Twins coming, need mother in law

[Hank_ 9,173]

It would be a big no-no for your mother-in-law to come as a tourist and then to help look after the new babies. This is seen as work that could be done for pay by a citizen and, as such, is illegal for her to perform. If she were to arrive at the POE and say this is what she's doing, she would quite possibly be denied entry.

Millions of "grand-mothers" help take care of new born babies and I would bet not a one of them are considered "employees".

[manilaraf 28]

Again, I think it all depends on how she comes across in her application and interactions with USEM and POE personnel. Is she there to see the sights there in Texas, etc and see her beloved new grandchildren? It all depends on how she comes across. Either way, she definitely shouldn't overstay. Anything like that could kill her chances of her coming over in the future when the wife becomes USC. While following the law/rules can only help her in the future.

[PaulAbby 4]

My mother-in-law applied and was granted a tourist visa last year to be able to come and visit us (my wife at the time was still a LPR). Just make sure that she states that she is coming to USA for a visit, and that she has valid reasons to return to philippines.

[MacUK 983]

Millions of "grand-mothers" help take care of new born babies and I would bet not a one of them are considered "employees".

Under immigration rules they are.

While on a tourist visa you may not undertake any activity, paid or unpaid which could be done by a US Citizen for pay.

[Hank_ 9,173]

Ya right....... grandma watching the kids fits that like a glove (NOT)....I am sure all new parents PAY grandmas to watch the grandkids.

Time to cash that reality check.

[Merrytooth 5,748]

Ya right....... grandma watching the kids fits that like a glove (NOT)....I am sure all new parents PAY grandmas to watch the grandkids.

Time to cash that reality check.

Time for you to come out of your cave

http://moldova.usembassy.gov/visitor-visa.html

In the United States Foreign nationals in the United States on B-2 status are allowed to visit family and friends and travel throughout the United States. However, as tourists, they are not allowed to engage in any skilled or unskilled labor. This means that they may not perform any sort of activity for which an American resident would be paid. This could include working at a construction site, helping out at a friend or relative's place of business, or even babysitting a relative's children. A foreign national on B-2 classification who engages in any of these activities may have a difficult time qualifying for a tourist (or any other type of visa) in the future.

[Hank_ 9,173]

.... hey whatever. Still going to stay with grandma and grandkids.

[ricnally 258]

.... hey whatever. Still going to stay with grandma and grandkids.

If you do a search on her, you will find many, many threads on this subject.

On the other hand, suit yourself.

[Hank_ 9,173]

Moldova???? Where the heck is that?

I will stick with a link from the Manila embassy : http://manila.usembassy.gov/b1-b2.html

[MacUK 983]

Ya right....... grandma watching the kids fits that like a glove (NOT)....I am sure all new parents PAY grandmas to watch the grandkids.

Time to cash that reality check.

No, but they would pay for childcare for someone to look after their kids if there's no grandma about.

It doesn't matter if you agree or not, them's the rules and the penalties can be harsh for breaking them.

[Merrytooth 5,748]

OP's MIL should just be upfront with CO that she is coming over to babysit the twins and see how it goes

[belinda63 2,981]

I agree this is a gray area. I think it depends on the length of the stay and the other purposes of the visit. I know there were times when I shipped the kids off to the grandparents or the grandparents came to stay for a week or two and watched the kids. This wasn't meant to avoid paying for childcare, it was time for them to spend together. On the other hand when my ex sent them to live with my parents for six months that was an attempt to avoid paying childcare and other responsibilities.

If mom comes to spend a few weeks watching the twins because she wants to bond with them I don't think this would be a problem. Enrolling them in childcare after that would prove she was not a "babysitter" stealing jobs from potential US employees.

[Boiler 43,436]

OP was pretty clear that they need child care as they both work.

[belinda63 2,981]

K Boiler got you. I was just clarifying for all the other statements and posts that refer to grandma coming because a child is being born.

It is pretty clear that in this specific post the OP is looking for her mom to come here for a long-term babysitting arrangement which would be illegal on a tourist visa. I suggest they start looking for a nanny or a daycare for the children.

[Boiler 43,436]

My Grandmother looked after me for my first 6 months. Actually I went to her. I have no issues with the concept just want to make sure the OP understands the issues involved and can act accordingly.

Sounds like she does not have much at home needing her return if she can decamp for so long and is coming from a culture where this is normal practice seemingly.

The same thing of course goes for sisters, cousins etc. All have come up.

Edited October 27, 2014 by Boiler