C1 vs B2 visa

[vishal815]

My family in India would like to join us in Jamaica for a family reunion. *They don't require visa to Jamaica; however, they do need to transit through US.

Should the apply for B2 (tourism) or C1(transit ) visa?

Also, is probability of getting C1 visa higher than B2?

Note-they also have their petition for US citizen file in process since 2004.

Most likely, *they will be traveling from Bombay to JFK, NY and then to Montego Bay, Jamaica.*

Appreciate your assistance with this.

[appuchan]

The answer is pretty much clear in the link given here.

https://www.immihelp.com/usa-c1-transit-visa/

Basically, you will need a minimum of transit visa as long as you dont plan to stay in the US. If you do not want to spend $160 each for this visa, you can try transiting through Europe, UK or Canada. Most European airports does not need transit visa and the Canadian transit visa is free of cost.

http://wikitravel.org/en/Avoiding_a_transit_of_the_United_States

[vishal815]

C1 vs B2 visa

Thank you for your response.

I do understand that we need minimum of US Transit visa (C1) and the other option of going to Jamiaca through London (Gatwick airport) is really not a good idea since we would be arriving at Heathrow and would need to transfer to Gatwick (1 hour ride). It also complicates the London visa - would need visitor visa and not Transit.

So, I have concluded that we would have to go through US to go to Jamaica from India (for simplicity). My question is -
Since both C1 (Transit) and B2 (Visitor) visa seems to have the same process and visa fee ($160), is there a higher probability of getting C1 visa over B2? Not sure if anyone experienced of getting C1 visa. If probability is the same - I rather apply for B2 and take advantage of visiting US as well.

Thank you,
Vishal

[appuchan]

Thank you for your response.

I do understand that we need minimum of US Transit visa (C1) and the other option of going to Jamiaca through London (Gatwick airport) is really not a good idea since we would be arriving at Heathrow and would need to transfer to Gatwick (1 hour ride). It also complicates the London visa - would need visitor visa and not Transit.

So, I have concluded that we would have to go through US to go to Jamaica from India (for simplicity). My question is -
Since both C1 (Transit) and B2 (Visitor) visa seems to have the same process and visa fee ($160), is there a higher probability of getting C1 visa over B2? Not sure if anyone experienced of getting C1 visa. If probability is the same - I rather apply for B2 and take advantage of visiting US as well.

Thank you,
Vishal

Both visas may have same process, however has clearly different purposes. Consulate issue a visa based on their understanding of the purpose of the visa applied. As long as you can prove the correct purpose of your visa, you can apply for either of them. Please note that B1/B2 visa may need an invite letter, sponsor or some other proof from within US. I dont expect C1 visa will need any such documents from US.