B1/B2 VISA FOR PARENTS OF A US CITIZEN

[millefleur 5,046]

3 minutes ago, ra0010 said:

I wouldn’t be so sure about it. It actually shows strong ties to the US.

They already know that because you have to answer in the DS-160 about relatives in the US. That's why the decision is often made without even looking at additional docs. Some ustraveldocs sites actually recommend people to bring "plan of travel" letters, but that doesn't mean they will 100% look at it during the interview.

[dwheels76 5,468]

35 minutes ago, millefleur said:

Same in Russia. There's even a formal invitation you can get for private or tourist visas (it's is actually required.) People often just assume what is true in their country is true is also true of getting a US visa. I understand the logic as to why people make this assumption but reality is the US just does things differently.

Bless you say that because it is so so true. ❤️

[dwheels76 5,468]

27 minutes ago, ra0010 said:

I wouldn’t be so sure about it. It actually shows strong ties to the US.

For West Africa I will only speak to that. It can help in many instance. The reason is already stated on DS-160. But a letter it's nothing formal or anything everyone does it differently. Some show they can afford their trip some show the family or friend in US will.
They know good and well a grandparent coming to see grandbaby is coming to see grandbaby, cook and maybe see some sites. Not that deep.
When invitation letter gets stickin is for younger people, or spouse or GF or BF. That's where intent can be assumed they will stay and never return. Most older people especially if they have other spouse still back in country in most cases have no issue. Ties to country for people late 50's and older is usually not an issue even for Nigeria.

[SalishSea 17,829]

1 hour ago, dwheels76 said:

It sure doesn't hurt the situation.

It sure can.  The US DOS is far less interested in why someone wants to come here, and very much focused on why they will return home.

[mari04 100]

DOS makes it very hard for parents of USC to get visitor visas. This, given long wait for b1/2 I nterview in Lagos, I would file I-130 now. The chances are that they will get green card before they can get visitors visa. In addition, the chances for IR-5 in your case is much higher than b1/2 from Nigeria. 

[millefleur 5,046]

4 hours ago, dwheels76 said:

Unfortunately Visitor Visa interviews are more than 3 years in the future for available dates. I made one for my brother in law in August and his interview is November of 2023.

2 hours ago, mari04 said:

DOS makes it very hard for parents of USC to get visitor visas. This, given long wait for b1/2 I nterview in Lagos, I would file I-130 now. The chances are that they will get green card before they can get visitors visa. In addition, the chances for IR-5 in your case is much higher than b1/2 from Nigeria. 

Yeah, given the wait time, they could probably get an IR-5 approved faster than waiting to get an interview for a tourist visa. 😕

 

I suspected that parents of USC's would have a hard time getting approved for a B visa. Thankfully, we had my MIL go and apply for hers before my husband became a citizen and she was approved. I'm sure the outcome could have been different if he was a citizen already when she applied.

[mari04 100]

15 minutes ago, millefleur said:

Yeah, given the wait time, they could probably get an IR-5 approved faster than waiting to get an interview for a tourist visa. 😕

 

I suspected that parents of USC's would have a hard time getting approved for a B visa. Thankfully, we had my MIL go and apply for hers before my husband became a citizen and she was approved. I'm sure the outcome could have been different if he was a citizen already when she applied.

I think it stinks that they make people to go after the green card when they are not planning on staying just to see their kids and grandkids. 

[millefleur 5,046]

7 minutes ago, mari04 said:

I think it stinks that they make people to go after the green card when they are not planning on staying just to see their kids and grandkids. 

Could not agree more. Especially when older people are a lot less likely to stay and adjust. I was so worried my MIL was going to get rejected because she's a housewife/landlord and doesn't really "work." The officer asked basically what would make her go back to Russia and what she does with her time and she said her grandkids in Russia. Shortly after they discussed it, she was approved. So, pro tip for anyone who wants their parents to come: having grandkids in the home country seems to count as a strong tie.

 

She also has a passport filled with stamps from Europe (they travel there at least one time a year) so perhaps that also contributed to the approval. ¯\_ (ツ)_/¯ Who knows!

Edited December 17, 2021 by millefleur

[SalishSea 17,829]

4 minutes ago, mari04 said:

I think it stinks that they make people to go after the green card when they are not planning on staying just to see their kids and grandkids. 

Those from this and other high-fraud countries who used a visitor visa to adjust status previously, have created this system.

[millefleur 5,046]

15 minutes ago, Jorgedig said:

Those from this and other high-fraud countries who used a visitor visa to adjust status previously, have created this system.

Not just adjust, but just stay illegally and/or overstay. My guess is more people stay illegal/overstay than find ways to stay and adjust.

Edited December 17, 2021 by millefleur

[CharleneB 112]

One thing I'd like us to know is that US visa applications is not a one-size fits all, if you think whatever is applicable from country A is the same in country B, you need to do your research because it's not. I posted the question because I have been asked before and it's mainly for the benefits of those from my part of the world as a reference. It's not something you learn on Google /YouTube or USCIS website. If everybody could find answers on those platforms, they would not come here at all .

Our process/timeline in obtaining GC or USC might align while we are here in the US but the requirements on visa is country by country basis , so don't generalized if you are not from that specific country. If you must respond to such thread, look for experienced members from such country (which you can tell from the profile banners on the left side of the page) and refer them to the questions.

Let's keep learning and re-learning.

[mari04 100]

52 minutes ago, Jorgedig said:

Those from this and other high-fraud countries who used a visitor visa to adjust status previously, have created this system.

Not really. If they judge on case-by-case basis they know that the same people that they don’t issue b1/2 will turn around and get a green card. This is true across the board for all parents of us citizens. What is the point in rejecting their application?

[SalishSea 17,829]

1 hour ago, mari04 said:

Not really. If they judge on case-by-case basis they know that the same people that they don’t issue b1/2 will turn around and get a green card. This is true across the board for all parents of us citizens. What is the point in rejecting their application?

The data is pretty clear when it comes to green card fraud and specific countries.

 

Fraud perpetuated by Nigerians previously directly impacts Nigerians now wanting visas - it simply does.  

Edited December 17, 2021 by Jorgedig

[SteveInBostonI130 3,451]

11 hours ago, CharleneB said:

One thing I'd like us to know is that US visa applications is not a one-size fits all, if you think whatever is applicable from country A is the same in country B, you need to do your research because it's not.

 

 

For visitor/tourist visas, the requirements are the same for every country.  The DOS policy manual states that each applicant is to be suspect of immigrant intent until proven otherwise.

 

What differs is in the degree of evidence that the consulate/CO requires.  Some countries, with proven record/trend of no visa violations, are easier because the CO is not expected to provide extensive justification for their approval of a visa.  For high fraud countries, the COs are more hesistant and require more evidence to justify approval.

 

In Ukraine, for example, it is a relatively easy process to get K1 and IR1/CR1 visas.  I suspect It is because there have been very few cases of non-genuine relationships.  However, it is extremely difficult for some to get tourist visas.  Single men and women, specifically, due to visa overstays and such.  But some (single men and women) do manage to get them.

 

In every case, no matter the country, if the applicant shows strong ties to their home country, it is more likely than not to get approved for a tourist visa.  Because everyone is to suspected of immigrant intent.  Even those from Luxembourg.

[Redro 4,611]

20 hours ago, CharleneB said:

I mentioned my status because when you are inviting  your " parents /kids"  on B1/B2 not even siblings ( which is another case on it's own), it's totally different from someone whose intent is for tourism. For instance, some countries/cities have B1 visa application separate from B2  but  in my city , it's combined .And  some types of visa holder ( F1, H1B)  also have the right to invite their parents/kids  just like GC holder or USC but what would be asked to present varies. And what the CO base their decisions on is country-to-country basis. Thanks for your input and  like I said I got the exact tips I needed from the Nigerian forum.

You've got it wrong. 

If you're going to the States on business the process for getting a B1/B2 is very different to going to the States and visiting a friend, partner or family member.

In my country, you go fo the interview and it doesn't matter if you're visiting friends/ family or going to a conference- you get the B1/B2 visa stamp. BUT

If you're going to the States on business you'll show proof of your trip- conference details, invitation letter, letter from your company in your home country- That's when support from a US entity matters. 

If you're going to the States for tourism? They don't really care about letters of support from US based family/friends they want to see ties to your home country.

When you arrive in the US- that's when you passport will be stamped with B1 or B2. 

Long story short:

When it comes to tourism- ties to home country is important.

When it comes to business- letters from job and inviting institution are important.