The U.S. family visit visa is a type of B-2 visa. The so-called B-2 visa is issued to applicants traveling to the United States for leisure/entertainment, including tourism, visiting relatives and friends, medical treatment, and other fellowship, social, or service-oriented activities. If you need a U.S. family visit visa, you must prove to the visa officer that you meet the visa application requirements stipulated in the U.S. Immigration and Nationality Act (INA). Below, let us take a look at the list of materials required for a U.S. family visit visa.
Required documents for a U.S. family visit visa:
(1) Electronic visa application form (DS-160).
(2) Passport (valid for at least 9 more months, with the guest's signature on the last page, and at least 2 blank visa pages available; all old passports must be provided if applicable).
(3) One 51*51mm color photo with a white background taken within the last six months, and an electronic version of the photo.
(4) Photocopy of both sides of the ID card, a full copy of the applicant's household registration book (hukou), and a copy of the marriage certificate (if married).
(5) Original bank statement records for the last six months.
(6) Other financial documents: photocopies of property deeds, vehicle ownership certificates, stocks, funds, and other marketable securities, etc.
(7) Invitation letter from relatives in the U.S. (a family letter stating the name of the invitee, when they will travel to the U.S., the purpose, etc.).
(8) Photocopy of the U.S. inviter's proof of identity (such as passport, permanent resident card, etc.).
(9) Financial proof documents of the U.S. inviter, such as tax returns, employer letter, pay stubs, bank deposit certificates, property deeds, or other proof of assets.
(10) Proof of kinship with the inviter, such as: household registration book, marriage certificate, birth certificate, notarial certificate of kinship, and photos together, etc.
If visiting children studying abroad, you need to provide:
(1) Invitation letter issued by the U.S. student (a family letter stating the name of the invitee, when they will travel to the U.S., the purpose, etc.).
(2) Original proof of enrollment from the U.S. school.
(3) Photocopy of the U.S. student's passport and student visa.
(4) Documents proving the relationship with the student, such as: household registration book, marriage certificate, birth certificate, notarial certificate of kinship, and photos together, etc.
If visiting a visiting scholar, you need to provide proof of the relative's status in the U.S. For example: photocopies of the passport and visa used when traveling to the U.S., and the DS-2019 form for the exchange visitor visa.
If the applicant is an employed person:
(1) Original certificate of employment from the employer (stating the applicant's position, date of joining, monthly salary, and leave approval, etc., printed on company letterhead and stamped with the official seal).
(2) Photocopy of the business license with the official seal (not required if the employer is a government department, public institution, or large enterprise).
(3) 2 personal business cards.
If the applicant is a non-employed person:
(1) Provide a certificate of residence issued by the neighborhood committee.
(2) Provide deposit certificates and income proof of the financial supporter.
(3) Provide proof of relationship with the financial supporter.
If the applicant is a retired person:
(1) Provide the original and a photocopy of the retirement certificate.
(2) Provide the original and a photocopy of retirement benefit documents (such as pension, medical subsidy, etc.).
Individuals under 18 or students:
(1) Provide the original certificate of leave from the school and a photocopy of the student ID.
(2) Original and photocopy of birth certificate or notarial certificate of kinship.
(3) If the child is not accompanied or is accompanied by only one legal guardian to the U.S., a consent letter from the legal guardian(s) is required.
(4) Financial proof materials can be provided under the parents' names.
Other supplementary materials
1. Photocopy of personal resume
A personal resume filled out by the applicant covering education starting from high school and important work positions. Since the U.S. Embassy has higher requirements for applicants engaged in media, academic research, and government departments, the U.S. Visa Center website suggests that applicants provide a formal "Personal Resume" so that it can be provided to the visa officer for on-the-spot verification during the interview.
2. Original proof of highest education
If the applicant has an education level above high school, please bring supporting documents (such as graduation certificate, degree certificate, etc.).
3. International travel insurance policy (optional)
According to the requirements of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, for stays of 6 months or less in the U.S., proof of a minimum medical expense reimbursement coverage of 500,000 RMB must be presented. At the same time, it is strongly recommended that applicants aged 75 and above present an insurance policy to prove that the insurance purchased is sufficient to cover health needs during their stay in the U.S.
4. Original photos of famous foreign tourist attractions (optional)
Photos of the applicant taken at famous foreign tourist attractions, preferably photos with others, to assist in proving a genuine record of travel abroad.
5. Original family portrait (optional)
A family portrait of the applicant, reflecting a harmonious family relationship, used to prove binding ties in the home country.