Regarding brother's visitor visa

[sangeethad]

Hi,
I've taken appointment for visitor visa for my brother next month at Chennai. I'm currently preparing the sponsor documents and have a few questions in this matter:
1. How much bank balance do i need to show?
2. How much property does my brother needs to show in India? (he is working in Merchant Navy)
3. I'm currently sponsoring his visa. Is this sufficient or should my husband also join in sponsoring him (both of us are on H1-B)?

Your advice is greatly appreciated!

[peace]

1. I guess you need to show an annual income of $40k + .
2. Property has only low secondary value and is not mandatory. Even if he does not have property,
he can still get the visa, provided his other ties to India are strong.
3. One person should sponsor, who has more income.

All said, a young person in merchant navy has low chances because the nature of his job is a straight indicator that he has the potential to settle outside India.
*If he is married, and has children in india , he has better chances.
*If he is earning Rs 10 lacs per year or more, he should self sponsor,
you should only send a letter of invitation and should not send any I-134 or income docs. That way he will have better chances.

[sangeethad]

Thank you, Peace.

[sangeethad]

My brother has been to the US several times on ship and returned to India. He has also been to several countries and signed-off at the appropriate times. He will be showing all his stampings and I-94 at the interview. Will these be good chances for him getting the visitor visa?

Also, what are the potential questions regarding ties to India that may be asked?

My dad has property and he is preparing an affidavit to declare that the property will be my brother's. Is this going to be helpful?

In addition, he is showing his employment letter with annual income, bank balance, FDs, etc...Will these be positive reasons?

Please advice.

[peace]

ties to india that they look for are spouse , children and a stable employment with a good income.

there is no harm in taking the property docs with him but they give little importance to property.

yes, his previous travel history will help him but a casual purpose and an unmarried status may go against him.

I'd say chances would improve if
*he shows that he is spending his own money
( must show good income for self financing( deposits do not matter much) show salary slip, IT returns)
*ask for a short stay in US -3-4 weeks , exactly matching the leave from his employer;must show leave cum employment letter.