Visitor visa inquiry for my mother

[jank001]

Hello All,

I am inviting my parent to visit me in California this summer. i am on h1b and working in tech company. my elder sister is on H4 and she is married and has 2 kids. i have a married younger sister in india. my dad already has a valid b1/b2 visa. my mother was rejected twice on 214(b):
1. first time in 2009, my sister invited my mother during her pregnancy. i guess, this was obvious reason for rejection.
2. my parent applied for tourist visa through some local travel agency. trip was very short, like 11 days. which wasn't convincing to VO.

both the time, i didn't pay much attention and wasn't actively advising them throughout the process, including filling ds-160 and document preparation.

this time i am inviting my parents to visit me and i am taking care of all documentation and financial support. I have some question regarding visa application:

1. Should they mention about visiting my sister and my two nieces. as my sister can come to California to visit my parent or they can go to my sister's place. whichever is better to mention during visa interview.
2. regarding refusal info in DS 160, we don't remember exact data of denial. can i just mention year and 214(b) as reason.
3. in DS 160, Q-31 have you made specific travel plan? should i say yes, as we know which dates my parents will be traveling based my dad's leave time. but we didn't book flight ticket yet.

Thank you for your time and help.

[sangeetaL]

Answers to your questions

1. Should they mention about visiting my sister and my two nieces. as my sister can come to California to visit my parent or they can go to my sister's place. whichever is better to mention during visa interview.

It is always better to mention that your parents will travel...a) it kind of looks like they are touring which means they will see places close to your house and also your sisters house b) Usually americans dont travel for a period more than a weekend to meet relatives. If you say you sister will come to visit additional questions like for how long will she come ? what about nieces school ? etc may arise.

2. regarding refusal info in DS 160, we don't remember exact data of denial. can i just mention year and 214(b) as reason.

yes thats exactly what she should mention

3. in DS 160, Q-31 have you made specific travel plan? should i say yes, as we know which dates my parents will be traveling based my dad's leave time. but we didn't book flight ticket yet

Ans should be yes as that is the only time her husband has a leave. Tickets are not required or if asked for tickets will be booked only after visa confirmation.

I suggest to get professional help in answering as she has already been rejected twice. In Mumbai there are couple of agencies ..you can search them online.

Sangeeta L
Sr. Counselor
Allied Visa Services

[jank001]

thanks for your reply. few more questions.

Thank you very much Sangeeta for your reply.

My parents live in Ahmedabad and it is difficult to find good Counseling service. i tried calling some agency, but they are not very flexible on appointment. and my father works out of town which makes it more difficult.

I will follow your advice and start preparation. i have two important question before filling DS-160.

1. how can we show strong family ties and other ties to india. my younger sister in india is married. and both remaining children are in USA. will it be a problem?
2. As only my mother is going for visa interview, is it better to show my father as sponsor or myself? i have very good bank balance($80k) as i am saving for downpayment on house. my father's annual income is Rs. 800,000 and my mother's income is Rs. 250,000. they have about Rs. 450,000 in saving account and more then $100k as liquid assets.
3. my father is also planning to go to some banking conference during his visit. is it better to show that my mother is accompanying my father's business visit instead of me inviting them for tourism.

Thanks in advanced.