Attending your child’s graduation ceremony in the United States is a proud moment for any parent. However, securing a US visitor visa (B-2) can be a daunting task, especially when it comes to the visa interview. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through the entire process, equipping you with the knowledge and strategies to navigate the visa interview successfully.
Understanding the B-2 Visitor Visa
The B-2 visitor visa, also known as the tourist visa, is a non-immigrant visa that allows foreign nationals to enter the United States temporarily for tourism, family visits, medical treatment, or other non-business purposes. This visa is specifically designed for parents, siblings, relatives, and friends of international students studying in the US, enabling them to attend graduation ceremonies.
When to Start the Visa Application Process
Due to the current visa interview appointment delays in some countries like Nepal and India, it is recommended to start the visa processing six months prior to the graduation ceremony. This ensures that you can book the visa interview appointment at the appropriate time. However, once the situation normalizes, you can initiate the application process three months before the graduation.
Step-by-Step Guide to Applying for a US Visitor (B-2) Visa
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Obtain an Invitation Letter: Obtain an invitation letter from your child’s university, including their name, major, graduation date, and a brief description about them.
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Fill Out the DS-160 Form: Complete the DS-160 non-immigrant application form for each applicant (parents, siblings, relatives).
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Create a CGI Federal Account: Create an account on the CGI Federal website to book the visa interview appointment.
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Pay the Visa Interview Fee: Pay the visa interview fee of $160 for each applicant via bank, credit/debit card, or an online platform.
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Book the Visa Interview Appointment: Book the visa interview appointment. If you wish to attend the interview as a group, create a group scheduling appointment request and book the interview for all applicants simultaneously.
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Attend the Visa Interview: Attend the visa interview at the US Embassy or Consulate office. If your parents or family members are not proficient in English, they can choose to attend the interview in their native language, such as Nepali or Hindi, to ensure they understand the questions and can provide accurate answers.
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Reapply if Visa is Refused: If the visa is refused during the interview, you can follow the same steps to reapply.
Required Documents for the B-2 Visa Interview
- Passports
- DS-160 Confirmation Page
- Visa Interview Fee Payment Receipt
- Invitation Letter from the university for graduation
- One 2×2 photograph of each applicant
- International Student’s I-20 and transcripts
Common B-2 Visa Interview Questions
The chances of obtaining a B-2 visa are high, and the questions are generally straightforward. During the interview, your parents should ensure that their answers align with the information provided in the DS-160 form. Here are some potential interview questions:
- What is your occupation?
- What is the name of your son’s/daughter’s university?
- What is he/she studying?
- How long will you stay in the US?
- Who will fund your stay in the US?
- What is the reason for your visit?
- Do you have anyone other than your son/daughter in the US?
Strategies for Answering B-2 Visa Interview Questions
To receive a B-2 visa, you must demonstrate to the consular officer that you qualify for a US visa through your answers and documents. Your responses should convey:
- That your trip to the US is a temporary visit for your child’s graduation
- That you plan to stay in the US for a limited period
- That you have sufficient funds to cover your expenses in the US
- That you will return to your home country after the visit
Wrapping Up
Applying for a US Visitor (B-2) visa to attend your child’s graduation ceremony in the US can be a smooth process if you follow the necessary steps and provide the required documents. Starting the application process early is crucial to ensure you can book the visa interview appointment at the appropriate time. By providing accurate and truthful answers during the visa interview and demonstrating that your visit is temporary, you have the means to cover your expenses, and you will return to your home country, you increase your chances of obtaining a B-2 visa.
