Friend Wanting to Visit USA

[Ressler]

Hello everyone,,
I have a friend who is Filipino native but lives and works in Dubai as an accountant for passed 10 years. They were told in order to come to America for a visit, they have to visit eight other countries first. Is this true? Can my friend just pop on over for a week without visiting other countries first, when flying to just one is a financial struggle in itself?internet cafe sweepstakes software
Any specific info you would need like their current work visa something or not?
Thanks.

[ramsagar]

Hi,

Yes. It is possible for a US citizen to invite someone from another country to the US as a tourist. But, here are few things to note.

1. That person must have a valid passport.
2. He/she should apply for a B1/B2 tourist visa on their own. (Application should be filed online, then interview scheduled at their nearest US consulate, tickets bought and flight boarded.)
3. While applying for the tourist visa, he/she must prove certain things. For example, that he/she has enough funds to cover the trip if they are paying for it, documents showing their intent of travel (in this case your invitation perhaps, itinerary if any etc).

Essentially, your participation in the process is just an invitation (in writing). Even if there is no invitation, provided he/she can prove the above (and the other qualification criteria as mentioned in the below referral links), and she/he has a solid travel plan/honest intent to travel, he/she should get a tourist visa (B1/B2).

Keep in mind that B1/B2 tourist visas are typically given for 10 years (validity) and each travel is allowed maximum 6 months (usually, unless you have a special requirement) of stay in the US.