Retired parents visiting

[Strider_Ranger 0]

Hi VJ Forum,

 

What advice would you give to parents who are visiting their LPR and USC relatives (their son and his wife) on a visitor visa, to have no issues at POE?

 

They will obviously will have their return ticket (for 1 month), but what other documents could they have to show ties to their homeland? They did visit the States before a few times, but that was more than a decade ago (and they both were employed at that time).

 

Thanks for anything that comes into mind! Oh, and would they need to translate anything if they brought evidence with them?

[Boiler 46,099]

Buy good Travel Insurance.

[Strider_Ranger 0]

17 minutes ago, Boiler said:

Buy good Travel Insurance.

 

Just because they are retired? Should they have a letter with them signed by the family with contact information living in the States?

 

14 minutes ago, Dee elle said:

We visited regularly for 13 years before immigrating. Never any issues at POE  always return ticket, never overstayed, honest answer to why are you coming to the US.... visting our son and his family.

 

That sounds more reassuring. Yeah, no overstay in the past. Would you say you visited every year during those 13 years?

[Boiler 46,099]

Being retired suggests they are older and likely to be in need of having good Travel Insurance.

[Strider_Ranger 0]

6 minutes ago, Boiler said:

Being retired suggests they are older and likely to be in need of having good Travel Insurance.

 

4 minutes ago, Dee elle said:

They will always need good medical travel Insurance... not because of their age, but because of the costs of medical  treatment in the US 

 

They  just need the addess at which they will be for at least the first night in the US.even if it is a hotel .. they do not need a letter from you.. they must be able to support their own visit.

 

We visited some times 3 or 4 times some years... we used VWP and ESTA...

Gotya. @Boiler, I took your comment first as you trying to say that they will be put back on a plane and at least with travel insurance they could get some of their money back.

 

Yes, they will have good travel insurance for sure. Is that something they should show at the border, as part of their proof that they can support themselves? Or just have it ready, in case they get questioned, similarly to the amount of money with them?

[Boiler 46,099]

Just now, Dee elle said:

Never been asked if I had travel insurance by CBP 

I think I saw it happen once but agree very unlikely.

[Strider_Ranger 0]

Makes sense. They have to prove that they will be able to support their visit, and because of them being retired, it is harder to prove that than someone who is still employed.

 

I see. CBP besides overstay is also concerned about that a visitor doesn't become a burden on America financially. So even if they will be hosted by their family, they should still bring quite some money with them right? Should they bring bank statements? Maybe a house deed? Far as I know, they are actually doing pretty well with their retirement money.

[Strider_Ranger 0]

Thanks, both of you! Super helpful information.

[audacieux89 256]

19 hours ago, Strider_Ranger said:

Hi VJ Forum,

 

What advice would you give to parents who are visiting their LPR and USC relatives (their son and his wife) on a visitor visa, to have no issues at POE?

 

They will obviously will have their return ticket (for 1 month), but what other documents could they have to show ties to their homeland? They did visit the States before a few times, but that was more than a decade ago (and they both were employed at that time).

 

Thanks for anything that comes into mind! Oh, and would they need to translate anything if they brought evidence with them?

My parents were able to enter without any issue. They will be asked for their return ticket, who they will be visiting, relationship, reason,  and the address of where they will be staying. They might also be asked how much money they are carrying with them and who will pay for their expenses during their trip. They did not need to show any papers to the officer (aside from the travel itinerary/plane ticket).

[Sunnyland 639]

My mom came to visit us twice and the POE officer asked her the typical questions. Who she is coming to see, length of stay, etc. No documents were requested by the officer. 

 

PS: She is retired too.

Edited April 3, 2018 by Sunnyland

[Strider_Ranger 0]

Does sound reassuring that most likely it is just general questions.

 

Thanks for sharing your experiences!