Welcoming Parents To Your Wedding: Etiquette And Tips

If you are planning a wedding in the US and want your parents to visit from another country, there are a few visa options to consider. One option is the B-2 tourist visa, which is available to most visitors and can be obtained at a US Embassy or Consulate. This visa allows for a maximum initial stay of six months, with the possibility of extensions. Another option is the Visa Waiver Program, which allows visitors from certain countries to stay in the US for up to 90 days without a visa. It is important to note that visitors on this program cannot change their status or extend their stay beyond 90 days. For those planning to marry a US citizen or green card holder, the K-1 fiancé(e) visa allows fiances from different countries to come to the US, get married, and stay while waiting for their green card application to be approved. However, it is generally safer to avoid travelling on this visa due to the risk of additional scrutiny by officials.

Visa requirements for parents visiting the US for their child's wedding

If you are a U.S. citizen or permanent resident and you want your parents to visit you for your wedding, the first step is to help them apply for a B2 tourist visa. This visa is for parents who want to visit their children in the U.S. temporarily and can be obtained by following the steps below:

Submitting the Travel Visa Application

First, your parents must meet the eligibility requirements for a U.S. tourist visa (B-2 visa). They must demonstrate strong ties to their home country and intend to return after their visit. It is important to note that you cannot "sponsor" a family member for a temporary tourist visa or apply for the visa on their behalf.

Completing the Travel Visa Application

Next, your parents will need to complete the online travel visa application, Form DS-160. This form collects biographical information, travel plans, and other relevant details about the travel visa applicant. Each applicant must fill out a separate form, so both parents will need to file their own forms if they are both travelling to the U.S.

Paying 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 your parents' country, 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.

Scheduling 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. They can usually schedule online or by phone, and they will need to provide their passport number, DS-160 confirmation number, and payment receipt.

Gathering Supporting Documents

Once the appointments are scheduled, your parents should gather the required supporting documents, 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, colour photograph that meets U.S. visa requirements.
• Evidence of strong ties to their home country: This 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 write an optional letter inviting your parents to the U.S. The letter should include your contact information, the purpose of their visit (i.e. to attend your wedding), and the duration of their stay.

Attending the Visa Interview

Your parents will need to appear in person at the U.S. Embassy or consulate for the visa interview, which usually lasts about 15 minutes. A consular officer will ask questions about their travel plans, ties to their home country, and other relevant topics. Your parents should answer truthfully and provide any requested documents. After the interview, your parents will receive a decision from the consular officer, and if approved, they will need to wait for their tourist visa to be processed, which can take a few days to several weeks. Your parents should not make any travel arrangements until they receive their official B2 visa.

The risks of visiting the US on a tourist visa

If your parents are visiting the US for your wedding, they will need to apply for a B2 tourist visa. This requires them to meet the eligibility requirements, which include demonstrating strong ties to their home country and their intention to return after their visit. They will also need to provide evidence of their ties to their home country, such as proof of employment, property ownership, financial assets, or family connections.

Length of Stay

Those visiting the US on a tourist visa must be aware of the length of their stay. Overstaying the duration granted by the visa can result in serious consequences. Visitors must depart the US before their visa expiry date, which is usually 90 days for tourist visas. Overstaying can lead to detention, deportation, and a ban from re-entering the country. It is crucial to keep track of the visa's validity period and plan travel arrangements accordingly.

Visa Rejection

There is a possibility that a tourist visa application may be rejected by the US authorities. Providing false or incorrect information on the application can lead to permanent bans from future travel to the US. Additionally, US authorities have broad powers to deny entry, and visa applicants may not be informed of the specific reasons for rejection. It is important to ensure that all information provided is accurate and truthful.

Strict Entry Requirements

The US has strict entry requirements that must be met by all visitors. Upon arrival, officials may inspect electronic devices, emails, text messages, and social media accounts. Refusal to comply with these inspections can result in denied entry. It is essential to understand and adhere to all entry requirements to avoid any issues upon arrival.

Medical Costs and Insurance

Medical costs in the US are extremely high, and visitors must ensure they have comprehensive travel insurance that covers all overseas medical expenses, including pre-existing conditions and medical evacuation. Lack of adequate insurance can result in high out-of-pocket expenses, even for minor medical issues. It is advisable to carefully review insurance policies and ensure they provide sufficient coverage for the duration of the stay.

Local Laws and Customs

US laws and customs may differ significantly from those in the visitor's home country. It is important to research and respect local laws, particularly those related to drug possession, LGBTQIA+ rights, abortion, and other areas that may vary across jurisdictions. Failure to comply with local laws can lead to severe penalties, including the death penalty in some cases. Understanding and adhering to local laws is essential to avoid legal repercussions.

How to avoid denied entry to the US

If you are a US citizen or permanent resident and want your parents to visit the US for your wedding, they will need to apply for a B2 tourist visa. Here are some steps to help them avoid being denied entry to the US:

Determine Visa Eligibility:

Firstly, ensure that your parents meet the eligibility requirements for a US tourist visa (B-2 visa). They must demonstrate strong ties to their home country and intend to return after their visit.

Complete the Travel Visa Application:

Help your parents complete the online travel visa application, Form DS-160. This form collects biographical information, travel plans, and other relevant details. Each parent must fill out their own DS-160 form.

Pay the Visa Application Fee:

The B-2 visa application fee is $185, and it is non-refundable. Payment options vary depending on your parents' country of application, but most US Embassies and consulates accept online payment via credit card or electronic transfer. A printed receipt will be required as proof of payment.

Schedule the Visa Interview:

After submitting the DS-160 forms, your parents must schedule visa interviews at the US Embassy or consulate in their home country. They will need to provide their passport number, DS-160 confirmation number, and payment receipt to schedule the appointment.

Gather Supporting Documents:

Help your parents gather the necessary supporting documents for the visa interview. These typically include:

• Passport: Valid for at least six months beyond the intended stay in the US and with at least one blank page.
• Photograph: A recent, colour photograph that meets US visa requirements.
• Evidence of strong ties to their home country: This can include proof of employment, property ownership, financial assets, or family connections.
• Travel itinerary: A copy of their travel plans, including flight details and hotel reservations.
• Invitation letter: You can write an optional letter inviting your parents, stating whom you are inviting, the purpose of the visit (your wedding), the dates, and what financial support you are offering.

Attend the Visa Interview:

Your parents will need to attend the visa interview in person at the US Embassy or consulate. They should answer truthfully and provide any requested documents. The interview usually covers topics such as travel plans and ties to their home country.

Health Insurance:

Ensure your parents have health insurance that will cover them during their stay in the US. Most local healthcare providers in the US do not accept foreign health insurance plans.

Visa Waiver Program:

If your parents are eligible for the Visa Waiver Program, they can visit the US for up to 90 days without a visa. However, they must meet certain requirements and register their travel plans in the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) at least 72 hours before departure.

The K-1 Fiancé(e) Visa

The process for obtaining a K-1 visa begins with the US citizen sponsor filing Form I-129F, Petition for Alien Fiancé(e), with the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) office that serves the area where they live. After approval from the USCIS, the petition is sent to the National Visa Center (NVC), which will then be forwarded to the US Embassy or Consulate where the fiancé(e) lives. The NVC will mail a letter to the US citizen when this happens, and the foreign-citizen fiancé(e) can then apply for a K-1 visa and prepare for the interview.

The foreign-citizen fiancé(e) must bring the following forms and documents to the visa interview:

• Completed Form DS-160, Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application
• A passport valid for travel to the US and with a validity date at least six months beyond the intended period of stay in the US
• Divorce or death certificate(s) of any previous spouse(s) for both the foreign-citizen fiancé(e) and the US citizen sponsor
• Police certificates from the foreign-citizen fiancé(e)'s present country of residence and all countries where they have lived for six months or more since the age of 16
• Results of a medical examination
• Evidence of financial support (Form I-134, Affidavit of Support, may be requested)
• Two 2x2 photographs
• Evidence of the relationship with the US citizen fiancé(e)
• Payment of fees

The consular officer may also request additional information, such as further proof that the relationship with the US citizen fiancé(e) is genuine.

After the interview, if the visa is approved, the foreign-citizen fiancé(e) will receive their passport containing the K-1 visa and a sealed packet containing their civil documents and other documents prepared by the US Embassy or Consulate. The K-1 visa holder must then enter the US within the validity of the visa, which will be a maximum of six months from the date of issuance, and marry their US citizen fiancé(e) within 90 days of arrival.

Once married, the foreign-citizen spouse can apply for adjustment of status to become a lawful permanent resident with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Eligible children of K-1 visa applicants receive K-2 visas.

The Visa Waiver Program

If you are a US citizen or permanent resident and want to bring your parents to the US for your wedding, the first step is to help them apply for a B2 tourist visa. This is a temporary visa for tourism or business purposes. The B2 visa is valid for 90 days or less and requires a valid Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) approval. Your parents must demonstrate strong ties to their home country and intend to return after their visit to the US. They must also have a passport that is valid for at least six months after their planned departure from the US.

Alternatively, if your parents are citizens of one of the 41 countries participating in the Visa Waiver Program (VWP), they may be able to travel to the US without a visa. The VWP is administered by the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) in consultation with the State Department. The program permits citizens of participating countries to travel to the US for tourism or business for stays of up to 90 days without a visa. To be eligible for the VWP, travellers must have a valid ESTA approval and meet certain requirements. These requirements include having a valid passport, an e-passport with an electronic chip, and not having certain travel or connections to specific countries.

The ESTA application collects biographical information and answers to VWP eligibility questions. It is recommended that travellers apply as soon as they begin preparing their travel plans or before purchasing airline tickets. An approved ESTA allows travellers to request permission to enter the US at a port of entry, but it does not guarantee entry. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officials at the port of entry have the authority to permit or deny admission.

If your parents are not eligible for the VWP or prefer to have a visa in their passport, they can apply for a visitor (B) visa. This process involves submitting a travel visa application, participating in a visa interview, and paying a non-refundable fee. During the interview, a consular officer will ask questions about their travel plans, ties to their home country, and other relevant topics. Your parents should be prepared to provide supporting documents, including their passport, a recent photograph, evidence of strong ties to their home country, travel itinerary, and an invitation letter from you.

Frequently asked questions