Parents visiting from India
Parents apply for their visitor visa in India, but a lot of the questions come up after they land in Charlotte: how long they can stay, what happens if they get sick, and what to do with the days while everyone is at work.
Facts checked Oct 25, 2026
Parents apply for a B-1/B-2 visa through the US Embassy and consulates in India; the visa fee is $185 as of October 25, 2026. Their permitted stay is the date on their I-94, which you can look up on the CBP site. Visitors are not covered by Medicare or US health plans.
The visa
Parents apply in India through the US Embassy and consulates there: DS-160 form, fee, then an appointment.
Source: in.usembassy.gov ↗as of Oct 25, 2026
The B-1/B-2 visa application fee is $185 (effective June 17, 2023, still current). Check the State Department fee page for any other fees before applying.
Source: travel.state.gov ↗as of Oct 25, 2026
How long they can stay
The authorized stay date is on the I-94 record, which travelers can look up on the CBP site.
Source: i94.cbp.dhs.gov ↗as of Oct 25, 2026
Extending a stay
Form I-539 is used to request an extension of a visitor’s stay and should be filed before the I-94 date. USCIS lists which form edition it accepts and a mailing address change from October 7, 2026 on its I-539 page; check it and the fee schedule before filing.
Source: uscis.gov ↗as of Oct 25, 2026
If they get sick
Talk to a licensed insurance agent about visitor medical insurance before they travel. For low-cost care options see the health section of Help.
Visitors are not covered by Medicare, and visitor visas do not make someone eligible for the Marketplace.
Source: healthcare.gov ↗as of Oct 25, 2026
Things to do while they are here
Hindu Center of Charlotte, 7400 City View Dr, Charlotte 28212, 704-535-3440.
Source: hcclt.org ↗as of Oct 25, 2026
BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, 4100 Margaret Wallace Rd, Matthews 28105, 704-573-0805.
Source: baps.org ↗as of Oct 25, 2026
Cabarrus County Senior Center, 331 Corban Ave SE, Concord, 704-920-3484. Ask about visitor eligibility.
Source: cabarruscounty.us ↗as of Oct 25, 2026
Questions people ask
How much is the B-2 visa fee for parents from India?
$185 for the B-1/B-2 application, as of October 25, 2026, per the State Department fee page. Check that page for any other fees.
How do I check how long my parents can stay?
Look up their I-94 on the CBP website; the admit-until date is their authorized stay.