19 Nov 2018

My passport expires in less than two years. If I apply for a visitor visa now, will it still be issued with a validity period of 10 years?

Answer One normally still could receive a full-validity-period visa, even if the passport expires in 2 years. (19.Nov.2018)In frequent sessions of our Chat, Sheela Murthy and other senior attorneys provide guidance that clarifies the law in real time. For details on chat participation, click here.Access more...

12 Nov 2018

I recently quit my job on H1B and left the country immediately. How long is it recommend I wait before I apply for U.S. visitor visa?

Answer There is no minimum required wait time before applying for a B-1/B-2 visitor visa. The criteria considered by the consular officer is whether you can sufficiently demonstrate nonimmigrant intent and ties to your home country. (12.Nov.2018)In frequent sessions of our Chat, Sheela Murthy and other...

15 Oct 2018

My mother is applying to renew her visitor visa. Will it improve her chances of getting the visa issued if I provide her with an I-134 affidavit of support?

Answer One generally should not submit an I-134 unless it is required or specifically requested, as this can actually undermine the visa application. (15.Oct.2018)In frequent sessions of our Chat, Sheela Murthy and other senior attorneys provide guidance that clarifies the law in real time. For details...

11 Jun 2018

My current passport expires in two years. If I apply for a B-2 visitor visa stamp now, will the consulate still potentially approve it with a full ten-year validity period?

Answer A B-1/B-2 visa is normally issued for 10 years, even if the passport will expire sooner than that. One can travel with two passports after the original passport expires (i.e. the new passport and the expired passport that contains the unexpired visa stamp). (11.Jun.2018)In frequent...

11 Jun 2018

I helped my mother apply for a B-2 visitor visa a few years ago. She has visited me a couple of times in Washington D.C. over the past few years. Now she wishes to visit my sister, who lives in California. Can she use the existing B-2 to fly into an airport in California? Or, does my sister have to sponsor them for a new B-2 visa?

Answer A B-2 visa is not "sponsored" by anyone. Once the visa is issued, it can be used to request admission for any valid B-2 purpose at any U.S. port of entry. (11.Jun.2018)In frequent sessions of our Chat, Sheela Murthy and other senior attorneys provide guidance...