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Family visiting USA

As an NRI living in the USA, one of the greatest joys is the opportunity to welcome family from India to visit and experience life here—be it for a festive occasion, a child’s graduation, a new home blessing, or simply to reconnect with loved ones. The process of bringing family over can seem a bit daunting at first, but with the right information and preparation, it’s very manageable.

This guide is designed to walk you through every step of the USA non-immigrant visitor visa (B2) application—from understanding the eligibility criteria to submitting the necessary documents—so you can help your loved ones join you here with ease and confidence.

Who Needs a Visitor Visa?

Anyone travelling to the USA from India for tourism, family visits, or short business engagements will typically need a Visitor (B2) Visa. This visa is suitable for:

  • Parents visiting children settled in the USA
  • Siblings or extended family attending personal celebrations
  • Grandparents meeting grandchildren
  • Family members joining for holidays or festivals
  • Any family member coming to USA for medical treatment

Key Requirements for the Visitor Visa

To qualify, your family member must demonstrate that:

  • They will leave the USA at the end of their visit.
  • They have sufficient funds to support themselves (or will be supported by you).
  • They have strong ties to India (such as a job, family, or property) as proof they will return home.
  • The purpose of the visit is genuine and temporary.

How to Apply?

  • Complete the Online Visa Application
    • Complete online Non-immigrant Visa Application, Form DS-160 on https://ceac.state.gov/ceac/ website.
    • Take printout the application form confirmation page
    • Upload your photo
  • Schedule an Interview & pay non-refundable visa application fee ($185 as of Oct 2025)
    • You should generally schedule an appointment for your visa interview at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate.
  • Gather Required Documentation
    • Passport valid for at least six months beyond your period of stay in the USA
    • Non-immigrant Visa Application, Form DS-160 confirmation page
    • Application fee payment receipt
    • Photo (if not uploaded before)
    • Supporting documents specifying purpose of the visit
    • Supporting documentation towards your ability to pay for cost of the visit (e.g. – bank statements for the last 6 months, property papers, pension documents, etc.)
    • Documents Your intent to depart the USA after your trip (Evidence of strong ties to India (like family ties, employment, or assets etc.)
    • Employment or business documents, if applicable
    • Travel itinerary (including return ticket if booked)
  • Attend Your Visa Interview
    • A consular officer will interview you to determine whether you are qualified to receive a visitor visa. You must establish that you meet the requirements under U.S. law to receive a visa.  Ink-free, digital fingerprint scans are taken as part of the application process.

    Entering the United States

    A visa allows you to travel to a U.S. port-of-entry (generally an airport) and request permission to enter the United States. A visa does not guarantee entry into the United States. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS), U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officials at the port-of-entry have authority to permit or deny admission to the United States. When you are allowed to enter the United States, the CBP official will provide an admission stamp or a paper Form I-94, Arrival/Departure Record.

    Activities not allowed while on a visitor visa:

    • Study
    • Employment
    • Paid performances, or any professional performance before a paying audience
    • Arrival as a crewmember on a ship or aircraft
    • Work as foreign press, in radio, film, print journalism, or other information media
    • Permanent residence in the United States
    • Birth tourism

    Helpful Tips from an NRI’s Experience

    • Plan well in advance. Start at least 6-8 weeks before the intended travel date.
    • Avoid overstaying. A history of respecting visa rules helps with future applications.
    • Support them with logistics. Many parents are unfamiliar with online systems, so guide them through filling forms, scanning documents, and booking appointments.