Rent apartment or PG for parents' B-2 visa

[monalikashah]

I am on F-1 OPT and have my H-1B approved and working for a very big company on permanent basis. I want to invite my both parents on B-2 visa to visit me in the US. Currently I am living in a PG accommodation in a house with its owners.

I saw the sample sponsor documents that I need to send to my parents and noted that I have to include my address where they would be staying for the period they would be in the US. I plan to get an apartment around 1 month before their arrival and intend to live in this PG for some more time as it saves me money, is closer to office and is safe and comfortable.

Will giving a home address (no Apt no.) hamper my parents' B-2 visa approval? Will the visa officer ask how can they live in a PG too? Why is your kid not getting an apartment as people normally do?

Rest of all my papers and my parents' papers are in good shape. This home thing is the only one bothering me. Please help me.

Thank you!

[smohanty]

Just wondering...why can't you wait until you are on your H1B before calling your parents?

Regardless of where you work, the fact remains that your current F1 OPT status could itself lead to tough questions from the VO because it could lead to misconceptions about your parents' desperation to visit the US before you are fully settled.

As you yourself mention you are still in the process of trying to save up money. It would make your parents' case stronger if they waited a while until you are on your H1B and can show a stronger bank balance.

[monalikashah]

Thank you for your prompt response.

I have a very strong balance as of now too but I am living in PG because the home is very comfortable, close to office while apartment would mean much more cost and I am, by nature, very less extravagant

I wasn't aware that the VO might be suspicious if I am on F-1 OPT. If that is the case, my parents can definitely delay this visit. I was under the impression that it would be the same when I would be on H-1B officially after 10/01 as I am now. Can you please elaborate on this?

[smohanty]

The fact is there are no guarantees with visa applications and interviews. I have heard and read of people being rejected for the most absurd reasons.

I am acquainted with someone whose parents were rejected because they applied for a visa within a few months of their son's departure for the US on an H1B. They were asked why they wanted to visit before their son was fully settled. When the parents tried to say that they wanted to do some sightseeing in the US the VO checked their new passports and said that they should try visit countries closer to home before applying to the US.

Sounds utterly absurd doesn't it? But there is also a lesson to that incident. Be prepared for the worst.

Now it is possible that even if your parents go for an interview tomorrow they might get a visa. So you are welcome to try.

However, it is best to take as few chances as possible and to make sure that the VO is given as few possible reasons/excuses to reject applicants. When someone says they have an H1B their position seems more stable than if they say they are doing their OPT. Also the fact that the applicants waited a while after their child got a job makes them appear less desperate to go to the US.

I know that my parents and in-laws applied for visitor visas 6-8 years after we came here and they had very smooth interviews. The fact that they were in no hurry to visit seemed to convince the VOs that they had no immigrant intent and that they had strong social/economic ties to India.

Hence my suggestion to you to wait sometime before having your folks apply.

I wasn't aware that the VO might be suspicious if I am on F-1 OPT. If that is the case, my parents can definitely delay this visit. I was under the impression that it would be the same when I would be on H-1B officially after 10/01 as I am now. Can you please elaborate on this?

[monalikashah]

I am on H1B wef 1st Oct 2009 but on F-1 visa. I want to call my parents to visit me on B-2 visitor visa. I have sufficient bank balance to show along with other documents. I wanted to ask is it necessary for me to get the H1B visa stamped to call my parents here? Will not having the H1B visa stamp cause any negative effect during the visa interview for my parents? Please advise!

[smohanty]

Not having a stamp shouldn't be an issue so long as you are here legally and have the paperwork to prove it.

I am on H1B wef 1st Oct 2009 but on F-1 visa. I want to call my parents to visit me on B-2 visitor visa. I have sufficient bank balance to show along with other documents. I wanted to ask is it necessary for me to get the H1B visa stamped to call my parents here? Will not having the H1B visa stamp cause any negative effect during the visa interview for my parents? Please advise!

[monalikashah]

Not having a stamp shouldn't be an issue so long as you are here legally and have the paperwork to prove it.

What paperwork should I have? I have valid F-1 visa (till 2011) though I have graduated this year, valid OPT EAD card, approved I-797 from my employer. My H1B officially started this 1st Oct 2009. All I need is the H1B visa stamp on my passport. I wanted to go to Canada to get this done rather than going all the way to India. I think the H1B visa stamp is all that I am missing. Can my parents get their B2 visa if I send all the documents required except me not having H1B visa stamp on my passport? Please advise!

Also my 2nd question: I heard we can't go to Canada to get H1B visa stamped now due to some new rule? Is this true? Please throw some light on this issue as well. I don't want to go to India just for the H1B visa stamp. I want it done ASAP from nearest consulate and that's Vancouver, Canada BC for me. Please advise!