Parents visitor visa experiences

[mukherjees]

My parents got their visitors visa (10 year multiple entry) in their second application from Mumbai consulate. Thanks to this forum for the tips etc. I thought it might be helpful to share the experience of my parents. First is my suggestion to prospective applicants:
1. Prepare a concrete travel plan alongwith some detailed estimates of expense in addition to other documents like I 134.
2. Show that you have more than enough money to meet the expenses.
3. One sentence short answers during the interview helps.
4. Have an interpreter even if you know english. You get more time to think of the answer.
5. NEVER apply with other distant relatives, neighbors, etc.. they dont understand any such relationships (Main reason for disapproval in the first attempt)

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Read further for the experiences:

First Application:

Background: Since application of both my parents and our neighbors reached the VFS office the same day, the interview slots were one after another. Our neighbors were first to go and got their visa approved in 10 mins. Then my parents were called. The Visa Officer (VO) saw similar address and started questioning on the relationship between the two families. My father replied that they are our family friends and they are going to visit their daughter who lives in a different city while we are going to visit our son. The VO was not convinced. He asked more questions:
VO: How may children do you have?
Parents: 2 sons, 1 in US 1 working in India.

VO: How long will you stay in US
Father: 3 months

VO: Will you get leave for that period
Father: yes, shows the documents.

VO: whos paying for the trip?
Father: my son

VO frowns, still not convinced, disturbed and rejects the visa application under section 214(b) I think.

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SECOND ATTEMPT (after 1.5 year, change in status: I got married, Father retired and brother moved to USA)

VO: Why do you want to go to US?
Parents: Visit our son and daughter-in-law and tourism

VO: how long are you going to stay?
Parents: 4 weeks

(I had made up a detailed account for each and every day of the stay and an estimated expense report)

VO: Who pays for the trip?
Parents: My son (affidavit of support I134 and detailed itinerary)

VO: What does your son do?
Parents: He works as a xyz for abc.

VO: Why do you want to go for 4 weeks only?
mother: I have my mother at home. We need to attend to her.

VO: Why was your visa rejected the previous time?
Father: I dont know the reason.

VO: Ok we grant your visa. Congratulations!
Parents: Thank you
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Hope this helps.

Good luck!

[immihelp]

Congratulations!

[need_b2]

Cover letter -when to show?

Thanks for the info!
I was wondering during the interview when did your parents show the "4 weeks itenerary" to the visa officer. In Mumbai consulate the officer already has the DS-156 form with him/her so when should the applicant show the cover letter ( the one explaining ties to India)??

Thanks
Vaibhav

[mukherjees]

I believe those documents must be produced on demand basis or to support the fact that the concerned party shall return in time. In my parents' case, my father was asked how long of a trip would it be, he answered "4 weeks and heres the itinerary". But the VO did not look at it.

[need_b2]

Thanks mukherjees.