B2 For Philippine Parents

[Bugs 455]

Hello, just wondering what our chances of approval on this would be.

 

Wife is a US-Phil dual citizen, been married and living here in US with me, a US citizen, for over 6 years.  She wants to have her Philippine parents here in the US for a visit during the holidays in 2021.

 

Wife’s parents are both 60+, living in Philippines, mostly no income.  They own a couple pieces of property, one they are living on.  All 4 children are adults.  One of these adult children is my wife, another encountered complications while here on a workers visa and is in the US illegally, the other two live in the Philippines.

 

My wife mentions that she read about “sponsorship” from us affecting the chances of B2 approval for her parents.  Is there merit to this, and, if so, what are the recommended financial parameters?

 

Also, father has dormant Hepititis B.  Not sure if this will be a factor.

 

I also wanted to find out the typical pre-COVID length of processing time, from start to finish on B2 visas in the Philippines.

 

Thank you.

Edited May 15, 2020 by Bugs

[Hank_ 9,174]

The parent's tourist visa approval is based upon their own merits, there is no "sponsorship" that would affect the outcome.

 

As for chances of being approved;  I have seen a number of tourist visas approved for parents (senior citizens), same can not be said for younger people applying. 

 

Friends of mine had her mom here visiting for about 90 days just last year.

 

 

https://ph.usembassy.gov/visas/nonimmigrant-visas/

 

https://www.ustraveldocs.com/ph/ph-niv-typeb1b2.asp

[Bugs 455]

I should also add that father has traveled to US a few times in the past on worker visas when younger and never overstayed.

[Bugs 455]

1 minute ago, Hank_ said:

The parent's tourist visa approval is based upon their own merits, there is no "sponsorship" that would affect the outcome.

 

As for chances of being approved;  I have seen a number of tourist visas approved for parents (senior citizens), same can not be said for younger people applying. 

 

Friends of mine had her mom here visiting for about 90 days just last year.

 

 

https://ph.usembassy.gov/visas/nonimmigrant-visas/

 

https://www.ustraveldocs.com/ph/ph-niv-typeb1b2.asp

Thanks Hank.  What was the typical pre-COVID processing time from application start to visa in hand?

[Bugs 455]

3 minutes ago, Hank_ said:

The parent's tourist visa approval is based upon their own merits, there is no "sponsorship" that would affect the outcome.

 

As for chances of being approved;  I have seen a number of tourist visas approved for parents (senior citizens), same can not be said for younger people applying. 

 

Friends of mine had her mom here visiting for about 90 days just last year.

 

 

https://ph.usembassy.gov/visas/nonimmigrant-visas/

 

https://www.ustraveldocs.com/ph/ph-niv-typeb1b2.asp

From your second link.  Perhaps this is the “sponsorship” that my wife was reading about, given we would be paying for all expenses?  If so, how is it presented as evidence?

 

Applicant must present :

• Evidence of funds to cover your expenses while in the United States

 

 

[Hank_ 9,174]

1 minute ago, Bugs said:

Thanks Hank.  What was the typical pre-COVID processing time from application start to visa in hand?

 

I don't have a clue on the timeline, truly depends on appt openings.   I would think it could be completed in 30-60 days

 

Process is pretty straight forward;  Pay the visa fee at BPI, complete the DS-160, setup the online acct/dashboard, go to the scheduling calendar to select a date.  (2nd link I gave you has details)

[Hank_ 9,174]

1 minute ago, Bugs said:

From your second link.  Perhaps this is the “sponsorship” that my wife was reading about, given we would be paying for all expenses?  If so, how is it presented as evidence?

 

Applicant must present :

• Evidence of funds to cover your expenses while in the United States

 

 

You could simple write a letter stating you would be providing payment for all expenses of the visit.

[Bugs 455]

Just now, Hank_ said:

 

I don't have a clue on the timeline, truly depends on appt openings.   I would think it could be completed in 30-60 days

 

Process is pretty straight forward;  Pay the visa fee at BPI, complete the DS-160, setup the online acct/dashboard, go to the scheduling calendar to select a date.  (2nd link I gave you has details)

Okay thanks.

Just now, Hank_ said:

You could simple write a letter stating you would be providing payment for all expenses of the visit.

Okay, so no US bank account information or amounts?

[Just Paul 4,595]

6 minutes ago, Bugs said:

What was the typical pre-COVID processing time from application start to visa in hand?

A few weeks.  Post COVID - expect a lot longer initially due to pent up demand.

[geowrian 22,337]

They would list you you the DS-160 as covering the expenses. It's not sponsorship...they're just asking who is paying for the trip.

The rumor mill with sponsorship of US tourist visas is still strong. It's been that way for as long as I can recall. Maybe because this is something that exists with other countries? idk

[Bugs 455]

42 minutes ago, Paul & Mary said:

A few weeks.  Post COVID - expect a lot longer initially due to pent up demand.

Thanks

20 minutes ago, geowrian said:

They would list you you the DS-160 as covering the expenses. It's not sponsorship...they're just asking who is paying for the trip.

The rumor mill with sponsorship of US tourist visas is still strong. It's been that way for as long as I can recall. Maybe because this is something that exists with other countries? idk

Ah

[Chancy 6,239]

As geowrian said, just write in their DS-160 that you will be covering their expenses in the US.  No need for a letter --

 

Note: Visa applicants must qualify on the basis of the applicant's residence and ties abroad, rather than assurances from U.S. family and friends. A letter of invitation or Affidavit of Support is not needed to apply for a visitor visa. If you choose to bring a letter of invitation or Affidavit of Support to your interview, please remember it is not one of the factors used in determining whether to issue or deny the visa.

 

https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/tourism-visit/visitor.html

 

1 hour ago, Bugs said:

All 4 children are adults.  One of these adult children is my wife, another encountered complications while here on a workers visa and is in the US illegally, the other two live in the Philippines.

 

Advise your in-laws to be ready to address questions about their child who is in the US illegally.

 

[Bugs 455]

3 hours ago, Chancy said:

 

Advise your in-laws to be ready to address questions about their child who is in the US illegally.

 

Yes.  It wasn’t an issue for my wife’s K-1 interview (her sister wasn’t even brought up although we listed her on the application), but I understand it may be a factor in tourist visa approvals.

Edited May 15, 2020 by Bugs

[Hank_ 9,174]

On 5/15/2020 at 12:06 PM, Bugs said:

Okay thanks.

Okay, so no US bank account information or amounts?

Nope