Self-sponsor vs sponsor for retired parents

[sklcg]

First, thanks immihelp for all the useful information already present in the "FAQ for Sponsoring Visitors Visa for USA". We would like to obtain a little more clarification on the suggestion that visitors who are able to pay their trip related expenses, should self-sponsor.

My wife's parents intend to apply for a B2 visitors visa, and we are wondering whether they should self-sponsor. They are both retired government employees with around 12 lac combined yearly income from respective pensions and rental incomes, and possess immovable properties and savings. They also have two children settled in India. Both me and my wife are on green card and employed in the US, and are happy to sponsor their trip.

Is it safer to sponsor their trip given that they have retired?

[daggit]

Irrespective of whats written online, there is no sponsoring a tourist visa. The State Dept and Embassies routinely state that B2 applicants must apply and be considered on their own merit. That having been said, if you wish to send any letter or document in support of the applicant, there is no guarantee it'll be looked at. The rest is up to the applicant(s).

Interviewing officers primarily look for evidence the applicant will return back to their home country at the end of their US visit. That's what the focus should be on.

[immihelp]

Message for daggit:

Please read this article that " Can Visitors Visa be Sponsored?

https://www.immihelp.com/can-usa-visitors-visa-be-sponsored/

[daggit]

Seriously immihelp, you call that official US policy? How about quoting an official US govt resource?

https://travel.state.gov/contenthttps://www.immihelp.com/usa-visas/en/visit/visitor.html

State Department note:
Note: Visa applicants must qualify on the basis of the applicant's residence and ties abroad, rather than assurances from U.S. family and friends. A letter of invitation or Affidavit of Support is not needed to apply for a nonimmigrant tourist visa. If you do choose to bring a letter of invitation or Affidavit of Support to your interview, please remember that it is not one of the factors that we use in determining whether to issue or deny a nonimmigrant tourist visa.

[sklcg]

Thanks Immihelp and Daggit for sharing your insights.

Daggit: please note that I clearly stated sponsoring trip related expenses and not the visa.

It appears from the link on state.gov and earlier FAQ in immihelp, a children sponsoring the trip expenses (even if the parents can afford to) does not affect the application adversely. The parents still need to demonstrate ties to India based on income, property, children etc., irrespective if the trip is sponsored by self or by children.

Please correct me otherwise.

[daggit]

More importantly, the parents.. or any B2 applicant.. must demonstrate why they must RETURN to their home country after completion on the US visit. The more funds and ties they show on their own, the better; though there are no guarantees.