When to start applying for B2?

[bmshurley 0]

I recently started reading into the requirements for a good friend of mine to get a tourist visa and I must say I am a bit overwhelmed! So, any advice or tips are much appreciated.

When I was traveling in Colombia about 2 years ago, I met a good Colombia friend (just friends, we are both male). I have spent several weeks staying with his family, seeing his country and now we would like for him to come visit me here in the US. We know it can be a quite a daunting (and expensive) task, so we are aiming for him to come some time in summer 2014.

First off, when is the right time to submit the application? I was thinking that because the wait time is usually 12 months, we should complete the process in May of this year, so if for some reason he is denied, he can try again before summer of 2014. Is this too early to send in the application and what not?

Another big question is that of the significant social and economic ties--which I'm sure is usually the most important question. My friend is very young, 18yo, so naturally he is not rolling in the dough and doesn't own his own home. However, he does have a full-time job (though they money is not so great). He is also planning on going to university in September 2013. Surely, being a full-time student and working full-time would constitute economic ties in Colombia? (Though I do recognize nothing is 100% certain with obtaining a B2 visa.)

Now when it comes to money, most of the money will be provided by his parents as he doesn't have enough to pay for it all himself. Does this help/hurt his chances of coming? He's not 100% financially independent but that's not to say he is in need of a better economic situation. I would think that this might even show more ties back home (as much of his finances and costs depend on being in Colombia.)

Thanks for your replies in advance, I've read through several websites but there is no substitute from personalized responses from people who have actually gone to the process.

[Boiler 45,993]

He does not seem to have a particularly strong case, but it is what it is. Probably best to apply in about a year.