Planning A Wedding: Inviting Family To The Usa

If you are a US citizen and want to invite your family to the USA for your wedding, they will most likely need to apply for a tourist visa (B1/B2 visa). The B-2 visa allows visits for several purposes, including visiting relatives and participating in social events. The first step is to determine your family member's eligibility. They must meet the requirements of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA), which includes having a valid passport, no criminal convictions, and demonstrating their intent to return to their home country after their visit. The next steps involve gathering the required documents, completing and submitting the application, scheduling an interview, and waiting for a decision. It's important to start the application process as early as possible, as it can take several weeks or months.

What type of visa do my family members need to visit the US for my wedding?

If your family members are visiting the US for your wedding, they will need to apply for a visitor visa. There are two types of visitor visas: a B-1 visa for business and a B-2 visa for tourism. If your family members are coming for your wedding only, they will need a B-2 visa. However, if they are combining business and tourism, they will need a B-1/B-2 visa.

It is important to note that your family members must not intend to immigrate to the US when applying for a visitor visa. If they plan to apply for a Green Card after your wedding, they should not apply for a visitor visa. Instead, they should apply for a K-1 nonimmigrant visa, also known as a fiancé(e) visa. To be eligible for a K-1 visa, your family members must intend to marry a US citizen within 90 days of entering the US. They must also prove that the marriage is in good faith and not solely for immigration purposes.

If your family members are already in the US on a visitor visa and decide to get married, they may be allowed to apply for a Green Card under an adjustment of status. However, they must be able to prove that they did not intend to get married when they entered the US.

What documents do my family members need to obtain a B-2 visa?

To obtain a B-2 visa for your family members, they will need to demonstrate strong ties to their home country and their intention to return after their visit to the U.S. Here is a list of documents your family members will need to obtain a B-2 visa:

• A completed visa application form, such as Form DS-160.
• A valid passport with a validity date of at least six months beyond their intended period of stay in the U.S.
• A recent photograph that meets the U.S. visa requirements.
• Payment of the visa application fee, which is typically $185 and is non-refundable.
• Evidence of strong ties to their home country, such as proof of employment, property ownership, financial assets, or family connections.
• A travel itinerary, including flight details and hotel reservations.
• An invitation letter from you, stating whom you are inviting, the purpose of the visit (e.g. your wedding), the dates of the visit, and any financial support you are offering.
• Evidence of financial support, such as a letter verifying your employment and/or bank statements showing your financial ability to support your family members during their visit.
• Proof of your U.S. immigration status, if applicable.

Additionally, your family members may need to attend a visa interview at the U.S. Embassy or consulate, where they will need to provide honest answers to questions about their travel plans, ties to their home country, and other relevant topics. It is important to note that you cannot "sponsor" a family member for a temporary tourist visa or apply on their behalf. Each applicant must fill out their own visa application form.

How long can my family stay in the US for my wedding?

The length of time your family can stay in the US for your wedding depends on the type of visa they have. If they are visiting the US for business or pleasure on a B-1/B-2 visitor visa, they can stay for a maximum of 6 months, or 180 days, per entry. The B-1/B-2 visa is valid for up to 10 years from the issue date, and travellers can enter the US multiple times within this period, with no set limit to the number of times they can visit in a year. However, if US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers suspect that B-1/B-2 visa holders are trying to live in the US through frequent or extended visits, or if they are not maintaining significant ties to their home country, they may refuse entry or cause future visa issues.

If your family members are the spouses or unmarried partners of work visa holders, they will need a B-2 visa to enter the US. This also applies if they have travelled to certain countries since March 1, 2011, have a criminal record, or have previously been denied entry to the US or deported from the country.

If your family members are already in the US and have a pending marriage-based green card application, they can apply for "advance parole" to travel outside the country while their application is being processed. This typically takes 2-3 months to be processed.

If your family members are already US citizens or green card holders, they do not need a visa to attend your wedding.

What is the process for my parents to come to the US for my wedding?

If you are a US citizen and want your parents to come to the US for your wedding, there are a few options. The first is to help them apply for a B2 tourist visa. This visa is for visitors to the US and is valid for up to six months. To apply for this visa, your parents must meet the eligibility requirements, which include demonstrating strong ties to their home country and the intention to return after their visit. They will need to complete the online travel visa application, Form DS-160, and pay the non-refundable visa application fee of $185. After filing the DS-160 form, your parents must schedule a visa interview appointment at the US Embassy or consulate in their home country. They will need to bring several documents to the interview, including their passport, a recent photograph, evidence of strong ties to their home country, a travel itinerary, and an invitation letter from you. The invitation letter should include your contact information, the purpose of their visit, and the duration of their stay. It's important to note that you cannot sponsor your parents for a temporary tourist visa or apply for the visa on their behalf.

Another option is to apply for a green card for your parents, which will allow them to move to the US and settle permanently. To do this, you must be a US citizen and at least 21 years old. You will need to demonstrate a qualifying relationship by providing documents such as birth certificates and prove that you have the financial means to support your parents once they immigrate. Along with the supporting documents, you will need to submit a completed I-130 form, officially known as a Petition for Alien Relative, and an I-864 form, which is an affidavit of support. The next steps depend on whether your parents are residing in their country of residence or are already in the US on a visitor visa. If they are outside the US, they will need to go through consular processing, which involves submitting the I-130 form and waiting for it to be approved by the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Once approved, your parents will be invited for a visa interview, after which their application will be approved and an immigrant visa granted.

The process for bringing your parents to the US for your wedding can be complex and time-consuming, and it is always recommended to seek legal advice for specific circumstances.

How long does it take to get a visa for my wedding?

If you are a US citizen and want to invite your family to your wedding, they will need to apply for a visitor visa or a tourist visa (B-2 visa). The length of time it takes to get a visa depends on several factors, including the specific situation of your family members, the current wait times for visa applications, and whether there are any processing delays or backlogs. Here is an overview of what to expect:

Visitor Visa (B-2 Visa)

The B-2 visitor visa is the most common type of visa for those wishing to enter the US temporarily for tourism or to attend special events like weddings. To obtain this visa, your family members will need to submit an application to the US Embassy or Consulate in their home country. The required documents typically include:

• A valid passport
• An invitation letter from you stating whom you are inviting, the purpose and dates of the visit, and any financial support you are offering
• Evidence of financial support, such as bank statements or a letter verifying employment
• Evidence of strong ties to their home country, such as property ownership or stable employment
• Visa application form and photographs

The processing time for the B-2 visa can vary, but it typically takes several weeks to a few months. The maximum initial period of stay in the US on a B-2 visa is six months. If your family members wish to stay longer, they will need to apply for an extension at least four months before their current stay expires.

Visa Waiver Program

If your family members are from one of the eligible countries, they may be able to visit the US for up to 90 days without a visa through the Visa Waiver Program. They will need to register their travel plans in the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) at least 72 hours before their departure. However, it is important to note that this option does not allow for extensions or changes of status.

Spousal Visa

If your family members intend to stay in the US for an extended period after the wedding and they are married to a US citizen or green card holder, they may be eligible for a spousal visa. The current total wait time for a marriage-based green card is approximately 9.3 months, but this can vary depending on the specific circumstances. The process involves filing Form I-130 (Petition for Alien Relative) and may include additional steps such as interviews and biometric appointments.

In summary, the time it takes to get a visa for your wedding can range from a few weeks to several months or more, depending on the type of visa, the specific circumstances of your family members, and the current processing times and backlogs in the US immigration system. It is important to plan ahead and allow sufficient time for the visa application process to ensure your family members can attend your wedding.

Frequently asked questions