When To Apply For Visitor Visa For Travel In May 2012.

[visa_query05]

Hi,

I am planning to get my parents to visit me for 6 months starting May 2012.
Is it okay for apply for visa interview in Feb 2012 or should I wait until early April 2012?

I would ideally like to apply earlier so that I can plan and book flight tickets.

Also what are the chances that my parents will get 6 months visa ? Is there anything that I or my parents can do to ensure that they get 6 months visa ?

Appreciate your help.
Thanks
Neetu

[peace999]

Hi,

I am planning to get my parents to visit me for 6 months starting May 2012.
Is it okay for apply for visa interview in Feb 2012 or should I wait until early April 2012?

I would ideally like to apply earlier so that I can plan and book flight tickets.

Also what are the chances that my parents will get 6 months visa ? Is there anything that I or my parents can do to ensure that they get 6 months visa ?

Appreciate your help.
Thanks
Neetu

Yes, you can schedule the interview in feb.

Please note that visa validity and duration of stay in US are two different things.

STAY:
Duration of stay will be stamped at US airport entry and is not determined by the visa validity.
At entry they will ask your parents how long they want to stay. The answer should be 4-5 months and they will get a 6 months stay. Should not say 6 months because that is the limit
the officer can grant a stay for and sounds too long.


VISA

If granted, the embassy will usually give a 10 yr multiple entry B1/B2 to parents but it can be anything from 1yr single entry to a 10 yr multiple entry.

Caution; Parents at embassy interview will be asked how long do they want to spend in US. SHOULD NEVER SAY 6 months. Say something like 2- 3 months . Some people get denied on this only because 6 months is considered too long for a visit. ( Even though the officer at airport entry will commonly give them a 6 month stay.).

Most importantly, your parents' family ( eg. children) or job( if not retired) ties to India will determine if they will get the visa.

[visa_query05]

Yes, you can schedule the interview in feb.

Please note that visa validity and duration of stay in US are two different things.

STAY:
Duration of stay will be stamped at US airport entry and is not determined by the visa validity.
At entry they will ask your parents how long they want to stay. The answer should be 4-5 months and they will get a 6 months stay. Should not say 6 months because that is the limit
the officer can grant a stay for and sounds too long.


VISA

If granted, the embassy will usually give a 10 yr multiple entry B1/B2 to parents but it can be anything from 1yr single entry to a 10 yr multiple entry.

Caution; Parents at embassy interview will be asked how long do they want to spend in US. SHOULD NEVER SAY 6 months. Say something like 2- 3 months . Some people get denied on this only because 6 months is considered too long for a visit. ( Even though the officer at airport entry will commonly give them a 6 month stay.).

Most importantly, your parents' family ( eg. children) or job( if not retired) ties to India will determine if they will get the visa.

Thanks for all the information.

Just so that I understand this clear -
My parents can go for visa interview now in Feb 2012. Assuming that their visa is approved with a single entry option, visa will be valid for next 6 months. That is my parents will have an option to travel to US anytime between next 6 months.

I was concerned in case they give a visa valid for next 3 months only as my parents will not be travelling until June end or early July 2012.

Thanks

[peace999]

Thanks for all the information.

Just so that I understand this clear -
My parents can go for visa interview now in Feb 2012. Assuming that their visa is approved with a single entry option, visa will be valid for next 6 months. That is my parents will have an option to travel to US anytime between next 6 months.

I was concerned in case they give a visa valid for next 3 months only as my parents will not be travelling until June end or early July 2012.

Thanks

If they do, they at least give a one year single entry. Most approved cases of parents, they get a 10 yr multiple entry.