Siblings visiting before AOS---please advise

[*JG* 2]

A friends husband, here on a K-1; but not yet filed for AOS........is it possible to have his teenage brother and/or sister come visit the US?

If so, how would you go about that?

[payxibka 10,044]

A USC or LPR really have no influence on anyone's ability to visit... Where a visa is required, the applicant must be able to meet the qualification on there own.

[*JG* 2]

A USC or LPR really have no influence on anyone's ability to visit... Where a visa is required, the applicant must be able to meet the qualification on there own.

They are children........13 and 16. What qualifications would they need?

[nycgirl 13]

Thanks for starting this thread JG! I dont think that this matters....but he's not here on a K1. He's here on an expired temporary work visa, we have filed for AOS, just still waiting for 2nd Interview.

We want to bring the siblings up for part of the summer, before the get old enough to HAVE TO qualify on their own.

We have a feeling that once they get to be over 18, they will never stand a chance to visit. It is soooo hard. Thanks!!

[*JG* 2]

Thanks for starting this thread JG! I dont think that this matters....but he's not here on a K1. He's here on an expired temporary work visa, we have filed for AOS, just still waiting for 2nd Interview.

We want to bring the siblings up for part of the summer, before the get old enough to HAVE TO qualify on their own.

We have a feeling that once they get to be over 18, they will never stand a chance to visit. It is soooo hard. Thanks!!

Oh, yah....I keep forgetting that work visa part. Sorry.

I agree with the over 18 part....I know JA all too well.

[nycgirl 13]

Actually I found the answer..........On the US Embassy (Kingston) website.

Apparently you HAVE to have access to a computer (with Adobe) to even apply for a vistor's. All applications are "e-applications". And you have to schedule your appointment through the website too. Inbeleivable! I think I'll email them! Thanks!

[*JG* 2]

Good luck on that. I can't ever get that embassy to answer my e-mails.

Will you let us know the answers in case people after you need some advice on this topic?

[Otto 83]

Everything is country specific so without that information it is difficult to reply - nor is it specified if these children/minors will be traveling alone or supervised. The brothers status is not necessarily relevant to their issuance of a visa.

Here's a bunch of information and a link to further information.

Temporary Visitors to the U.S.

International visitors add greatly to our nation's cultural, education and economic life. We continue the proud tradition of welcoming visitors to the United States, with secure borders and open doors.

Most Canadian citizens and many citizens from Visa Waiver Program countries can come to the U.S. without a visa if they meet certain requirements. Visa waiver travelers from ALL 27 Visa Waiver Program countries must present a machine-readable passport at the U.S. port of entry to enter the U.S. without a visa, otherwise a U.S. visa is required. See important information about the 10/26/05 digital photograph and 10/26/06 e-passport requirements for VWP travelers. Learn more. Other foreign citizens will need a nonimmigrant visa.

Nonimmigrant visas are for international travelers, (citizens of other countries), coming to the U.S. temporarily. This visa allows you to travel to a U.S. port-of-entry (airport, for example) and request permission of the Department of Homeland Security immigration inspector to enter the U.S. A visa does not guarantee entry into the United States.

International travelers come to the U.S. for a wide variety of reasons, including tourism, business, medical treatment and certain types of temporary work. The type of visa needed is defined by immigration law, and relates to the principal purpose of your travel. While in the U.S., temporary visitors are restricted to the activity or reason for which their nonimmigrant visa was issued, with few exceptions. For an overview of the types of nonimmigrant visas available under immigration law, please see Nonimmigrant Visa Classifications on the USCIS website. The Consular Officer at your embassy or consulate will decide what kind of visa you need, when you apply.

Advance planning can smooth the visa application process for you.

Apply for your Visa well in advance of your travel! Important steps to remember:

1 - Review your visa status, and find out if you need a U.S. visa or a renewal.

2 - Review the visa wait times information for interview appointments and visa processing at each embassy and consular section worldwide available on our website at Visa Wait Times. Visit the embassy or consular section website where you will apply for your visa to find out how to schedule an interview appointment, pay fees and any other instructions.

3 - Plan on an interview at the embassy or consulate, which is required for most visa applicants. As part of the visa interview, a quick fingerprint scan should be expected. Applicants who need additional screening are informed during the application process.

See the links on the left for more information about visas required for temporary visitors to the U.S

Which countries participate in the Visa Waiver Program (VWP)?

Currently, 27 countries participate in the Visa Waiver Program, as shown below:

Visa Waiver Program - Participating Countries.

Andorra Iceland Norway

Australia Ireland Portugal

Austria Italy San Marino

Belgium Japan Singapore

Brunei Liechtenstein Slovenia

Denmark Luxembourg Spain

Finland Monaco Sweden

France the Netherlands Switzerland

Germany New Zealand United Kingdom

SOURCE AND MORE INFO

[payxibka 10,044]

They are children........13 and 16. What qualifications would they need?

The ability to overcome the presumption of "intent to immigrate"

Edited February 6, 2008 by fwaguy