Tourist Visa for my sister and her son

[DivyaGarde]

Hi,

My sister is planning to visit me in the US for 10-15 days on vacation, with her 5-yr old son. I work here on H1-B.
She is 35 of age, she has a house, family (husband, in-laws) in India, who will not be accompanying her on this vacation. She works as a school teacher in India (for almost 8 years now). Her son also studies in the same school where she teaches.

Can you please help me understand how much funding will I need to show in my bank (or how much should she show in her indian bank) for visa for this trip? Also, would the funding requirement be different if she travels alone?

If there is any complication that you see with this case (any reason you think her visa or immigration may be a problem), please let me know.

Much appreciate your help
Divya.

[peace999]

Her situation seems fine to get a visitor visa as she has strong family ties .

The duration of visit is too short. Going all the way to US just for 10-15 days, the visa officer can be surprised.
Make it at least 1 month ( during school vacation).

Is her family affluent?
I mean ,if she can show a combined family income( husband + wife)
of 15 to 20 lacs per year, she can show self funding of the trip ( recommended).
In that case all you need to send is an invitation and copies of your passport and visa.

Family Income is an important deciding factor as a funding source and as a tie to home country.

Bank balances are not asked. But it does not hurt to remember a figure of all the savings she has
and carry a proof .

If they do not earn that much, you should send an I-134. If you are earning $ 50k +, you are fine.

[DivyaGarde]

Tourist Visa for my sister and her son

Thanks for your response. It helps! Few more questions:

My sister and her spouse together do not earn 15-20 lacs. They have huge property though and they can show the related documents. I have close to $6000 in my US bank balance and 2-3Lacs in India bank account. I have been in the US for only 6 months (although this is my 4th trip to the US in last 7-8 years and I have stayed upto 1-yr at a stretch during some of my earlier trips).

Can I still be the sponsor for both - my sister and her 5 yr old?
Is 6000 too less as a bank balance. (I earn more than 70K per annum)?
Is it possible that they approve my sister's visa and reject my nephew's, if both of them apply?
Do they have to buy insurance before visa stamping?
Do they have to buy return air tickets before visa stamping?

Once again, thanks so much for your response.
Divya.

[peace999]

Since you have been in US only 6 months on the current visa( prior visits are irrelevant for your sister's visit) , I suggest your sister should wait till it is over an year. And it is only a visit , nothing urgent, so it can wait.
Visitor visa decisions are totally on the discretion of the officer and they can deny on any flimsy thing. Your having left for US just 6 months ago can be a reason for denial.

In the meantime, build up your bank balance, even thouth $ 70k income is good enough to sponsor.
If they deny they will deny them both, they won't separate mother from the kid.
No , you do not have to buy tickets or insurance prior to getting visa.