Gavin Howe
If you are a US citizen or permanent resident and want your parents-in-law to visit you in the US, they will need to apply for a B2 tourist visa. The B2 visa is for tourists who want to visit family or friends in the US. The first step is to help your parents-in-law complete the online travel visa application, Form DS-160, which collects biographical information, travel plans, and other details about the travel visa applicant. The visa application fee for a B-2 visa is $185, and it is non-refundable. Your in-laws will also need to bring a recent colour photograph of themselves that meets the US visa requirements. They will also need to provide evidence of strong ties to their home country, such as proof of employment, property ownership, financial assets, or family connections.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of Visa | B2 Tourist Visa |
| Visa Application Fee | $185 |
| Visa Validity | Up to six months |
| Visa Application Form | DS-160 |
| Visa Requirements | Evidence of strong ties to home country, invitation letter, travel itinerary, recent photograph, visa interview |
| Visa Extensions | No specified limit on the number of extensions |
| Visa Waiver Program | Available for eligible individuals from certain countries |
| Visa Processing Time | A few days to several weeks |
| Visa Interview | Conducted by a consular officer, covers travel plans and ties to home country |
| Visa Decision | Made by the consular officer after the interview |
| Visa Stamping Documents | Copy of work visa approval, passport, bank statements, salary statements, tax returns, DS forms, Green Card (if applicable) |
| Visa Sponsorship | Requires proof of funds in the bank, sponsorship letters, and other financial documents |
| Visa for Parents-in-Law | Same requirements as for parents, additional spouse details and documents needed |
| Visa for Permanent Residence | Form I-130 petition, Form I-485 for Adjustment of Status, Form DS-260, Form I-864 |
| Visa for Parents of US Citizens | IR-5 Visa, requires proof of relationship and financial support |
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What You'll Learn
B2 tourist visa requirements
A B-2 visa is a non-immigrant visa for individuals who want to enter the United States for tourism, pleasure, or visiting friends and family. It also covers certain medical treatments, sightseeing, and participation in social events or contests without receiving pay. The B-2 visa does not grant permanent residency and is valid for a maximum stay of six months.
To apply for a B-2 visa, you need to prove that your trip to the US is for tourism or visiting purposes. The government filing fee for a B-2 visa is currently $185, which does not include the cost of gathering documents, evidence, and acquiring passport photos.
- A passport valid for at least six months beyond the date of your planned stay in the US.
- A recent digital photograph that meets government requirements.
- Proof that your trip to the US is for tourism or visiting purposes. This could include flight reservations, hotel bookings, or a letter of invitation from your host in the US.
- Financial documentation demonstrating that you can support yourself financially during your stay in the US.
- A completed visa application form, such as Form DS-160.
- Attendance at a visa interview, where a consular officer will assess your application and may request additional documents.
It is important to note that citizens of certain countries, such as Canada and Bermuda, may not require a visa to enter the US for tourism, business, or temporary purposes. Additionally, Chinese citizens with 10-year B-2 visas are required to update their biographical information through the Electronic Visa Update System (EVUS) every two years or when they obtain a new passport or visa.
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Visa interview preparation
To prepare for a US visa interview for parents-in-law, there are several steps that can be taken to ensure that the applicants are ready and confident. Here is a detailed guide to help them prepare:
- Complete the necessary forms: Before the interview, your parents-in-law will need to complete the DS-160 form online. This form collects biographical information, travel plans, and other relevant details about the applicant. It is important to note that each applicant must fill out their own DS-160 form.
- Pay the application fee and schedule the interview: After completing the DS-160 form, your parents-in-law will need to pay the Machine Readable Visa (MRV) application fee and schedule their interview appointment. They can do this by visiting https://ais.usvisa-info.com.
- Prepare relevant documents: It is essential to gather and prepare all the necessary documents for the interview. These documents include:
- Passport
- DS-160 confirmation page
- Appointment confirmation
- Financial documents (bank statements, pension slips, etc.)
- Proof of property ownership or other financial assets
- Travel itinerary, including flight details and hotel reservations
- Invitation letter from the host in the US (optional but recommended)
- Visa officer cover letter
- Recent colour photograph that meets US visa requirements
- Proof of employment or other evidence of strong ties to their home country
- Be honest and convincing: During the interview, it is crucial to be honest and provide genuine responses. Consular officers are trained to identify false answers. Additionally, your parents-in-law should be prepared to convince the officer that they intend to return to their home country after their visit. They can highlight their strong ties to their home, such as family, employment, property ownership, or other commitments.
- Practice common interview questions: To feel more confident during the interview, your parents-in-law can practice answering common questions. These may include inquiries about their purpose of visit, travel plans, ties to their home country, and financial stability. They should be prepared to provide clear and concise answers that demonstrate their eligibility for the visa.
- Dress appropriately: It is important to dress neatly and appropriately for the visa interview. While a suit or formal attire may not be required, it is best to avoid casual or revealing clothing.
- Arrive early: On the day of the interview, ensure that your parents-in-law arrive at the embassy or consulate early. This will help them avoid any last-minute rushes and allow them to calm their nerves before the interview.
- Be respectful and polite: Throughout the interview process, it is essential to maintain a respectful and polite attitude towards the consular officer. Answer questions honestly and directly, and avoid providing unnecessary or false information.
- Follow-up with health insurance: Once the visa is approved, remember to help your parents-in-law obtain suitable health insurance for their trip to the US. This is an important step to ensure they are covered in case of any unforeseen medical situations during their visit.
By following these steps and preparing in advance, your parents-in-law can increase their chances of a successful outcome during the US visa interview process.
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Visa application form
To visit the USA, parents-in-law will need to apply for a B-2 tourist visa. This is a type of visitor visa that allows individuals to enter the US as a tourist. The B-2 visa is typically valid for six months, but visitors can apply for an extension if they want to stay longer. There is no limit to the number of extensions allowed, but the USCIS requires a minimum of four months to process an application for extension.
The visa application form for a B-2 visa is Form DS-160. This form collects biographical information, travel plans, and other details about the travel visa applicant. Each applicant must fill out their own DS-160 form, so if both parents-in-law are travelling to the US, they will each need to complete and submit a separate form. The form can be completed online, and there is a $185 fee per applicant to submit the form. This fee is non-refundable. Payment can be made online via credit card or electronic transfer, and a receipt must be printed as proof of payment.
After filing the DS-160 form, your parents-in-law will need to schedule a visa appointment at the US Embassy or consulate in their home country. This can usually be done online or by phone, depending on their location. They will need to bring several documents to their appointment, including:
- A recent, colour photograph that meets US visa requirements
- Evidence of strong ties to their home country, such as proof of employment, property ownership, financial assets, or family connections
- A copy of their travel itinerary, including flight details and hotel reservations
- A copy of their passport
- Bank statements from the last six months
- Bank account verification/balance letter
- Copies of the last three salary statements/pay slips
- Copies of previous years' tax returns (if applicable)
- A copy of their Green Card (if they are not working on a visa)
If you are sponsoring your parents-in-law's trip, you will need to provide proof that you have sufficient funds in your bank account to support their visit. You will also need to include your spouse's details and documents with the application package.
In addition to the above documents, your parents-in-law may also choose to bring an invitation letter from you. This letter should include your contact information, the purpose of their visit, and the duration of their stay. It is not required for your relatives to obtain a B-2 visa, but it can help support your parents-in-law's application by demonstrating their intention to return home after their visit.
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Visa processing time
The processing time for a B-1/B-2 visa for tourism travel to the United States can vary depending on several factors. These include the volume of applications at the specific US embassy or consulate, the country of application, and the applicant's specific circumstances. On average, it takes a few days to several weeks or months from the time of application to when the visa is processed.
It is important to apply well before the planned travel date, especially considering potential delays or the need for additional documentation. The US Embassy and Consulate websites provide information on nonimmigrant visa wait times for interviews and visa processing time frames. However, the "Wait Times for a Nonimmigrant Visa to be Processed" information by country does not include the time required for administrative processing. It also does not include the time to return the passport to applicants.
In addition, consular sections overseas may be able to expedite the interview date in urgent, unforeseen situations such as funerals, medical emergencies, or school start dates. However, travel for weddings, graduation ceremonies, assisting pregnant relatives, conferences, or last-minute tourism does not qualify for expedited appointments.
After the interview, your in-laws will receive a decision from the consular officer, and if approved, they will need to wait for their tourist visa to be processed. They should not make any travel arrangements until they receive their official B2 visa.
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Permanent residence and green card applications
To petition for your parents-in-law to live in the United States as permanent residents, you must be a US citizen and at least 21 years old. Green Card holders (permanent residents) may not petition to bring parents to live permanently in the United States.
If your name or your parent-in-law's name has changed, include proof of the legal name change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, adoption decree, court judgment of name change, etc.).
If your parents-in-law are outside the United States, they will be notified to go to the local US consulate to complete visa processing once your Form I-130 petition is approved. If your parents-in-law are currently in the United States, they may be eligible to file Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status, concurrently with Form I-130.
If your parents-in-law are in the United States and have applied to adjust to permanent resident status by filing Form I-485, they are eligible to apply for employment and travel authorization while their case is pending. They should use Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization, and Form I-131, Application for Travel Document, to apply for travel authorization.
If your parents-in-law have minor children abroad, those children cannot be sponsored on the same petition.
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Frequently asked questions
Your in-laws will need to apply for a B2 tourist visa.
Your in-laws will need to provide the following documents:
- A recent, colour photograph that meets US visa requirements
- Evidence of strong ties to their home country, such as proof of employment, property ownership, financial assets, or family connections
- A copy of their travel itinerary, including flight details and hotel reservations
- An invitation letter from you
- A copy of their passport
- Bank statements from the last six months
- Bank account verification/balance letter
- Copies of their last three salary statements/payslips
- Copies of previous years' tax returns (if applicable)
- DS forms (if filled out and signed)
- Copy of Green Card (if not working on a visa)
You will need to provide an invitation letter, sponsorship letter, and proof of sufficient funds in your bank account. You may also need to provide a cover letter addressed to the visa officer.
The time it takes to process a B2 visa can vary depending on the embassy or consulate, but it usually takes anywhere from a few days to several weeks.
