Last week, my parents got their visitor visa for 10 years. So I just thought to compile all the necessary steps here to serve as a guideline which I think would be helpful for my friends in US who are planning to invite their parents from India.

Application Fee:

1. Find a designated branch of HDFC Bank in India to purchase US Visa Fee receipt. List of HDFC centres

2. Carry a photocopy of 1st page of the applicant(s) passport along with the application fee to HDFC Bank. It'll be roughly around 15,000 INR for 2 applicants. Application Fee Details

Documents needed by sponsor(You):

1. Original Birth Certificate. In case of sponsoring your in-laws, your spouse's birth certificate would be needed.

2. Photocopy of passport including blank pages and latest I-94. In case of sponsoring your in-laws, passport copy of your spouse is also needed along with a copy of your marriage certificate.

3. Photocopy of Visa(H1/L1 whichever is applicable) petition

4. Affidavit of Support. Form I-134.Sample filled form Download latest form from USCIS. The difference is older form had to be notarized while new one doesnt need to be notarized and has an option to enter the I-94 number. To answer, "I have on deposit in savings bank in the United States", the amount need not be just the savings account. It can be sum of checking+savings+any other account(including joint account you have in U.S). Make two copies i.e 1 per applicant.

5. Bank Account Verification letter. Just walk-in to your bank and ask for this letter to be provided to Visa counsulate. Most of the banks are familiar with this requirement and the format. They'll print your name, account no. along with date it was opened, current balance and address it appropriately on their letterhead with signature. It's preferred that this amount shown as current balance matches with the amount shown in Form I-134. Make two copies i.e 1 per applicant.

6. Last 3-6 months Bank statement. Just to show good balance, never borrow money. Instead build up a healthy balance(around $5,000 per applicant) before applying for the visa. You can take the printout online if you have online bank account and need not walk-in physically to your bank.

7. Employer verification letter stating your salary. Make two copies i.e 1 per applicant.

8. Last 3 months pay check.

9. Copy of income tax returns or last few W2 forms.

10. Application letter addressed to US counsulate.Sample application letter.

11. Invitation letter addressed to your parents.Sample invitation letter

Documents needed by applicant(Parents):

1. Completed visa applications forms DS-156 and DS-157(required only for age between 15 and 55 yrs). These forms need to be filled online. Go to VFS online and click on "Apply for a non-immigrant visa". For your reference, sample filled form

2. Application fee receipt issued by HDFC Bank

3. Copy of interview appointment letter which you get after scheduling the visa interview online with VFS

4. Valid Passport(Obviously!)

5. Four photographs(2 and 2 inches square). Just walk-in to any photo studio. Most are familiar with visa requirements.Photo Specifications

6. To demonstrate strong ties to home country, it's good to carry property papers, statements of investment like fixed deposits,mutual funds,stocks, whichever is applicable.

7. Notarized affidavit of assurance that vistors would be going back and won't stay longer than granted stay.Sample affidavit

Tips

1. Getting visitor visa is not a big deal. So don't load your parents with too much of information. Most of the documents visa authorities not even look at. All they want to ensure is visitors have some ties back home and would be returning back.

2. Visitor visa is for 6 months max. Don't try to extend beyond the limit. This could have severe repercussions on future visits and likey to get visa denial.

3. If you want Hindi/regional language interpreter, then plan accordingly as you won't get a slot for visa interview before 2 months. For English, you are likely to get an interview slot within 2 weeks.

4. Even after visa was issued, I wanted to make my parents absolutely comfortable with filling out any forms during travel. You too may do the same.

Departure Card from India

Arrival Record Departure

Customs Declaration

5. Once travel tickets are confirmed, you can opt for vistors insurance. It's always recommended to take the insurance from US instead of India. Also with any insurance you take, always remember the less premium you pay, the more you'll have to pay in case of any eventuality. Also note that none of the pre-existing conditions would be covered so you are safegaurding against life threatening cases like accidents or any new diseases.

6. Avoid getting too much of food items and instead focus on the medicines your parents may need during their stay.

All the Best!!!

My courteous regards to path2usa and immihelp

Disclaimer: This posting is provided "AS IS" with no warranties, and confers no rights. You assume all risk for your use.