How To Apply B2 Tourist Visa For Parents: Documents Checklist

Before applying for the B-2 visa, there are a few essential requirements to check:

1. Valid Passport: Ensure your parents’ passports are valid for at least six months beyond their intended stay in the U.S. In many countries, it takes several weeks to months to get a passport. But in countries like India, with the introduction of Tatkaal in India, a passport can be issued in a week.
2. Financial Preparation: If you are sponsoring the trip, ensure you have at least $10,000 in savings to demonstrate financial capability. Start saving early to avoid large deposits that might raise red flags during the interview.
3. Health Insurance: Arrange for travel health insurance for your parents to cover emergencies, as medical expenses in the U.S. can be high.

If you are sponsoring your parents’ visit, you need to show proof of financial stability through the following documents:

1. Bank Balance Letter: Obtain a signed and stamped Bank Account Balance Letter from your bank. The letter should indicate your account’s average balance and the account opening date. Banks like Chase provide this letter instantly, while Bank of America may take longer.
2. Additional Proof of Funds: Submit your recent W-2 forms, pay stubs, and bank statements from the past six months.
3. Affidavit of Support (Form I-134): Though optional, this form strengthens the case by affirming your financial responsibility during your parents’ stay.

Tip: Sudden large deposits before the visa application can raise suspicion, so start saving early to show consistent account activity.

Step 3: Include Employment Verification and Invitation Letters

Employment Verification for Workers and Students

If you are working in the U.S. on a visa (H1B, L1, F1, or as a Green Card holder), it’s important to provide the following documents:

• Employment Verification Letter: This letter, issued by your employer, should confirm your job title, salary, and employment status. It assures the consulate that you have a stable position in the U.S.
• Immigration Documents: Include copies of your current visa, I-94 form, and other relevant documents to demonstrate your legal status.

Documents for F1 Students

If you are an F1 student, you can submit a graduation invitation letter along with copies of your F1 visa, I-94, and I-20 forms to support the reason for your parents’ visit.

While not mandatory, writing an invitation letter can strengthen your parents’ visa application. This letter should clearly:

• Invite your parents to the U.S.
• Mention the purpose and duration of their visit (e.g., “visiting family for two months” or “attending graduation”).
• Outline any activities or events planned during their stay.

In addition to the invitation letter, it’s highly recommended to include a cover letter addressed to the visa officer. The cover letter should summarize the purpose of your parents’ visit and list the supporting documents provided in an organized manner. This helps the consular officer review the application more efficiently.

The DS-160 is the official visa application form for U.S. visitor visas. Help your parents fill out the online visa application for the US visitor visa and make sure all biographical and travel information is correct. Each parent needs to submit a separate application. Here are some tips to ensure smooth completion:

1. Declare Yourself as Preparer: If you are helping your parents fill out the form, make sure to declare yourself as the preparer.
2. Group Application: After submitting the first application, use the “Create Family/Group Application” option to save time by copying shared information to the second application.
3. Save Frequently: The DS-160 takes about 1-2 hours to complete. Save your progress frequently to avoid data loss.
4. DS-160 Confirmation Page: Once submitted, print the DS-160 confirmation page with the barcode. This page is required for the visa interview.

1. Visa Fee Payment: The B-2 visa application fee is $185, non-refundable. Payment options vary by country; for example, in India, you can pay via NEFT, UPI, credit card, or cash. Keep the payment receipt safe, as it will be required during the visa appointment.
2. Scheduling the Visa Interview: Schedule a visa interview at the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate in your parents’ home country. Use the U.S. Department of State’s Appointment Wait Time tool to find the earliest available slots. In India, the main consulate locations include New Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Hyderabad, and Kolkata.

Tip: Visa interview wait times may vary from a few weeks to several months, so plan accordingly. For emergencies, you can request an expedited appointment.

Note: Print, sign, and organize all key documents, including the I-134 (if applicable), invitation letter, and cover letter. Send originals of critical documents like employment and bank letters, keeping copies for your records. Use a reliable courier service such as DHL, FedEx, or UPS with tracking, which may cost up to USD 100. To avoid delays, ship early so your parents have everything they need well before the visa interview.

Biometrics Appointment

Your parents will need to attend a biometrics appointment to have their fingerprints and photos taken. This is usually scheduled a few days before the visa interview at a Visa Application Center (VAC).

Visa Interview Tips

During the interview, the consular officer will evaluate whether your parents are likely to overstay or work illegally. To increase the chances of approval:

• Provide Clear Answers: Your parents should state their reason for visiting—whether it’s tourism, a family reunion, or attending a specific event.
• Bring Evidence of Ties to Home Country: Include documents proving your parents’ employment status, property ownership, family obligations, or pension benefits to reassure the officer they will return home.
• Present All Required Documents: Your parents should carry all the documents mentioned above, including the invitation letter, financial statements, and travel itinerary.

If there is an urgent need—such as a medical emergency or funeral—you can request an expedited visa interview.

How to Request an Expedited Appointment

1. Pay the Visa Fee and Submit the DS-160 Form.
2. Schedule a Regular Appointment through the U.S. Embassy or Consulate’s online system.
3. Request Expedited Interview: Log in to your account, click “Expedite” on the appointment dashboard, and provide the details and supporting documents for your emergency.
4. Wait for a Response: The consulate will review your request and email you back. If approved, follow the instructions to schedule your emergency appointment.

For expedited requests, you need specific documents:

• Medical Emergencies: Doctor’s letter explaining urgency.
• Funerals/Death of Family Member: Death certificate or funeral home letter.
• Urgent Business Needs: Letter from U.S. employer or business partner.

Note: Most requests aren’t approved. Provide detailed supporting documents. If denied, attend your regular appointment.

Medical Documentation from a U.S. Doctor or Medical Facility

If your parents are applying for a B-2 visa to seek medical treatment in the U.S., it is crucial to provide detailed and comprehensive medical documentation. This letter, issued by a U.S.-based doctor or medical facility, must clearly outline the treatment plan and associated costs to demonstrate the purpose and scope of the visit. Here’s what the letter should include:

1. Treatment Plan: A detailed description of the medical condition and the recommended course of treatment. Information on the type of care (e.g., surgery, therapy, ongoing consultations).
2. Duration of Treatment: Expected timeline, including the start and end dates of treatment, follow-ups, and recovery period (if applicable).
3. Comprehensive Cost Breakdown: A full breakdown of expected expenses, including doctor’s fees, hospitalization, diagnostic tests, medications, and any other related costs.
4. Statement of Financial Responsibility: A formal declaration from the sponsoring individual, organization, or institution assuming financial responsibility for all expenses. This statement should be backed by:
   • Proof of financial capability: Bank statements, income tax returns, or other documents showing sufficient funds to cover treatment and associated expenses.
   • Commitment letter: Documentation outlining who will bear the costs for transportation, medical care, accommodation, and living expenses during the visit.

Important: While providing these documents helps establish the medical necessity of the visit, it does not guarantee visa approval. All visa applicants must prove they do not have immigrant intent, meaning the visit is temporary, and they plan to return to their home country after treatment.