Janice Lozano
International students who want to invite their parents to the USA can do so by applying for a visa on their behalf. The type of visa required depends on the student's status and the purpose of the parent's visit. For example, if an international student has an F-1 visa, their parents can apply for an F-2 visa as dependents. Alternatively, parents can apply for a B-1 or B-2 tourist visa for a temporary visit. To obtain a visa for parents, international students may need to provide various documents, such as proof of relationship, financial support, and evidence of sufficient funds for their parents' stay in the USA. It is important to note that the process of inviting parents to the USA as an international student can be complex and time-consuming, with specific requirements varying across universities and visa types.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Who can international students invite to the USA? | Parents, spouse, children, siblings, and other non-dependent relatives |
| What type of visa is required for parents? | B-2 visitor visa |
| What type of visa is required for a spouse or children under 21 years of age? | F-2 or J-2 dependent visa |
| What documents are required for a B-2 visitor visa? | Passport, financial statements, birth certificate, marriage certificate, and other documents proving the relationship |
| What is the maximum duration of stay for a B-2 visitor visa? | Six months |
| What is the cost of living in the USA for dependents? | $7000 per year for a spouse, and $6000 per year per child |
| What is the purpose of the I-20 form? | To obtain a visa for family or dependents |
| What is the purpose of the I-134 Affidavit of Support form? | To provide evidence of sufficient funds to support the visitor during their stay in the USA |
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What You'll Learn
International students can invite parents to the USA on a B-2 visitor visa
International students can invite their parents to the USA, but there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, parents of international students are not eligible for F-2 or J-2 status and cannot be issued Forms I-20 or DS-2019. However, they can apply for a B-2 visitor visa, which is a common way for family members of international students to visit the USA. The B-2 visa is a non-immigrant visa for people who wish to enter the USA temporarily for tourism, medical treatment, or other permissible activities. It is important to note that the B-2 visa does not allow for any employment or business activities.
To invite parents on a B-2 visa, international students can follow these steps:
- Write a letter of invitation: The letter should include the purpose of the visit, the relationship between the student and the parent, the student's status in the USA, itinerary details, and the length of the visit (usually less than three months). It is important to emphasize the temporary nature of the visit and the parent's intention to return to their home country.
- Provide financial support information: The student can include information about their ability to provide financial support to their parents during their stay. This can be in the form of a bank statement showing sufficient funds.
- Gather required documents: The student's parents will need to provide documents to prove their relationship to the student. This can include birth certificates or other relevant documents. Additionally, they may need to provide evidence of their intent to return to their home country, such as proof of a job, property, or other strong ties.
- Apply for the B-2 visa: The student's parents will need to apply for the B-2 visa at a US embassy or consulate. They will need to schedule an interview and bring all the required documents, including the invitation letter and financial support information.
It is important to note that the B-2 visa is typically valid for a maximum of six months. Overstaying the visa can have negative consequences, and visitors must leave the USA by the date stamped in their passport upon entry. Additionally, while on a B-2 visa, parents are not permitted to work or engage in any form of employment.
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The visa is valid for a maximum of six months
International students in the US can invite their parents to visit them, but there are strict regulations around it, and the process can be time-consuming. The US government does not issue specific visas for parents of international students, so parents must apply for a B-1/B-2 visa. These visas are temporary and usually valid for a maximum of six months. Overstaying on a B-1/B-2 visa will have consequences, and the information will be immediately available to immigration officers.
The B-1/B-2 visa is a tourist visa, and applicants will need to provide evidence of sufficient funds to support themselves during their stay in the US. This can be in the form of a bank statement. Alternatively, the international student inviting them can provide their bank statement as evidence of financial support. The applicant must also prove their intention to return to their home country, which can be documented through evidence of a job, property, or other strong ties to their home country.
To facilitate the visa interview process, international students can write a letter of invitation, including the purpose of the visit, their relationship to the individual, a statement of their status, and itinerary details. It is essential to emphasize the temporary nature of the invitation and provide evidence of financial support if applicable. The university may also issue an I-20 form, which requires documents such as a copy of the passport and additional financial statements showing how the student supports their dependents.
In some cases, parents may accompany their child to the US on a more long-term basis. For example, the parent may apply for a US work visa (H-1B, J-1, L-1, or O-1), and the child may apply for an F-1 student visa or a dependent visa corresponding to the parent's work visa (H-4, J-2, L-2, or O-3). Additionally, unmarried children under 21 can apply for F-2 visas as dependents of the F-1 student. However, it is important to note that dependents of international students are not permitted to work under F-2 visa regulations and will not be provided with a social security number.
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Parents of F-1 students can apply for a work visa
International students on an F-1 visa are not permitted to work off-campus during their first academic year in the United States. After the first year, they may engage in three types of off-campus employment: Curricular Practical Training (CPT), Optional Practical Training (OPT), and Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) OPT. To work off-campus, students must be enrolled full-time at an accredited academic institution, be proficient in English, and have sufficient funds for self-support.
While F-1 students can only work in qualifying on-campus jobs for up to 20 hours per week during the school session, their parents can apply for a US work visa. The parent of an F-1 student may apply for a work visa such as an H-1B, J-1, L-1, or O-1. The F-1 student's dependent visa status corresponds to the parent's work visa status (H-4, J-2, L-2, or O-3).
It is important to note that F-2 visas are unavailable to parents, in-laws, or adult children of an F-1 student. However, the spouse and children (under 21 years of age) of an F-1 student can obtain F-2 visas. Additionally, the B-2 visa is a flexible option for parents accompanying a minor with an F-1 visa.
The process of obtaining a work visa for parents of F-1 students may vary, and it is recommended to consult with an immigration lawyer or advisor for specific guidance.
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The university needs to issue an I-20 form for a dependent visa
International students in the United States can invite their parents to visit them, but the process for doing so is not straightforward. One option is for the parent to apply for a U.S. work visa, such as an H-1B, J-1, L-1, or O-1, and for the child to apply for either the F-1 student visa or the dependent visa corresponding to the parent's work visa (H-4, J-2, L-2, or O-3).
The other option is for the university to issue an I-20 form for a dependent visa. The I-20 form is a Certificate of Eligibility issued by accredited colleges or universities in the US for international students on an F-1 student visa or M-1 student visa. The I-20 form proves that the student is a legitimate student studying in the US and is an important step in getting their student visa. The form is issued by a Designated School Official (DSO) at the institution (college, university, or vocational school). Only institutions that are SEVP-certified can issue Form I-20s. An institution can acquire SEVP certification by filing Form I-17 with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
The I-20 form is required for all F and M nonimmigrant visa applications, entry into the United States, travel, and applications for nonimmigrant benefits. The form lists the student's program start date, and students are allowed to enter the United States up to 30 days before this date. The F-1 and M-1 student visas can be issued up to 365 days in advance of the course start date. The type of student visa must match the type of Form I-20. Students must have the original form with them when they enter the country and should keep it with them throughout their stay in the US.
The I-20 form is also necessary for paying the I-901 SEVIS fee and applying for a nonimmigrant visa at the nearest US embassy or consulate. The SEVIS number on the form is required when applying for the F or M visa, both when filling out the application form and during the interview. At the time of initial entry, the officer at the port of entry checks that the program start date is no more than 30 days ahead and that the I-20 has a valid travel signature.
In the case of dependent visas, each dependent gets an additional three pages in the I-20 form, with the same format. The student's biographical information, class of admission (F-1 or M-1; F-2 or M-2 for dependents), school information, and program of study are recorded in the form. If a student wishes to extend their I-20 form, they must provide evidence of changed academic plans and an updated statement of financial resources to cover up to one year of the extension.
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The student must provide proof of funding for their parents
International students in the United States can invite their parents to visit them. However, the process for doing so varies depending on the type of visa the student holds and the purpose of the visit.
If the student holds an F-1 visa, their parents may be eligible for an F-2 visa as dependents. To obtain an F-2 visa, the student must provide proof of funding for their parents. This can be done by submitting a letter verifying employment and/or bank statements showing financial support for the visit. The letter should state the purpose of the visit, such as vacation or attending a graduation ceremony, and the dates of the visit. It is important to note that the student's parents must also provide evidence of strong ties to their home country, such as proof of employment, property ownership, or family connections, and demonstrate their intent to return after their visit.
Alternatively, the student's parents may apply for a B-2 tourist visa to visit the United States. Again, the student will need to provide proof of funding for their parents and documentation of their relationship. The B-2 visa allows visitors to stay in the country for a maximum initial period of six months, which can be extended multiple times. However, it is important to note that visitors with a B-2 visa are not allowed to work in the United States during their stay. The cost of a B-2 visa is $185, and applicants must schedule an interview at the U.S. Embassy or consulate in their home country.
It is worth mentioning that the student's spouse and unmarried children under 21 years of age may be eligible for J-2 or F-2 status to accompany or follow them to the United States if the student is in J-1 or F-1 status. In this case, the student must review the dependent visa category and benefits to determine the best option for their family.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, international students can invite their parents to visit them in the USA. The visiting parents will most likely need to apply for a tourist visa (B1/B2 visa).
To facilitate the visa interview process, you should write a letter of invitation. This letter should include the purpose of the visit, your relationship to the individual, a statement of your status, itinerary details, and the length of their visit (usually less than three months). It is important to emphasise the temporary nature of the visit and that they will return to their home country. You can also include your bank statement as evidence that you can financially support their stay.
The B1/B2 visa allows for a maximum stay of six months. If your parents overstay their visit, this information will be immediately available to immigration officers.
Yes, your parents can apply for a US work visa such as an H-1B, J-1, L-1, or O-1. You may then be able to apply for a dependent visa corresponding to the parent's work visa (H-4, J-2, L-2, or O-3).
