Help on visa requirements for my wife/kids travelling with me having B1 visa

[ubose]

I am planing a travel to US on existing B1 visa. I want to take my wife and kids (8 years and 2 years) along, intention is they stay with me also do some limited sight-seeing during spare time. None of them has a valid US visa at the moment. My questions :

1. What visa category do they need to apply ? Is it B1/B2 or B2 ?
2. Since they are coming along with me, i.e. I am sponsoring their trip, do I also need to be part of that application ?
3. What document does she need to furnish stating that I am a B1 holder and also sponsoring as well as accompanying them in the trip ?
4. The application for visa interview needs to be done only by my wife or my kids too ? And does my kids also need to present during interview along with wife ? Do I also need to be present during interview ?

Thanks a lot.

-Ujjal

[illumiinati]

B2 Visa

1. What visa category do they need to apply ? Is it B1/B2 or B2 ? -
A. While filling DS160 you need to have them choose Tourism/Medical Treatment. By default they would be given B1/B2.

2. Since they are coming along with me, i.e. I am sponsoring their trip, do I also need to be part of that application ?
A. (I assume you already have a B1 Visa) No you need not be part of application. You may write a simple letter stating you are taking them with you on a business trip and you would be the one bearing all expenses. Provide a copy of your passport/visa and travel itinerary. Ask your wife to carry sufficient proof of financial status (both of your bank account details, property documents, deposits etc).

3. What document does she need to furnish stating that I am a B1 holder and also sponsoring as well as accompanying them in the trip ?
A. Refer to above question. Just ensure both your passports have you endorsed as spouses.

4. The application for visa interview needs to be done only by my wife or my kids too ? And does my kids also need to present during interview along with wife ? Do I also need to be present during interview ?
A. It can be a single application for one family. Your kids could be a part of it. Yes they need to be available for the interview. You will not be allowed at the interview, even if you wish to.

THE ABOVE ANSWERS ARE OUT OF EXPERIENCE AND SELF KNOWLEDGE. NOT A LEGAL OPINION.

ILLUMIINATI