If you’d like a family member or friend abroad to come visit you in the U.S., you may be wondering if you can apply for a B-1/B-2 travel visa for them. The short answer is no, you cannot apply for a B-1/B-2 visa on behalf of someone else. The visa application process is a personal one, and the applicant must attend the interview in person.
However, as a U.S. citizen or green card holder, you can support your family member or friend who is applying for the visa. You can provide information on what documents are needed and help them prepare for the interview, but you cannot complete the application or attend the interview for them. Ultimately, the decision to grant the visa is made by the U.S. Embassy or consulate, based on the applicant’s unique circumstances and qualifications.
Here are some ways that you can assist your family member or friend during the application process:
- Provide Information: You can share information on what documents are needed, what to expect during the interview, and what the visa officer will be looking for. You can also direct your family member or friend to the relevant embassy or consulate website for more detailed information on the visa application process.
- Financial Support: You can offer to provide financial support for your family member or friend’s trip to the U.S. This can help to demonstrate to the visa officer that the applicant has sufficient funds to cover their expenses during their stay in the U.S.
- Invitation Letter: If you are inviting your family member or friend to visit you in the U.S., you can provide them with an invitation letter. This letter should include details on your relationship with the applicant, your address and contact information in the U.S., and the purpose and duration of the visit.
- Practice Interviews: You can help your family member or friend prepare for the visa interview by conducting practice interviews with them. This can help them to feel more confident and prepared when it comes time for the actual interview.
- Moral Support: Finally, you can offer moral support and encouragement throughout the visa application process. Applying for a visa can be a stressful and nerve-wracking experience, and having a supportive friend or family member can make all the difference.
It’s important to keep in mind that while you can provide support and assistance to your family member or friend, you cannot complete the application or attend the interview on their behalf. Ultimately, it is up to the applicant to demonstrate that they meet the requirements for a B-1/B-2 visa and are eligible to enter the U.S. as a temporary visitor.