1 Visa application 3-6 months out

Confirm parents' passport validity — needs 6+ months beyond planned return date

Fill DS-160 (Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application) at ceac.state.gov, save the confirmation barcode

Pay $185 visa fee + book B1/B2 (Business/Tourist) interview slot at ustraveldocs.com/in

Write a sponsorship letter from yourself — purpose, duration, who pays, address in US

Compile your supporting docs — passport copy, visa stamp / I-797, last 3 years' tax returns, employment letter

Compile parents' supporting docs — bank statements (12 months), property documents, ITRs (Income Tax Returns) for 3 years, pension proof — to show ties to India

2 Insurance + finances 6 weeks out

Buy US-issued visitor health insurance with the acute-onset of pre-existing conditions rider — non-negotiable for parents 60+

Visitor insurance picks →

Set $100,000 minimum coverage limit — a 3-day ER visit can run $15K-50K, a coronary stent $80K-150K

Get parents a multi-currency forex card or US prepaid card — avoids ATM markup + cash safety

Compare forex cards →

Print insurance card + claim phone number on paper — keep a copy in their wallet, photo on phone

3 Pre-departure 2-4 weeks out

Refill prescription medications for the full trip + 2 weeks buffer — original packaging only

Get a doctor's letter listing all medications, dosages, conditions — needed at US customs and ER

Brief parents on US customs allowance — $100 unsolicited gifts, no fresh produce, no meat/fish, declare cash over $10,000

Indian sweets, masalas, packaged snacks are fine — declare on the customs form anyway, especially mango/papaya/citrus

Pack 2x Type-B India-to-US plug adaptors per person — Indian phones charge fine, but most chargers don't fit US sockets

Book a US data SIM or eSIM for parents — Mint, Lyca, or Airalo prepaid; install before they fly

4 Day-of + flight on departure

Carry passport + visa stamp + ticket + insurance + sponsorship letter on paper in cabin baggage

All medications in cabin baggage, not check-in — original bottles + doctor's letter

Fill the US customs declaration form on the flight — when in doubt, declare it

Stay reachable on landing — many parents miss connection or get sent to secondary inspection without telling you

5 First week in the USA on arrival

Save insurance card photo + claim number to parents' phone home screen

Walk them through 911 (medical / fire / police) and nearest in-network urgent care clinic — not the ER, which costs 5-10x more

Add parents to your address on Apple/Google Maps + Find My Friends so you know where they are

If pre-existing condition needs review, schedule a non-urgent doctor visit in week 1 — most insurance covers this with a co-pay

Keep receipts for any medical encounter — insurance reimburses on submission, but originals are required

Bringing parents to the US? Don't skip these 22 steps.

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