Imagine that you have been living in the United States for a period of time and want to invite your parents to explore this beautiful country. A B2 visa will be a good choice. However, navigating the application process can be overwhelming. This article will introduce everything you need to successfully obtain the visa, from the B2 visa documents checklist for parents to visa interview secrets.
What Is a B2 Visa?
The B2 visa is a non-immigrant tourist visa that allows foreign nationals to visit the U.S. temporarily for tourism, family visits, medical treatment, or other short-term leisure activities. U.S. citizens, permanent residents, H1B work visa holders, or F1 student visa holders are eligible to sponsor B2 visa for parents, so it’s also ideal for parents who wish to reunite with family or attend the child’s graduation ceremony.
What Can I Do with a B2 Visa in the US?
A B2 visa grants you the permit to do leisure activities in the US, such as:
- visiting family or friends;
- going on a tour and sightseeing;
- attending weddings, graduations, or family events;
- seeking short-term medical treatment;
- participating in non-paid amateur events, for example, music competitions or sports contests;
- Enroll in a short recreational course (no degree issued), for example, a two-day language course;
Please note that foreigners are not allowed to work, study long-term, or immigrate to the US on a tourist visa.
What’s the Difference between a B1, B2 visa and the ESTA Visa Scheme?
B1 and B2 visas are sub-categories of the Type B tourist visa. ESTA, referring to Electronic System for Travel Authorization, is an entry permit (not a real visa) issued under the Visa Waiver Program. They are all designed for short-term activities like tourism or business, but they differ in the following aspects.
| Type | B1 visa | B2 visa | ESTA |
| Target applicants | Citizens from US visa-required countries | Citizens from US visa-required countries | Citizens from US visa-free countries |
| Purpose of visit | Short business trips, like conferences, meetings, contract negotiations, etc | Pleasure or medical treatment | business or tourism |
| Length of stay | Up to 180 days | Up to 180 days | Up to 90 days |
| Validity | 10 years | 10 years | 2 years |
| Processing time | 3–8 weeks | 3–8 weeks | 3 days |
| Number of entry | Multiple entries | Multiple entries | Single entry |
Do My Parents Need to Apply for B2 Visa to Visit the USA?
Yes. Your parents should obtain a B2 visa on the following conditions.
- Not from the 43 ESTA-eligible countries and territories;
- Plan to stay longer than 90 days.
- Need multiple entries over several years.
Who Is Eligible for B2 Visa Application?
Those who satisfy the requirements below are qualified for the B2 visa for parents.
- Show no immigration intent (clear return plans).
- Prove strong ties to their home country or country of residence.
- Demonstrate sufficient funds to cover their trip.
- Have no criminal record or threaten US national security.
- Have no records of US visa or immigration law violations.
- Have no infectious disease.
B2 Visa Document Checklist for Parents
Applying for a tourist visa for parents requires elaborate plans. Preparing for the paperwork is the primary step. Here are the documents required for B2 visa for parents.
- Valid passport of your parents
The passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond stay. If your parents haven’t got a passport or the identification is about to expire, please apply for or renew it as soon as possible because it might take a few months to receive the booklet.
- Form DS-160 confirmation page
It is an application form for all nonimmigrant visas. It can be filled out and submitted to the US Department of State, after which the confirmation is provided.
- Payment receipt of application fee (USD 185)
It should be paid before having the interview and the authority will not start processing your application until you fulfill payment.
- US visa photo
A 2×2 passport-size biometric photo is needed. Make sure it is taken within the last 6 months and satisfies the official photo guidelines.
- Proof of financial stability
It can be a signed and stamped Bank Account Balance Letter, pay stubs, or bank statements for the previous six months. There is no official guidance on the amount. If you are sponsoring B2 visa for parents, try to calculate the estimated expenses based on transportation, accommodation, catering, etc.
- Proof of immigration status in the US
Copies of your immigration documents are required, such as your current visa, I-94 Form, green card, etc. If you are working in the US, provide an Employment Verification Letter from your employer indicating your job position, income, and employment status. If you are studying on an F1 visa, provide a graduation invitation letter.
- Invitation Letter
It is not mandatory but recommended as it might increase the chance of being approved. The B2 visa invitation letter for parents should clearly explain the purpose of visit (e.g. visiting family, attending graduation, etc.), stay duration, and accommodation. Include a cover letter addressed to the visa officer if possible. It should summarize the trip itinerary and list the supporting documents.
- Travel Itinerary (flight/hotel details)
It should show your parents estimated date of arrival/departure, flight details, hotel reservations, activities or events planned, etc.
- Ties to home country
It can persuade the visa officer that your parents have no intention to immigrate and will leave the US after the trip. It is acceptable to submit an employment contract, a notarized property ownership certificate, pension letters, fixed deposits, tax returns, etc.
- Medical documents
It is required if your parents are coming to the US for medical treatment.
Step-by-Step Guide to Applying for a B2 Visa (2025 Process)
To obtain a B2 visa for parents, applicants have to go through the following steps.
Complete the DS-160 Form
- Visit the US Department of State Portal, choose where your parents apply from, enter the verification code, and click on the “START AN APPLICATION” button.
- Check the box in the middle to agree to the Notice, set the security question & answer, and click on the “Continue” button.
- Fill out the online application form. Make sure to provide your parents’ information as applicants and yours as a sponsor. Do not make spelling mistakes or provide false information. Note down the application ID at the top right corner if you want to leave and continue to fill out the form later.
- Submit a passport-size photo, review the form, and sign on it after making sure everything is correct.
- Save the confirmation page and print it out after submitting the application form.
Supposing that you have no access to online services, you can contact the US Department of State or the nearby US consular office to request a paper application form and complete it with a black pen.
Pay the Visa Fee
The application fee for a B2 visa is $185 and it will not be refunded no matter what the result is. Generally, it can be paid with a credit card, bank transfer, or money order, but it might also vary from country to country. Remember to keep the payment receipt as it will be required when booking an appointment for a visa interview.
Schedule the Visa Interview
Your parents must have an interview at a US embassy or consulate unless they are aged 80 or older. Generally, a prior appointment is required, which might be done online or by phone according to where your parents live. Just contact the nearest US embassy or consulate and ask for help. If you book the interview for your parents, make sure to distinguish whether the authority is asking for your information (as sponsor) or your parents’ (as applicant).
Prepare B2 Visa Documents for Parents
Once the appointment is booked, you are suggested to help your parents prepare the supporting documents, including passport, Form DS-160 confirmation page, proof of payment, photograph, proof of funds, proof of your immigration status, invitation letter, travel Itinerary, and proof of connection to home country.
Attend the Appointment
Your parents must attend the appointment in person to submit biometrics (fingerprints and photos) and have an interview. Ask your parents to bring the documents required for B2 visa for parents and visit the selected US consular office as scheduled. It is recommended to arrive 10-15 minutes earlier. The interview usually lasts several minutes, aiming to verify the applicant’s identity, purpose of traveling, and traveling plan. Just answer the questions honestly and concisely. We will talk about how to prepare for and succeed in the interview later, so you can help your parents practice in advance.
Receive or Failed to Get the Visa
After the interview, the authority will tell the result. If the application is approved, they will inform your parents of when and how to collect the visa. Just wait patiently until the visa is issued. It is recommended not to book the trip before successfully obtaining the visa as the processing time might vary.
B2 Visa Application Fee & Processing Time
The B2 visa fees consist of application fees and visa issuance fees. The application fee costs USD $185, which is non-refundable and required whether the application is approved or rejected. If the application is approved, you have to pay an extra visa issuance fee, also known as a reciprocity fee, which varies from country to country and can be checked here.
As for the processing time, it usually takes 3–8 weeks to receive the visa, but it might differ depending on the location, embassy workload, and completeness of your application. For more specific information, use the OFFICIAL VISA STATUS CHECKER to monitor the progress of your case.
B2 Visa Validity & Extension
The B2 visa for parents is usually valid for up to 10 years with multiple entries. Visa holders can stay for up to 6 months per entry. It is possible to extend your stay to another 45 days by filing Form I-539. Remember to apply at least one week before the permitted stay ends, otherwise, you might overstay.
B2 Visa Interview Secrets: How to Help Your Parents Succeed
It might be stressful to have a face-to-face talk with the visa officer, but you can practice with your parents before attending it. These tips will help.
- Make a Detailed Travel Itinerary
The authority will ask for detailed information about your parents’ trip. You are advised to include as many details as possible in the itinerary when planning for a tourist visa for parents, such as date of arrival, date of departure, all destinations, specific activities, and so on.
- Practice Common Questions
In most cases, the consular office will ask questions about the applicant’s intended trip and life in the home country. Therefore, you can prepare concise and organized answers in advance.
- Bring Original B2 Visa Documents for Parents
It is recommended to bring the original copies of supporting documents, especially identity documents. It helps to prevent fraud and ensures consistency of the whole process. Avoid photocopies unless specified.
- Dress Professionally
Proper dressing can leave a good impression on the officer and first impression matters. Suits or ties are not mandatory, but it is necessary to keep your clothing neat, tidy, comfortable, and weather-appropriate.
- Highlight Home Ties
Please note that the B2 visa is a nonimmigrant visa, which means the visa holder can only stay temporarily and will return home when it expires. Proving strong ties to your home country can dispel the officer’s misgivings about your travel intention. It can be business, profession, financial, family, or personal asset ties.
- Gather Your Financial Information
It is an essential step to persuade the officer that your parents have sufficient funds to cover all costs during the trip. You can provide sufficient proof of your financial capability and let your parents bring it to the interview.
B2 Visa Interview Questions & Answers for Parents
The interview questions for tourist visa USA for parents are usually related to the applicant’s purpose of travel, travel plans, and employment status. In this section, we list some common questions and proper answers.
📌Why are you visiting the U.S.?
—To attend my daughter’s graduation and tour New York.
📌How long will you stay?
—One month. I only took a one-month leave and have to return to work.
📌Who is funding your trip?
—My daughter will cover all expenses. Here’s her bank statement.
📌Do you have family in the U.S.?
—Yes, my daughter lives in New York. She’s on an H1B visa.
📌What’s your job back home?
—I am a salesperson in a cosmetics company. Here’s my employment contract.
📌Have you visited the U.S. before?
—No, this is my first trip.
📌Where will you stay?
—With my daughter in her apartment. Here’s her lease agreement.
📌What if you overstay?
—I have booked the return ticket and I must return to care for my elderly mother.
📌Can you show the documents to prove that you will return home?
—Yes, here are my flight tickets, identification of my mother, my birth certificate, and our photos.
📌Are there any medical conditions?
—No. I’ve purchased travel insurance and here are the results of my body checks.
For more possible and updated B2 visa interview questions for parents, please turn to online resources of international travel service providers or ask any family members or friends who have applied for a U.S. visa recently. Please note that these answers are only for reference. You must create your own one according to your parents’ and your real conditions. Make sure to speak naturally. Do not act overly rehearsed and recite the answers like a robot.
FAQ
Is a B1 B2 visa for parents US tourist visa necessary?
Yes, unless they qualify for ESTA or another visa category.
How to extend a B2 visa for parents in the USA?
To request a B2 visa extension for parents, file Form I-539 with USCIS before their authorized stay expires.
How to schedule a visa appointment for parents together?
Select “Group Application” when booking online to link both parents’ slots.
How to make a 2×2 photo for B2 visa application?
Use AiPassportPhotos to get instant and compliant US visa photos online for free.
What is the sample invitation letter for B2 visa?
Include your contact information, purpose of visit, and financial commitment.
Is it difficult to pass US B2 visa interview?
It will be straightforward if your parents prepare documents and answers.
What to do if my parent’s B2 visa application is rejected?
File an appeal or reapply with stronger evidence according to the reason for rejection.
Conclusion
Sponsoring B2 visa for parents requires meticulous preparation, but getting reunited with your parents is joyful, so it is worth it. Just follow this guide to prepare the documents required for B2 visa for parents, file the DS-160 Form, and help your parents prepare for the interview. For complex cases, consult an immigration attorney. Start planning now, and we hope you will soon bring your parents to America with you!