Question regarding B1/B2 visa for parents

[pranava]

I am employed in the US on H1-B and sponsoring my parents B1/ B2 visa
to visit me here. I had a question regarding the same.
My dad has traveled to US on 1/6/1977 for 7 days. He had come here for
the ECFMG (now US MLE) program back then and had to return back very
soon for personal reasons. He had been admitted as immigrant in NYC
and had been issued a green card back then, which is now expired. Also
he does not have his old passport and does not remember the visa
status he was on when he entered the US.
Now while filling DS-156 for him, I need to give these details
1. His previous USA visit details which is available - 1/6/1977 7 days
2. USA visa status issued to him and date issued - He only remembers
it was approximately 1 year before his visit and not the status. Can I
give the status as J1 as that is the status US MLE candidates are on
now and a probable date of 2/1/1976 as issue date.
Also will the green card issued to him back then matter in obtaining a visa now.
Your help shall be greatly appreciated by me.

[txh1b]

Do not assume and write things on the DS 156. Let him explain his story to the VO and the VO can update the DS 156 with whatever details need to be in there.

[pranava]

I am sorry as I do not understand what is a VO. Are you saying he goto some visa counselor in india and take his help.

[txh1b]

No, VO- Visa officer

When he goes for the visa, he needs to explain to the VO that he has had trips long back to US and he does not recollect the details of it. They could look it up or will notate the DS 156 about it.

Who is a visa counselor? The travel agencies that fills up the forms? Why would/should any one go to them and what can they do about it?

[pranava]

Sure thanks for the help