Has your son invited you to come to the United States for a visit and meet your new grandchild? Is your daughter graduating from an American university in Chicago? And what about your nephew who is getting married next month in Texas? For many parents, staying connected with their children means traveling to be with them. If that travel includes a visit to the United States, a tourist, or non-immigrant, visa is often required for entry, which typically involves an online application and an in-person interview at a U.S. embassy or consulate.
To qualify for a tourist visa, usually classified as a “B1/B2” or “B2” visa, parents will need to demonstrate several things to the consular officer who conducts their interview, including:
Why do you want to travel to the United States, and where do you want to go?
Officers will ask applicants about the reasons for visiting the United States, such as to visit family members, attend an event, or visit tourist attractions. They will expect applicants to speak about their general travel plans. A typical answer might be: “I am going to visit my daughter and her husband, who live in Richmond, Virginia, because they just had their first baby, and I want to help my daughter for a few weeks.”
What is your living situation here in your home country?
Questions about your living situation might ask about your work, who you live with, and your financial situation. These questions help officers determine if you have strong ties to your home country so that you will return home when your visit is finished. Showing that you will follow the rules and depart when you are expected to is a requirement of U.S. law to qualify for a visitor visa. Financial questions also ensure that you have sufficient money to pay for the cost of your trip or that someone else, such as your family member in the United States, is sponsoring your travel.
How did your family member in the United States come to live there?
The consular officer may ask about the circumstances that led to your family member living in the United States, including whether they are a U.S. citizen or legal permanent resident. Officers expect parents to know why their child is living abroad and a bit about their life there, such as the work they or a spouse does, where they live, and how long they have been there. It is very important to answer these questions truthfully, including saying “I don’t know” if they ask a question that you can’t answer. These questions help officers understand your relationship to the person in the United States and form a full picture of why you want to travel.
B1/B2 visa applicants often bring documents along with them to share with the consular officer. The only documents you are required to bring are your passport (that is valid for at least six months following the end of your travel) and the confirmation page from your online application. Documents like family photos, financial statements, and an invitation letter from your family member are unlikely to be of use during your interview, as officers prefer to use the limited time to speak directly with applicants. If your family member has given you information to share with the officer, such as the address of where they live, you are welcome to bring notes, which can be especially helpful if you, like many applicants, become nervous during the interview.
The most important thing to remember when applying for your B1/B2 visa is to answer all questions directly and truthfully. This starts with your online visa application form; if you are uncertain of some information, be sure to check your answers before submitting the application. While at your U.S. visa interview, respond to the consular officer’s specific questions so that they have the information they need to make an informed decision. Don’t be afraid to ask them to repeat the question or speak slower if that will help you. Being prepared will help you navigate the visa application and interview process confidently and bring you one step closer to visiting your loved ones in the United States.
DISCLAIMER:
This blog does not endorse or advocate for any illegal activities. All content presented here is intended for educational purposes only. The viewpoints expressed do not constitute legal advice and are solely based on the writer’s opinions and experiences. Please use the information provided responsibly. Any advice given is of a general nature and should be applied to your specific circumstances with caution and consideration.
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