The US Consulate in Kolkata has introduced priority visa appointment times for parents aged 50 and over who wish to visit their children living legally in the United States.
The move aims to reduce waiting time for eligible applicants and is currently only available at the Kolkata consulate.
In a post on X, the US Consulate in Calcutta emphasized “America First in Family Values!” and said, “Parents age 50 and older who are visiting children legally residing in the U.S. now enjoy priority appointments at the Calcutta consulate.”
“We help with shorter wait times for qualified travelers with established ties and verified purposes.
Are you a parent over 50 with children in the US? Check here to see if you qualify
Parents can visit their children living in the US on a B1/B2 visa. Most visitors should apply for a B-2 visitor visa at a US embassy or consulate in order to enter the US as a tourist.
According to the US State Department, the B2 visa is mainly for:
3. Visiting with friends or relatives
5. Participation in social events organized by fraternal, social or service organizations
6. Participation of amateurs in musical, sports or similar events or competitions, if they are not paid for their participation
7. Enrollment in a short holiday course, not for degree credit (for example, a two-day cooking course on holiday)
B-2 visa qualifications
If someone is applying for a B-1/B-2 visa, they must prove to the consular officer that they are eligible for a US visa under the US Immigration and Nationality Act (INA).
According to USTravelDocsIND, Section 214(b) of the INA presumes that every B-1/B-2 applicant is an intended immigrant. You must overcome this legal presumption by showing:
1. The purpose of your trip to the United States is for a temporary visit, such as business, entertainment, or medical treatment
2. You plan to stay in the United States for a limited period of time
3. Proof of funds to cover your expenses in the United States
4. that you reside outside the United States, as well as other binding social or economic ties that will ensure your return abroad at the end of your visit
