parents. I am planning to call my mother(49) and sister(17) to US for my graduation walk on B2 visa. I have letter from my university inviting my mother and sister. My Father recently passed away 6 months back. My mother is a house wife and sister is studying. I have sufficient funds to sponsor them but my mother doesn’t have any property or strong ties in India except one reason that my sister has to do her studies and she is a dependent on her. Is that a strong case, do you see in any obvious question coming up ? Should I first do my mother’s visa individually so she has a reason that her daughter is in India and later try doing for my sister. Or do both of their visa process together as ideally I would want that way.
Thanks.
VV,
Here is my suggestion:
– Send them separately (maybe one day after the other). Like you said first mother and then sister
– For mother, she should carry information on any financial assets they have in India
– For sister, she should carry a letter from school granting her temporary leave w/ expectation that she will return and join the school
It is tough to provide 100% guarantee, but I think this is your best bet. Good luck!
Saurabh,
We plan to sponsor B2 for my in-laws. Though my wife is also working, I plan to sponsor her parents through my brother in law (wife’s elder brother) who is also working here and is single. I have below questions.
(1) My in-laws dont have strong financial background in India. They dont have own house. My FIL is still working in a privtate concern. What documents can they furnish to prove their ties in the country? I am thinking of his bank statements, letter from employer, tax returns. Do you suggest anything more?
(2) They have two children and both are here at USA. Considering their not-so-strong financial situation in India, will they be considered potential immigrants? Both my wife and her brother are on Non immigrant visas.
What best we could do so that their case is stronger for visiting us?
Narayan,
1. I cannot think of anything else. Employment letter will be the best document as they don’t have strong financial ties and both their children are in US.
2. They can be considered as potential immigrants. It will be VO’s discretion on how to treat the case.
Hi Saurabh,
I currently have received a job offer to teach at a US University.
I have a dependent parent, my mother, who is a widow of 80 years and totally dependent on me. She cannot fly on her own to US. So, I will have to take her with me from here together when I go. I have a brother but he will be going abroad to another country shortly after we leave for US. Is that a problem that she travels together with me when I go to US from here? I can show enough funds to support me and my mother even before my pay starts there. Does she have to apply for tourist visa or is there a way to get her as my dependent on some dependent category visa as an elderly widowed parent of 80?
Do they issue visas for elderly parents of 80 years only for 6 months or is extension possible thereafter?
Thanks if you can give some information on these questions.
Shanti,
She cannot go for H-4 (dependent) visa. She will have to go for B-1/2 visa stamping, but based on information you have provided, officer can consider this as a potential immigrant. She is widow, is old age and her children are abroad. To get a visitor’s visa, she has to show strong ties to home country, else they would reject the visa.
Thanks Saurabh,
We have strong ties to home country all right, we have our properties here, and all our financial assets are here.
If they want candidates to work abroad, they should review their policies to give consideration to candidates’ families as well. Family cannot just mean spouse and kids, the usual definitions. It is strange when they cannot see a broader picture of a family definition, and it is also strange when they expect that a candidate can just leave behind an aged dependent parent. It is strange when supposed-to-be warm-blooded humans implement such cold-blooded policies or expect such adherence.
Widow in old age and children abroad, but she is not interested in the least about terms such as potential immigration, that these policy makers view as, rather, she is only interested in being with her children since she is old and dependent on them. In that case, it would seem, the children should stay with her, and so also, in that case, it should seem that they should not seek candidates from abroad if they cannot be user-friendly to their situations or families. Just my viewpoint.
Anyway, thanks for your response and suggestions.
Keep up the good work.
Shanti,
I hear you. Unfortunately, that is not how USCIS/consulate works and assume dependents to only include spouse and minor children.
Hi Saurabh,
Myself and my husband are both working on L1 Visa since last year in US. We both hold pretty much good income and would like to invite my inlaws and my mom to USA for a normal summer visit . My father cannot make up this trip because of his health conditions.
We did do some savings to Sponser for B2 visa around 12-14k but have few concerns-
1) We are planning to have my husband sponser my inlaws and my mom since we have all the savings in his account and Since both in-laws would be travelling, we thought it would be better if my husband sponsered. Is this OK? or do we need to do joint sponsership to show that we both are working? or Does my husband has to sponser his parents and I have to sponser my mom ? Please advice
2) My husband is the only son for my inlaws and my father in law works for private company. Does this cause an issue? What best supporting document can we show in this case that my father in law would return back to India and also the house that my inlaws stay is owned by my husband. So any advice here can really help us…
3) My inlaws and my mother , can all 3 of them go to interview on the same day? Is this advisable.
Any comments/advices would really help us. Looking farward to see some responses.
Thank you!
Siri
Sirikumari,
1. It is ok if only he is the one inviting them. He can mention the relationship for both parents and I don’t see any issues why he cannot invite his in-laws.
2. They need to show strong ties to home country. As he is currently employed w/ a private firm, he can carry a letter from that employer granting them leave of absence for few weeks/months to visit his son in US, w/ expectation that he will return to join the firm. It is also advisable to show strong funds/resources in home country (like land, jewelry, bank balance etc)
3. They can go on same day but as 2 groups – the in-laws together and mother separately.
Thank you saurabh for taking time and responding quickly.
As you suggested, we have booked 1 linked appointment for my inlaws and 1 individual appointment for my mom on same day but unfortunately time is also same. Hope this will not create any issues.
1) As you adviced, we are planning to have my husband sponsered both my inlaws and mom.
2) As my father in law is working in a private firm, we are planning to seek leave sancation letter for 3 months.So we are not having an issue here.
Regarding strong funds/resousces documentation for my inlaws, we have a concern here, My husband is owning the house but both my inlaws are guardian, So we are preparing affadivit on CA letter head about same. But when concerned with CA, he is advising us to take property valuation report before reporting the property value in affadivit. Is property valuation required? CA is suggesting stongly to do so, please advice.
3) In my mom’s situation, My father is retired govt employee and currently receiving pension. My mom has strong financial background but my concern is , as my father will not be joining this trip because of health conditions, Do we need to submit any health certificate of same . Also, do we need to submit any documentation that my father was a govt employee and currently receiving pension?
And do we need to show any documentation for my sibilings(3) who are married and settled in India in respective of strong tie back for my mom case.
We really appreciate all your help!.
Thanks,
Siri
Sirikumari,
2. I don’t know if property evaluation is mandatory or not.
3. No documentation is required per se. But she can asked why her husband is not joining and at that point she can answer truthfully. She can carry a letter stating his medical condition, as it would add weight to her claim that she is not an immigrant and will return to India after her visit. No documentation required for siblings, but she can mention that when asked about her other children.
Thank you saurabh for all the information provided. We will keep you posted about visa status…Thanks again!!!
Thanks,
Siri
Hi Saurabh,
Just wanted to share that my mom’s and in laws B2 visa is approved today @ HYD US consulate.
Thanks to you and this forum for guiding us.
Thanks,
Siri
Sirikumari,
Congrats for the same. Hope they have a safe flight to US!
Just wanna say that even my parents have gone to the US Embassy Chennai, I hope that I could say same kind of good news about approval by tomorrow.
Hi Saurabh,
Thanks first of all for doing such a wonderful job.
I have a query on LCA for H1B. I got my visa stamped 10days ago and I have to travel soon now. But company wants to change the LCA we used for visa interview saying it is for higher levels and so company has to pay extra salary. The current LCA used so far is for “System Analyst” role and Level-2. Now company wants to change it to level-1. We can change it if location is changed in USA.
I wants to know is it possible to get it changed to a lower level?
Do we have to appear for the interview again for this?
And how much time would it take to get a new LCA?
Thanks a lot…
VIP,
You don’t need to get it stamped again after changing the LCA. However, the company should file H-1 amendment after changing the LCA. New LCA would take around 10-14 days.
Why didn’t your company file it w/ the right LCA to begin with? As an outside, it seems to me they are trying to make a fool of the system by first getting it approved for higher position and then lowering the position to reduce the pay.
Saurabh,
Can I fly once I get my new LCA or I will have to wait till i get the H1 amendment?
If i get a new LCA but H1 not amended and I travel to us, does it create any issues at the port of entry while issuing I-94?
Also, can USCIS deny H1 amendment for any reason?
…Thanks.
VIP,
I would suggest getting the H-1 amendment and then flying to US, as you will be going to work directly for the new client/location, and so it is prudent to have the new LCA and H-1 amendment.
There won’t be any issues at PoE if you don’t get the amendment. Usually they are not as strict as consulate or USCIS about the H-1 amendment.
Yes, there can be queries raised during H-1 amendment processing as well.
Hi Saurabh,
This is regarding new LCA for me, existing is for higher role/level as per my company.
Now my company is asking me to travel with the existing LCA and they will file for LCA amendment once I reach USA.
I think it should not create problems during my travel and till I reach there. Correct?
Once they file for LCA amendment (this is for the same client and same location, only salary will be lesser) and if dept of Labor deny it, will I be able to work with the existing LCA?
If new LCA gets approved, and if there are any issues with H1b amendment, can I work in USA till my I-94 is valid?
Thanks,
VIP
VIP,
IMO, until your new LCA gets certified and H-1 amendment is approved, you should continue to work on old LCA and H-1 and get paid as per that salary. So if LCA/H-1 amendment is denied, you should continue getting paid as per the old LCA, and in case of approval your employer can change the pay structure as per the new LCA.
Is this similar to what you and employer have in mind?
Saurabh,
My parents passport has a little mistake(I think), there is no Surname , its blank and in the Given Name field the whole name is printed .
For Example, its like this in my father’s passport
Surname :
Given Name : Khaja Pasha.
Now I’ve scheduled an interview appointment on April 20th, and completed all the documents which includes the DS-160, Affidavit of support & so on; and also I’ve post mailed them to India yesterday.
So when I was entering the info in DS-160 form I entered the last name/Surname as ‘NOT APPLICABLE’, coz it the form had the last name field as ‘required’, & it wasn’t going thru until I entered something.
My question to you is how shud I take from here , should cancel the appointment & make the corrections or just go with the way it is.
Ashraf,
Actually first name should be FNU (first name unknown), while the rest of the name needs to go in surname. I would suggest completing another DS form.
Hi Saurabh,
I have submitted my Non-immigrant DS 160 form
1)but later i found out that under parents details section I have mentioned my Mother name as XXX and left the surname blank where as in my passport my Mother’s name mentioned as XXX YYY where YYY is my Father’s name. Is that a mistake.
2)And more over the uploaded photo in DS 160 form passed the photo quality standards but one of my friend said photo hasn’t followed the specific guidelines related to measurements(inches). Is that a problem or do i need to submit another DS 160 form with correct mesurements.
Please reply.
Lakshmi,
1. It would be ok. If you have not scheduled the interview, then you can complete another DS form, else continue w/ this one.
2. It would be ok. If they find the photo not acceptable, then they will ask you to take another photo at the consulate for 100/-.
I am on L1 But my pay roll is run in India, I get per diem 1500 per month with accommodation and car. I would like to sponsor my parents to visit US.
1. Can I do this? ( I have properties in india to show I have high tieups with india, my parents have one house)
2. 4 months back My brother who is on H1 sponsored my parents but two time it got rejected. Saying My sister who had green card in US, if my sister sponser my parents they can immigrate to US. My parents did not have proper answer as three children are in USA, only answer they gave is I am on temporary assignment in USA, i work for indian company and I have properties in india. but not convinced got rejected.
In this case Can I sponsor if yes How My parents can answer the question above ‘2’
thanks in advance
Chandra,
1. Yes
2. Their previous rejection can still impact their new visa stamping. They can show the ties w/ India, but it doesn’t change the fact that all 3 children are in US, w/ one of them on GC. So it will still be tricky.
Hi Saurabh,
I have alreay completed DS160 with self sponser for my parents visit and taken appoitnment. Now what are options I have to change sponsership to myself.
I opted self sponser, since my back balance is not good with average balace of about $800 and present balance around 10K.
How much parents should show bank balance for self sponser.
Can we tell in interview, only air ticket will be paid by parents and rest of will be taken care by child in USA.
Please guide me for options….
Thank you,
Shashi
Shashi,
If you have not scheduled the interview yet, then you can complete another DS form w/ the correct information. I don’t know in terms of INR or USD how much balance one should have. It should be sufficient enough to take care of the expenses for the trip including airfare, travel etc. As they will be staying w/ you, housing expenses are not required. My guess is that 10K USD (and it’s currency equivalent) should be good enough.
Hi Saurabh,
Currently, I’m on H1 B visa and I’m planning to invite my parents and sister for a visit to the USA around June/July 2012. My dad owns a business, my mother is a housewife and my sister is in a job.
They wants to visit me for 2-3 months and I was wondering, if my sister needs some kind of leave of absence/vacation document for her visa interview?
Also, the last time I visited India was in Nov/Dec 2011, would that be a issue? considering, I have met them 6-7 months ago.
Please guide.
Thanks a bunch in advance.
Tarun
Tarun,
It would be nice if she can get a letter from the employer stating that they are granting her leave for 2 months and expect her to join the employer after she returns from US. This helps in showing that she is not a potential immigrant. It will not be an issue that you were just in India meeting them.
Thanks Saurabh! I appreciate your time and efforts. I might have more questions in near future.
Saurabh,
When i was filling my DS160 form back in Apr 2010 i filled out my father’s wrong date of birth. The issue here is now my father is applying a new passport to come to US to visit me. Will there be any problem if he put his correct date of birth in his passport ? as the date of birth written by me in my DS form is different from my fathers actual date of birth. Will they check my DS160 form when my father applies for his B2 Visa? Please advice.
Thanks
Sony,
It will not be an issue. Your DS form has no co-relation w/ his passport filing. Even when he goes for his B-2 visa stamping, the discrepancy will not matter.
Thanks Saurabh
Saurabh,
I have submitted my H1 RFE reply in the mid of March, just curious to know how long does it take to get the decision now – for a Normal Processing of RFE response in VSC centre, Thanks.
Ganesh,
It can take 2-6 months. However, recently I saw few petitions where RFE response was reviewed within a week.
Hi Saurabh
I have a small question, I am on H1b visa & it is going to expire in August, I need to apply for extension & I am planning to invite my parents. As my h1b is going to expire in 5 months can I send invitation letters to them or I should wait until my h1b extension is done.
Thanks in advance
Venkatesh,
You can send them the documents even w/ 5 months remaining on the petition.
Hi,
I am on H4 visa.
I have made a mistake in filling my father’s date of birth
(actually I have put the date wrong, correct is 4th aug. and I
have put 7th aug. in the DS160 Visa application form.
Now, my father is applying for passport. What do you suggest ?
If he writes correct date, then will there be any visa problem
Sony,
Firstly, I’ve got a question for you how did you fill out a DS-160 form without even having your Father’s passport, because you need to enter the information from the passport into the DS 160 form like – passport number etc..
And to answer your question, there is no constraint in filling out any number DS-160 forms, you can fill out as many as you want. But what matters is the one you use at the time of setting up the visa appointment. Discard the old DS-160 form & prepare a new one.
Ashraf,
When i went for visa interview, I filled ds160 form 2yrs back, in which i had written 7th aug. Now, he is applying for passport.
Sony,
I should have read this post before responding to your initial post. Anyways, the two have no co-relation. His passport can have the right date and in future you can use the right date on all forms (DS etc).
Sony,
You filled the DS form for your father and he is now going for B-1/2 visa stamping, right? If the interview has not been scheduled yet, then you can fill another DS form. If the interview has already been scheduled then there are two options:
1. Go w/ same DS form, but mention the correct date to officer so that it can be corrected
2. Cancel the appointment and do another DS form and another appointment
Saurabh,
My parents went for B2 visa interview today. My mother got through however for my father, they issued 221g and handed over a pink slip asking for ‘Bio data in word format’. My father is retired and worked in a company under defense ministry, and so i assumed they wanted to know some additional information about his work experience.
(i) Do you know if there is a format for bio data for parent(s)? What all should we include in a standard bio data for parents? Is it like ours?
(ii) They got the passport of my father too during the interview, and so I assume this is not a rejection and eventually we will get the visa (but delayed). Is that correct?
Narayan,
1. There is no set format. You can include his years of work, job titles held, duties etc
2. Yes, usually pink slips get resolved after sometime. I have hardly seen any rejections.
I am applying for B2 for my mom and taking care of all expenses per I-134. She is retired and does not have any properties nor a lot of assets, i don’t know how to make a strong case to show that she will not be staying beyond the allowable time, only the fact that she is enjoying her retired life, all the benefit programs and discunt for senior that she is getting, classes and trips sponsor by the government and the fact that she has a medical condition that requires regular checkup, will that be enough? She just want to come and spend some time with grandson.Any suggestion? Thanks
hi saurabh
i sent my mother for b2 visa and my brother was waiting outside the consulate ,my brother took a picture of consulate building,and then security gaurd cought him ,and took his id proof and called my mother from inside the consulate and told her to come after 1 month with 221(G) form.
consuler didnt took her interview and took her passport for few minutes and then returned back,,why they did this for only taking a photo…plz advise me
they give another interview date of next month but they dont demand any additional document ,,picture was taking by my brother but why they didnt take the interview og my mother,,i m not sure she will get visa next time,,while she didnt give interview once
plz help me out
what should my mother do next time
i m very frustreted ,,,,what can i do,,no one of vfs is talking about this
thanku
Poonam,
They might have taken action as they considered it a security threat. They were being precautionary. I don’t think they would penalize your mother’s visa stamping for this. They would now do background check to ensure there are no security concerns and then decide to issue or reject the visa.
hi saurbh
should i write a mail to consulate what happened with my mother and brother
because i thought security gaurd made this a big issue,,,
may be consulate dont aware of such situation.why they give 221(g ) form for this
plz help me
Poonam,
I think they were made aware of the issue, and that is why 221g was issued. Your writing to consulate will not help. Think it from consulate perspective – why will they decide to ignore the incident based on your email?
HI,
My brother is planning to invite my mom(my father is not joining)for tour of USA in june.
Earlier i and my mother have applied for B-2 visa on bases to attend convocation function of my brother’s master’s degree, but we got refused.
My brother has finished his masters’ studies in USA. He is licensed physiotherapist and working on H-1 visa, he has also applied for Green card.
My doubt is
(1) Should my brother financially sponsor my mom?
or my mother should show that she has sufficient funds??
actually my mom is BSNL employee and she is having sufficient funds.
Let me know by what way i can make a strong chances to get B-2 visa for my mom?
Hardik,
If she has sufficient funds then she can self-sponsor her trip. Do you know why her earlier visa stamped was rejected? Was she considered a potential immigrant?
For better chances, she needs to have funds and also strong ties to home country. For this, she should take a letter of leave of absence from BSNL, show that her husband will be staying behind and not joining (can be asked why so) and other ties to India (land, property, jewelry etc).
Thanks saurabh,
Earlier case, 1 year back, i was also with her and as i am studying in college they might have thought we are potential immigrant and also she was stuck in one question(we have taken interview in gujarati).
Last time also we have shown sufficient funds but they asked the following question..
1) why do you want to go usa?
ANS: To attend convocation function of my son’s master degree.
2) What ur son is doing?
ANS: He is doing OPT in michigan(actully my brother studied in kansas and was doing OPT in michigan, now converted his F-1 to H-1)
3) What ur husband doing?
ANS: he is working in PSU(Actually he dont have passport due to some problems, so he hadnt join that time ans also cant join this time)
4) What ur son (for me) is doing?
ANS: he is styding in electrical engineering 2nd year
5) what is your salary?
ANS: she got confused in per annum & whether to include my father’s income?
But this time i want to make a strong case to get B-2 visa.
So let me suggest some strong background on which i can make strong case.
I am thinking my brother will only send inviting latter to her and then she will self-sponsor her and will say she want to visit different places in usa.
Hardik,
If your mother is a house-wife then her salary should always include her husband’s salary as well. She can carry previous tax returns to show her assets and other details which show that she has enough financial ties w/ India.
She needs to be precise about what places she wants to visit. She can say that her visit tourist cities along w/ her son and then name some. Precise answers help in the interview.
okay.
Thank you very much for your help.
Hi All,
Has anyone heard of background check (221 g) for a B2 visitor visa? My mother and two of my sisters went for Visa interview. My mother and one of my sisters got their visas but one of my sisters was put on 221g. So far I had only heard of 221g for H-1B and F1. In any event, does anyone know what is the probability of a reject after a 221g? Any input will be appreciated.
Thanks.
Anand
Anand,
Yes, I have seen few instances of background check for B-1/2 visitor visa. This can happen if the person has travelled to flagged countries in the past, or has a name matching to one in their flagged list or if one works in an industry which is on the alert list. Most of the background check 221gs get resolved, however, it can take few weeks to few months for them to get resolved.
I am being transferred to US for 2 years by my company . I hv just received an approval of my L1-A petition from USCIS. I plan to take an appointment and get visa stamping for myself and my immediate family (spouse, son, daughter)
I have a query related to my dependant mother who stays with me. I would like her to travel along with us. We are aware that she can only stay in US for 6 months and has to return if not granted an extension. We want to know if we can apply for her B1/2 visa as soon as I get mine and have her travel along with us
Do I need to have stayed in US for a few months, or I can submit my transfer letter (US company employment letter) and show my Indian bank account details
Raj,
Dependent visa can only be applied for spouses and kids under 21 years of age. It cannot be applied for your mother. She can come and visit you on short visits on B-1/2, but she cannot come as a dependent to stay for the term of your entire duration.
Thanks Saurabh,
The query is related to whether we can apply for her B1/2 visa as soon as we get our L1/L2 and can she travel along with us (and return back after 6 months)
Rgds
Raj,
I am not sure. Will you be sponsoring her trip or will be self-sponsoring it? If you are sponsoring it, then the consulate may ask for recent payslip, bank statement etc to know if you have sufficient funds to take care of the expenses. In this case, you need to have worked in US for few months before applying the visa. In case she is self-sponsoring then she may go for interview soon after your L-1/2. However, the reason for her trip would be to visit you, and as you are not in US at the moment, it doesn’t support the reason for her travel.
If possible, I would suggest going for B-1/2 stamping after you have stayed in US for 1-2 months.
Thanks again !
When you say sufficient funds – how much is sufficient ? I can show my current bank balance and other financial assest (stocks etc)
She also has a reasonable bank balance and FDs…but not sure if it can be considered sufficient for a 6 month trip to US
Rgds
Raj,
I don’t know how much is sufficient. It should be a reasonable amount to take care of expenses. The funds you are mentioning are in India, right? If you show your own Indian funds, then officer can ask whether you will be taking them w/ you to US for the purpose of spending it.
If she has reasonable balance and FDs, then she should self-sponsor her trip. But officer can still ask why she wants to go for B-1 visa when you haven’t traveled to US yet. They might consider this move as an immigration move and deny the stamping. IMO, if possible you should send her for visitor’s visa after you have spend at least 4-6 months in US.
Thanks Saurabh,
I have been given the following advise…just wanted your opinion on whether this is a good idea
Get invite from a close relative in US (my mother has one in the state that I have to travel to…and he does have reason to invite her)
Get my younger brother to sponsor her ..show documentation/funds
As he is resident in India with a reputed job, that would also be evidence of her intent to return – which is a fact
I am not sure if we should avoid mention of my own travel …but it could be mentioned if specifically asked for…
Let me know if delinking my travel with her visa application is a better idea if we plan to travel together
Thanks
Raj,
This may work. She can go for stamping while you are still in India, so she can mention that all children are still in India. She doesn’t need to mention about your work visa unless specifically asked.
The approval will depend upon whether officer determines if she really has a valid reason to travel, and not a potential immigrant (which gets addressed by the fact that all children are still in India).
Hello
Today in India one of the Newschannel it is told that for renewal of B1.B2 n other types of visa there is no need to appear for interview.Can u clarify on this?Also in that case what is the procedure for submitting the papers n passport etc.
Thanks
Jagdish
jagdish tangi,
They have included few visa types (prominent one being B-1/2). F, H and L are still excluded. I haven’t seen the detailed release from consulate yet, and I would rely on it more to know the details.
Hi Saurabh,
I was on L1-B till Jan 20, 2012. I got my COS to H1-B and it is valid since Feb 18, 2012.
Now I want to invite my parents to visit the US. I have few questions:
1 – Can I invite them on my new H1-B?
2 – Can I use my previous company’s paystubs as well as I have not yet got my first pay slip in my new organization?
3 – Do I need to know anything in specific?
Thanks in advance,
Mahantesh
MMB,
1. Yes
2. Yes, you need to show 3 most recent paystubs and they can be include paystubs from both employers. You show L-1 payslips prior to Feb 18, and H-1 payslips thereafter
3. They should know about your employment, general job duties, work location, when you moved to H-1 etc.
hi,
i am applying for b2 visa for my family. I filled up the DS foms and obtained HDFC reciept. But while applying for the interview date, made a mistake of filling the surname in the first name and first name in the surname. will this cause a problem? If so, can i cancel the current appointment and reschedule it?
thanks in advance,
saravanan
Saravanan,
It may be ok, but you should check w/ VFS as well. At the security check they match the passport name w/ interview letter, which in this case would be swapped. So if you go w/ same appointment, then they will have to explain the reason to the security as well. Safe side would be to get another appointment w/ right name.
Hi Saurabh,
First of all thanks for you valuable inputs to us its greatly appreciated.
This time i am applying visiting (B2) visa to my parents and i have couple of questions
1. My father is a farmer and he has the land documents in the native language(telugu) so do we have any problem in taking the original native language property documents?
2. In some sites mentioned as property documents should be notarized , as my father is going to carry original documents to visa interview Still we need to notarize all the properly documents?
3. my father name (spelling) is different in my passport and in my father’s passport. both spelling are correct with respective native language. So do we need to take any supporting document?.
Thanks in advance. have a nice day.
Kiran,
1. It is better to take the documents in English.
2. As the original documents are in non-English, it would be better to get them translated and then notarized.
3. How big is the difference? It should not be a big deal. Use the name in his passport in all future documents (DS, visa stamping etc)
3. In my passport my fathers First name is mentioned as ‘HANUMANTHA RAO’ but in my father’s passport it is as ‘HANMANTH RAO’.
thanks
Kiran,
It should be ok as it’s not a pretty big difference.
HI SAURABH,I WANT TO KNW THAT ME AND MY WIFE GNG TO SPONSOR MY PARENTS AS VISTOR VISA AND WE DO TAX FILE TOGETHER AND IN THAT AFFIDAVIT FORM THEY ASKED ABT ANNUAL INCOME SO I WANT TO KNW THAT ON THAT PART ISIT I HAVE TO FILL OUR BOTH ANNUAL INCOME OR TO DO SEPRATE FRM MY WIFE.
Monty,
You can mention joint income as you are staying together and will be taking care of parents’ expenses together.
Please avoid All CAPS in your posts – it means shouting online. Thanks.
Hii Saurabh
I have a pretty good salary every month. But due to my recent expenditure all my savings are gone. I was thinking for my mother visitor visa to USA. Do you think should I go a head and file for her visitor visa or wait for some time save some dollars for bank account and ask her to go for visa. Please advise. Is it really required to show 10000 dollars in the bank account?
Vasu,
I think the officer would be understanding enough that a person can have sudden spike in expenses which could wipe out the savings. You can submit last 4-6 months’ bank statement to show what the average balance, and also submit payslips to show your regular intake. It is not necessary to have 10K in bank account at the time of filing.
Hi Saurabh,
I was filling DS-160 form for my parent and have a confusion regarding my mother’s name.
1. I put my father as primary applicants and added my mother as a co-traveler to it and submitted the form. My mother doesn’t have her surname mentioned in her passport. Her maiden name ( ABC XYZ) is mentioned in the Given Name and surname column is blank. But while submitting DS-160 form I put ABC in first name and put XYZ in surname.
2. My father got the HDFC receipt for her by putting ABC XYZ in given name and keeping surname column blank.
I realize this and sure the we cannot bifurcate name by ourself.
I heard the concept of putting FNU as first name and using Given Name as Surname while issuing visa.
Now questions:
1. I cannot change her passport as I don’t have that much of time & in HDFC receipt Given Name (ABC XYZ) & Surname (Blank) are as per the passport. So Can I re-fill my Father’s DS-160 form and put my mother’s given name as – FNU and put surname as – ABC XYZ and use the same HDFC receipt?
2. Can we get the name changed in HDFC receipt i.e. mention FNU as given name and ABC XYZ as Surname?
3. If I am using ABC XYZ as surname then can surname has a space in it.. like using ABC XYZ?
What else do you suggest.
Pankaj Gupta,
1. My suggestion would be to update the DS form and use FNU followed by actual name as in the passport (ABC XYZ).
2. It should be ok to leave HDFC receipt that way.
3. Yes, it can have a white space in b/w.
Thanks Saurabh
Earlier you said that for both the parents we have to fill just one DS 160 form,by adding one parent’s information as a companion to the other one.
Also I have 2 HDFC receipts seperately for both of them.
So now while booking for the interview date for them,it asked me to fill 2 different CEAC bar code(DS 160 receipt number) numbers,but I had just one as i filled just one form for both of them as a couple. What do u think needs to be done now?
1. Should i fill the Ds 160 forms for them seperately and add each of them as a companion to each other in their respective forms?
2. Or something else ?
Thanks
Need your assistance on this. Its urgent
Pankaj Gupta,
After you have completed one DS-160 form, you will be asked if you want to convert it into a family option. Once you do this, it will copy all the information from just completed DS form and create another DS form you. You can then make some edits to it (for things that would be different from previous DS form) and then submit it. You will end up w/ 2 DS forms, but have to enter data primarily in only one of them. I am sorry, if I said something else earlier.
I think the process has changed a little bit now. It doesn’t gives an option to “Create Family/Group Application” at the end of one application.
I don’t see any such button on the confirmation page of my father.
Can somebody else here confirm this, who has done visa processing recently.
Pankaj Gupta,
If that option is not available, then you can create another DS form by submitting all the information for your mother.
Has this been confirmed because even i cannot see the Family option after completing one DS-160 form ?
So as i understand we have to fill in two forms separately. Did anyone do this recently?
Please guide.
In case the USCIS has raised the same RFE, for clearing their doubt what document they might ask to prove that all the applications are for different positions. Will the procure something from the client?
Rajesh,
Are they submitting the same client letter for all positions? USCIS may contact client to know how many open positions they really have and if there is a mismatch b/w the real count and submitted count. What’s your employer opinion on it?
Saurabh,
All the client invite letters had different details, stating different technology skills.Right now all the position for which the employer has filed the H1b are currently filled, and the employer has future plans for sending all the offshore H1b holders to the client side so that the Rotation policy is also followed. What you say??
Rajesh,
It would be good to know the RFE reason. Only then can you know what they are looking for in all those petitions.
Saurabh,
Every year 4-5 petitions are filed and all are in different technology domains not same. They are filled as backups as whenever some one leaves from onsite, offshore can be transferred there. This year also the case was same. All the applications are from different technology domains. The employer has also not shared the receipt number(it is their policy).
Hi Saurabh,
My parents had usa visitor visa interview today at delhi consulate. they kept my parents passports and told them they will do their inquiry. also they have not given any kind of slips to my parents. what does this mean? Thanks..
Manu,
As they have kept the passports, that’s a positive sign. They might be doing some administrative processing, and then issue the visa.
can i take my photocopy title to the embassy sinc its 3 name on it and my lawer say he cant let ti out of is position