I am a green card holder, and my sister wants to come for a visit, how can i help her?

Question

Her and I talked about tourtist visa, but thats going to take a long time. Can I do anything to help speed up the process?

Answer 1

Actually, a tourist visa would be the fastest way, if she's approved. Check out usembassy.state.gov for the embassy or consulate website where she lives for information on how to schedule an interview and for down-loadable application forms. Check out the Visa Wait Times in the nonimmigrant visa section at travel.state.gov to see how long it will take to get an interview in her country.

By the way, it would be very foolish for her to buy an airline ticket before she gets the visa, especially if she can't get a refund. Most consular sections specifically tell applicants on their websites not to buy airline tickets before getting a visa. I imagine she would stay with you, so I don't know why she would need hotel reservations either. As for losing your green card if your sister overstays, that's complete nonsense. Sometimes I think Ibu Guru just makes stuff up as he goes along. Of course, he's welcome to provide sources for such statements.

Answer 2

If you do anything to "help" your sister, you will immediately raise suspicions that you are aiding and abetting illegal immigration and that your sister intends to remain in the US.  She needs to fulfill every requirement of a tourist or visitor, and she had better not overstay or you can lose your green card and be deported for aiding and abetting illegal immigration.

She needs to apply for a tourist visa and have a round-trip plane ticket she paid for there, hotel reservations, and sufficient funds for all the expenses of the "typical tourist."  She needs a letter from her employer stating how long she has been employed there, the dates of her annual vacation or accrued vacation time, and that she is expected back to work on [date].  At the interview, she needs to prove that she is needed back home and intends to return: her job, owning property, caring for elderly relatives or having a child, etc.

Answer 3

Everything takes a long time.  The tourist visa is the best choice.  There is nothing you can do to speed up the process.

Answer 4

Visa waiver for 90 days, no questions asked.