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Q: How can a minor child apply for a tourist visa?
Children applying for the non immigrant B1/B2 visa to visit the United States must appear at the Embassy for the interview just like all adult applicants. When possible, children should be accompanied by both parents. If one or both parents of a child under 18 cannot come personally to the interview, then the child's application must include a signed note from the parent who is not present, authorizing the child's planned travel to the United States. If the applicant’s parents are in receipt of valid U.S. visas, the applicant may wish to bring his/her parent’s passports along to the interview. Proof of relationship, such as an original birth certificate or court document granting guardianship (if applicable) should be presented. You will be permitted to present these documents at the time of interview.
Q: Are the requirements to obtain a tourist visa any different for a child?
The requirements are the same for all applicants worldwide applying for non immigrant visas. However, the U.S. Embassy understands that young children cannot demonstrate strong ties to Guyana on their own merit. Generally speaking, if a parent qualifies for a visa, than a child will likely qualify too. The Consular Officer will consider the economic, family and social ties of a minor’s family when determining his or her eligibility for a visa.
The other difference in the application process is that applicants under age 14 are not subject to the finger scan requirement. Applicants under age 14 do not have their index fingers electronically entered into the computer database for screening during their appointment. Otherwise, the non immigrant visa application process is identical to that of adult applicants.
Q: My child is 18 years old. Can he/she still be considered under my visa application?
All applicants age 18 and over are legally considered adults. The Consular Officer will interview adult applicants separately from their parents, but may consider the situation (i.e. ties to Guyana) of the applicant’s family when determining visa eligibility.
Q: My child is applying for a visa, but he is listed in my passport. Can you print my child’s visa in my passport?
No. The U.S. Embassy will no longer print visas for infants or minor children in their parents’ passports. The child must be removed from your passport and must obtain his/her own passport in order to receive the visa. Please contact the local Passport Immigration Office to ensure your child possesses his own passport before his/her visa interview appointment.
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