Options for parents of Greencard holder

[heavily1121 0]

Hi all! 

 

I am curious for some first hand experiences or knowledge of what some options can be for how parents of a Greencard holder can regularly visit the states. I live in a country that qualifies for ESTA, but I would like my mom to be able to stay for longer at times. From what I've read, a B2 visa is the way to go in those cases.

However I am also curious if someone here who have had a greencard and been very close with their family, how they facilitated regular longer visits back and forth. I.e., did your parents get a B2 and came to visit for a few months each year, and then you came back to the home country for a few months? If so, for how long could they visit and how did it go with CBP etc? 

Also, are parents allowed to buy a house or something in the US and have as a vacation spot each year for a few months, or is this against any rules? 

 

Generally just curious how a GC holder can have their family visit, if you guys are willing to share how you did when you first became an LPR. I'm a little new to the "after life" after having been granted GC (been such a long process just to get it) so just want to know what is common and OK if you are really close to your family and would like to be able to spend time together  

 

[Crazy Cat 39,220]

17 minutes ago, heavily1121 said:

but I would like my mom to be able to stay for longer at times.

Exactly what does this mean?  

[Boiler 43,433]

I know plenty of foreigners who have bought property in the US.

 

Regular visits should not be an issue, you need to show you are visiting not living in the US.

[heavily1121 0]

3 minutes ago, Crazy Cat said:

Exactly what does this mean?  

4-5 months instead of the usual three which is the maximum for ESTA, if that is possible and allowed (my understanding is a B2 visa is good to look at for longer stays?)

 

@Boiler that's cool! Do you know if buying a property somehow make it more difficult to get any other visas such as the visitors? Or does property owners for vacation purposes usually have a B visa?

Edited September 14, 2021 by heavily1121
Clarification

[Boiler 43,433]

VWP is limited to 90 days, would need a B to stay 4 to 5 months.

[Crazy Cat 39,220]

33 minutes ago, heavily1121 said:

Also, are parents allowed to buy a house or something in the US and have as a vacation spot each year for a few months, or is this against any rules? 

Foreigners can purchase property.  However, I don't think it gives them any special benefits.  

[SteveInBostonI130 3,319]

B2 visa is required if your parents want to visit longer than 90 days.  The general rule of thumb for visits is twice as long outside of the US than in.  So, for a 5 month visit, your parents should travel back and not return until 10 months later.  This is just a guideline.   

 

Ultimately, It is up to CBP to allow entry and set the duration.  They need to be satisfied that your parents are just visiting and are not a risk for overstay.