Working on OPT Want to call my parents

[ents689]

Hi,

I have multiple questions regarding my case. I would really appreciate any help.

I am a recent graduate. I am currently working on OPT. I want to call both my parents to visit me here in US. They have just been issued their passports and we are about to apply for the VISA. Here is what I want to ask.

Q1. I have a younger brother who has completed his BTech and working in a small company (earning Rs 15000/mo). I am the eldest. Is it wise to apply for his VISA as well along with my parents? I was hoping if I could call him for some time here and he can also assist my parents in travelling etc. (Also read Q4 related to this)

Q2. Both my parents can not speak English so I am planning to take the appointment in Hindi. I have heard that this is generally OK. Do I need to take care of anything special? I am concerned how will they handle the immigration and everything.

Q3. The financial situation is even trickier. My dad has a small business and earn like INR 15000-20000. Mom is a house wife (we can show that she earns around INR 14000 rent). We have good property (one of them is mortgaged for my education loan which I am repaying). We do not have bank balance. We might be able to get some money transferred to our accounts (I am also earning so can show/transfer some some amount). I would like to know what are the options we have and how much money (over how much time) would be safe for our application?

Q4. I have gradated but I am yet to take the graduation walk. Which will happen in May. So I have got invitation letters from my university for my parents and brother. Now in the interview can my parents use those invitation with the fact that I have graduated and working but still have to take the walk? Is this a good enough reason? If yes can I sponsor their finances with USD 5000 - 6000 that I have in my account?

Any comments will be helpful.

Thanks,

[peace999]

I am sorry your parents alone will get denied on the funding part because neither their income nor your
$ 5-6k are remotely enough to support the application.

To self fund the trip they should at least show a combined family income of 10L per year.
or substantial retirement savings 20L +.

My advice to you is you wait till you get a proper job on an H-1 , then you can sponsor your parent's trip.

[kabkaba]

I am sorry your parents alone will get denied on the funding part because neither their income nor your
$ 5-6k are remotely enough to support the application.

To self fund the trip they should at least show a combined family income of 10L per year.
or substantial retirement savings 20L +.

My advice to you is you wait till you get a proper job on an H-1 , then you can sponsor your parent's trip.

There is no such fixed requirement as noted above. However, financial and job ties to home country are evaluated by the Visa officer. Most times no document is asked.
If Visa officer specifically asks about your ability to support their trip, they will need to answer truthfully about bank balance available to you.
I personally think it is worth trying, but remember if denied, it will make future Visitor Visa applications more difficult for them.

[ents689]

Can some relative show the proof of funds? During my MS application I asked my uncle to show proof of funds for my education.

[ents689]

@peace999: I have a proper job. Its just since I recently graduated I am working on OPT. The company is going to file the H1B soon.

[peace999]

How much are you making on your OPT? Do they give you any proof of your salary?
It will be better if you wait till you get your H-1b. Some officers consider host's salary as important as proof of funding. Visitor visa can be denied on any flimsy thing.
So, it is better to be the best prepared to avoid dejection.
Relatives funds do not work in visitor situations.

I suggest you leave your bro out. Usually they do not give visitor visas for casual visits to young single peoplewho are just starting out in life and do not have strong job and income ties to home country.
He will also act as a tie for your parents to return to.

[ents689]

@peace999: My salary is over 70K. I have the joining letter and salary slips. My company will file H1B in April which if approved will start from October 1.

I can wait for sometime. Its just that right now I can show my university's invitation letters to the VISA officer for my graduation ceremony. These letters are valid till may when I have the ceremony. After this it will be more like a casual visit and I will not have any specific reason to show.

Please let me know.

[peace999]

I guess you can go ahead with it. Anyways, the v isitor visa process is not very logical , so if they are lucky they will get it.

[ents689]

Hi,

Both my parents got the B2 Visa. Thanks for all the help.

[peace999]

Nice. Very happy for you.
Did they take your bro to the interview after all?

[drdrdrdr]

Hi,

Both my parents got the B2 Visa. Thanks for all the help.

Hi there,

I am exactly in the same situation as you were with regard to the OPT and finances. My mother's visa has been rejected once. Could you please give me some tips as you have undergone the same process.

Any help is very much appreciated, I am in dire need of my parents here.

Thanks in advance