Introduction
Your parents are planning a visit to the United States to see you on a B1/B2 visa, which means you have a lot to think about. One of the first factors to consider will be their interview. As soon as you’ve scheduled it, you’ll soon start wondering what to expect. We’ll cover some questions they might encounter with the consular officer, followed by some tips on having a good interview.
Interview Questions for Parents Visiting the USA
Below are some of the most common questions people hear at the interview to obtain a US tourist visa:
- What will you be visiting the USA for? Your parents should give the real reason why they want to visit the US (most likely to visit you).
- Where do you plan on staying? It’s best to be specific with this answer. Have your parents include hotel information and relevant addresses.
- How long do you wish to stay? They must let the interviewer know the length of time they wish to spend in the US (not longer than is allowed for the visa they’re applying for).
- Do you have relatives living in the United States? If your parents have any relatives (including you, of course) in the US, they should provide their information.
- What is your son/daughter’s contact information? They should have your contact information written down or memorized, including your phone number and address.
- Which visa does your son/daughter have? Have them let the office know which type of visa you have (for instance, a work visa or green card).
- Where does your child work or study? Tell your parents to have the name of your work or school and its location memorized or written down.
- Who is funding your trip? If your parents are funding their own trip, have them show proof of their available funds (with a printed bank statement). If someone else is funding them, have them prepare to prove this.
- Who is coming with you to the US? If they plan to travel with friends or other family members, now will be the time to give their information.
- What is your job in your home country? Your parents should give as much information as they can about their jobs. If they’re retired, they should mention this.
- How much do you make per year? If your parents earn an income, have them give a yearly figure and show proof of how much they make.
- What will you do with your business while you’re abroad? They will need to explain who will be caring for their business while they’re in the USA.
- Will you be returning to your home country? Since they’ll be visiting on a temporary visa, they must answer yes to this question.
- How will you convince me that you’re returning home? The interviewer has to know that your parents don’t plan to stay in the United States. They must give specific responsibilities in their home country that they’ll return home to fulfill (maintaining a house or caring for children, for example).
- Do you pay income tax in your home country? Your parents should bring documentation related to the taxes they pay in their native country.
The interviewer may also ask your parents whether they have any other children and might ask for their information. They’ll probably ask for your parents’ home address in their native country and whether they have medical conditions. They might want to know if your parents own any businesses or land. It’s important to answer every question as honestly as possible.
It’s best to assume that your parents’ interview will be in English rather than their native language. They should practice answering the questions above in English with a native speaker to prepare for their interview.
Supporting Documents for Visa Interview
As mentioned, your parents must prove that they have strong ties to their native country and will be returning home after their time in the USA. Supporting documentation is a good way to prove this to the interviewing officer. Here are some examples of what they can bring to their appointment:
- Employment or pension benefit statements (if applicable)
- Notarized documents regarding property (buildings, land, etc.)
- Bank statements that show they have the funds to cover their trip
- Tax returns or related tax information that shows how much they pay
Your parents can also bring any other financial statements that show their economic situation to prove they can support themselves in the United States. Any other papers that will help show that they intend to return to their home country are also good to bring.
Attitude is Important for the Interview
It’s important to keep a positive, calm attitude during the interview. Tell your parents not to argue with the consular officer under any circumstances. If they’re denied a visa for some reason, have them ask for information to help them overcome the denial. Having the reason for the denial in writing will increase their odds of fixing it at a later date. An immigration lawyer can help answer their questions in the event of a visa denial.
Don’t Take Any Chances- Speak with an Immigration Attorney Today
Waiting to see whether your parents will be allowed in the United States can be a nerve-racking experience. Anyone who has dealt with the US immigration system will tell you that it’s no picnic to navigate on your own.
Not only does it involve extensive paperwork but making a tiny mistake could cause serious problems. An immigration lawyer has seen many cases like yours and will know what to avoid and how to work with the complex system at hand.
While you can look up all the information you need online to apply for a visa, the law is always changing. Working with an immigration lawyer is a good way to avoid mistakes and ensure you’re filling out the paperwork in accordance with the latest laws.
An immigration lawyer can answer any questions you have along the way and give you the best odds of a successful outcome. A visa denial can often hurt your chances for obtaining a visa later on, so it’s worth the extra care to do it right the first time.
Call our Immigration team at (480) 626-2388 to discuss your case today.