A letter of invitation is a formal letter written by a legal resident or citizen of the United States to invite a foreign friend or family member, such as a brother or sister, to their home. This sponsor must certify that they can accommodate the visitor in their house and ensure that the visitor will return home after their visa expires.
This letter is not mandatory and does not guarantee the applicant will be granted a visa. To be granted a visitor visa, the applicant must fulfill the other US visa criteria, such as means of sustenance, proving strong links to their home country, and so on, as well as go through the application procedure for a US visa. Furthermore, the applicant must demonstrate that they will make proper use of the visa.
What to Include in Your Letter of Invitation
You must include both your and the recipient’s name and full address, for example using the format shown below. You will also want to incorporate:
- the reason for the visit, including which places will be visited
- how long the visitor plans to stay with you or where you are having them stay
- if you will be covering the visitor’s expenses in the US and how much if so
- whether you will be covering the person’s transportation to and from the US
Remember to include every detail of the visit to ensure that the application runs smoothly.
Sample Format for US Visitor Visa Invitation Letter
Below, you can find an example of what information to include in your letter and where to include it:
Who Can Write a Visa Invitation Letter?
A US citizen, permanent resident, or green card holder may send a letter of invitation to a friend, family member, or partner. An overseas student on an F-1 or J-1 student visa who wishes to invite friends or relatives to their graduation ceremony can also write an invitation letter.
Does Everyone Applying for a Visitor Visa Need an Invitation Letter?
Many countries have visa waivers with the United States. Those folks do not require a visa, hence a visa invitation letter is unnecessary. Visitors who require a tourist visa can find the US embassy or consulate on the US Department of State website to see if they need a letter of invitation.
Which US Visa Types Need a Visa Invitation Letter?
There are two categories of nonimmigrant visas classified as visitor visas. These visas allow individuals to enter the United States for brief periods of time for business or tourism purposes. These visas fall into three categories: B-1 visitor visas for business, B-2 visitor visas for tourists, or a combination of the two.
Do You Need Help Applying for a Visitor Visa?
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VisaPlace Immigration News Contributor
Casey
Meet Casey, one of VisaPlace's immigration news contributors. She brings 6+ years of experience of content creation to VisaPlace. Casey has honed her expertise in delivering comprehensive and up-to-date content on immigration-related matters. Her work not only encompasses the complex legal aspects of immigration but also highlights the ever-evolving policies, procedures, and news that impact immigrants and aspiring visa holders.
