Are you expecting visitors from abroad or hoping to reunite with loved ones living overseas? If so, they will need to apply for a visitor visa to enter the United States. Writing a letter of invitation can be beneficial in supporting their visa application process. While it doesn't guarantee visa issuance, it can greatly assist their case. Here's how you can create a compelling letter of invitation to help your family and friends with their visa applications.

What Is a Visa Invitation Letter?

A visa invitation letter is a formal invite written by a U.S. citizen or resident for their friends or family members to visit the United States. It is not a mandatory requirement but can help the embassy or consular officer understand the relationship and purpose of the visit. The letter should convey the truth about the relationship and assure that the applicant will be accommodated and will return home before the visa expires. If providing financial support, it should be clearly stated, along with proof of funds. The applicant must meet visa requirements, demonstrate strong ties to their home country, and convince the USCIS officer of their temporary visit intentions. Note: A visa invitation letter does not guarantee visa approval.

Who Needs a Visa Invitation Letter?

A visa invitation letter is useful for individuals seeking to visit friends or family and applying for a tourist visa. It can be obtained from friends or family residing in the U.S. to support the visa application.

If someone is sponsoring the trip, they can provide additional documents, including a visa sponsorship letter. This letter can be attached to the visa application when applying at the U.S. Consulate.

Essential Information to Include in a Visa Invitation Letter

We kindly request that the visa invitation letter contain comprehensive information about both the host in the U.S. and the applicant in the foreign country. When crafting the invitation letter, it is crucial to include all the necessary details while maintaining a concise yet detailed format.

The visa invitation letter from the host in the U.S. should encompass the following particulars:

• Full name of the host
• Date of Birth of the host
• Complete address of the host
• Contact information of the host, including phone number and email address
• Status of the host in the U.S.
• I.D., passport, or green card number of the host
• A photocopy of the host's I.D., passport, or green card

Furthermore, the invitation letter from the host should incorporate the following details about the visa applicant:

• Full name of the visa applicant
• Date of Birth of the visa applicant
• Complete address of the visa applicant
• Contact information of the visa applicant, including phone number and email address
• Relationship between the visa applicant and the host in the U.S.
• Purpose of the visa applicant's trip
• Specific dates indicating the length of the visa applicant's stay in the U.S.
• Clarification regarding whether the host will assume financial responsibility for the visa applicant during their time in the U.S.
• Accommodation details for the visa applicant
• Signature of the host and the date of writing

By including all these details in the visa invitation letter, you will ensure that it is comprehensive, informative, and satisfies the necessary requirements.

Additional Required Documents with a Visa Invitation Letter

To ensure a comprehensive visa invitation, it is essential to include all necessary details about the sponsor. Additionally, including supporting documents and a well-crafted visa invitation letter can greatly enhance the application. Please forward the following documents to your friend or family member for printing and inclusion in their B-2 visa application:

• Copy of your passport, identification, or green card.
• Proof of sufficient funds, such as bank statements (if the host in the U.S. will be funding the visit).
• Declaration of Financial Support or USCIS Form I-134 (optional but recommended).
• Proof of residence, such as your home address or a rental contract.
• For students, an enrollment verification letter or a copy of your transcripts.
• The applicant must also attach any other required documents for their visa application.

By providing these documents and a comprehensive visa invitation, you can increase the chances of a successful visa application for your friend or family member.

How to Write a Visa Invitation Letter

[Your Name]

[Your Full Address]

[City, State, ZIP Code]

[Phone Number]

[Email Address]

[Date]

[Visitor’s Name]

[Visitor's Address]

[City, State, ZIP Code]

Dear [Visitor/Consul General/Consular Officer],

I, [Your Full Name], a United States citizen [or lawful permanent resident alien], am writing this invitation letter to request the issuance of a tourist (B-2) visa for [Visitor's Name], who resides at [Visitor's Address]. The purpose of their visit to the United States is [provide a brief description of the purpose, such as tourism, attending an event, or visiting family/friends]. We share a [close relationship, e.g., familial bond, friendship, etc.].

If you are a student, you can add details about your study and why you would like your friend or family member to visit you in the U.S.:

I am currently pursuing my studies at [University], majoring in [Major]. I would like to request the issuance of a tourist (B-2) visa for [Visitor's Name], who resides at [Visitor's Address]. [Visitor's Name] is my [relationship to the applicant, e.g., sibling, parent, close friend].

[Visitor's Name] plans to visit the United States from [arrival date] to [departure date]. During their stay, we intend to engage in various activities, including [provide a brief description of planned activities, such as sightseeing, attending cultural events, etc.].

[Visitor's Name] will be accommodated at [accommodation address], and I assure you that I will take full responsibility for their expenses during their stay in the United States.

Please find attached all the necessary supporting documents required for [Visitor's Name]'s visa application.

Thank you for your kind consideration of our request. If you require any further information or supporting documents, please do not hesitate to contact me at [Phone Number] or [Email Address].

Sincerely,

[Your Full Name]

[Your Full Address]

[City, State, ZIP Code]

[Phone Number]

[Email Address]

[Your Signature]

Note: Please ensure to include all the relevant details and adapt the letter according to your specific situation and relationship with the applicant.

U.S. Visa Invitation Letter Template

Here is another sample invitation letter:

FAQ

Is a letter of invitation mandatory?

No, a letter of invitation is not mandatory, and it does not guarantee the approval of the applicant's visa application.

Who can write a visa invitation letter?

A visa invitation letter can be written by a U.S. citizen, U.S. permanent resident, U.S. green card holder, or an international student on an F-1 or J-1 student visa. They can invite their friends, family, or partner to visit.

Which U.S. visa types require a visa invitation letter?

There are two types of nonimmigrant visitor visas: B-1 visitor visas for business and B-2 visitor visas for tourism. These visas can be obtained separately or as a combination B-1/B-2 visa.

Does everyone need a visa invitation letter?

No, many countries have visa waivers with the U.S., which means that citizens of those countries do not need a visa or a visa invitation letter. However, visitors who require a tourist visa can find information on the U.S. embassy or consulate through the U.S. Department of State website.

What activities can visitors not do on these visas?

Visitors on the aforementioned visa types are not allowed to study, volunteer or work (paid or unpaid), become permanent residents in the U.S., perform paid professional performances before a paying audience, arrive as crew members on a ship or aircraft, or work as foreign press in radio, film, print journalism, or other information media.