Visiting Your Child in the USA? A Parent's Guide to the B1/B2 Visa

Visiting Your Child in the USA? A Parent's Guide to the B1/B2 Visa

Family Visitor Guide

Visiting Your Child in the USA?
A Parent's Guide to the B1/B2 Visa

Whether it's for graduation or a summer visit, here is how to prove you are a "Tourist" and not an "Immigrant."

For many parents, seeing their child studying in the US is a dream come true. Visiting them is the next big milestone. However, US Consulates are notoriously strict with parents. They fear that you might overstay to live with your child permanently.

At Smile Foreign Education, we help hundreds of parents secure their visas by focusing on one key concept: Strong Ties to India.

🚫 The #1 Mistake Parents Make

Never say: "I am going to help my daughter settle in" or "I am going to cook for my son."

In the eyes of US Immigration, "helping" (cooking, cleaning, babysitting) is considered unauthorized work. You must position your trip as purely Tourism & Family Visit. You are there to enjoy the US, not to work in your child's home.

Part 1: What Your Child Must Send You

Your son or daughter is the "Inviter." Before you apply, ask them to email you high-quality scans of these documents (you will print them):

  • 1. Invitation Letter: A simple letter addressed to the Consulate stating: "I am inviting my parents [Names] to visit me for [X] weeks to attend my graduation/tourism. They will stay with me at [Address]."
  • 2. Proof of Status: Copy of their Passport, US Visa, I-94 record, and valid I-20.
  • 3. Proof of Activity:
    • If Studying: Enrollment Verification Letter & Transcripts.
    • If Graduating: Graduation Ceremony Invitation letter from the University.
    • If Working (OPT/H1B): Employment Letter & Pay Stubs.

Part 2: What You (Parents) Must Show

The Visa Officer knows your child is in the US. Their main concern is: "Why will the parents come back to India?"

💰 Financial Ties

Ideally, parents should self-sponsor. Even if your child earns in dollars, it looks stronger if you pay for your own trip.

Carry: Bank statements (6 months), IT Returns (3 years), Savings/FD certificates.

🏠 Social & Professional Ties

Why you must return:

If Working: Leave sanction letter (NOC) from your employer.
If Retired: Pension order.
Property: Property deeds showing ownership in India.
Family: Mention other children or elderly parents back in India.

Part 3: The Interview (The Make or Break)

The interview usually lasts less than 3 minutes. Be confident, speak clearly (English or local language is fine), and answer only what is asked.

QuestionCorrect Approach
"Why do you want to go to the US?""To visit my son for his graduation and spend 3 weeks touring California." (Be specific about duration).
"Who is paying for the trip?""We are paying for ourselves." (Best answer).
If child is paying: "My son is sponsoring the trip, but we have sufficient savings to support ourselves."
"How long will you stay?""3 to 4 weeks." (Avoid saying 5-6 months. Long stays signal immigrant intent).

Nervous About the Interview?

At Smile Foreign Education, we conduct Mock Interviews specifically for parents. We review your financial documents and help you practice answers that satisfy the Visa Officer.

Smile Foreign Education

201 ABC II Complex, HL Commerce College Road
Navrangpura, Ahmedabad, Gujarat