A clarification about DS-160 form filling for B1/B2 visa?

[richardd]

What should I choose in the person paying for the trip option? Self or other person? I can personally pay for the trip but I was told that if I put in my dad or mom as the sponsor, I will have a better chance of visa approval as it shows family's support / ties.

But I am confused by this guide here: https://www.immihelp.com/us-visa-ds-...l-information/

It says if I choose other person, they need to fill out the I-134 form? But this form looks like it needs to be filled only by someone who is presently residing in US? My parents live here in India.

Thanks!

[peace999]

I-134 is to completed by US host if no one in India can fund the trip.
It does not apply to you.


In your case, if you can fund it, do not show parental dependence.
Financial parental dependence is a negative factor not a positive one.

But remember, self funding will only work if you are earning very good money.
Let us say 1L per month is safe. If you are going to show savings that will not work
Because they mainly focus on occupation and income both as funding source
and as a tie to India.

There are other factors that will come into play; purpose of visit; business or pleasure.
Your marital status. And if you have any relatives settled in US.

[richardd]

But remember, self funding will only work if you are earning very good money.
Let us say 1L per month is safe. If you are going to show savings that will not work
Because they mainly focus on occupation and income both as funding source
and as a tie to India.

That is exactly my worry. I have savings in the bank, but I am presently unemployed. The purpose of the trip is both for an exam and to complete a voluntary observership. I was hoping to show parents' support since I was told that it shows ties to the country. The properties are in their names as well.

Is there a solution to this conundrum?

Thanks.

[peace999]

It appears you are going for Step 2CS.

If you are, some other factors will come into play;
Your step1 and/or step 2ck scores. If you have taken both of them with excellent scores,
the officer can ignore your unemployed status and grant you a visa on your savings.

But I still think, it is safer to show an employed status, even if you can show private practice.

Can you answer;
1. What about step 1 and 2 ck? scores?
2. Have you scheduled CS already and when is it?
3. what was your last job and when did you leave it?

[richardd]

Hello,

Thanks, yes, I am going for the same exam. Left the last job in November 2012! Been preparing for Step 1 and Indian entrance exams since then. Don't have step 1 score yet but I will have it in hand by the time I go for the interview. But I won't have CK scores, as I have an observership that I would like to complete first as it cannot be postponed.

It won't be acceptable if I show a job at a private practice for 15 days or one month before taking a one month leave for the observership right? Also, seeing as how it is difficult to get interview slots (so I have heard), I will have to complete the visa application right now to get a suitable appointment date. And, I am certainly not employed now, and will not be able to put the employment status as working now, even if I eventually get the short / part-time job by the interview date right?

Thanks again!

[peace999]

B1/B2 decisions are so officer dependent ( discretion) , the best thing for IMGs is to leave no weak point .

Take both steps in India, get great scores , battle for visa for CS is 90% won. That shows the officer you are very serious
about residency training in US and that you are bright and will be an asset to US health care.
Showing an employed status in India with decent income and self funding makes the application stronger.
(shows he will return after the interview)
Observerships can be left for later.

Observerships are important but CS is more important ; and if you get denied at the embassy, it is no use.

I do not wish to discourage you . Since you are committed, go ahead and give it a try. Do not lie.
Be honest about everything. Show that you are unemployed. Show self funding with your savings ( take bank statements).
May God help you.

[richardd]

B1/B2 decisions are so officer dependent ( discretion) , the best thing for IMGs is to leave no weak point .

Take both steps in India, get great scores , battle for visa for CS is 90% won. That shows the officer you are very serious
about residency training in US and that you are bright and will be an asset to US health care.
Showing an employed status in India with decent income and self funding makes the application stronger.
(shows he will return after the interview)
Observerships can be left for later.

Observerships are important but CS is more important ; and if you get denied at the embassy, it is no use.

I do not wish to discourage you . Since you are committed, go ahead and give it a try. Do not lie.
Be honest about everything. Show that you are unemployed. Show self funding with your savings ( take bank statements).
May God help you.

Thanks. It is just that the university has made it quite clear that they would not be able to accommodate me at a later date. This is a prestigious university so I really wish to not miss this opportunity. So, please let me know if this plan would work:

I will apply for the CS visa with only a step 1 score in hand, and with the CS visa letter and the university invite letter.
If I get denied, I will do my best to complete the CK in one month, and reapply for the visa interview.

Since the application would have significantly changed, would they accept my repeat application about 1 month after the previous rejection?

I'm a little nervous about this whole thing because I really wish to match this year and I need all the results ready by August end, and I really hope I can be prepared for the worst so I don't miss my chance because of lack of planning.

Thanks for your help once again!