I am sharing a real-life example of the name “FNU” (meaning First Name Unknown). If you don't have a surname (blank/empty surname which is quite common in India) on your passport, what issues or problems you might encounter in the United States, and what are the potential solutions? I am going to cover each problem one by one, starting with how to fill out DS-160 for FNUs, having an FNU name on a US visa, booking FNU airline tickets, encountering FNU on the I-94 form, dealing with the SSN office, dealing with an FNU name on a Driver's License, getting an EAD card, FNU's I-9 employment verification (e-verify), understanding how to file taxes, buying a house or car in the US, getting credit cards, securing loan, etc. Table of Contents: Fnu name Fnu Indian name Fnu problem solution Fnu meaning DS-160 form Fnu on visa Airline tickets I-94 form for Fnu Fnu in SSN Fnu name change in SSN Driver's license I-9 for Fnu EAD & green card Buying a car, or house, and getting a credit card/ bank account Tax filing No name given vs. Fnu FAQs How to change FNU in a US visa? What is the solution for an FNU on a driver's license at the DMV? Conclusion I will try to cover everything you need to know if your name has FNU. It's been over 10 years now and FNU is not a show-stopper so far, but yes it's a pain. FNU Indian Name Well, FNU is not an Indian name but a significant number of FNU names come from Indian origin. It's due to the practice of having only a first name in India, where the last name is not mandatory. However, when you travel to foreign countries like the USA, Canada, Australia, Europe, etc. surnames become mandatory and many Indian visa applicants without surnames often receive visas with FNU as the first name and their actual name as the last name. That's the starting point where you will encounter the FNU name. Related: How to file a B1/B2 tourist visa for parents? FNU Problem Solution How did I become familiar with "FNU" name problems and solutions? Well, my husband has only one name (a single name like Rihanna, the Barbadian singer) and he is called "FNU" (pronounced as "fuh-new") in the United States. Due to this, I am aware of most of the problems which FNU might encounter. Throughout the blog, I will provide examples using my name. I am here to share our journey, all the problems we faced with the FNU name, and what solutions we employed. I aim to help others navigate FNU name-related problems. Please feel free to comment if you are in a similar situation with the name FNU, I will try to answer those questions to the best of my experience. Related: Things to know about US culture for first-time visitors 01. FNU Meaning FNU name means "First Name Unknown", pronounced as “fuh-new”. If you don't have a last name i.e. it’s blank/missing on your passport then your US visa will be issued as "FNU". Your first name will be issued as FNU and your given name on your passport will become your last name on the US visa. Case 01: If your Indian passport has only one name like the Given name: "Hina" and Last name: then your US visa will have your First name: "FNU", and Last name: "Hina" so your name becomes "FNU Hina". Case 02: Suppose your Indian passport has a name like the Given name: "Hina Singh" and Last name: then your US visa will have your First name: "FNU", and Last name: "Hina Singh" so your name will be "FNU Hina Singh". Note: If you fall into case 2, it's good to rectify your name on your Indian passport so that your Given name is "Hina" and your Last name is "Singh". Do not get yourself into the FNU hassle. Fix it before it becomes more complicated. Related post: How to renew your passport in the USA? 02. FNU in DS-160 Form Form DS-160 is at the heart of all the problems. If your passport lacks a last name, then this will be the first time you will encounter the term “FNU“ while completing the DS-160 form. Whether you are applying for a tourist visa or a work visa, if your passport doesn't have a last name, you'll need to enter 'FNU' as your first name and your given name as your last name. There's no alternative solution for this issue (except rectifying the passport name by adding a last name, as discussed in case 2 earlier). In many instances, making this correction within such a short timeframe is challenging, so let us just move forward. As shown in the DS-160 form screenshot above, you can see the explanation in the “Help: Given Names” section, so nothing to worry about, just fill out the DS-160 form as instructed. Related post: Sample sponsorship letter for a B1/B2 tourist visa Case 01: If you have one name then it will be filled in Surname. For example, if the name is just “Hina” then the Surname will be “Hina” and the Given Name will be filled as FNU. Case 02: If your name is “Hina Singh” as the given name then it will be filled in Surname as “Hina Singh” and Given Name as FNU so in this case, your name becomes "FNU Hina Singh". Even if you fill out DS-160 with your first name as “Hina” and last name as “Singh”, it doesn’t matter, you will get the visa as "FNU Hina Singh". USCIS will process your application as FNU. Result: FNU Hina or FNU Hina Singh 03. FNU on Visa After filling out the DS-160 and going through the visa interview process you will be granted a US visa. There will be no issues here. You might see minor hiccups during biometrics or the interview process where they will try to find your name, but nothing to worry about. Most of the officers are aware of the FNU name and you will get through this. Related: Tourist visa interview questions When you get the visa, notice the name printed on your US visa, Your first name will be FNU and your last name will be your actual name. We are just scratching the surface and this is just the beginning but it should not be a problem as long as you are comfortable with your new name "FNU". Even if you are not, get used to it. 😊 Result: FNU Hina or FNU Hina Singh 04. FNU Airline Ticket Once you get your US visa, the next step is to get the airline tickets. Case 01: This could be a little tricky if you have a single name like just “Hina”. You should talk to airlines about how they handle situations like this because each airline has its own policy. Sometimes they prefer doing the same as visa like “Fnu Hina” but sometimes they might even do “Hina Hina”, sometimes “Mrs. Hina”, "Hina ." (dot in the last name), or "Hina LNU" (Last Name Unknown), or "Unknown Hina". It varies depending on airline policies for domestic and international travel, or which country you are traveling to. So talk to the airlines before booking your tickets. For example, if you are booking tickets with Air India and you don't have a last name, they would ask you to repeat the first name in the last name field like "Hina Hina" for domestic travel, "FNU Hina" for international travel to the US & Canada, "Unknown Hina" for Australia, "Hina Hina" for UAE and so on. You can find the Air India details in the below link. I have also included a few other airline resources that might help you while booking the tickets. Air India Qatar Airways KLM Singapore Airlines Emirates United Airlines Etihad However, the safest bet will be "Fnu Hina" i.e. same as your US visa. We have traveled to the US with Qatar, KLM, United, and Delta with "FNU" as the first name and never faced any issues. Case 02: For names like “Hina Singh” as a given name and “blank” surnames on passports, do not over-complicate it. Just book your flight tickets with your First name as "Hina" and your Last name as "Singh". Just temporarily ignore what’s printed on the visa i.e. "FNU Hina Singh". So in this case, your air ticket will be booked as "Hina Singh" and it will match your passport. Again check the airline name policy before you make final bookings. I have mentioned the links above, these policies might change with time. Result: Varies for each airline 05. I-94 form for FNU As soon as your immigration is done at the US port of entry your electronic I-94 should be ready. If not, give it at least 24 hours. You need to go to the Department of Homeland Security website to download your most recent I-94 form. Finding your I-94 could be tricky if you don’t have a surname and it depends upon the immigration officer who did your immigration at the US airport (port of entry). When you look up your name for the I-94 form you can try the following combinations. I understand it's funny sometimes but that's how it is! Case 00: Rare case scenario but if you have a name like "FNU Hina Singh" on the visa, try searching with the first name as "Hina" and the last name as "Singh" and you might be lucky to find your name as "Hina Singh" on I-94. But honestly speaking this is not good news, technically if your name on I-94 is "FNU Hina Singh" which matches your US visa, it's good for you. Try contacting CBP customer service and request them to keep it the same. Case 01: Search with your actual name in the last name (not in the first name). Remember that your first name is FNU and your last name is your actual name now. For example ”FNU Hina” in this case. Related: H1B vs L1 visa: Which is better for the green card? Case 02: If you can’t find I-94 with FNU then try searching with LNU in your last name and your actual name as the first name. For example “Hina LNU”. LNU stands for "Last Name Unknown". As I mentioned it all depends upon the immigration officer what he entered during your immigration. Case 03: If not, try searching like "Unknown Hina" or "No name given Hina". Try the first name as "Unknown" or "No name given". Suppose your name is shown as “Hina LNU” or "Unknown Hina" or "No name given Hina" in I-94 then contact CBP customer service and try to get the name same as your visa i.e. “FNU Hina”. Explain on call that you want to keep the name as your visa and they should understand your situation. Note: This is important to keep the names in sync across all the legal documents in the US. So it's better to start from I-94. The ultimate goal is to keep "FNU " across all the US documents wherever possible. Avoid having different names on different documents like LNU, "No Name Given", or "Unknown" and just stick to FNU. Trust me this will make your life easier. Result: FNU Hina or FNU Hina Singh Related: How to apply for an OCI card for minors? 06. FNU in SSN Now, the next step is to get your social security. You need to apply for a social security number within 2 weeks of arrival if you are on a work visa. Social Security Administration has a different "system" from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) which issues you I-94. Social Security Administration doesn't allow FNU or similar terms in your name. They will not consider "FNU" which is mentioned on your visa. They will just check the name on your passport and I-94. But nothing to worry about, the SSN office has a better solution for this type of situation and I wish DHS had a similar option. The good thing is SSN system accepts single names. Their system has the option of the applicant having a single name or no surname. You can read about this on the Social Security Administration website. It states that if the individual has a single name and the immigration document shows FNU (First Name Unknown) or another acronym indicating the person does not have a first name, process the SSN in the applicant’s single name (Case 1). Case 01: Suppose you have a single name like "Hina" then you will be issued an SSN card as "Hina". But on the SSN envelope letter (which you will receive from the Social Security Administration) right above your mailing address, your name will be mentioned as "Unknown Hina" which is okay. There is nothing to worry about that. Result: Hina Case 02: Imagine your name is "Hina Singh," and your surname is blank. In this case, your issued SSN will be "Hina Singh." Although it may seem like the SSN processed your first name as "Hina" and last name as "Singh," it's processed as a single name in their system same as Case 01. However, it will appear perfectly on the SSN card. Result: Hina Singh Again, avoid names like "Hina LNU", "No name given Hina", "Unknown Hina" or "Hina Singh LNU" on SSN. If you get an SSN card like this please try to get it fixed. SSN card as "Hina" or "Hina Singh" is good for you. FNU Name Change in SSN To fix your name in your SSN, and to get rid of FNU, you would need an updated passport with the correct name, updated visa stamp, updated I-94, and updated immigration document like your petition I-797 if you are on an H1B visa, or L1, or updated DS-2019 if you are J1 visa or updated I-20 if you are on F1 visa. 07. FNU Driver's License The next step is to visit DMV to get a driver's license. In the US, it's tough to live without a driver's license as there is very limited public transport service depending upon which city you live in, plus it is costly to use transport services like Uber, Lyft, etc. The Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) has an online application where you will fill in your name details before visiting the DMV office. Here is the trick, in the application form, you will notice First Name is not a mandatory field. Last Name is a mandatory field though (see the red asterisk * next to LAST NAME in the following screenshot). This is a screenshot of the DMV online application form. When you fill out the DMV form, keep your First Name and enter your given name as your Last Name. For example, if your name is "FNU Hina" on your visa and "Hina" on your SSN, then your name on the DL application form will be First Name: and Last Name: Hina. Once the DMV person processes your application for fingerprint and photograph - this will go smoothly as far as your name in your SSN is "Hina" (case 1). Do not fill in "FNU Hina" or "FNU Hina Singh" in the DMV form, this will mismatch with your SSN and your application will not go through due to SSN mismatch. The DMV officer will ask you to visit the SSN office and get your name fixed, but the SSN office does not accept FNU so don't waste your time there. If your SSN has names like "Hina LNU", "No name given Hina", "Unknown Hina" or "Hina Singh LNU" it's a problem, and the DMV officer will face a problem while submitting your application as your name will not match with Social Security Administration records and he will ask you to get your name fixed in SSN. If everything goes smoothly, your driver's license will be issued as First Name: Last Name: Hina, My husband's driver's license is the same. He has nothing in his first name, it's literally . Weird right? But that's how it is. I have not seen DL with cases like a blank first name but a last name as "Hina Singh" but I would not be surprised if someone has. Comment if you have a license with an empty first name and both the names in the last name. Result: Hina Same first and last name on DL Another case we have seen is the same first and last name like "Hina Hina". It was like this when my husband was in New Jersey, but later when my husband moved to California, DMV didn't accept the same first and last name as SSN verification was failing. New Jersey DMV (manager) was nice and he manually approved the case (even after the SSN mismatch), so even if your SSN has "Hina", a driver's license can be issued as "Hina Hina", it all depends upon the mercy of DMV officer. Result: Hina Hina Try talking to the DMV's office manager, if not just submit your application as an empty first name as suggested earlier and you should be fine. DMV has to process your case. There is no way out. As far as your SSN has a single name, the DMV application will match your SSN and you will get a DL with an empty first name. 08. I-9 Employment Eligibility Verification for FNU I-9 employment verification will be required on your first day of joining if you are going to work in the US. As far as your name on your SSN is "Hina" and your visa has "FNU Hina" you should be fine. Just enter "FNU" in your first name and "Hina" in your last name while doing the I-9 paperwork and this should go smoothly. You can also perform a self-check if you are not sure what will happen on the day of I-9 verification. Refer to this link. Worst case, suppose I-9 verification fails you will be issued a tentative non-confirmation (TNC) number, then you just need to visit the SSN office with the TNC printout provided by the employer and SSA would be able to resolve your case manually in their system. Result: FNU Hina or FNU Hina Singh 09. FNU on EAD and FNU Green Card Suppose you are a dependent of a primary visa holder like H1B, L1, or J1 and you need to work in the US. Even if you are on an F1 visa based on OPT or STEM OPT, you would need to fill out the I-765 form to apply for an EAD card. Related: How to file H4 EAD for the first time? L2 visa holders don't need EAD anymore if they have the L2S category mentioned on I-94. Refer to this blog for details. In this case, fill your name as First Name: FNU and Last Name: Hina and you should be able to get EAD with "FNU Hina". Tip: Once you get the receipt notice of I-765, check what's your name on the receipt notice. Most probably it will be "No Name Given ", for example, First Name will be "No Name Given" and the Last Name will be "Hina". In this case, submit a typographic error correction as soon as possible and request that you keep your name the same as your visa and other legal documents like I-94 so please update it to "FNU " and they will update it. We have done it a couple of times and we successfully received an EAD card with "FNU". The same applies to the green card, you will file your I-140 and I-485 with your name as "FNU , for example, "FNU Hina". My husband received his green card with FNU. No issue was encountered. Result: FNU Hina or FNU Hina Singh 10. Buying a Car, House, and getting a Credit Card/ Bank Account The formula is simple, as long as you stick to "FNU " you should be good, for example, "FNU Hina" or "FNU Hina Singh". My husband has bought 2 cars so far, changed apartments 3 to 4 times, bought a house, successfully got a home loan, has multiple credit cards with FNU (same name as bank account), filed taxes with FNU, and never faced any issues. Result: FNU Hina or FNU Hina Singh Related: How to request a B2 extension after 6 months? 11. IRS Tax Filing for FNU For tax filing, you would need your W2. As you all know W2s' are provided by the employer so there could be a scenario where your name on the visa/passport is different from your name in the W2s. Like companies, they might have their policies for no surname. Case 01: The name on W2 is "Hina Singh", US visa has "FNU Hina", and SSN has only "Hina". This is not an issue, just file your taxes as "FNU Hina" and it will go through. My husband had the same case when he came to the United States. After 3 years, he changed the company and he fixed the name to match "FNU Hina" which you will see in case 02. But in this case with W2 as "Hina Singh" and filing taxes as "FNU Hina" is not a problem. It should go smoothly. We filed taxes for 3-4 years like that and never had issues. Result: FNU Hina Case 02: The name on W2 is "FNU Hina", US visa has "FNU Hina", and SSN has only "Hina". This is even better than case 01. This is why my husband changed the company he updated the name to FNU so that it's in sync with the W2, visa, and I-9. File your taxes with "FNU Hina" and it should go smoothly. Result: FNU Hina No Name Given vs FNU Both the names whether you are assigned "No name given" in the first name or "FNU", will be due to the same issue i.e. you don't have a surname on your passport, As far as problems are concerned it's better to keep "FNU" because that way you can keep your all other documents consistent. Imagine filling out "No Name Given" as your first name. Pretty awkward right? So it's better to request USCIS a typographical correction (to FNU) if any of your applications are processed as "No name given". Every USCIS officer handles the case differently, a few of them might be even unaware of FNU. Or they might think "No name given" and "First name unknown" are the same thing and have no downsides. But we know that will create inconsistency across our documents. Related: How to get H4 EAD faster? When you submit any form to USCIS, you will receive the receipt notice within 5 to 10 days. Try to validate your name on the receipt notice, Even if you had filed "FNU" in the first name during submitting your form, the USCIS officer might process your form as "No name given" while handling your case. So it's always better to validate your receipt notice as soon as you get it and if it has "No name given", submit a typographical error service request ASAP. Do not wait for final approval to correct your name, you will waste time if you do so. FAQs on FNU Name How to change FNU in a US visa? I'm aware of four methods that can help you rectify the "FNU" name issue: Passport Renewal with Name Split: If you're planning to renew your Indian passport in the US, select the service to split your name. You can refer to my passport renewal blog for detailed guidance; the name split process is quite similar. Please note that if you have a single name, this option may not be suitable for you. Adopt Your Spouse's Surname: If you have a single name and you are married then just adopt your spouse's surname. This is the most straightforward way to correct your name on your passport. You can do this during the passport renewal process in the US and it's very easy. Wait for Naturalization: After holding a FNU green card for five years, you can go through the naturalization process. During this process, you have the opportunity to change your name legally in the US – it's a hassle-free way to legally change your name. Newspaper Advertisement and Affidavit: While I haven't personally undergone this process, I would strongly recommend consulting with a lawyer for this particular method. It entails placing an advertisement in a newspaper and obtaining an affidavit to change your name. It's worth noting that this approach is generally perceived as more complex and time-consuming. Each of these methods has its advantages and considerations, so choose the one that best suits your situation and preferences. What is the solution for an FNU (First Name Unknown) on a driver's license at the DMV? The DMV factsheet indicates that if the applicant has a single name, they should process the driver's license or state ID with 'FNU'. Reference NAFSA (National Association of Foreign Student Advisers). If the nonimmigrant has only one name, it must be used as the last name. Use the letters FNU (First Name Unknown) in the First Name field. Nonimmigrants with one name should be aware that some government officials are not familiar with the FNU acronym and may look for the nonimmigrant to show that his or her first name is FNU. The nonimmigrant should be able to explain the acronym if it is causing validation problems with any government process. There will still be scenarios when the DMV does not agree, and you may find yourself running out of options. Here are some steps that might assist you: If a DMV officer denies your application, inquire about speaking with their manager. The DMV officer might not be familiar with the 'FNU' name, but the manager could have prior experience with such cases. If the manager also disagrees, consider contacting another nearby DMV office. You can submit your application with an empty first name and your last name as your name. I had to visit three DMV offices in New Jersey before a manager agreed to help me; they were very kind. Some DMV registration centers accept driver's license applications but do not conduct tests. You can apply at one of these centers and take the test at a different location. Conclusion There are no potential issues with "FNU" in your name as far as you are keeping it consistent throughout your legal documents in the US, except for a few documents like SSN & DL which can have a single name (First name is not mandatory there). Hopefully, you find this article helpful. If you are aware of some FNU problems and solutions that might help others, please comment. It's sometimes really frustrating to get through FNU problems and your small suggestion might help thousands of readers out there. Next: Indian passport renewal Related Posts ✔ H1B grace period after lay-offs ✔ Green card vs Citizenship Related Topics

[Date] To, [Parent's Name] [Parent's Address] Subject: Invitation to visit the USA Dear Mom and Dad, I would like to invite you to the USA and stay with me for [3 months]. It would be very nice to have you with me here. During your stay, we would like to visit various tourist places in [Your State] such as [Example Tourist Locations]. During your stay in the United States, I will bear all your responsibilities, including but not limited to, financial commitments, air ticket fare to travel from India to the USA and back, travel expenses within the USA, medical insurance, housing, and food, and all your expenses. During your entire trip, you will stay with me at my house located at [Your Address]. I am sending you all the required documents: my passport copy, US visa, I-94, pay slips, proof of funds, etc. for you to apply for a US visitor’s visa (B-2) at the US Consulate in [Consulate Location]. During your stay here, you will also get an opportunity to see and experience Western culture, meet different kinds of people, and try a variety of food. You will also enjoy the nice weather that we have here in [Your City, State]. I am looking forward to seeing you here. With Love, [Your Name] [Your Address] [Your Contact Number] Below, I am sharing a few more B1/B2 visa invitation letter samples for parents to visit the USA. However, it's not compulsory to mention these reasons, and tourism alone is generally sufficient with the highest success rate in obtaining approval for a US tourist visa. I would recommend sticking to tourism as the reason for travel. Table of Contents: Invitation letter for parents to visit USA (visitor visa) Invitation letter for parents to visit the USA Inviting parents to the USA for pregnancy Sample invitation letter for visitor visa for parents to consulate For graduation ceremony How to write an invitation letter for a parent's visa How to Write an Invitation Letter for a US Visa B1/B2 appointment wait times, and locations B2 visa interview questions for parents US visa rejection rate Parents' visa interview questions B1/B2 documents checklist for interview DS-160 photo requirements DS-160 validity (Important) Steps if DS-160 expired B1/B2 visa duration/ max stay period Buying Health Insurance FAQs on B1/B2 visas Related: Sponsorship letter for the US tourist visa Sample Invitation Letter for Parents to Visit USA for Pregnancy [Date] To, [Parent's Name] [Parent's Address] Subject: Invitation Letter for Parents to Visit the USA Dear Mom and Dad, I am writing to invite you to share in the joy of our pregnancy. As you know, [partner’s name] and I are expecting a baby in [month, year], and we would be honored if you could be part of this special time in our lives. We are grateful for your love and support, and we believe that your presence during this time will bring us comfort and joy. We would love for you to be a part of the pregnancy journey, from attending prenatal appointments with us to sharing the excitement of baby showers and other celebrations. Throughout your trip of [4 months], you will be staying at my residence located at [address]. I am sending you all the required documents: my passport copy, US visa, I-94, pay slips, and proof of funds for you to apply for a visitor's visa (B-2) at the US Consulate in [Consulate location]. We know that you will be wonderful grandparents and we can’t wait to see you. Your presence and support will be invaluable to us as we prepare for this new chapter in our lives. Thank you for your love and support, and we look forward to sharing this exciting journey with you. Warmest regards, [Your Name] [Your Address] [Your Contact Number] Sample Invitation Letter for Visitor Visa for Parents to Consulate [Date] To, The U.S. Consulate General, U.S. embassy [Shantipath] [Chanakya Puri, New Delhi, 110021] Sub: Request for Visitor Visa (B-2) for my parents Dear Sir/Madam, I am, [Your name], working as [Your profession] at [Company's name, location]. I would like to invite my parents, [Father's full name] and [Mother's full name] residing at [Home country complete address] to visit me for about [2-3 months, do not exceed 6 months]. The purpose of their travel to the US is to visit me and visit some other tourist locations in the United States of America. During their visit, they will stay with me at my residential address mentioned at the end. I have enough funds in the bank to cover all the expenses related to my parent's visit to the US. I am employed full-time with an annual salary of [xxx, xxx $] per year. I will bear all their expenses: round trip airfare from [Your city, India] to the USA, housing, flight tickets for travel within the US, health insurance, food, and all other personal expenses. I am enclosing the following documents for visa issuance: Copy of my passport Copy of my [Permanent resident card, or other legal document] Copy of my latest three salary slips Proof of funds from bank [Bank's name] Copies of 2 months of my bank statements I would appreciate it if you could kindly grant my parents a US visitor visa (B-2) to visit me and visit other places in the USA. I will personally make sure that they leave the USA on time, before the expiration of their authorized stay. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions. Thank you, Sincerely, [Signature] [Your name] [US full address] Mobile number: +1 (123)-(456)-(7890) Email address: [Your email] Sample Invitation Letter for US Visa for Parents for Graduation [Date] To, [Parent's Name] [Parent's Address] Subject: Invitation to visit for my graduation ceremony Dear Mom and Dad, I hope this letter finds you both in good health and spirits. I am excited to announce that my graduation ceremony is coming up soon, and I would be honored if you could attend and stay here for [a month]. As you know, this is a very important moment for me, and it would mean the world to have you by my side on this special day. The ceremony will be held on [insert date], at [insert time], at [insert location]. I am proud of all the hard work and dedication that has gone into achieving this milestone, and I would love to share this experience with you. Because of your love, support, and encouragement, I have come this far, and I could not have done it without you. Please let me know as soon as possible if you attend, so I can make the necessary arrangements. I am looking forward to seeing you both and celebrating together. Thank you for everything you do for me. I love you both very much. With love and gratitude, [Your Name] [Your Address] [Your Contact Number] How to Write an Invitation Letter for a Parents Visa Ensure you include the following details if you write the invitation letter for parents yourself. These are not compulsory but nice to include so that your parents can get a tourist visa in one shot. The letter should be in English. It should have the name of your parents and their relationship with you - father, mother, in-laws. Purpose of their visit like tourism, graduation ceremony, etc. Dates of their stay with the approximate length of visit. Location of their visit like where are they staying, with you or hotel, etc. Proof of funds like how their visit will be funded, who will be funding, etc. Related: How to extend a B2 tourist visa beyond 6 months? Invitation Letter for US Visitor Visa In general, If you're writing an invitation letter for a US visa for parents, family members, or friends applying for a US visitor visa, keep these six points in mind to make your invitation letter effective and well-prepared. Language: The letter must be written in English. Invited Person: Include the full name of the person being invited. Mention your relationship with the invited person (friend, brother, sister, family, etc.). Purpose of Visit: Clearly state the reason for their visit (tourism, medical treatment, family event, etc.). Dates of Stay: Provide the approximate dates of their stay in the US and duration of stay. Remember it should be beyond 6 months in one stretch. Location of Visit: Specify where the invited person will be staying during their visit. Proof of Funds: Explain how their visit will be financially supported. Mention who will be funding their expenses (you, themself, etc.). US Visitor Visa Waiting Time The waiting time for US visitor visa appointments can fluctuate significantly, ranging from a few weeks to several months depending on your visit's time of year and your location. You can check the current US visa appointment wait times on the US Department of State website. Just enter the city where you intend to attend the interview, and the current appointment wait time will be displayed for various visa types. You need to look at the B1/B2 visitor visa wait time. Related: Things to know about the USA before traveling For instance, as of March 2024, the US visitor visa waiting time for India is as follows: U.S. Embassy Locations If you're unsure about the location of the US embassy near you, you can easily find the details on the US embassy website. Just enter your location, and it will provide you with the physical address and contact information for the nearest US embassy. If you're unable to locate the embassy, simply scroll down on the US embassy website, and you'll find a list of locations arranged alphabetically. It's recommended to verify embassy details on their official website for the most up-to-date information. For instance, here are the details for the U.S. embassy in Denmark. Related: How to expedite green card processing? B2 Visa Interview Questions for Parents Now that you know where and when to attend the interview, it's essential to engage in basic interview preparation. During the B1/B2 visa interview, the officer may ask you a range of questions. You can read about this in the following blog. Related: B2 visa interview questions for parents However, before we dive into B1/B2 visa interview questions, it's important to understand why you need to prepare for the B1/B2 visa interview. US Visa Rejection Rate In the fiscal year 2022, the US tourist visa rejection rate for India stood at 6.54%. However, a couple of years ago, the refusal rate for India was over 25%, indicating that 1 out of 4 tourist visa applications was rejected. Below, you'll find details of the adjusted rejection rates for US tourist visas over the past 5 years. If the table isn't visible, you can access it through this link for a more user-friendly mobile experience. The first table is about India, and the second table is for other countries. You can find complete details on the US Department of State website. Parents' Visa Interview Questions It's important to answer the visa interview questions honestly and wherever possible provide documents to support your answers. Be prepared to explain the purpose of your visit and provide evidence that you intend to return to your home country after your visit. Length of stay: How long do you plan to stay in the US? Do you have a return ticket booked? Tip: If you already have a return ticket booked, it's good to keep a copy of the tickets during your interview. Also, in general, keep in mind that you can not stay beyond 6 months in one stretch. Refer this. Purpose of travel: What do you plan to do during your US trip? Will you be traveling for pleasure or business? Tip: Remember that B1 is a business visa and B2 is a tourism visa. Tell them you will visit family, grandkids, or whatever reason you have, just be honest with your answer. Accommodation: Where will you be staying while you are in the US? Tip: Try to memorize the city at least where you will stay during your visit, if possible keep the complete address handy on a piece of paper if you can't remember it. Usually, parents forget the address. Or, just keep the sponsorship letter handy to indicate the address. Employment and financial situation: Are you employed? Who is paying for your trip to the US? Tip: If you are working, just explain what you do and how much you earn, and keep a copy of the latest bank statement if possible which has sufficient funds to show. If you are a public servant you might need an NOC (No Objection Certificate) from your department. If you are not working, explain who is sponsoring your visit. Keep a copy of the sponsorship letter handy. Refer this. Criminal record: Do you have any pending criminal charges? Have you ever been convicted of a crime? Tip: Answer honestly and explain if you have something to disclose. Travel or Immigration history: Have you traveled to the US or any other countries before? Tip: Again, answer honestly if you have any travel history. Keep your old passport with you even if it's expired. Medical history: Do you have any medical conditions that may require treatment while you are in the US? Tip: It's not mandatory to have health insurance before you travel but if you have some serious medical condition it's wise to buy health insurance and keep a copy of insurance details to show it to the officer. Related: How to apply for H4 EAD? Other B2 Visa Interview Questions for Parents What does your son/daughter do in the US? Where do they work? Do you have family or property in your home country? Evidence of ties to your home country. What is your educational background? Have you ever been refused a visa to any country? If so, provide details. Have you ever overstayed a visa or been in the US illegally? Read more about interview questions B2 Visa Documents Checklist for Parents (for Interview) The B2 visa document checklist may vary slightly based on sponsors' immigration status in the US, such as being on H1B, L1, J1, or F1 visas, or being a permanent resident/green card holder. Documents (from the sponsoring party) that parents should carry during the visa interview are: Latest 3 months of pay stubs Latest bank statement for the proof of funds Copy of employment verification letter Copy of passport and visa pages Copy of latest I-94 Copy of valid I-129S for L1, DS2019 for J1, I-797A for H1B, I-20 for F1, or green card for PR holders Invitation letter Sponsorship letter Documents (belonging to my parents) that I requested them to bring for the interview are: Parents' original passport with 6 months of minimum validity Expired old passports (if any) DS-160 confirmation page (unexpired) Appointment confirmation page Employment letter and NOC (if parents are working) Bank statement with sufficient balance Documents such as the Aadhar card, PAN card, and utility bills (I have asked my parents to bring all the relevant identification they can) Accommodation details (sponsorship letter would fulfill this requirement) My parents, family members, and in-laws have traveled to the US multiple times, and this B2 visa document checklist should be sufficient. However, I would recommend checking the official website in case there have been any changes to the rules. DS-160 Photo Requirements (B2 Visa) Whether you need to bring a photo or not varies from country to country, based on the DS-160 Photo Requirements. If you have photographs, it's advisable to carry them with you during the biometric and interview processes. For example, if you are applying for a US tourist visa from India, there is no need to upload or carry a passport-size photograph. On the DS-160 page, it's mentioned that "Photo will be taken at ASC", application service center. So your photograph and fingerprints will be taken during biometrics which is before the actual interview. But again, if you have extra photos, it's okay to bring them to the ASC. Another example is if you are applying for a US tourist visa from Italy, you'll need to upload a recent digital passport-size photograph. Irrespective of the fact of where you are applying, if you are planning to bring photos, you can find the requirements on the U.S. Department of State website. These photos should be passport-size, measuring 2 by 2 inches, with an off-white background. DS-160 Validity The first step in a tourist visa application is to fill out the DS-160 form. Filling out the DS-160 form is an online process, and there is no payment required for this step. Many of us are unaware that the DS-160 form remains valid for only a year from the completion date. You can locate the 'completion date' on the 'confirmation page,' which is generated after electronically submitting and signing the DS-160 form. This date is situated just below the travel purpose information on the DS-160 confirmation page. These days (as of May 2023) there is a huge wait time (365+ days) to get the interview dates. So if you try to submit the application today and get the interview date, probably you will get it sometime next year in May 2024. On the day of your interview, your DS-160, which you submitted a year ago, will have expired automatically. Therefore, it is crucial to ensure that there is less than a one-year gap between the completion date of your DS-160 and the interview date before sending your parents for the interview. Steps If DS-160 is Expired If your DS-160 has expired like the previous discussion, then you would need to fill the DS-160 again. I had to fill it out again due to this situation as I submitted the DS-160 form more than a year ago. The embassy would give your parents a few hours to fill out the form again, print it, and present it on the same day. Luckily, you do not need to fill out the whole application, instead, you can just retrieve it and this can be done quickly. Just follow these steps: Visit the U.S. Department of State website. Enter the location where you will be giving the interview and select retrieve application. Do not select Create a new application. Next, enter your expired application ID and hit retrieve application. It will automatically fill in most of the information from your previous application. Keep saving otherwise your session will expire. Sign and submit as a preparer (your details) and you will get a new confirmation number. Validate the completion date, it should be today's date. Hopefully, this saves you some time. Otherwise, you will end up filling out the DS-160 form at night in the U.S. time and your parents will be in India at the embassy looking for places to get new confirmation page printouts. Trust me it's not a good experience. What's after the Visa Interview? After the B1/B2 visa interview is completed, the consular officer will keep your passport and will make a decision based on the information you provided, and the result of your background check. There are possible three outcomes: Visa Approved: Usually, your visa will be approved within 5 to 7 business days and it will be ready for pickup or shipped to your home address based on the choices you made while applying for a B2 visa. Read more. Administrative Processing: Sometimes, the consular officer may need to run an additional background check for your application which could take several weeks or even months. After administrative processing either your visa will be approved or denied. Visa Denied: The consular officer might determine to deny your B1/B2 visa application and explain the reason for the denial. You may be able to reapply, but you need to address the reason for the denial with additional documentation to support your application. B1/B2 Visa Duration Generally, the approved duration of a B1/B2 visa is 10 years, but you may receive a visa for a shorter duration, such as 1 or 2 years. As soon as you receive your passport back after the interview, check the duration of your B1/B2 visa stamp. It should indicate your visa validity. Now, having a 10-year B1/B2 visa doesn't mean you can stay in the US for that entire duration. The maximum length of stay is usually 6 months or even shorter. It ultimately depends on the duration approved by the CBP (Customs and Border Protection) officer during your entry into the US at the port of entry, where your immigration is done. You can read about this in the following blog. Related: B1/B2 visa length of stay You can check the stamp and date mentioned by the CBP officer on your passport if it's less than 6 months then that's your maximum length of stay. If there is no arrival stamp on your passport, you can check I-94 for "Admit Until Date" after your arrival and that should be your maximum stay period. For example, the following I-94 is valid for 6 months. B1/B2 Visa Health Insurance As mentioned earlier, it is not mandatory to have health insurance to visit on a B1/B2 visa, but it's strongly recommended because healthcare in the US can be very expensive. If your parents have some medical condition it's always a good idea to buy health coverage that can cover you. I always purchase it, and it typically comes with a price tag of a few hundred dollars, providing you with peace of mind. You never know when you might require it. I've included the link for your convenience if you wish to make a purchase. While it's not obligatory, I strongly recommend considering it, as medical treatment in the US can be quite expensive. FAQs on Invitation Letter for Parents to Visit USA How long parents can stay on a visitor visa in the USA? Upon entry, the CBP officer will typically stamp the date of admission on the passport along with the allowed duration of stay (D/S). This can be up to a maximum of six months. If the officer believes that the parents' stay should be limited to a shorter period, they will indicate a shorter duration on the passport. It is advisable to check the I-94 admit-until date to confirm the actual duration of stay for your parents. Read more. How can I apply B1 B2 visa for my parents? There are three steps involved in applying for a B2 visa: Starting from filling out the DS-160 form online. Read more. Paying the visa fee, and scheduling an appointment Going through the interview process. Read more. Can I extend my B2 visitor visa beyond six months? The maximum duration of stay on a B1/B2 visa is 6 months, and if granted you can get another 6 months of extension. To initiate the extension process, you need to submit Form I-539, which is used to extend or change your status. It is recommended that you apply to extend your stay at least 45 days before your authorized stay expires. Read more. Can I get a DL on a B1/B2 visitor visa in the US? In general, you can not get a US driver's license on a B1/B2 visa but you are typically allowed to drive in the United States using your foreign driver's license (International Driving Permit) for a temporary period and this rule varies from state to state, you can find the details on the United States government official website. Can I rent a car on a visitor visa? Yes, you can rent a car in the United States as a B1/B2 visa holder but you might have to show a valid driver's license from your home country, sometimes an IDP (International Driver's Permit), and in addition, you have to pay for additional vehicle insurance coverage. Does a visitor visa invitation letter for parents need to be notarized? No, there is no requirement to notarize the visitor visa invitation letter. You can simply sign it with a blue/black pen and scan and send it to your parents/ or family whoever is visiting you. Is it necessary to have a B2 visa cover letter for parents? No, it's not necessary, but it's a good idea because it makes it easier for officers to understand your visa application. This means fewer interview questions for parents and makes the process more convenient. What should I know about American culture before visiting? Here are some key points to keep in mind about American culture before you visit: Diversity: Embrace diversity. Personal Space: Respect personal space. Tipping: Tip around 15-22%. Greetings: Handshakes, eye contact. Cultural Sensitivity: Avoid sensitive topics. Time and Punctuality: Be punctual. Traffic and Driving: Follow local rules. Read more. Next: Continue reading Related Posts ✔ Go to Main Menu ✔ How to apply for an OCI card ✔ How to get H4 EAD in 15 days ✔ How to apply for a minor's passport Related Topics

The sponsor letter for parents for a US (B1/B2) tourist visa should include the sponsor's name, occupation, income, address, contact information, and the reason for sponsorship. Here, I am sharing the sponsor letter that I used for my parents' visitor visa to the US Consulate. Related: How to apply for B1/B2 visa for parents? Sponsorship Letter for Parents Tourist Visa (USA) Modify the highlighted fields according to your details. Please feel free to ask any questions in the comment section below if you have any doubts about the sponsorship letter for a tourist visa USA. [Date] The U.S. Consulate General, [U.S. Consulate Address] Sub: Request for Visitor Visa (B-2) for my parents Dear Sir/Madam, I, [Sponsors Name], work as a [Enter Occupation] at [Enter Company] located at [Company Address]. I would like to invite my parents, [Visitors/Fathers Name] and [Visitors/Mothers Name] residing at [Home Country Address] to visit me for [6 months]. The purpose of their travel to the U.S. is to visit me and visit some other tourist locations in America. During their visit, they will stay with me at my residential address listed below. I have enough funds in the bank to cover all the expenses related to my parents' visit to the U.S. I am employed full-time with an annual salary of [Enter Salary] per year. I will bear all their expenses: round trip airfare from New Delhi to the U.S., housing, flight tickets for travel within the U.S., health insurance, food, and all other personal expenses. I am enclosing the following supporting documents for visa issuance. Copy of I-797 [H1B] approval notice or [I-129S for L1] or [DS-2019 copy for J1] or [PR copy for Green card holders] Copy of passport and visa pages Latest I-94 form Employment verification letter Copy of the last three pay stubs Latest Bank statement for proof of funds ($10,000 or more): [Bank's Name] Invitation Letter Copy of spouse's passport (if you are sponsoring in-laws) Copy of marriage certificate (if you are sponsoring in-laws) I would appreciate it if you grant my parents [Enter Visitor Names] a US visitor visa (B-2) to visit me and visit other places in America. I will personally make sure that they leave the USA on time, before the expiration of their authorized stay. If you have any questions regarding this matter, please do not hesitate to contact me at [Enter Phone] if you have any questions. Thank you in advance for your time and consideration in this matter. Sincerely, [Sponsor's Name] [Signature] [Sponsor's Address] [Sponsor's Phone] Related: How to renew your Indian passport in the US Once you have prepared the sponsorship letter for the consulate, I recommend writing an additional invitation letter for your parents, specifying the purpose of their visit, such as tourism, pregnancy, graduation ceremony, or any other relevant reason. Detailed information on the B1/B2 invitation letter can be found in the next blog post. Next: Continue reading Related Posts ✔ Understanding US culture before your first visit ✔ B1/B2 visa length of stay ✔ How to extend a B2 visa beyond 6 months? Related Topics

Steps to apply for a B1/B2 visitor visa for parents (India) while on a J1, L1, F1, H1 visa, or green card with a documents checklist, and an end-to-end US visitor visa application process. Related: Things to know about the USA before your first visit When I applied for my parents' US visitor visa for the first time, I was on a J1 visa. I went through the US visa application process and successfully obtained their US visitor visa. After that, I helped my family and relatives apply for a US visitor visa. In these cases, the sponsoring party held either an F1 visa, an L1 visa, an H1 visa, or a green card. My experience has given me valuable knowledge about the entire process of obtaining a US visitor visa, from beginning to end. I am eager to share the step-by-step process for applying for a US visitor visa for parents. If you haven't read my previous post on B1/B2 visitor visas, you can begin here to catch up. Once your parents get a B1/B2 visitor visa they can typically stay in the USA for up to 6 months (in most cases) in a single stretch. I have explained the B2 visa length of stay in detail earlier, and I have provided the link below if you want to read about it. Related: B1/B2 visa maximum length of stay Usually, a US visitor visa is granted for 10 years, but in some cases, it may be issued for a shorter duration; this varies on a case-by-case basis. Also, don't assume a US visitor visa is always approved, I have seen multiple cases of B1/B2 visa rejections. Roughly 3-5% of B1/B2 tourist visas from India are rejected. Table of Contents: B2 visa documents checklist for parents Fill DS-160 form online Schedule a US visa appointment (India) US visa fee payment B1/B2 visa appointment On the day of the US visa appointment B2 visa documents checklist B1/B2 visa status check Fill DS-160 Form Online The first step is to fill out the DS-160 form online. Click on this link, which will take you to the USCIS website. Select your country, enter the code (captcha), and start your DS-160 application process. When you start your DS-160 application, an application ID will be generated for your case. You will be asked to fill out all the information. The entire DS-160 application process typically takes around 1-2 hours if you have all the required details at hand. You should save your DS-160 application at each step and retrieve your application later by using your application number. Keep saving your progress otherwise your information will be lost and you might have to rework. The details you would need to fill out in the applications are name, address, passport details, travel details, contact information, family information, work, education details, etc. At the end of the DS-160 form, if you are filling out this form for your parents then you can add your information in the preparer section. If your parents have filled out the form themselves, then they should add their details. Once the DS-160 form is completed, you can submit it. No changes can be made after submission so make sure all the information is correct. You would need to fill out separate DS-160 forms if you are planning to apply for both parents' visas (mother & father). DS-160 Confirmation Page After submission, the DS-160 confirmation page will be generated, please save this PDF since you need it for the interview later. While it's possible to print or save the entire application form for future reference, keep in mind that you only need the DS-160 confirmation page for the interview. The confirmation form will have a barcode and your DS-160 application number. This page is important and you need to take this confirmation page to the visa office. I have provided a sample above for your reference. Schedule a US Visa Appointment (India) Next step, You need to schedule an appointment for the US visa interview and biometrics here. Choose the alphabet with which your country starts. In my case it was India, you can click the link here for India. Choose a non-immigrant visa and then click on login, at the end, you will be taken here. You need to register here and a login will be created. Once you log in you can choose the place where you would like the interview to happen. If you are applying from India, the appointment will be available in New Delhi, Mumbai, Hyderabad, and Kolkata. You can choose the location that is convenient for your parents. You can also choose the language in which you need the interview. For example, if your parents are not comfortable in English you can choose Hindi or any other language as well. US Visa Fee Payment After that, you can fill out the other information and at the end, it will ask you to pay the MRV fee for booking the appointment, which was 12,000 INR (per person) in my case. This might change in the future. I added my mother's name in the same login I created for my father and I had to pay a total of 24,000 INR. You do not need two accounts, you can add your parents as a family in the same account and book visa interview appointments. There will be several ways to make the payment like online or by going to the bank. I used the online method where I transferred the MRV fee to the account number provided. B1/B2 Visa Appointment Once you make the payment a receipt number will be generated. Using that receipt number you can move forward to make a B1/B2 visa appointment for biometrics and interviews by logging back in here. You need to make two appointments which will happen on different days at different locations. Once you log in, it will ask you to make an appointment. The first appointment will be given for Biometrics and the second date will be booked for the interview. Related: Why does a B1/B2 visa get denied? The first appointment to give biometrics is usually at the Visa Application Center (VAC) or Offsite Facility Center (OFC). Second appointment for the visa interview at the US consulate. Usually, a VAC appointment should be done a few days before the interview date. Tip: You can reschedule the appointment up to four times; after that, rescheduling will not be available for you. On the Day of the US Visa Appointment Go to the VAC appointment where biometrics and pictures will be taken for you. Then attend the visa interview, where you will be interviewed by a US consular officer. They can ask you anything related to your application, your job, your plan of traveling, and the details of your child/relative living in the US who is sponsoring your trip, etc. I explained all the interview questions in the previous blog. You should go through it once. At both places make sure to take all the supporting documents applicable to your case since they can ask you for this. At the end of the interview, they will keep your original passport to issue the visa. B2 Visa Documents Checklist for Parents List of supporting documents of sponsor like J1, L1, F1 or H1B visa holders for B2 visa application The last 3 months of pay stubs Bank statement for proof of funds Employment verification letter Copy of passport and visa pages Copy of latest I-94 I-129S approved letter (for L1) or DS2019 (for J1) or I-797A (for H1B) or Copy of green card Invitation letter Cover/Sponsorship letter B2 visa documents I asked my parents to bring in Original passport Employment letter (In case parents are working) Bank statement with sufficient balance (parent’s) Aadhar card (I have asked my parents to take all the useful IDs they can bring in) DS-160 confirmation page Appointment confirmation page B1/B2 Visa Status Check You can check the status of your US visitor visa here. Hopefully, you find this blog helpful. Please drop me a line in the comments section below if you have any queries. I have added a few more topics below which will help you. B1 B2 Visa Interview Questions for Parents B2 visa interview questions for parents visiting the US. Consulate officers might ask you questions about five main topics. These questions will be about the same thing but phrased differently to understand your reason for traveling. These five topics are: Travel Purpose: Why are you traveling to the US? Who do you plan to visit, and what activities do you intend to do during your stay? For instance, if your trip is for tourism, you can mention the places you'd like to visit. Duration of Stay: How long do you intend to stay in the US? You can simply explain that you plan to spend time with your family in the US and then return. Accommodation: Where will you be staying during your visit to the US? Simply tell me you will be staying with your son or daughter in so and so city. If you can remember their city or complete address, it's good. Financial Situation: Who is funding your trip, and do you have sufficient funds to cover your expenses? Can you provide evidence of your financial stability? Are you currently employed? These questions help them ensure that you have the financial stability to visit the US. Travel History: Have you previously visited the US or any other countries? Do you have a history of international travel? Related: B2 visa interview questions for parents Make sure to give truthful answers to these questions. If you can't remember something, it's okay to tell the officer you don't know. For instance, if you can't remember where your son works or his complete address, it's alright to say so. You can read about the B1/B2 visa interview questions in detail in the link provided above. But it's a good idea to have this information with you if you can. Having a copy of the invitation letter can also be helpful in these situations because the invitation letter will contain this type of information, which you can then show to the officer. I have provided the link below if you have missed it. Related: B2 visa invitation letter for parents FAQs on US Visa for Parents from India Can I fill out DS 160 for my parents? Yes, you can fill out DS 160 for your parents. I have done it several times and obtained their US visitor visa successfully. How to apply B1/B2 tourist visa for parents? To apply for a B1/B2 visa for your parents (visitor visas for business and tourism), you'll need to follow these 8 steps: Complete the DS-160 form online Pay the visa fee Schedule the visa appointment Gather the required documents Go through biometrics Attend visa interview Wait for visa approval Travel to the U.S. What can I not do on a B1/B2 visa? You won't have the ability to work, pursue studies, establish permanent residency, acquire a driver's license, or enroll a child in school. How to retrieve the DS-160 form after submission? Visit the CEAC website Choose your location and enter the captcha Select "Retrieve an Application" Enter your DS-160 confirmation number Complete the security questions Retrieve your application Should I select B1 B2 or B2 for parents? Choose the B1/B2 visa, even if you're going for business or tourism. Typically B1/B2 visa is issued for 10 years, so you can use it whenever you need to visit the US for either reason. In addition, selecting B1/B2 can save you from extra questions at the entry point. Sometimes, even if you pick B1 or B2, the consulate might give you a B1/B2 visa. Can I sponsor my parents to visit the USA? You can sponsor parents to visit the USA on a B2 visa. However, sponsorship is not mandatory to apply for a US tourist visa. How can I bring my parents from India to the USA? You can bring your parents from India to the USA in the following ways: They can come on a US tourist visa, usually allowing a 6-month stay in one go. If you want them to permanently live in the USA, you must apply for their green card. To do this, you need to be a U.S. citizen and at least 21 years old. Read more. Next: Interview Questions Related Posts ✔ Go to the Main menu ✔ Knowing about US culture before you visit ✔ B2 visa extension after 6 months Related Topics

J1 visa duration and processing time: Many of us wonder about the duration of stay permitted on a J1 exchange visitor visa. Once you obtain a J1 visa, the minimum stay is 3 weeks, and the maximum continuous stay in the US is 5 years. The J1 visa has different categories, such as interns, trainees, researchers, and professors. Depending on the category you apply for, the duration of your stay in the US may vary, but it cannot exceed 5 continuous years. The various categories of J1 exchange visitor visas are well-described by the US Department of State. You can find detailed information about these categories by following the link provided. In my case, as an academic researcher, I was granted a visa/DS2019 for a duration of 5 years. What is the typical J1 visa processing time for applicants from India? Getting a J-1 visa usually takes 4 to 8 weeks from the time you apply to when you receive it. But remember, the time it takes for your visa interview can change the total time it takes. What is the DS2019 form? A SEVIS-generated Form DS2019 is a requirement for applying for the J-1 Visa. This controlled form is provided by your program sponsor and serves as documentation of your acceptance into an exchange program sponsored by a State Department-designated Exchange Visitor Program sponsor. Who will give me DS2019? Designated sponsors are allowed to issue you a DS2019. In my case, it was my university (University of California) who issued me DS2019. What is the duration of DS2019? The duration of your DS2019 depends on your employer. Typically, universities offer DS2019 forms for one year initially, with the possibility of renewal based on available funding. If your employer is an institute with adequate funding, you may even receive a DS2019 valid for up to 5 years. In my case, I was issued a DS2019 that covered a 5-year period. Is it possible to get the J1 visa extension? Yes, it is possible to get an extension if your sponsoring agency has funding enough to renew your DS2019 or DS-7002 (in case you are an intern or trainee). Am I allowed to work on a J1 exchange visitor visa in the US? Yes, but you are only eligible to work for the employer mentioned in your DS2019. Can I switch to a different visa in the US after getting a J1 visa? Yes, you can file for a different visa if you have an employer but in many cases, J1 exchange visitors are subjected to the 2-year home residency rule. You need to obtain a J1 waiver from the Department of Homeland Security before applying for a change of visa status. If I get the J1 visa can I come to us a few months prior? Probably not. You can travel to the US 30 days prior to the start of your program. Can I stay in the US on a J1 visa if I get fired by the employer? The J1 visa comes with a 30-day grace period. If you get fired then you have 30 days to look for a new job otherwise your stay will be counted as out of status or illegal stay. You might have to depart before that 30-day grace period ends. Read more. Can I transfer my J1 from one institute/university to another? Yes, the transfer is a simple process and your university/institute should be able to help you with that. I have done it multiple times. Next: Continue reading Related Posts ✔ Go to Main Menu ✔ How to convert from a J1 visa to H1B ✔ How to transition from J1 visa to Green Card Related Topics

I am sharing my NORI cover letter for the J1 visa waiver (as mentioned in J1 waiver stage 2) for the Home Department of State. If you are looking for the J1 waiver application process end-to-end, please start from the following post. Getting a J1 waiver is a very time-consuming and lengthy process, you will find my experience helpful. Start here: J1 Waiver Application Process Cover letter for NORI (Home Department) Please update the grey area based on your details. This cover letter is not mandatory but it's always good to have it so that it's easier for the officer who is handling your case. Date: dd/mm/yyyy From: , To: Under Secretary, Government of Uttar Pradesh, Home (Visa) Section 4, Anubhag, Lucknow 226001. Dear Sir/Madam, Subject: Request to grant NORI certificate. I am currently in the USA on a J1 exchange visitor visa as a Postdoctoral Fellow (Passport number K1234567) at the University of XYZ, ABC. I am writing this letter to request you to kindly grant me a NORI (No Obligation to Return to India) certificate. I need this to get a waiver certificate from the Embassy of India in the USA for immigration (conversion of J1 visa to H1). For this purpose, I need to get clearance from my State Government Office. I would like to assure you that I have not been sponsored or provided with certain privileges by the Government of India or/ Government of any State in India. Further, I have not given any definite undertaking to return to India, and my presence in India is not required regarding any civil or criminal proceedings. I am enclosing the required testimonials for your reference. Thanking You. Sincerely, Enclosures: 1. Attested statement and Affidavit 2. Self-Attested copies of Passport and Visa 3. Self-Attested copies of Certificates (Ph.D., M.Sc., B.Sc., and High School) 4. DS-2019 5. Resume Related: Home Department and RPO addresses Once again, this cover letter is not mandatory, and it's up to you if you want to include this or not, but I would recommend you keep it as the cover letter. Next: J1 Waiver Stage 3 Related Posts ✔ Go to Main Menu ✔ J1 visa to green card ✔ How to expedite the J1 waiver? Related Topics

To take a 2x2 passport-size photo at home for free, start by capturing a square photo with a 1:1 aspect ratio using your iPhone camera. Next, adjust the photo's width and height to 2 inches by 2 inches using a Word document. Finally, print the resized image on photo paper using any printer. Table of Contents: How to take a 2x2 photo on iPhone free Take a Square Photo Print the Image 01. Take a Square (1:1 Aspect Ratio) Photo On an iPhone, open the camera app and choose the square (1:1) aspect ratio for your picture. To do this, tap the little arrow icon (v) located at the top-center. This will reveal options such as flashlight, exposure, aspect ratio (1:1 at the bottom), live picture, timer, etc. Refer to the image on the left for guidance. Or, you can edit an existing photo to a 1:1 aspect ratio. To create a 2x2 passport photo on your iPhone, open the image you'd like to use > Tap 'Edit' > Choose the 'Crop' option from the bottom menu > Select the square aspect ratio from the top > Adjust the picture area as needed > Tap 'Done' or 'Save' to finalize. For Android phones, you can follow a similar process: capture an image and then crop it to a 1:1 aspect ratio. Essentially, we aim for a square photo with equal width and height. 02. Paste the Image on a Word document and Print The second step is to copy and paste the square image into a Word document. You can achieve this by emailing the photo from your phone and using any Windows laptop to complete this step. Open Microsoft Word > Insert picture > To resize a picture, on the Picture Tools Format tab, in the Size group, enter the new measurements (2.0" by 2.0") into the Height and Width boxes. After changing the image size, copy and paste it 9 or 12 times, depending on the photo paper size you're using. On a standard page size, you can fit at least 12 photos with 2x2 dimensions and then proceed to print. This can save you both money and time compared to getting it done at Walgreens or CVS. Thank you! If you have any questions, please feel free to comment below. Related Posts ✔ Go to Main Menu ✔ How long can I stay after my J1 visa expires ✔ J1 visa waiver application process ✔ How to convert from a J1 visa to H1B ✔ How to apply for J2 EAD ✔ Indian Passport Renewal ✔ How to apply for an OCI card Related Topics

J2 work permit (EAD) application processing time can take between 3-5 months. I am sharing our journey about J2 visa work permit and I think most of you will find this article helpful. My spouse worked with a J2 EAD for approximately 3 years until he got the green card. Before J2 EAD, my husband was working on H1B for 4 years and it was such a nightmare working on H1B, I remember we use to watch the news regarding H1B visas during the Trump administration period from January 2017 to January 2021. Every other day there was some sizzling news on H1B. During that time period, H1B processing time went high, extensions started getting rejected, premium processing fee was increased, some companies stopped sponsoring H1B visa holders, etc. There were so many negative things going on with H1B. Many of my friends had to go back to India as their visa extension got rejected. All different kinds of reasons to deny an extension, this is when my husband planned to switch from H1B to J2 EAD, followed by some personal reason and this was a wise decision for us. So, why J2 EAD? A J1 visa is granted under a cultural exchange program and its dependent (J2 visa holder) can get EAD within ~3-5 months and work part-time or full-time without any restriction. In our case, we were out of the danger ⚠️ zone of H1B. As you know every year ”highly skilled“ people are hired on H1B via a lottery system. H1B workers constitute the biggest visa group among all the other work visa holders, so H1B is the first target when it comes to securing a job for US citizens. Kick out H1B visa holders and most US people will get jobs. This is not my thought but that’s how it’s portrayed to the whole system. Google Trends The biggest advantage, you don’t need any sponsorship when you have J2 EAD, you can work anywhere anytime you want. You can even work extra hours and have 2 jobs. You get a lot of freedom with J2 EAD. You would have noticed that when you apply for a job in the US, usually there is a question if you need sponsorship. You will choose yes if you are an H1B visa holder and most probably due to this reason your resume will be trashed. For J2 EAD, you don’t need any kind of sponsorship. J1 visa holders are eligible to file for the green card themselves or by hiring a lawyer, unlike H1B where companies have to file on your behalf. You can’t do it by yourself. So, another advantage of being J2 dependent is that you automatically get a green card when the primary visa holder (J1) gets the green card. J2 work permit (EAD) When you apply for J2 EAD you will get EAD for the same period as your DS-2019 validity. If your DS-2019 is valid for a year, you will get EAD for a year. If your DS-2019 is valid for more, your EAD will have more time period. In most cases, the DS-2019 duration depends upon how much funding your professor has for your research work and how the University visa and immigration department grants you the DS-2019. Initially, when I came to the US, I had straight 5 years of DS-2019. You can even negotiate with your professor to show more funding and get maximum period on DS-2019 so that your dependent can get more time on EAD. Similary it helps you getting longer Drivers License, State ID etc.. The maximum you can work on J2 EAD is 5 years, the same as the primary visa holder. Later J1 can apply for a green card. Related post: J1 visa holders can apply for green card, see how? J2 EAD extension is a pretty simple process and usually, you can get it extended in 3 months, the same as you can get a new EAD. You can apply for extension 6 months before your EAD expiry so you have sufficient time. We applied for a J2 EAD extension 3 times and it was never rejected or never got RFE, etc. Please refer to my next blog on how you can apply for J2 EAD. Please comment if you have any questions or doubts. I will try my best to share my experience so far. Next: Filing J2 EAD Related Posts ✔ Go to Main Menu ✔ How long can I stay after my J1 visa expires ✔ J1 visa waiver application process end-to-end ✔ How to convert from a J1 visa to H1B ✔ How to apply for J2 EAD ✔ Indian Passport Renewal ✔ How to apply for an OCI card Related Topics

I am sharing the J2 EAD application sample cover letter which we used for filing our J2 visa EAD and extension. Our J2 EAD was approved every time (including renewal/extension). J2 EAD cover letter is almost the same for first-time applications and renewals. Please update the grey area according to your details. Hopefully, J2 visa holders find this cover letter helpful in getting EAD. J2 EAD Cover Letter (sample) Date, Month, Year To: United States Citizenship and Immigration Service RE: Request for J2 employment authorization Dear Sir/madam, My name is applicant name and I live in the United States in J-2 status accompanying my spouse, J1 visa holder name (J1 exchange visitor, SEVIS No. _________) who is a postdoctoral researcher at the University of California, Riverside. I am applying for an extension of my J2 work authorization. My spouse earns $_____ annually, sufficient to cover our day-to-day expenses. I wish to continue my employment in order to experience the American workplace culture. The income from my job will be used to pursue my own career interests like part-time master's classes and other recreational/cultural activities and NOT to support my wife/husband. I respectfully request you to grant me a work authorization extension. Thank you in advance for your consideration of this application. Sincerely, Enclosed are all the required documents for my application: 1. Filing fee check, Photographs & I-765 application 2. Copy of I-797A 3. Copy of latest I-94 (applicant name) 4. Copy of DS-2019 (applicant name) 5. Copy of all pages of passport and visa (applicant name) 6. Copy of DS-2019, last 3 months pay stubs (J1 visa holder name) 7. Copy of I-94, Passport, and visa (J1 visa holder name) 8. Marriage Certificate That's all, please feel free to modify the documents list accordingly. Everyone has different types of supporting documents. I have indicated how I use to file it. Those numbers (1 to 8) denote the exact sequence of how you arrange the document in the file. Tip: Buy a file that has numbering/labelling on sides so that you can arrange the documents accordingly. USCIS officer will be happy if you arrange and post your documents neatly. File like this, you can find on Amazon or Walmart (search for file folders with numbers/labels). Next: Passport renewal Related Posts ✔ Go to Main Menu ✔ How long can I stay after my J1 visa expires ✔ J1 visa waiver application process end-to-end ✔ How to convert from a J1 visa to H1B ✔ How to apply for J2 EAD ✔ How to apply for an OCI card Related Topics

Expedited processing of the J1 waiver application is not typical. However, it is available for J1 waiver cases with urgent or justifiable humanitarian needs, or cases that demonstrate clear and significant US government interest. Mostly, J1 waiver cases are expedited due to humanitarian needs. Obtaining a J1 waiver on time is crucial for those wanting to stay longer in the US, especially if subject to a two-year home residency rule. I know of a scenario where a friend had to travel back to India for a few months as she could not get a J1 waiver on time. Fortunately, she obtained the waiver after two months and returned to the USA. I'm also aware of people who successfully expedited their J1 waiver applications. While I know of a couple of ways to expedite the J1 waiver application, it's important to note that this is not a 100% guaranteed process. Ultimately, everything is at the discretion of the Department of State (DOS). 01. Expedite J1 Waiver By Email One option is to send an email to 212ewaiver@state.gov. However, no one can guarantee its effectiveness, as it depends on the specific circumstances of each case. Expedited options are typically reserved for humanitarian reasons, so the strength of your reason will determine its success. Related: Urgent humanitarian reasons for expedited request You need to send an email explaining your circumstances and attach supporting documents that prove the basis of your expedited reason. The Department of State usually responds within 10 days, but one can always send follow-up emails. Include the following details when structuring your email: Case number Your full name Date of birth The basis under which you are applying for a waiver A brief explanation of your inquiry [reasons] Supporting documents Here are some example reasons to expedite a J1 waiver application: One of the reasons could be a financial loss where you can explain how your family, house mortgage, kid's education, etc.. depends on your income, and if you don't get a waiver on time you will have to quit your job, sell the house, interrupt kids education. You can show your monthly mortgage statement or your kid's education some sort of proof. Another reason could be a job offer and you can share the offer letter explaining how important is this job offer for you and that you need a waiver to join a firm from so and so date. If you don't get a waiver on time you will lose this opportunity. One of my friends expedited his case as he had a job offer and he was able to get it. Sample Email to Expedite J1 Waiver Date: Full Name: Address: Contact Information: Case Number: Current Status in the US: Subject: Request for Expedited Processing of J1 Waiver - [Your Full Name] - Case Number: [Your Case Number] Dear Sir/Madam, I hope this email finds you well. My name is [Your Full Name], and I am writing to request expedited processing of my J1 waiver application due to some urgent circumstances. I am seeking expedited processing due to [Clearly explain the humanitarian or justifiable reason for expedited processing. Provide specific details about your situation]. Please find attached the following documents supporting my expedited request: [List the documents you are attaching] [Such as medical records, doctor's letter, or any relevant evidence] I am committed to providing any additional information or documentation required promptly. If there are any concerns or additional details needed, please do not hesitate to contact me. I appreciate your attention to this matter and understand that the decision is at the discretion of the Department of State. Thank you. Sincerely, [Your Full Name] [Your Contact Information] 02. Contacting a Member of Congress or Senator The second option to expedite the J1 waiver application is by contacting congressmen or a senator. This should be your last option and should be done only in case of an emergency. Also referred to as a congressman or congresswoman, each representative is elected to a two-year term serving the people of a specific congressional district. The number of voting representatives in the House is fixed by law at no more than 435, proportionally representing the population of the 50 states. First, you need to know who is the congressman in your zip code. You can find it here. After you know who is your congressman, you can try reaching out to them via email or phone. Email is the most effective way as it's convenient and easy to keep track of. If there is an emergency or if you prefer to speak over the phone, you can also contact them over the phone. You will find the contact number on the same page after searching for your congressman by zip code. Related: Contacting congressman for expedited request Usually, there is a dedicated staff member who takes care of immigration services and he will be able to help you by contacting DOS on your behalf and expediting your case based on your situation. They will ask you for the reason (which you need to summarize in the letter), perhaps you have to send the proof of reason as to why you need an expedition. Related: J1 waiver favorable recommendation next step Thank you! Please comment if you have any further questions, I will try to help to the best of my knowledge. Next: J1 to H1B Related Posts ✔ J1 to B2 visa ✔ J1 to Green Card ✔ Indian Passport Renewal ✔ How to apply for an OCI card Related Topics