How to Successfully Sponsor a U.S. Tourist Visa: A Comprehensive Guide

In addition to popular U.S. immigration options, non-immigrant visas also attract considerable interest and curiosity from many people. Among these is the B-2 tourist visa, designed for those who wish to visit the U.S. as tourists or seek medical treatment.

Especially for those with relatives living in the land of the free, sponsoring a visit to the U.S. has become increasingly popular.

So, how can you sponsor a trip to the U.S.? What documents are required for a tourist visa sponsorship? In the following article, ImmiPath will address these questions and more. Let’s find out now!

1. What Type of Visa is Required for Sponsoring a Trip to the U.S.?

If you want to visit the U.S. as a tourist or for medical treatment, you can apply for a B-2 tourist visa. This U.S. visa is a non-immigrant visa that allows for a stay of up to six months in the U.S.

With this temporary non-immigrant visa, you will be able to visit family and friends in the U.S., as well as explore famous landmarks and cities across our wonderful country.

The B-2 visa is primarily for tourism purposes and is one of the most popular U.S. visas. You can use this visa for recreational activities such as:

• Traveling
• Vacationing
• Visiting friends, relatives, or close family members
• Receiving medical treatment
• Attending social events organized by fraternal, social, or service organizations
• Participating in amateur events or competitions in music, sports, or similar activities if not financially sponsored
• Enrolling in a short-term, non-credit recreational course (e.g., a two-day cooking class during your vacation)

There is no annual limit on the number of B-2 tourist visas issued, which means the processing time for this visa is relatively quick.

2. What Conditions Must Be Met to Sponsor a Trip to the U.S.?

To successfully sponsor a trip to the U.S., you need to meet the following conditions:

2.1 Purpose of the U.S. Tourist Visa

If you wish to visit the U.S. for tourism, visiting relatives, or medical treatment, you can apply for a B-2 visa. This non-immigrant, temporary visa allows you to visit family and friends in the U.S. and explore famous landmarks and cities across the country.

You can use the B-2 visa for recreational activities such as:

• Traveling
• Vacationing
• Visiting friends, relatives, or close family members
• Receiving medical treatment
• Attending social events organized by fraternal, social, or service organizations
• Participating in amateur events or competitions in music, sports, or similar activities if not financially sponsored
• Enrolling in a short-term, non-credit recreational course (e.g., a two-day cooking class during your vacation)

There is no annual limit on the number of B-2 tourist visas issued, so the processing time for this visa is relatively quick.

 

2.2 Financial Proof

The U.S. is very strict when it comes to issuing visas. For a tourist visa, strong financial proof is required.

It is advantageous if your passport shows travel to several countries, especially developed ones like Europe, Australia, Japan, South Korea, etc. This indicates that you have a stable financial background, have traveled internationally, and now wish to visit the U.S. for tourism.

The requirement to prove financial capability is in place to prevent individuals from using the U.S. as a means to stay illegally, work without authorization, or immigrate unlawfully.

To sponsor a relative to the U.S. successfully, you and the person you are sponsoring must demonstrate that you have sufficient funds to cover travel expenses in the U.S.

Some ways to best prove financial capability for U.S. travel:

2.2.1 Proof through Savings Account

The ideal amount for applying for a U.S. tourist visa is usually no less than $30,000. The savings account should be opened at least 3 months before applying for the visa. Bring the original savings account statement to the interview.

2.2.2 Proof through Employment and Income

– For Employees:

• Employment contract
• Appointment letter (if available)
• Leave request letter
• Pay stubs or salary statements for the last 3 months or a certificate of position and income

– For Business Owners or Sole Proprietors:

• Business registration certificate
• Tax payment receipts for the last 3 months

– For Freelancers or Self-Employed Individuals Without a Business License:

• Work explanation letter
• Supporting documentation or photos

2.2.3 Proof through Business Assets

• Real estate and land ownership documents
• Vehicle registration and title
• Certificates for gold deposits, stocks, or shares

2.3 Factors Demonstrating Ties to Return to Vietnam After U.S. Tourist Visa Expiration

To enhance your chances of convincing the consulate to grant a U.S. tourist visa, you need to prove your ties to Vietnam and your intention to return, rather than stay in the U.S. These factors can include: Real estate or property ownership; Bank accounts; Business registration documents in your name; Family relationships such as having young children, elderly parents, or other dependents; Ongoing employment that requires your presence.

3. What Forms of Sponsorship for U.S. Travel Are Available?

There are several common forms of sponsorship for U.S. travel:

3.1 Sponsoring a Friend’s Visit to the U.S.

– From the Friend in Vietnam:

To visit a friend in the U.S., you need to prepare the following documents for the visa sponsorship:

• Original passport (valid for at least 6 months)
• DS-160 form
• Original household registration
• 2 passport-sized photos (5×5 cm, taken within the last 3 months)
• Notarized resume
• Marriage certificate (if applicable)
• Evidence of the relationship with the friend in the U.S.
• Enrollment certificate from school (if a student)
• Retirement decision (if retired)
• Leave request letter, employment contract, and salary statements for the last 6 months with company certification (if employed)

– From the Friend in the U.S.:

• Invitation letter: Include personal information, passport number, the purpose of the trip, and a commitment to cover the travel expenses.
• Proof of residence in the U.S.
• Evidence of employment and financial stability

3.2 Sponsoring Parents for a U.S. Visit

Sponsoring a visit to the U.S. for parents is relatively easier and simpler compared to other visa types.

– From the Parents in Vietnam:

For a visa for parents to visit their children in the U.S., which is a non-immigrant visa, the following documents and information are needed:

• Details of the trip and its purpose
• Duration of stay in the U.S.
• Proof of the relationship
• Financial capability to cover travel expenses (Expenses can be covered by the children if they are sponsoring financially)

– From the Children in the U.S.:

To sponsor a U.S. visit for parents, the children in the U.S. need to provide documents to prove financial capability and the relationship. If the children are covering the expenses, they need to prepare the following financial support documents:

• Form I-134 Affidavit of Support: An affidavit in which the U.S. resident commits to covering all expenses for the parents’ visit. If only one parent is visiting, only one form is needed. If both parents are visiting, each parent must have a separate form.
• Employment Letter: A letter from the employer confirming the job, including start date, position, salary, etc.
• Pay Stubs: Recent pay stubs for the last 3–4 months to prove financial capability.
• Bank Letter: A letter from the bank confirming account details, including account opening date, current balance, and average balance from the previous year.
• Bank Statements: Statements showing at least 6 months of account activity to demonstrate the ability to cover the parents’ travel expenses. Although there is no specific requirement, a balance of at least $5,000 is recommended.
• Letter to the Consulate: A letter to the consulate committing to cover the parents’ travel expenses. It should include the children’s and parents’ information, and the duration of stay.
• Invitation Letter: A letter inviting the parents to the U.S., showing the relationship and including a proposed itinerary, duration of stay, and commitment to cover expenses.
• Tax Documents: Copies of income tax documents for the last 3 years or recent tax returns provided by the Federal Tax Agency.
• Birth Certificate, Passport, or Green Card: Proof of citizenship or residency of the child in the U.S., and marriage certificate (if applicable).
• Passport or Green Card, Marriage Certificate: For the child’s spouse (if applicable).
• If the parents have other children in the U.S., include their details as well.

3.3 Sponsoring a Spouse for a U.S. Visit

The time required to sponsor a visit to the U.S. for a spouse depends on the sponsor’s status and the type of application. There are three types of sponsorship categories for a spouse:

• IR-2 Category (For U.S. citizens sponsoring a spouse married for more than 2 years): After obtaining the visa and entering the U.S., the sponsored spouse will receive a Green Card valid for 2 years. This category can only sponsor biological or adopted children before they turn 18. The average processing time for this category is 6–9 months.
• IR-1 Category (For U.S. citizens sponsoring a spouse married for less than 2 years): The waiting period for application processing and visa issuance is typically 12–18 months. The duration can vary depending on the status of the marital relationship. The IR-1 category generally has a longer wait time compared to IR-2.
• F2-A Category (For U.S. lawful permanent residents sponsoring a spouse): The sponsor will receive a Green Card valid for 2 years after entering the U.S. and obtaining the visa. The processing and interview time can take up to 1–2 years. This category also allows for sponsoring unmarried children under 21 years of age.

4. What Are the Steps for Sponsoring a U.S. Tourist Visa?

The basic steps for applying for a B-2 tourist visa are as follows:

• Complete Form DS-160: Fill out the Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application form.
• Pay the Visa Fee: Pay the required visa application fee.
• Schedule an Interview: Book an appointment for a visa interview at the local U.S. Embassy or Consulate.
• Gather Required Documents: Collect all necessary documents for your visa application.
• Attend the Visa Interview: Participate in the visa interview at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate.

5. What Documents Are Required for Sponsoring a Relative for a U.S. Tourist Visa?

When you go to the U.S. Embassy or Consulate for a tourist visa interview, you will need to bring several documents. The specific documents required may vary depending on your circumstances. For instance, if you are going to the U.S. for medical purposes, you will need to provide relevant medical documentation.

Here is a list of supporting documents typically required for a basic B-2 tourist visa application:

• Your passport should be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended stay.
• A photo that meets U.S. visa requirements.
• The page confirming your visa interview appointment.
• The page confirming the submission of your DS-160 form, including the barcode.
• Proof of payment for the visa application fee.
• A letter describing the purpose of your visit to the U.S.
• Bank statements or financial documents showing you have sufficient funds to cover your stay in the U.S. You should have at least $266 for each day of your proposed stay.
• Evidence that you will return to Vietnam, such as an employment contract or property deeds.
• An invitation letter from family or friends in the U.S. to support your application.
• A certificate or letter stating that you have no criminal record.
• For employed individuals, a letter from your employer and pay stubs for the past three months.
• Documentation related to your status in the U.S., if you have any.
• A list of your social media accounts, including usernames for each account.

6. Procedures for Applying for a U.S. Tourist Visa with a Sponsor

If you are applying for a U.S. tourist visa with a sponsor, follow these steps:

• Step 1: Visit the U.S. Consulate’s website and complete Form DS-160. Ensure that you fill out the form accurately and completely, and certify that all information provided is correct.
• Step 2: After completing the form, you will receive a unique application number. Print this confirmation page and submit your application along with the visa fee payment.
• Step 3: Prepare the required documents for the U.S. tourist visa application with a sponsor.

To increase your chances of passing the U.S. tourist visa interview, consider the following tips:

• Ensuring you have all the required documents is crucial for improving your visa approval chances.
• Be punctual for your interview, dress appropriately, and maintain a confident demeanor to make a positive impression on the consular officer.
• Provide clear and truthful answers to all questions without going off-topic. This approach enhances your chances of visa approval.

7. Tips for Sponsoring a Relative to Visit the U.S.

It is crucial to demonstrate strong ties to Vietnam to ensure that you will return after your visit. Provide evidence of your connections to Vietnam, such as employment, property ownership, or family obligations.

The U.S. tourist visa will likely not be approved if you are young. Hence, having a sponsor can improve your chances of getting a visa, especially if you can financially support the trip yourself.

8. Interview Tips for a U.S. Tourist Visa and Suggested Answers

Regardless of whether you are applying for a B-2 tourist visa on your own or have a sponsor, you need to be well-prepared for common questions during the interview with the consular officer to ensure a smooth and successful visa application.

Typically, the consular officer may start the conversation by making comments about the weather, the morning rush hour, or the long lines at the embassy. This is intended to help you feel at ease and reduce any anxiety or stress.

You should have all your documents organized and in order. Present the required documents to the interviewer and provide explanations if necessary.

Tourist visa sponsorship for the U.S. requires preparation of experiences to quickly obtain the visa.

Here are some frequently asked questions during a U.S. tourist visa interview, compiled by ImmiPath from years of experience advising successful clients:

8.1 What is the purpose of your visit to the U.S.?

This is typically a warm-up question. Provide a clear and concise answer explaining the purpose of your visit, whether it is for:

• “Business purposes – negotiating contracts.”
• “Visiting my mother who lives in the U.S.”
• “Medical treatment.”
• “I’m going to visit my aunt, whom I haven’t seen in a long time. She invited me several years ago, and I’m only now able to arrange time to apply for the visa and make the trip.”
• “I want to visit the country and see the sights. I’ve been saving for this trip for a long time.”
• “I won the opportunity to attend a conference/seminar/training.”

Keep your answer short and clear, as your time with the consular officer is limited, and you do not want to waste time with unnecessary details.

8.2. Have you ever been to the U.S. before?

It is crucial to answer this question truthfully. Explain any previous visits to the U.S., whether for tourism, training, medical reasons, etc.

If you have overstayed your visa, been deported, or detained during a previous stay, you should disclose this information.

Even if you have never been to the U.S. before, simply state that fact. The interviewer will have access to this information, so lying is not advisable.

8.3. Do you have any relatives or friends currently in the U.S.?

Even if you have distant relatives you only see every three or four years or friends you have met only once or twice, you should inform the consulate about them. 

It is better to be honest in all answers rather than having the consular officer find out later, as this could jeopardize your visa chances.

The embassy mainly worries that tourists may attempt to stay in the U.S. and hide information such as having relatives or friends residing there, which could make the purpose of your visit appear more suspicious.

If you do have relatives or friends in the U.S., you may be asked about how long they have been living there, their address, their occupation, etc. So, try to contact your friends and relatives beforehand to get this information.

8.4. Where will you be staying in the U.S.?

If you have booked a hotel, explain why you chose that hotel. If you will be staying with friends or relatives, provide their invitation letter and describe your relationship with them.

8.5. How long will you be staying in the U.S.?

Whether it is one week, three months, two days, etc., just provide the approximate duration you plan to stay in the U.S. These questions are only the starting point for the real discussion. The consular officer already has all this information in your application, but the interview is a way to delve into the conversation.

8.6. Why do you plan to stay for such a long period?

This question is commonly asked to those applying for visas with a duration of more than 6 months. If you have applied for such a visa, you must have a valid reason for it, so provide the interviewer with a comprehensive explanation.

8.7. Who will you be traveling with?

If you are traveling alone, simply state that. If you are traveling with others, explain to the consulate whether these individuals are listed as your dependents and describe your relationship with them.

8.8. Have you booked your tickets?

Whether or not you are asked this question depends on your situation. However, if you have already booked your tickets, provide the confirmation letter to the interviewer.

8.9. How much do you think your stay in the U.S. will cost you?

Prepare a detailed itinerary for your trip to the U.S., including all types of expenses. Present this itinerary to the interviewer when asked. This will show the consular officer that you are aware of your plans and the costs involved.

8.10. What is your profession? How much do you earn?

Inform the interviewer about your occupation, what you generally do, how long you have been in your current job, and details about your workplace.

Mention your income from this specific job. If you have other sources of income, such as rental income or freelance work, also present the amounts you receive monthly or annually from these sources.

8.11. How will you fund your trip? Who is your sponsor?

This question is meant to ensure where your funds are coming from. You will present your bank statements and other documents, so the interviewer will already know who is funding your trip.

However, answer simply and clearly. Present evidence of all your income and savings if you intend to fund the trip yourself.

On the other hand, if someone else will be sponsoring your visit to the U.S., explain your relationship with them, their income, and other details to demonstrate that they can cover your financial needs while you are in the U.S.

If you feel the interviewer is giving you room to elaborate, provide information about your sponsor’s occupation and other details to show you have a close relationship and a valid reason for them to sponsor your trip.

8.12. Are you married? Do you have children? Do you have pets? Who will take care of them while you are away?

The consulate wants to know if you are leaving behind someone you are committed to and whether you will need to return. If you have children or pets, inform them who will take care of them while you are away and your relationship with the caregiver.

If you have young children or pets, you will need to show the consulate who will care for them and your relationship with that person. The same applies to your home or property.

8.13. Do you intend to stay in the U.S.?

We all know that even if you intend to stay in the U.S., you wouldn’t say that to the consulate. This question is asked to give you a chance to demonstrate to the consular officer that you do not have such intentions.

You should answer as convincingly as possible. Provide strong reasons why you need to return to your home country when your visa expires. Show them that you have strong ties to your country, such as family, children, pets, friends, property, etc.

8.14. How can you assure me that you will return to Vietnam after your trip to the U.S. ends?

Try to convince the consular officer that you have strong ties to your home country, Vietnam, and that you have no intention of staying in the U.S.

Demonstrate this by telling the interviewer about your girlfriend/fiancée/spouse, children, or parents whom you plan to return to (if applicable).

Present your assets, your business, your friendships, and other relationships you have. 

Show any employment contracts or other commitments that prove you must return to Vietnam after your visit to the U.S.

9. Some Common Questions About U.S. Tourist Visa Sponsorship

9.1 How long is a B-2 tourist visa valid?

The validity of a B-2 visa depends on the issuing country and can range from 1 month to 10 years, with options for single, double, or multiple entries. It’s important to note that the visa validity is different from the duration of stay.

For example, a visa may be valid for 10 years but may only allow a maximum stay of 6 months per visit. The duration of stay is recorded by Customs and Border Protection (CBP) at the port of entry on the traveler’s Form I-94.

9.2 Can I extend my B-2 visa?

A B-2 visa can be extended for an additional six months, with a maximum stay of up to 1 year in the U.S. Those with a B-2 visa who wish to apply for an extension must submit their application at least 42 days before the expiration date on their I-94. The I-94 is the arrival record provided by Customs and Border Protection that is attached to the B-2 traveler’s passport upon entering the U.S.

Extensions cannot be filed within the first three months of your stay in the U.S. To apply for a B-2 extension, applicants will need to submit the following documents:

• Completed Form I-539 (Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status)
• A valid passport
• A written statement explaining why you need to extend your visa
• Evidence showing you can financially support yourself
• Payment of $370 for the B-2 extension fee
• Original or copy of the I-94

9.3. What will the consular officer ask during the interview for sponsoring a relative to visit the U.S.?

Anyone who wants to visit the U.S. as a tourist must schedule and attend an immigration interview. 

This interview must be scheduled at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in the applicant’s home country. All applicants aged 14-79 are required to attend.

Due to the high volume of work faced by embassy staff, it is advisable to schedule the interview as early as possible.

The U.S. embassy officials will ask questions about your background and application. They will review your document checklist to ensure that you meet the requirements for the B-2 visa.

9.4. How do I submit the DS-160 form when applying for a U.S. tourist visa?

Completing the DS-160 form is the first step in applying for a B-2 tourist visa and is used for most nonimmigrant visas. Applicants will need to provide personal information in the online form and explain the purpose of their visit to the U.S.

After completing the online form, you will be shown a confirmation page with a number. It is crucial to print this page and keep it safe, as it will be needed later in the application process.

Once you have completed the DS-160 form, you will need to schedule a visa interview at the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate in your country. All applicants aged 14-79 are required to attend.

For U.S. tourist visa sponsorship, you need to complete Form DS-160.

Sponsoring a U.S. tourist visa involves several crucial steps, including preparing your documents, declaring your income, providing convincing evidence, and demonstrating a clear intention to return to Vietnam. Any missing documents or insufficient evidence can lead to a return of your application and a delay in reunification.

To ensure a smooth process, complete all required payments, and have a successful interview with the consular officer, it’s advisable to seek assistance from a reputable immigration consulting service.

If you have any questions about sponsoring friends or relatives to visit the U.S., feel free to comment below. The ImmiPath consulting team is here to help with all the experience and dedication, ensuring your journey to the land of opportunity goes as planned.