B2 visitor visa -- Sponsoring Vs inviting

[ssaikat]

Hi,

I am on H1 visa and my parents are planning to visit USA soon. Is it really necessary to sponsor them ? What's the difference between sponsoring and inviting ?

I am trying to avoiding the documentation part that involves when I sponsor them. I have heard that sponsoring is not mandatory . I can just invite them. Please suggest/advice.

Regards ,
Sinha

[peace999]

sponsoring is a loose term which basically means showing funding for the trip. If your parents have good income or savings they can mention on the form that they are self paying; you only need to send an invitation in that case.

If your parents finances are borderline or low, you send the sponsorship, meaning, funding proof ( I-134, bank statements, tax returns,salary slip).