Becoming a U.S citizen

[jons_wifey 22]

So I am on my way of becoming a U.S Citizen and I'm just thinking about possibly sponsoring my parents to come over.

I have the option to sponsor them OR to have them apply for the B2 Visa from UK.

They are both living in London, UK, both residents, and both citizens of UK.

My dad is a diabetic and wheelchair disabled. So his health is in good hands from the UK health system, prescriptions, docs appointments, etc.....

So I was thinking that MAYBE it is best if they apply for the B2 so that they can visit me here in U.S every 6 months then go back to UK for 6 months, etc....etc.... 90 days just doesn't cut it.

IF I were to sponsor them then they will have to live here 5 years straight, of course visiting UK for no more than 6 months in that 5 years else it could or would ruin their opportunity to apply for themselves as U.S citizens, having said that, they are both nearing the age of 70 so I'm not sure if they ever intend on becoming naturalized U.S citizens.

I guess my post if to ask others for their opinions, whether the B2 option is best for them both.

To apply for the B2 visa, do they have to book an appointment at the U.S embassy in London, what paperwork would they need to bring with them?

[Inky 1,111]

You need to look at the US embassy website for where they would apply for the visa.

http://london.usembassy.gov/visas.html

Yes an interview is required for tourist visas.

[NigeriaorBust 4,087]

If your father has a preexisting condition then you need to beware they could ask up front for proof of medical insurance to cover him. They have never contributed to the US social security system so they would not be eligble for most common old age benefits here. Living here might limit their access to benefits back home so check on that also. A visitors visa is probably best and much less expensive.

[aaron2020 11,651]

As Nigerorbust has pointed out, your parents will not have an easy time immigrating to the US. They would not qualify for Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid, and most other public benefits. Because they cannot qualify for these social safety nets, they would need to prove they can afford to take care of themselves financially and medically, and that they wouldn't have to rely on the public dole.

It is best if they just visit. As UK citizens, they can visit the US for up to 90 days on the Visa Waiver Program (VWP). Alternatively, they could apply for visitor visas that may allow them to be in the US for 180 days on any visit. However, if their visitor visas are denied, they will not be able to use the VWP.

In your situation, I would just use the VWP.

[Boiler 45,727]

Might want to check cost availability of travel insurance.