How to Write An Invitation Letter for a U.S. Visa
Posted by Frank Gogol in Immigrants | Updated on August 11, 2023
There is a formal procedure that citizens and legal residents need to follow to bring a relative to the United States. An invitation letter is a stepping stone into this process. If you’ve been tasked with writing an invitation letter by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), but don’t know how to write it, this article explains how to write one for your application.
What Is an Invitation Letter?
An invitation letter is a formal, official letter written by a U.S. citizen or legal resident to their foreign relative. This confirms that they are willing to accommodate the visitor in their house and initiate the visa process. The letter is then sent to the nonimmigrant alien.
For a nonimmigrant to come into the United States, they must file for their respective visas. Tourists can file for a B1 visa. Students should file for an F, J, or M visa. Similarly, you can file a B2 visa for your parents. When submitting the forms at the U.S. consulate or Visa Application Center, submit this letter along with the application.
Who Needs an Invitation Letter?
As already mentioned, the invitation letter is not a mandatory document, but writing one always helps. It is helpful for visitors who want to come to the United States. If they have a family member, friend, or relative in the States, they can ask those relatives to write a letter of support for their visit. This strengthens the chances of obtaining a visa. Tourists can obtain such a letter from their tour company.
So, generally speaking, anyone who wishes to enter the United States temporarily can benefit from an invitation letter.
How to Write An Invitation Letter for a U.S. Visa
The letter must be written in ink or typed and printed. Printing the letter is usually the better option. If you’re hand-writing, then you must write legibly and use one ink color for the entire letter. Below is a sample invitation letter you can use as a reference.
Parts of a Letter of Invitation to the U.S.
An invitation letter should have three parts:
- Sponsor information (the person who is writing the letter)
- Nonimmigrant information
- Date, details, purpose, and duration of travel, among other details
Depending on each particular case, there might be more parts or sections included in the letter.
Sample U.S. Visa Invitation Letter
[Date]
[Subject]
[Name of the Sponsor]
[Full Address with Zip Codes]
USA
Contact numbers
Email
To:
[Visitor Name]
[Visitor’s native address]
Dear [Visitor],
With this letter, I request that you visit us for [time period]. We haven’t seen each other for a long time, so a reunion would be great. You can have a mini-vacation at our place. During your stay, we’ve planned [tour plans] for [time period].
I will cover all the expenses for your visit; you only need to take care of travel arrangements.
You’ll be staying with me at my home. We can call relatives and have a grand reunion at our place.
Herewith, I’m sending all the supporting documents you need to get your tourist visa as soon as possible. Please proceed with the U.S. Consulate and visa process. All the best, and see you soon.
Sincerely,
[Sponsor’s name]
[Sponsor’s signature]
How to Submit the Letter of Invitation
The Invitation Letter can be submitted by the host at the embassy or consulate along with the visa document file. The host must scan it and send it to the visitor, who will later submit it with the other supporting documents on the day of their appointment at the embassy or consulate.
Visa Invitation Letter FAQ
How can I invite someone to the USA?
As a person legally living in the U.S., you are eligible to invite family members and friends to visit the U.S. To do so, you must demonstrate your legal status in the U.S. and your financial ability to support your visitor. An Invitation Letter is not required but is recommended.
What documents are needed for an Invitation Letter?
Below is a list of the recommended documents to include with an Invitation Letter:
- Scanned copy of host’s ID or passport
- Evidence of means of financial subsistence
- Proof of homeownership or rental contract
- An itinerary of the planned visit
- Documentation of the host’s time off from work for the visit
Do you need an invitation letter to visit the U.S.?
An invitation letter is not mandatory. In fact, you can submit the form without a letter. But it can smooth the entire process. Obtaining a U.S. visa is challenging, with the USCIS adopting strict measures and the high number of applicants.
For temporary visitors, the main concern of the USCIS is that the nonimmigrants don’t overstay or never leave. This is one of the main reasons why people get deported from the United States. This letter shows the U.S. consular office that the visitors will be leaving before their visas expire.
The letter will also demonstrate that you, the citizen or legal resident, are willing and able to host them in your home and financially support them.
Read More
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- How Many Citizenships Can You Have?
- How Do I Know Which USCIS Service Center?
- How Do I Know If USCIS Received My Application?
- What “Country of Residence” and How to Know Yours When on a Visa
- How to Check Dropbox Eligibility with the App
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