parents visit visa processing time

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Parents Visitor Visa USA - Documents, Checklist, letters Templates

US Visitor Visa(B2) for Parents – Process, Sample Documents

One of the most frequently asked questions among friends, either during graduation time, after they start working in the US, or if they are expecting a baby, is “What is the process to apply for a visitor or tourist visa(B2 visa) to parents to come to the USA? What documents do I need? How do I start ?”

The below article covers the step-by-step process to apply for a B2 visitor visa for parents or family members, including sample documents and templates.

Basic Requirements: Passports, Funds for US Trip, Documents

The two most important things you need to plan before applying for a visa are passports for your parents and the funds required for their travel to the US.

Getting Parents’ Passports

The first step before you plan the B2 Visa is to apply for a passport for your parents if they do not have one.
Depending on the country, the time to get a passport can vary. Consider the time to get the passport when you plan the overall time to get a B2 Visitor visa for them.
Check out the passport application website for details. You may read our article on applying for How to do passport renewal in India to get an idea of the process.

Bank Savings for Sponsorship

If you are paying for your parents’ trip, you need to have enough funds secured for the same.
There is no official guidance on how much money you need to have in the bank account from the US Department of State. They say the applicants must have enough funds to pay for the trip.
You can do a ballpark estimate of the expenses that your parents might incur based on flight tickets, local travel, etc., and come up with an amount you think makes sense.
As a rule of thumb, a good amount totaling up to $10,000 Dollars or more to cover their expenses would be ideal to have in the bank account.
It is advised to start saving for the same three months before and accumulate steadily rather than just borrowing money and putting it in the bank. Again, there is no hard-and-fast rule, just some general guidance.

Also, it is important to secure all the relevant documents about your status in the US as they would be important for the process. Let’s look at them below.

Employment Letter from your Company or Graduation Letter

When you invite your parents or family, one of the things that a US Consular officer would look at is your current US Visa status and supporting documentation for the same. You may need to get a different set of documentation based on your status as an employee working in the US or a student studying in the US.

Below are the two main options based on your situation:

Working in the US on a Visa (H1B, L1, OPT , Green Card) – Employment Letter

If you are working on a work visa, you need to get an employment letter from your current company verifying that you are working in the US on H1B, L1, or other visa, including Green Card, OPT or STEM OPT. This is to make sure you are in good standing in the US and are getting paid to support the travel of your parents.

Depending on the company, your company may ask for details of your parents or their passport copies and directly address the employment verification letter to the consulate. There is no rule or format given by the US Consulate. You are free to use what your company gives. Check the sample templates section at the end of the article, if you want a sample. All they care is if you are employed and in good standing.

The employment verification Letter should have information like when you joined them, what role you are working in, and how much salary you make. Some employers are quick, and some are slow in doing this. Plan well and make sure you have it with you.

International Student on F1 Visa – Graduation Invitation

If you are an F1 international Student inviting your parents for Graduation, you need to send your current status details like your F1 Visa copy, I-94 copy , I-20, and Graduation invitation letter to your parents. This would act like an invite as well as supporting documentation for them.

Step-by-Step Process for Parents’ US Visitor Visa (B2)

Below are the various steps that you can follow to apply for a visitor visa for parents. Some of these can be done in parallel, but below is a general step-by-step guide.

Step 1: Complete DS-160, Book US Visa Appointment

Before booking your parents’ US Visa stamping appointment, you must fill in Form DS-160, which is nothing but the online Nonimmigrant US Visa application form. Make sure you have scan copies of their passports before you start the process to avoid issues. Sometimes, your employer may also ask for the same for documentation.

Complete Form DS-160 Online for Parents

Unless your parents are well educated and have all the facilities, such as a computer with internet access, etc., they may not be able to do DS-160 on their own. It would be better if you fill it out for them and then declare the same at the end. It saves a lot of pain for your parents to fill it out without any mistakes.

Important Info to know before you fill out Form DS-160 Form for Parents

Separate DS-160 Forms: You must create separate DS-160 application profiles for every visitor visa applicant. If you invite both your mother and father, you must create two DS-160 Profiles online separately for your parents.
Creating Family Member DS-160 from the Thank you page : When you are filling out the first DS-160 form for the first family member, at the end, when you select ‘Email Confirmation’ on the confirmation page, you will go to “Thank you ” page and on that page you will have the option to create a family or group application, you can choose this option so that some of the information from your first application will be copied over and imported. Of course, you can change those details as needed.
Required info to Fill DS-160 form: You will need a lot of information like education details, work history, identification info, etc. We have compiled the entire list of required items for DS-160 and tips to fill the same. Read the article: Documents Needed to Fill out DS-160 Form, to get an idea.
Filling up the DS-160, Declaration: If you are filling out forms on behalf of your parents, at the end of the completion of DS-160 form, there is a section that reads ‘Sign and Submit page’, you should fill out your details as a third party and then inform your parents regarding the endorsement of the application by them and help them click on sign and submit button. You may check more info and discussion on sign and submit option.

Where to Fill out DS-160 online at the Official State.gov website

You should go to the Official US Govt State.gov website for DS-160 form Creation. Here is the link: US Govt ceac.state.gov Non-Immigrant Visa Application Website

If you have any questions, you can visit any of the below links to fill the DS-160 form.
US Travel Docs India Official Website: Info on DS-160 form
US State Govt Website: FAQs on DS-160 form

Once you complete the DS-160 form, next step is to pay the fee and book visa interview appointment.

Booking US Visa Interview Appointment , Native Language

You need to book a visa appointment at a US embassy/ consulate to get B2 Visa stamping to travel to the US. It involves paying fees, selecting a location, and interview language. Let’s look in detail.

US Consulate Location for Interview: Depending on your home country, there may be one or more locations in your country. You need to choose the US Consulate that is close to where your parents live. For instance, in India, each consulate has a list of states that they serve. Depending on your state, you need to select the respective Consulate. You can read US Consulates India – What states they serve, contact info .
India Consulates – No Option to Choose Language in System: Starting from 2023 with the new system in place, in India, you do not have the option to choose the interview language such as your mother tongue like Telugu, Tamil, Gujarati, etc. You will only get the option of English. If you feel your parents are not fluent in English, then you can ask them to request a local translator at the US Consulate/ Embassy on the day of the interview. For India, depending on the consulate, some languages may not be available. So, it is important to attend the interview at a location that is relevant for your state. You can check US Consulates Contact Info, Served States for more info. You can email the consulate/ embassy beforehand to be sure as well.
You need to create an account and follow the process in there. You will be asked to pay the fee online for booking an appointment.
If you cannot pay online, you may need to go to the bank, pay it there, and get a code to use for booking an appointment.
You do not need two accounts, you can add your parents as family in the same account and book visa interview appointment.
If you are booking an appointment in India, you can read How to Create Account on USVisaScheduling.com

You can also read the complete guide apply for a US Visa Appointment for step-by-step process.

Step 2: Prepare for US Visitor Visa(B2) Interview, Documents

You will need to prepare and carry all relevant documents for the US Visitor visa interview for your parents. You will need to send them invite letters, sponsorship letters and other info. Let’s look at each of them.

Funds Proof – Bank Account Balance Lette r, Sample

If you are sponsoring your parents or in-laws trip, you need to send the relevant proof to show that there are enough funds in your bank. While you can print out the Bank statements online, it is recommend that you go to your Bank and get a Bank verification or Bank Balance Statement Letter signed and stamped by the Bank officer.

Go to the primary bank, where you have your longest standing account and the bank which has your savings and ask them to give you a Bank Verification letter for Visa. Depending on the bank, the process can vary.

For instance, at Chase Bank they do it instantly. For Bank of America, or others they make take couple weeks or more. Do this in advance. All they do is, give a letter saying when the bank account was opened and average running balance since opening. It is just a simple letter. If possible, get the visiting card of the bank manager( not necessary, more documentation the better). Check out Sample Bank Verification Letter for Parents Visa

Invitation Letter, Visa Officer Cover Letter, Other Documents

Below are the other set of documents that you will need to have ready for the visa interview, so that your parents or in-laws can show the same.

Invitation Letter: You need to send an invitation letter to your parents saying that you are inviting them to visit you and sign it. It supports your parents intent to come to the US and you are inviting them to visit. You can get a sample template copy in the below section.
Visa officer Cover letter: It is recommended to send a cover letter with all the documentation addressing the visa officer. It just lets you keep in track of what you are sending and if visa officer needs to check, it is easier for him and more clear for our parents. See the templates section below.
Copies of W2 Form, Pay stubs, etc : You will need copies of W2 Forms for all the years, last three pay stubs or salary statements, Last three bank statements, Copy of your passport, I-94, H1B visa approval ( I797). This is extra piece of documentation to be given to your parents to avoid any issues. This is like an optional, I strongly suggest that you carry these documents.
F1 Student Status Documents: If you are a student on F1 visa and not working, you may not have pay stubs, so do not worry about it. Send whatever you have regarding your current status like I20, etc.
(Optional ) Affidavit of Support I-134 Form: This is an optional form, which is typically filed with family-based green card applications by sponsors. This is to establish that the applicant will not become public charges while in the United States. If you submit this form, you are legally signing that you take all the liability and they will not become a public charge. You may fill, sign and send the affidavit of support to your parents. It has some basic info. Nothing fancy and tricky out there. All you are telling in this document is that you are going to support their entire trip. You can Download the I-134 Form, Affidavit of Support from USCIS website
Sending Documents to Home Country: Ideally, you want to print out everything and sign all the documents where you filled forms I-134 (optional), invitation letter and cover letter. Make copies of all the documents as listed above. Send originals of Employment letter and Bank letter. You can use DHL or FedEx. It may cost you up to $60 USD.

Below is the checklist of B2 visitor visa stamping documents for parents.

Parents US Visitor Visa(B2) Documents Checklist

Below are the documents that Parents need to carry from their side

DS-160 Form Submission Confirmation letter
US Visa Appointment Confirmation Letter

Below are the documents parents need to carry related to their sponsor(son or daughter) in the US or if they would be staying with them.

Copy of work visa approval notice from USCIS ( H1B/ L1 Approval Notice Form I-797 ).
Copy of Passport, US Visa stamped on passport.
Copy of I-94. (Check How to get I-94 Online )
Current Employment verification letter
Copy of Bank statements from the last six months.
Bank Account verification/ balance letter.
Copies of last three salary statements/ pay slips.
Copies of previous years Tax Returns –W2 forms ( if applicable).
DS forms (if you have filled it and signed the same)
Copy of Green Card ( if you are not working on visa )
Form I-134 ( Optional )

US Visitor Visa(B2) Documents Checklist for in-laws

If you are sponsoring for your in-laws like mother-in-law or father-in-law, in addition to above checklist of documents, you need to include spouse’s details and documents as well along with the package.

Your Spouse’s Passport
Spouse’s approval notice I797
Spouse’s US Visa Copy
Any other supporting documents like marriage certificate to prove the relationship.
Spouse Birth Certificate

Thanks to Rajesh for suggesting the above after his bad experience of missing the documents of in-laws.

Additional Supporting documents by Parents for Visa Interview

Fundamentally, your parents have to prove that they have enough ties in their home country, so that they would return after their trip. Some of the ways that can be done is by good supporting documentation. The below list of documents are intended to prove that they will return to home country:

Notarized documents of land/ sites, buildings ( any kind of property).
Bank Statements with enough balance
Pension / employment benefits letters, if applicable.
Fixed deposits, any financial related documents.
If there are Tax returns, then carry them as well
Any other documents that shows your financially strong and you will come back.

If you do not have all documents or big property back home, it is OK. No big deal. Because, you are the one in the US, who is sponsoring the visitor visa for your parents. So, do not worry. Also, if your parents are older, then they are fine.

You may join our Telegram B2 Visa Community Group to ask questions or share your experiences.

Sample Document Templates for Parents US Visitor Visa

Below are some of the templates that you can use. Make sure you change the content to fit it for your situation.

Parents US Visitor Visa Invite Letter Template: You need to send an invitation letter to your parents saying that you are inviting them and also specify, if you plan to pay for their expenses when in US. We have given a sample letter, but I recommend you edit it with your own flavour and make it unique : Invitation Letter Templates for Visitor (B-2) / Parents Visa
Employment letter Sample Letter Template for US Parents Visa : You should also send an employment letter that tells that you are employed in your company with your designation and salary. It can be any standard employment letter. You may use : Employment letter Template for Parents Visa USA
Cover Letter for Visa Officer at US Consulate: It is a good idea to put in a cover letter to the visa officer listing all the documents you are sending. You may use : Cover Letter for Visa officer – Parents visa USA

These are just standard templates that you can use, no hard fast rule that it has to be in this format. We highly encourage you to use them as guideline only and create your own letters with your own flavour, so that it looks unique.

Step 3: Attend Biometrics & US Visitor Visa Interview Appointments

Once you have all the documents ready, the next step is to attend the Biometrics appointment at a US Visa Application Center(VAC) and give biometrics on that required day. After the biometrics are taken, parents must carry all the documents listed in the above checklist and attend the visa interview on the respective date and time.

Having all the documents is essential, but the most important thing is to give your parents confidence and all the details related to you and what you do in the US so that they can answer the questions. You need to coach your parents to do well in the interview.

You can expect to see questions like the below for your parents in the visa interview.:

Who lives in the US? Son or Daughter?
What does your Son or Daughter do in the US?
Did they study in the US?
Where did they study?
What does your son or daughter do for work?
Which city do they live in?
Do you plan to settle down there or come back?
What is the purpose of your visit?
When do you plan to go?
When do you plan to return to India?
What is your son or daughter’s salary?
How long have your son or daughter lived in the US?
Do you currently work, or are you retired?
Do you get a pension? Have you paid taxes?

You can check out previous US Visitor Visa experiences at below links

Collection of Latest B1/B2 Visitor Visa Stamping Experiences
Parents US Visa Stamping Experience -Telugu
English Stamping Experience US Parents Visa .

Step 4: B2 Visa Approval, Passport with Visa

If the B2 visa interview went well, your parents would be informed that their visa was approved and their passports would be collected. If the passports are collected, then they can expect the actual B2 Visitor Visa foil to be glued in their passport and delivered to their given address within a few days.

If your parents chose to pick up a passport, they could collect the same with the visa stamped in it. The approved B1/B2 or B2 Visitor Visa glued in the passport would look in the screenshot below.

If the visa were not approved, the consular officer would inform your parents and give them a piece of paper indicating the reason for Visa denial. One of the common reasons for visa denial for B2 visitor visa is 214(b). If your parents are unlucky, they can again reapply. You can read more on it at State.gov US Visa Denials reasons .

Hopefully, your parents get their US Visa in the interview. One last thing, before they go to the US, is to look at health insurance for their US Travel.

Health Insurance for Parents: After you get the US Visa and plan to arrive in the US, having visitors health insurance is important for parents to avoid any unforeseen health conditions, when in the USA. It is always a good idea to get Health Insurance from a US vendor, who can support you. We recommend Buying Parents Insurance at Visitors Coverage – Parents Insurance as they have US support and you can compare all insurance plans.

Common FAQs

Yes, US Consulates in India are doing both in-person interviews as well as dropbox appointments for parents B2 visitor visas. There are no restrictions.

All the appointments that are available on USVisaScheduling.com for 2024, 2025 and beyond are all real appointments. They are not placeholder appointments like in the past.

That’s it folks…not so much complex, all you need to do is get all the list of documents and have things rolling as per plan and schedule.

Do you have any other ideas or documents that are important ? Do share your experience and thoughts.

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How long does family-based immigration to the US take?

The median processing time for family-based immigration applications — for spouses, dependent children, and parents of US citizens — rose from 4.7 months to 11.8 months between 2013 and 2023.

Published Fri, March 1, 2024 by the USAFacts Team

Family-based immigration most often involves people moving to the US to reunite with their spouse/fiancé(e) and children, or children being adopted from abroad. Per recent Department of Homeland Security data, spouses, dependent children, and parents trying to join family members in the US have median wait times of nearly a year, give or take a few months.

In other situations, family members can wait even longer. The family-based immigration process is subject to varying timelines, primarily influenced by the applicant’s relationship to a US citizen and their country of origin.

What is family-based immigration?

Family-based immigration, facilitated through US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), allows American citizens and lawful permanent residents to sponsor visas for specific family members; these can ultimately lead to permanent residency. This visa pathway was solidified with the Immigration and Nationality Act of 1965 , which relaxed Cold War-era immigration quotas to grant entry to more skilled laborers and allow more people to reunite with family members living in the US.

Unlike employment-based and asylum visas that fulfill economic or humanitarian objectives, family-based immigration prioritizes keeping families together.

How long do family members have to wait to immigrate to the US?

Spouses, dependent children, and parents of US citizens tend to have shorter waiting times than other family members. Between October 2022 and September 2023 , the median wait time for spouses, dependent children, and parents was 11.8 months nationally, while petitions for fiancé(e)s had a median wait of 13.9 months. Processing times vary by regional office depending on application volumes, workload allocations, staffing, and other factors. There is no specific legal timeframe for the US to respond to immigration visa applicants.

A line graph depicting the median processing times for family-based immigration visas from fiscal year 2013 to the first quarter of fiscal year 2024.

Median processing times for international adoption immigration cases have also increased: approximately 49.2 months as of 2023.

For family categories such as “Unmarried Sons and Daughters of US Citizens” and “Spouses and Children of Permanent Residents,” the wait times can be even longer, from several years to more than a decade.

How many people are on the visa waiting list?

As of November 1, 2022, the State Department reported 4.08 million people waiting for their visa applications to be processed. This is the overall total of both family-sponsored and employment-based applications and includes both the primary applicants and their eligible dependents, including spouses and children.

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Most of the waiting list is family members: 3.92 million people (95.9% of applicants) are applying for family sponsorship, while 168,148 people (4.1%) fall under the employment-based preference.

How long do other immigration applicants take?

The time it takes to process a visa application can vary widely depending on the specific form being filed. Last year's median wait times for all immigration applications — not just family and work-related programs — demonstrated a broad range, from under a month to almost five years.

Median processing times (in months) for immigration forms in fiscal year 2023

This variance is influenced by a range of factors, including the annual cap for each visa type, the applicant's country of origin , changes in US immigration policies, and the intricacies of administrative procedures .

Where does this data come from?

Data on nationwide immigration visa processing times comes from the USCIS website, which compiles median processing times across all local offices. Regional variations can be found by contacting your local field office or looking up more detailed processing time estimates by visa type and service center.

Further information on family-sponsored immigration figures by country as of November 1, 2022 comes from the National Visa Center , provided by the State Department.

Read more about where immigrants are moving in the US , and get the data directly in your inbox by signing up for our email newsletter .

Explore more of USAFacts

Asylum in the United States: How the case backlog grew to hundreds of thousands

How many DACA recipients are there in the United States?

Immigration demographics: A look at the native and foreign-born populations

Why do immigrants come to the US?

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How to Get a U.S. Tourist Visa for Your Parents

Learn how to help your parents apply for a b2 travel visa, in this guide.

Submitting the Travel Visa Application
B2 Visa Interview Process
Related Information

If you are a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, and you’re planning a family trip or want to bring your parents over from abroad for a visit, the first step is to help them apply for a B2 tourist visa.

In this guide, we’ll cover how to guide your parents through the travel visa application, help them prepare for the visa interview, and more.

Boundless’ B-1/B-2 travel visa service offers more than just help with your forms. We’ll help assemble your entire application, file it with the U.S. government on your behalf, and help schedule your visa interview. You’ll even get interview prep tips from a former consular officer who knows what it takes to succeed. Get started today!

Get personalized, end-to-end visa support with Boundless.

Determine visa eligibility.

In order to help your parents apply, they must meet the eligibility requirements for a U.S. tourist visa , also known as a B-2 visa. Your parents must be able to demonstrate that they have strong ties to their home country and intend to return after their visit to the U.S. For more details on how to prove strong ties to home, check out Boundless’ guide .

Many people wonder if they can apply for a travel visa for their parents. It’s important to note that it is not possible to “sponsor” a family member for a temporary tourist visa or apply for the visa on their behalf. If you’re interested in helping your parents immigrate to the U.S., you would need to go through a separate process and sponsor them for an IR-5 parent visa .

Complete the Travel Visa Application

Once you’re ready to move forward with the travel visa process, you’ll need to help your parents complete the online travel visa application, Form DS-160 . This form collects biographical information, travel plans, and other details about the travel visa applicant. Each applicant must fill out a separate DS-160, meaning both parents will need to file their own forms in instances where both parents intend on traveling to the U.S.

You can learn more about the DS-160 process and how to complete the form at Boundless’ detailed guide .

Pay the Visa Application Fee

The visa application fee for a B-2 visa is $185, and it is non-refundable. Payment options vary depending on which country your parents are applying from, but most U.S. Embassies and consulates accept online payment via credit card or electronic transfer. Your parents will need to print the receipt as proof of payment.

Schedule the Visa Interview

After filing the DS-160 forms, your parents must schedule visa appointments at the U.S. Embassy or consulate in their home country. It’s possible to schedule online or by phone, depending on the location. Applicants will need to provide their passport number, DS-160 confirmation number, and payment receipt to schedule the appointment.

Gather Supporting Documents

Once the appointments are scheduled, you can help your parents gather the required supporting documents . They’ll need to bring several documents to the visa interview, including:

Passport: The passport must be valid for at least six months beyond the intended stay in the U.S. and have at least one blank page.
Photograph: Your parents will need to bring a recent, color photograph of themselves that meets the U.S. visa requirements.
Evidence of strong ties to their home country: As mentioned above, strong ties can include proof of employment, property ownership, financial assets, or family connections.
Travel itinerary: Your parents should bring a copy of their travel itinerary , including flight details and hotel reservations.
Invitation letter: You may choose to write an optional letter inviting your parents to visit you in the U.S. The letter should include your contact information, the purpose of their visit, and the duration of their stay.

Attend the Visa Interview

Your parents will need to appear in person at the U.S. Embassy or consulate for the visa interview. The interview usually lasts about 15 minutes, during which a consular officer will ask questions about your parents’ travel plans, their ties to their home country, and other relevant topics. Your parents should answer truthfully and provide any requested documents noted above.

The visa interview can be a stressful process, but you can help your parents prepare with confidence by following the tips in Boundless’ travel visa interview guide . We also provide a list of sample interview questions you can practice with your parents, so they know what kinds of questions to expect.

Receive a Decision

After the interview, your parents will receive a decision from the consular officer and if approved, they’ll need to wait for their tourist visa to be processed. The length of time can vary depending on the embassy or consulate, but it usually takes a few days to several weeks. Your parents should not make any travel arrangements until they receive their official B2 visa.

Prepare for Travel

After the visitor visa is approved, you can start planning your parents’ travels to the U.S.! You should make sure that your parents are prepared for the trip by gathering any necessary documents (such as travel insurance ) and making the necessary travel arrangements. If it’s your parents’ first time flying into the U.S., you may want to help familiarize them with U.S. airport requirements and how to navigate U.S. customs before their flight.

Immigration guideS

How to Apply for a B-1/B-2 Visa
How to Fill Out Form DS-160
Switching Status From a Travel Visa to a Green Card
Nonimmigrant Visas, Explained
Renewing a B-1/B-2 Travel Visa
B-1/B-2 Visa Sample Interview Questions
How to Prepare for Your Travel Visa Interview
Letter of Invitation for a Travel Visa
Required Documents for Travel Visas
Tips for Travel Visa Approval

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Visitor Visa

Visa Waiver Program

Travel Without a Visa

Citizens of Canada and Bermuda

Generally, a citizen of a foreign country who wishes to enter the United States must first obtain a visa, either a nonimmigrant visa for a temporary stay, or an immigrant visa for permanent residence. Visitor visas are nonimmigrant visas for persons who want to enter the United States temporarily for business (visa category B-1), for tourism (visa category B-2), or for a combination of both purposes (B-1/B-2).

Here are some examples of activities permitted with a visitor visa:

Business (B-1)

Consult with business associates
Attend a scientific, educational, professional, or business convention or conference
Settle an estate
Negotiate a contract

Tourism (B-2)

Vacation (holiday)
Visit with friends or relatives
Medical treatment
Participation in social events hosted by fraternal, social, or service organizations
Participation by amateurs in musical, sports, or similar events or contests, if not being paid for participating
Enrollment in a short recreational course of study, not for credit toward a degree (for example, a two-day cooking class while on vacation)

Travel Purposes Not Permitted On Visitor Visas

These are some examples of activities that require different categories of visas and cannot be done while on a visitor visa:

Paid performances, or any professional performance before a paying audience
Arrival as a crewmember on a ship or aircraft
Work as foreign press, in radio, film, print journalism, or other information media
Permanent residence in the United States

Visitor visas will also not be issued for birth tourism (travel for the primary purpose of giving birth in the United States to obtain U.S. citizenship for their child).

How to Apply

There are several steps to apply for a visa. The order of these steps and how you complete them may vary by U.S. Embassy or Consulate. Please consult the instructions on the U.S. Embassy or Consulate website .

Complete the Online Visa Application

Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application, Form DS-160 – Learn more about completing the DS-160 . You must: 1) complete the online visa application and 2) print the application form confirmation page to bring to your interview.
Photo – You will upload your photo while completing the online Form DS-160. Your photo must be in the format explained in the Photograph Requirements .

Schedule an Interview

Interviews are generally required for visa applicants with certain limited exceptions below. Consular officers may require an interview of any visa applicant.

You should schedule an appointment for your visa interview at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in the country where you live. You may schedule your interview at another U.S. Embassy or Consulate, but be aware that it may be more difficult to qualify for a visa outside of the country where you live.

Wait times for interview appointments vary by location, season, and visa category, so you should apply for your visa early. Review the interview wait time for the location where you will apply:

Appointment Wait Time

Check the estimated wait time for a nonimmigrant visa interview appointment at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate.

Note: Please check the individual Embassy or Consulate website to determine if your case is eligible for a waiver of the in-person interview.

Applicants scheduling visa appointments in a location different from their place of residence should check post websites for nonresident wait times.

Select a U.S. Embassy or Consulate:

Prepare for your interview.

Fees - Pay the non-refundable visa application fee , if you are required to pay it before your interview. If your visa is approved, you may also need to pay a visa issuance fee, if applicable to your nationality. Fee information is provided below:

Select your nationality to see Issuance Fee

Review the instructions available on the website of the U.S. Embassy or Consulate where you will apply to learn more about fee payment.

Gather Required Documentation

Gather and prepare the following required documents before your visa interview:

Passport valid for travel to the United States – Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your period of stay in the United States (unless exempt by country-specific agreements ). Each individual who needs a visa must submit a separate application, including any family members listed in your passport.
Nonimmigrant Visa Application, Form DS-160 confirmation page.
Application fee payment receipt, if you are required to pay before your interview.
Photo – You will upload your photo while completing the online Form DS-160. If the photo upload fails, you must bring one printed photo in the format explained in the Photograph Requirements .

Additional Documentation May Be Required

Review the instructions for how to apply for a visa on the website of the U.S. Embassy or Consulate where you will apply. Additional documents may be requested to establish if you are qualified. For example, additional requested documents may include evidence of:

The purpose of your trip,
Your intent to depart the United States after your trip, and/or
Your ability to pay all costs of the trip.

Evidence of your employment and/or your family ties may be sufficient to show the purpose of your trip and your intent to return to your home country. If you cannot cover all the costs for your trip, you may show evidence that another person will cover some or all costs for your trip.

Note: Visa applicants must qualify on the basis of the applicant's residence and ties abroad, rather than assurances from U.S. family and friends. A letter of invitation or Affidavit of Support is not needed to apply for a visitor visa. If you choose to bring a letter of invitation or Affidavit of Support to your interview, please remember it is not one of the factors used in determining whether to issue or deny the visa.

Attend Your Visa Interview

A consular officer will interview you to determine whether you are qualified to receive a visitor visa. You must establish that you meet the requirements under U.S. law to receive a visa. Ink-free, digital fingerprint scans are taken as part of the application process. They are usually taken during your interview, but this varies based on location.

After your visa interview, the consular officer may determine that your application requires further administrative processing . The consular officer will inform you if this required.

After the visa is approved, you may need to pay a visa issuance fee (if applicable to your nationality), and make arrangements for the return of the passport and visa to you. Review the visa processing times to learn more.

Entering the United States

A visa allows a foreign citizen to travel to a U.S. port-of-entry (generally an airport) and request permission to enter the United States. A visa does not guarantee entry into the United States. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS), U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officials at the port-of-entry have authority to permit or deny admission to the United States. If you are allowed to enter the United States, the CBP official will provide an admission stamp or a paper Form I-94, Arrival/Departure Record. Learn more about admissions and entry requirements, restrictions about bringing food, agricultural products, and other restricted/prohibited goods, and more by reviewing the CBP website .

Extending Your Stay

See Extend Your Stay on the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) website to learn about requesting to extend your stay beyond the date indicated on your admission stamp or paper Form I-94.

Failure to depart the United States on time will result in being out of status . Under U.S. law, visas of individuals who are out of status are automatically voided ( Section 222(g) of the Immigration and Nationality Act ). Any multiple entry visa that was voided due to being out of status will not be valid for future entries into the United States.

Failure to depart the United States on time may also result in you being ineligible for visas in the future. Review Visa Denials and Ineligibilities and Waivers: Laws to learn more.

Change of Status

If your plans change while in the United States (for example, you marry a U.S. citizen or receive an offer of employment), you may be able to request a change in your nonimmigrant status to another category through U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). See Change My Nonimmigrant Status on the USCIS website to learn more.

While you are in the United States, receiving a change of status from USCIS does not require you to apply for a new visa. However, once you depart the United States you must apply for a new visa at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate in the appropriate category for your travel.

Additional Information

An individual on a visitor visa (B1/B2) is not permitted to accept employment or work in the United States.
There is no guarantee you will be issued a visa. Do not make final travel plans or buy tickets until you have a visa.
A valid U.S. visa in an expired passport is still valid. Unless canceled or revoked, a visa is valid until its expiration date. If you have a valid visa in your expired passport, do not remove it from your expired passport. You may use your valid visa in your expired passport along with a new valid passport for travel and admission to the United States.

Travel for Medical Treatment

If you are seeking medical treatment in the United States, the consular officer may ask for further documents at your visa interview, which may include:

Medical diagnosis from a local physician, explaining the nature of the ailment and the reason you need treatment in the United States.
Letter from a physician or medical facility in the United States, stating they are willing to treat your specific ailment and detailing the projected length and cost of treatment (including doctors’ fees, hospitalization fees, and all medical-related expenses).
Proof that your transportation, medical, and living expenses in the United States will be paid. This may be in the form of bank or other statements of income/savings or certified copies of income tax returns (either yours or the person or organization paying for your treatment).

Visitor Visas for Personal or Domestic Employees (B-1)

You may apply for a B-1 visitor visa to work in the United States as a personal or domestic employee for your employer in limited situations. You may work in the United States on a visitor visa if your employer is:

A U.S. citizen who has a permanent home or is stationed in a foreign country, but is visiting or is assigned to the United States temporarily; or
A foreign citizen who is in the United States on one of the following nonimmigrant visa categories: B, E, F, H, I, J, L, M, O, P, or Q.

Learn more about your rights in the United States and protection available to you by reading the Legal Rights and Protections pamphlet.

Visa Renewal

Whether you are applying for the first time or renewing your visa, you will use the same application process (please review How to Apply , above). Some applicants seeking to renew their visas in certain visa classes may be eligible for the Interview Waiver (IW) which allows qualified individuals to apply for visa renewals without being interviewed in person by a U.S. consular officer. Review the instructions on the website of the U.S. Embassy or Consulate where you will apply to determine if the IW is available and if you qualify.

Do I need a visa if I have an ABTC?

Yes, you will still need a visa to travel to the United States, unless you qualify for the Visa Waiver Program . Having an Asian-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Business Travelers Card (ABTC) does not change visa requirements, your visa status, or the visa process for travel to the United States.

How can I use my ABTC when I apply for my visa?

If you have an Asian-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Business Travelers Card (ABTC), you might be able to schedule an expedited visa interview appointment. Review the instructions for scheduling expedited appointments on the website of the embassy or consulate where you will apply.

Visa Annotations for Certain Maritime Industry Workers

Certain foreign maritime workers are eligible to apply for a Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) once in the U.S. If you, as a maritime industry worker, will perform services in secure port areas, your visa must be annotated “TWIC Letter Received.” Workers whose visas are not annotated will not be permitted by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) to apply for a TWIC.

In order for your visa to be annotated, you must obtain a letter from your employer explaining the need for a TWIC and that you are a potential TWIC applicant. See a template example of this letter. You must present this letter when you apply for the B-1 visa. You must meet all other eligibility requirements for a B-1 visa.

Complete information about the TWIC program is available on TSA’s website at https://www.tsa.gov/for-industry/twic .

Visa Denial and Ineligibility

Review Visa Denials for detailed information about visa ineligibilities, denials and waivers.

I was refused a visa, under Section 214(b). May I reapply?

Yes, if you feel circumstances have changed regarding your application. Review Visa Denials to learn more.

Misrepresentation or Fraud

Attempting to obtain a visa by the willful misrepresentation of a material fact, or fraud, may result in the permanent refusal of a visa or denial of entry into the United States.

Review Ineligibilities and Waivers: Laws .

Citizens of Canada and Bermuda do not require visas to enter the United States, for visit, tourism and temporary business travel purposes. For more information see U.S. Embassy Ottawa website , U.S. Consulate Hamilton website and CBP website .

Additional resources for Canadian visitors to the United States can be found on the U.S. Embassy and Consulate websites in Canada.

Citizens of China

In accordance with the agreement signed between the United States and China to extend visa validity, beginning on November 29, 2016, Chinese citizens with 10-year B1, B2 or B1/B2 visas in Peoples’ Republic of China passports will be required to update their biographical and other information from their visa application via a website every two years, or upon getting a new passport or B1, B2, or B1/B2 visa, whichever occurs first. This mechanism is called EVUS - Electronic Visa Update System.

The EVUS website is now open to the public for enrollments at www.EVUS.gov . CBP will not collect a fee for EVUS enrollment at this time. CBP anticipates the eventual implementation of an EVUS enrollment fee, but does not have a time frame. Until the implementation of a fee, travelers can enroll in EVUS without charge. The Department of Homeland Security, Customs and Border Protection (CBP) will keep visa holders informed of new information throughout the year. For further information, please visit www.cbp.gov/EVUS .‎

根据美中双方签署的延长签证有效期的协议，自2016年11月29日起，凡持有10 年期B1，B2 或 B1/B2签证的中华人民共和国护照持有人需要每两年或在获取新护照或最长有效期的B1、B2或B1/B2签证时时（以先到者为准），通过网站更新他们签证申请上的个人资料及其它信息。这个机制我们称之为EVUS –签证更新电子系统。

EVUS的登记网站 www.EVUS.gov 现已开放接受登记。美国海关和边境保护局（CBP）目前不会收取登记费用。美国海关和边境保护局预期EVUS登记收费最终会实施，但目前尚未落实执行时间。在收费实施前，旅客可以免费完成EVUS登记。美国国土安全部海关和边境保护局将在今年及时向签证持有人公布最新的信息。获取更多的信息，请访问 www.cbp.gov/EVUS 。

Citizens of Mexico

Citizens and permanent residents of Mexico generally must have a nonimmigrant visa or Border Crossing Card (also known as a "Laser Visa"). For ease of travel, the B-1/B-2 and the Border Crossing Card have been combined into one document (DSP-150). Select Border Crossing Card to learn more about this card.

Please visit U.S. Embassy or Consulate websites for more information regarding applying for a visa at the U.S. Embassy or Consulates in Mexico.

Further Questions

Case-Specific Questions - Contact the U.S. Embassy or Consulate handling your visa application for status information. Select U.S. Embassy or Consulate for contact information.
General Questions - review Contact Us .

Visa Waiver Program (VWP)

Tourist or business travelers who are citizens of participating countries may be eligible to visit the United States without a visa. Visits must be 90 days or less, and travelers must meet all requirements.

Citizens of Canada and Bermuda generally do not need visas for tourism and visits.

More Information

A-Z Index Legal Rights & Protections Lost/Stolen Travel Documents Denials Fraud Warning Visa Expiration Date Automatic Revalidation Nonimmigrants in the United States–Applying for Visas in Canada or Mexico Visa Applicants - State Sponsors of Terrorism Border Security/Safety Find a U.S. Embassy or Consulate Customer Service Statement

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Canada Visitor Visa

The Ultimate Guide on Canada Visitor Visa for Parents

While you settle into your temporary home in Canada, the desire to reunite with your parents grows strong. This guide offers a variety of options to facilitate their visit, ensuring that bringing them over becomes a heartfelt and emotional experience.

In the diverse world of Canadian immigration , the idea of bringing your parents to join you holds great importance. Whether you are an international student, a temporary worker, a permanent resident, or a Canadian citizen, there are different ways for you to make this happen.

It’s essential to understand the specific options and requirements based on your immigration status to ensure a successful reunion with your parents.

How to Get a Visitor Visa for Your Parents as an International Student

For international students in Canada wishing to bring their parents for a visit, the key lies in obtaining a regular Canada Visitor Visa. This involves a step-by-step process:

Familiarize yourself with the necessary documentation, including a valid passport, proof of financial support, a detailed letter of invitation, and information about enrollment in a Canadian institution.
Crafting a sincere letter of invitation is crucial, clearly outlining the purpose and duration of the visit, along with a commitment to providing support.
Financial proof, such as bank statements or scholarship details, is essential to demonstrate your parents have enough funds during their stay.

The application process, conducted online, involves careful scanning and uploading of documents, timely payment of fees, and submission well in advance of the planned visit to allow for processing time.

After approval, the parents receive a visa on their passport, permitting them to travel to Canada for the specified period. Upon arrival, a brief interview with immigration officials may occur, remind your parents of the importance of having all necessary documents readily available for a smooth entry process.

If you would like to learn more about the visitor visa, please visit our page: “Visitor Visa.”

Can I Bring My Parents as a Temporary Worker?

Before embarking on the journey to bring your parents as temporary workers , it’s crucial to ascertain eligibility. Generally, temporary workers in Canada need to have a valid work permit.

To bring your parents, you must explore additional requirements, such as the duration of the work permit and the ability to demonstrate financial stability to support the visiting parents during their stay. Understanding these criteria ensures a smoother application process.

To initiate the process, gather the necessary documentation. This typically includes a letter of invitation detailing the purpose and duration of the visit, proof of the temporary worker’s employment status, financial documents demonstrating the ability to support the parents, and details about the worker’s residence in Canada. Ensuring that all documents are accurate and up-to-date is essential for a successful application.

A Super Visa: An Opportunity for Permanent Residents and Canadian Citizens’ Parents.

The Super Visa is a special kind of Canadian visitor visa meant specifically for parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens or permanent residents . What sets it apart from regular visitor visas is the extended stay it offers, allowing visitors to remain in Canada for up to two years without needing to apply for extensions.

To apply for a Super Visa, you need to show proof of your relationship, including a letter of invitation from your sponsoring child or grandchild, explaining your care plans and details about their household. Additionally, you must demonstrate that you have health insurance from a Canadian provider, valid for at least one year, while your sponsoring family member needs to meet a minimum income requirement based on their family size.

For those who are visa-exempt, meaning they don’t need a regular visitor visa based on their nationality, getting a Super Visa is still advantageous. While visa-exempt visitors usually can stay for up to six months without renewal, the Super Visa allows parents and grandparents to stay in Canada for up to two years at a time.

The application process is similar for visa-exempt individuals, but successful Super Visa applicants receive a letter authorizing their stay instead of a traditional visa. It’s important to note that even visa-exempt visitors with a Super Visa need to apply for an electronic travel authorization (eTA) when travelling to Canada by air.

For permanent residents or citizens wishing to bring their parents to Canada indefinitely, the Sponsorship Program becomes the avenue to explore. Through sponsorship, individuals can initiate the process of making their parents permanent residents. This route offers the prospect of long-term family reunification, allowing parents to reside in Canada on a more permanent basis. While the Super Visa provides an excellent solution for extended visits, the sponsorship program caters to those desiring a more enduring and stable arrangement for their parents within the Canadian community.

Ready to embark on the journey of bringing your parents to Canada?

Contact Canadim today and our experienced team of immigration professionals, to discover the best way to navigate the visa process for your parents.

Start by filling out our online personal assessment, and we will guide you through every step, ensuring a seamless and successful reunion with your loved ones!

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Monday, 15 Jan 2024

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All Visa Processing Times Australia

You’ve made the decision to move to Australia and sorted out the right visa, but a big worry on your mind remains – how long will it take to process your visa?

We’ve compiled general visa processing times in Australia so you don’t miss out on a job opportunity or a family reunion, and can plan your immigration with ease.

Skilled Migration Visa Processing Times

Australia welcomes skilled migrants who can address labour shortages and contribute to the economy. If you have the right qualifications and skill set, you can immigrate to Australia through the skilled migration program.

Processing times for the skilled migration visas are as follows:

This guide tells you about the different permanent residency (PR) pathways you can take, as well as the requirements and steps for PR applications.

Employer-sponsored visa processing times

If you have the needed qualifications and skills, and already have a sponsoring employer in Australia, you can apply for one of the following employer-sponsored visas below:

Learn more: Australia Skilled Occupation List

With this guide, you’ll gain insights into the in-demand occupations in Australia and the visa pathways suitable for each eligible skilled occupation, helping you make a better immigration plan.

Australia Student Visa Processing Times

If you want to hone your skills or pursue further studies in Australia – whether that’s vocational studies or post-graduate study – you can apply for an Australian student visa. Processing times are specified below:

Learn more: How to Apply for Student Visa in Australia .

It features a step-by-step guide so you can get started on your Australian student visa application

Partner / Spouse Visa Australia Processing Time

If you want to live and remain with your partner in Australia, you can apply for a spouse/partner visa. Refer to the table below for the processing times:

Parent Visa Processing Time

The parent visa program allows parents of Australian citizens or permanent residents to live in Australia and reunite with their children. Processing times are as follows:

*Parent visas are subject to capping and queuing . Once the yearly limit is reached, new visas won’t be granted. Pending applications will be put in the queue for next year’s availability.

Child Visa Processing Time

Child visas allow a child to move to Australia and be reunited with their parent who is either an Australian citizen or permanent resident. These are the processing times for the different child visas:

Relative Visa Processing Time

The relative visas below allow close family members of Australian citizens or permanent residents to live in Australia. This especially applies to elderly relatives or those who require close care and supervision.

The processing times are stated below:

*The Relative / Family visas above are subject to capping and queuing . Once the yearly limit is reached, new visas won’t be granted. Pending applications will be put in the queue for next year’s availability.

Visitor / Tourist Visa Australia Processing Time

If you want to visit Australia for leisure or to visit family and friends, you must apply for one of the visitor visas below. Processing times are included in the table below:

*For ETA, you will usually receive the results of your visa application immediately via email.

Learn more: Invitation letter for tourist visa Australia .

This blog tells you what an invitation letter is and how it can help boost your chances of getting your tourist visa approved.

Business Visa Processing Time

Business visas allow you to undertake business-related activities in Australia, whether that’s managing a company or investing in Australia’s economy. Refer to the table below for the processing times:

Talent Visa Processing Time

If you have exceptional skills or talent in an eligible field – such as science, technology, engineering and mathematics – and have a solid record to show for it, you can consider applying for a talent visa. Processing times are specified below:

Special Visas Processing Times

The special visas below are suited for specific individual circumstances. Processing times are as follows:

Factors That Affect Global Processing Time

The global processing times provided for each visa type are rough estimates, and the actual duration varies based on your individual circumstances. To ensure a smooth application process, consider these key factors affecting processing times:

Accuracy and completeness of your application

Double-check your application to avoid mistakes and send all the documents needed. Don’t include unnecessary paperwork.

Department workload

The more visa applications the Department of Home Affairs is handling, the longer it may take to review each application.

Your timely response to any information requests

The earlier you respond to any additional requests from the Department, the more you can expedite your application process.

Third-party agencies

The time it takes to gather information from external agencies (for health, character, and security checks) can impact processing times.

Availability of places

Avoid unnecessary visa processing time delays

With professional guidance, you won’t have to worry about missing any paperwork or falling into usual do-it-yourself visa application mistakes.

At KBA Global, you’re partnering with migration agents with diverse backgrounds and years of proven experience. We’ll sort out your documents and handle any sudden requirement changes to prevent unnecessary waits that can ruin your immigration plans.

Get started with your visa application today with a free consultation .

Disclaimer: The above information is a general guide and not professional immigration advice. Be aware that immigration laws and regulations can change swiftly, potentially rendering some or all of the information outdated. Thus, before using the information above, we recommend checking the current laws through assistance from a migration agent or the Department of Home Affairs website.

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1800 522 456
4/4 Shepherd St, Darwin City, NT 0800 Australia

Hobart Office

[email protected]
(03) 6135 4949
1/130 Collins St, Hobart TAS 7000

Perth Office

[email protected]
(08) 9228 8075
2/91 Aberdeen Street, North Bridge, WA 6003

Melbourne Office

[email protected]
0423 690 423
Suite 10, Level 1/343 Little Collins St, Melbourne VIC 3000

Cagayan de Oro Office

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+639666215381
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+639164628810
2nd floor. Solomon bldg. Centro 11, Balzain east Tuguegarao City

Kathmandu Office

[email protected]
+977 147 95576
6th Floor, Omkar Building, New Baneshwor, Madan Bhandari Road, Kathmandu 44600

Butwal Office

[email protected]
+977 715 46106
Milanchowk - 9, Butwal Near Sunrise Bank

Chitwan Office

[email protected]
+977 565 90154
Nepal Bank Building, Lionschowk, Narayangadh, Chitwan

Nigeria Office

[email protected]
+2349131870293
10 Hughes Avenue Alagomeji, Yaba Lagos

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When to File Your Adjustment of Status Application for Family-Sponsored or Employment-Based Preference Visas: May 2024

Are you seeking to adjust your status and become a U.S. permanent resident under a family-sponsored or employment-based preference immigrant visa? If you have not yet had a relative or employer file an immigrant visa petition on your behalf, please learn more about the Adjustment of Status Filing Process . If you already have a petition filed or approved on your behalf, you may have to wait for an available visa in your category (if applicable) before you can file your Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status . This page will help you determine when to file your adjustment of status application.

When to File

Use the Visa Bulletin charts below to determine when to file your adjustment of status application.

To use the charts:

Find your visa type in the first column (on the left) of the appropriate chart (Family-sponsored or Employment-based).
Stay in that row and move directly to the right to find the corresponding date under the country of your birth (as listed in the boldface columns across the top).
If the date on the chart is current (“C”), or your priority date is earlier than the date on the chart, you may file your adjustment of status application, if otherwise eligible to do so.
“U” means unauthorized; for example, numbers are not authorized for issuance.

Your priority date is generally the date when your relative or employer properly filed the immigrant visa petition on your behalf with USCIS. If a labor certification is required to be filed with your immigrant visa petition, the priority date is the date the labor certification application was accepted for processing by the Department of Labor.

About the Visa Bulletin

DOS publishes current immigrant visa availability information in a monthly Visa Bulletin . The Visa Bulletin indicates when statutorily limited visas are available for issuance to prospective immigrants based on their individual priority date.

On Nov. 20, 2014, the Secretary of Homeland Security directed USCIS to work with DOS to:

Ensure that all immigrant visas authorized by Congress are issued to eligible individuals when there is sufficient demand for such visas, and
Improve the Visa Bulletin system for determining when immigrant visas are available to applicants during the fiscal year.

Additionally, in July 2015, the Administration issued its report on Modernizing and Streamlining Our Legal Immigration System for the 21st Century (PDF) . This report included detailed recommendations to revise and update the monthly Visa Bulletin to better estimate immigrant visa availability and provide needed predictability to nonimmigrant workers seeking permanent residency.

USCIS, in coordination with DOS, revised the procedures for determining visa availability for applicants waiting to file for adjustment of status. The revised process will better align with procedures DOS uses for noncitizens who seek to become U.S. permanent residents by applying for immigrant visas at U.S. consulates and embassies abroad.

This revised process will enhance DOS’s ability to more accurately predict overall immigrant visa demand in determining the cut-off dates for the Visa Bulletin. This will help ensure that the maximum number of immigrant visas are issued annually as intended by Congress, and minimize month-to-month fluctuations in Visa Bulletin final action dates. Additional goals are outlined in the White House report, Modernizing and Streamlining Our Legal Immigration System for the 21st Century (PDF) .

New Visa Bulletin Charts

The Visa Bulletin will now have two different charts because of the revised procedures. DOS will post two charts per visa preference category in the DOS Visa Bulletin. The charts are:

Application Final Action Dates (dates when visas may finally be issued); and
Dates for Filing Applications (earliest dates when applicants may be able to apply).

When USCIS determines there are immigrant visas available for the filing of additional adjustment of status applications, the Dates for Filing Applications chart may be used to determine when to file an adjustment of status application with USCIS. Otherwise, the Application Final Action Dates chart must be used to determine when to file an adjustment of status application with USCIS.

In coordination with the DOS, USCIS will monitor visa numbers each month and post the relevant chart on this page under When to File.

Determining Visa Availability

USCIS considers several factors to determine if there is a greater supply of visas than the demand for those visas. To determine visa availability, USCIS will compare the number of visas available for the remainder of the fiscal year with:

Documentarily qualified visa applications reported by DOS;
Pending adjustment of status applications reported by USCIS; and
Historical drop off rate of applicants for adjustment of status (for example, denials, withdrawals and abandonments)

Parent and Grandparent Visitor Visa

You can apply for this visa if you have children or grandchildren who are New Zealand citizens or residents. It allows you to travel in and out of New Zealand to visit your family.

Length of stay

Maximum total stay of 18 months in 3 years

Processing time

With this visa you can.

Visit your children or grandchildren in New Zealand.
Travel in and out of New Zealand multiple times.
Include your partner in your visa application.

Things to note

If you want to bring dependent children with you, they’ll need to apply for their own visas.
You can only apply for this visa while you’re outside of New Zealand.
If you are only planning to visit New Zealand once, the general Visitor Visa may suit you better. It has fewer requirements to meet.

Visitor Visa

Use the filters below to display relevant tips as well as detailed fees and receiving centre information

What you need to apply

Check if you are eligible to apply for this visa and what supporting documents and information you need to provide.

View All Evidence

You must provide proof of your identity

1 acceptable photo if you apply online, or 2 photos if you use a paper application form.
your passport or certificate of identity .

Acceptable photos

If you apply online, you must upload a copy of your passport when you apply. We will let you know if you need to send your passport after you have applied.

Providing your passport for online applications

If you submit a paper application, provide your original passport or a certified copy. We can usually process your application faster if you provide your original passport.

Your passport must be valid for at least 3 months after you plan to leave New Zealand.

Also provide a copy of your Identity card.

Also provide your:

Hukou (household registration book)
Chinese identity card.

If you are a citizen of China and you submit a paper application form in China, you must also complete a supplementary form.

Supplementary form for Chinese citizens (INZ 1027) PDF 338KB

If you are submitting a paper application form, you must provide a supplementary form for Hong Kong and Macao visitors, workers and students.

Supplementary form for Hong Kong and Macao visitors, workers and students (INZ 1220) PDF 240KB

You must be in good health

We may ask you to have a chest x-ray, a medical examination or both as proof of your good health.

If you are staying less than:

6 months you do not normally need a chest x-ray.
12 months you do not normally need a medical certificate.

Who needs an x-ray or medical examination

When we process your application we let you know if we need you to have a chest x-ray or medical examination.

Acceptable standard of health criteria for visa approvals

Please only provide medical certificates if requested

If you have a medical condition you should apply for your visa at least 4 months before you intend to travel to New Zealand as it will take longer to process your application.

People applying for a Parent and Grandparent Visitor Visa must complete a chest X-ray and medical examination, unless you have previously provided medical certificates to us, and those certificates were issued in the last 36 months.

You must provide a chest x-ray completed in the last 3 months, even if you've provided one to us previously, if:

you have spent 6 consecutive months in China since the last x-ray certificate was issued, and
you are now coming to NZ for more than 6 months.

You must be of good character

If you have a criminal conviction or are a security risk to New Zealand we may not be able to grant you a visa.

Good character for temporary visas

You must provide police certificates if your total time in New Zealand will be 24 months or longer across all visits. This includes any time you have spent in New Zealand in the past on other visas, even if you have been out of the country since then.

You also must provide police certificates if we ask for them.

If you are 16 years old or younger you do not need to provide police certificates.

Providing police certificates

How to get a police certificate

If you have already sent us Police Certificates with a previous visa application and they are less than 24 months old, you do not need to send them again.

Police certificates must be less than 6 months old when you submit your application. They must be from any country you are a citizen of, or have spent more than 5 years in since you turned 17.

If you've previously spent 6 months or longer in NZ, but haven’t provided a police certificate from your home country before, you must provide one with this application.

Genuine intentions

You must genuinely intend to meet the conditions of your visa

When we decide if your intentions are genuine, we consider all the information:

you provide to support your application
we have about your personal circumstances, and
you provided in any previous applications.

Genuine intentions to visit, study or work in NZ

You must intend to visit your children or grandchildren in New Zealand.

Your children or grandchildren must intend to be in New Zealand when you visit.

Sponsorship

You must be sponsored by your child or grandchild, or their parent

To be eligible to sponsor you (and your partner), your sponsor must:

be a New Zealand citizen or resident
be your child or grandchild, or their parent
be 18 or over
meet our requirements for acceptable sponsors, and
not be sponsoring anyone else.

Criteria to sponsor a visa applicant

Process to become a sponsor

What sponsors must do while a visa holder is in New Zealand

Your sponsor’s immigration status

Your sponsor must be a New Zealand citizen or resident

You must provide an original or certified copy of your sponsor’s:

New Zealand passport, birth certificate or certificate of citizenship, or
New Zealand Resident Visa, or
Australian passport.

Your relationship to the sponsor

Your sponsor must be your child, grandchild, or the parent of your child or grandchild

You must provide evidence of your family relationship to your sponsor.

If your sponsor is the parent of your child or grandchild, but not your child, you must provide evidence of the sponsor’s relationship to your child or grandchild.

Evidence can include:

birth certificates
adoption papers
any other documents that confirm your relationship to the sponsor, or the sponsor’s relationship to your child or grandchild.

You can provide household registration documents if these confirm your relationship to your sponsor.

Health care

You must agree to pay your own health care costs

You must declare in your visa application that you will pay the costs of any health care or medical assistance you receive in New Zealand.

We recommend that you have full medical insurance for the length of your visit.

If you’re unable to pay for your healthcare, your sponsor will be responsible for the costs.

Bring partner

Your partner must meet the requirements for this visa

To bring your partner, you must provide evidence:

of your relationship with your partner, like a marriage certificate
that your partner meets the identity, character and health requirements for this visa.

Partnership

You can’t include dependent children in your visa application – they’ll need to apply for their own visas.

Process and costs

The information below will help you understand the process, timeframes and costs involved in applying for this visa, so you can plan ahead and have the best chance of submitting a complete application.

We cannot display any process or costs information until you have provided your country details. Enter your country details in the panel above to view information relevant to your situation.

How to submit

Payment methods and receiving centre details if applicable.

We cannot display any receiving centre or payment method information until you have provided your country details. Enter your country details in the panel above to view information relevant to your situation.

These are the conditions that you must meet once you have your visa.

Entry permission

You must apply for entry permission when you arrive in New Zealand. You can do this by completing a digital New Zealand traveller declaration (NZTD), or an NZTD paper declaration.

New Zealand Customs and Biosecurity also check that you meet their entry requirements.

Arriving in New Zealand

You can be refused entry permission if:

you don’t meet our character requirements
your circumstances have changed since you were granted a visa
you refuse to let us to take your photo, or provide us with your fingerprints or an iris scan, if we ask you for them.

You can travel in and out of New Zealand, multiple times for up to 3 years.

You can stay for up to 6 months at a time, up to a maximum total stay of 18 months within 3 years.

Each visit may only last 6 months.

You must be sponsored by your child or grandchild, or their New Zealand parent.

Acceptable sponsors

You cannot work in New Zealand on this visa.

Visa expiry

You can visit New Zealand multiple times until your visa expires, as long as:

each time you visit you stay for 6 months or less
your total stay in New Zealand is 18 months or less.

Visa expiry dates are printed on a visa label or included in a visa letter.

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COMMENTS

Visa processing times Parent visas queue release dates
Lodged March 2020. Lodged January 2022. Visa Assessment (Queue release date) March 2024. Lodged/queued up to 20 June 2017. Parent Subclass 103 - Date queued up to December 2011 Aged Parent subclass 804 - Date queued up to January 2013. *as at 29 February 2024 .
Processing Times
Select your form, form category, and the office that is processing your case. Refer to your receipt notice to find your form, category, and office. For more information about case processing times and reading your receipt notice, visit the More Information About Case Processing Times page. Form. Form Category.
COMPLETE Guide to apply US Visitor Visa(B2) for Parents [2024]
Employment Letter from your Company or Graduation Letter. 3. Step-by-Step Process for Parents' US Visitor Visa (B2) 4. Step 1: Complete DS-160, Book US Visa Appointment. 5. Step 2: Prepare for US Visitor Visa (B2) Interview, Documents. 6. Parents US Visitor Visa (B2) Documents Checklist.
Visa Appointment Wait Times
Visa applicants are reminded to apply early for their visas, well in advance of the anticipated travel date. Important Notice: Except in cases of emergency travel (i.e. serious illnesses, injuries, or deaths in your immediate family), before making inquiries about status of administrative processing, applicants should wait at least 180 days ...
How long does family-based immigration to the US take?
Annual Report of Immigrant Visa Applicants in the Family-sponsored and Employment-based preferences Registered at the National Visa Center as of November 1, 2022. The median processing time for family-based immigration applications — for spouses, dependent children, and parents of US citizens — rose from 4.7 months to 11.8 months between ...
How to Get a U.S. Tourist Visa for Your Parents
Submitting the Travel Visa Application Determine Visa Eligibility. In order to help your parents apply, they must meet the eligibility requirements for a U.S. tourist visa, also known as a B-2 visa.Your parents must be able to demonstrate that they have strong ties to their home country and intend to return after their visit to the U.S. For more details on how to prove strong ties to home ...
Visa Availability and Priority Dates
The Visa Bulletin provides the most recent date for when a visa number is available for the different categories and countries for family-sponsored, employment-based, and diversity (lottery) visas. A visa must be available before you can take one of the final steps in the process of becoming a lawful permanent resident.
Addressing U.S. Visitor Visa Wait Times
We are processing more visas with fewer consular officers. As of the end of FY 2022, we were already processing ninety-four percent (94%) of the nonimmigrant visas we processed in FY 2019, and one hundred and thirty percent (130%) of immigrant visas compared to FY 2019 monthly processing averages.
Visitor Visa
Generally, a citizen of a foreign country who wishes to enter the United States must first obtain a visa, either a nonimmigrant visa for a temporary stay, or an immigrant visa for permanent residence. Visitor visas are nonimmigrant visas for persons who want to enter the United States temporarily for business (visa category B-1), for tourism (visa category B-2), or for a combination of both ...
Family of U.S. Citizens
K-3/K-4 visa: K-3/K-4 visas: Form I-129F, Petition for Alien Fiancé(e) Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative ... Parents of U.S. citizens (The petitioning citizen must be 21 or older.) ... see the USCIS Processing Time Information page on this website and the Visa Bulletin page on the U.S. Department of State website.
Check processing times
Check processing times. Our processing times show how long it took us to process most applications in the past for each application type. As we process more applications and clear our inventories, the numbers will change. The numbers shown may not reflect how long it will take us to process an application you submit today.
Guide for Parents Visitor Visas
The application process, conducted online, involves careful scanning and uploading of documents, timely payment of fees, and submission well in advance of the planned visit to allow for processing time. After approval, the parents receive a visa on their passport, permitting them to travel to Canada for the specified period.
US Visa Processing Times
The processing times for the B-1 visas are not exact. This depends on the workload of the US Embassy and other factors that they take into consideration. B-2 visa: A couple of weeks to 2 months: Processing times for B-2 tourist visas and US visitor visas differ from country to country. H-1B visa: 3 to 6 months
More than 120,000 people waiting for parent visas as processing times
The department estimates the processing time for parent and aged parent visas is now about 30 years. The waiting time is second only to the remaining relative visa, which has an approximate ...
Global visa processing times: Immigration and Citizenship
Processing times for the skilled migration visas are as follows: Subclass. Visa Name. 50% of applications processed in. 90% of applications processed in. 189. Skilled Independent visa — Points Tested stream. 11 months. 12 months.
When to File Your Adjustment of Status Application for Family ...
The Visa Bulletin will now have two different charts because of the revised procedures. DOS will post two charts per visa preference category in the DOS Visa Bulletin. The charts are: Application Final Action Dates (dates when visas may finally be issued); and; Dates for Filing Applications (earliest dates when applicants may be able to apply).
Parent and Grandparent Visitor Visa
Parents and grandparents can visit family in New Zealand multiple times on the same visa, for up to 18 months in a 3-year period. ... Processing time. 80% within. 3 months. ... 2021 Resident Visa Accredited Employer Work Visa Child visas Partner visas Parent Resident Visa ...
Visa processing times Family visa processing priorities
The processing priorities (with highest priority first) as outlined in Ministerial Direction 102 are below. applications by a parent, aged parent, remaining relative or aged dependant relative. In addition, Direction 102 removes the lowest processing priority imposed under Direction 80 for applications where the sponsor is a permanent visa ...
Processing times (Family visas)
24 months. 870 Sponsored Parent (Temporary) Visa. Sponsorship. 5 months. 5 months. *Processing time for subclass 801 Partner (permanent) visa and 100 Partner (permanent) visa is from date of eligibility (2 years after the 820/801 or 309/100 application is lodged) to finalisation.