Travelling to the United States needs documentation and one of the documents that you are required to have is a US visa invitation letter. The letter can help verify the purpose of the visit, provide information about the host or sponsor, and demonstrate the applicant’s plans, but it’s not a guarantee of visa approval or safety during travel. If submitted in the right way it can be very useful in establishing the purpose of the journey and ties to the host. In this guide, we will provide tips and sample templates for an invitation letter for US visa.
What is a Letter of Invitation for a US Visa?
US visa invitation letter is a letter written by a person in U.S. to invite a friend, relative or parent to stay with them. This letter is not a must-have to the U.S. visa seekers as per the U.S. Visa requirements, but such a letter can give a visa applicant a lot of credibility. The letter describes who the host is, who the guest is and why they are visiting, to give the visa officer a better insight into the relationship and intent.
The letter usually contains the host’s name, address in the United States, legal status of immigration and contact information. It also includes information about the visitor, the purpose of the visit and/or the stay, and the intended financial support while the person is in the United States. This kind of information, presented in a plain and truthful manner, can be a useful frame of reference when assessing a visa application.
When is a US Visa Letter of Invitation Useful?
A letter can serve as a support to the application for a tourist visa (otherwise known as a B2 visa) or a business visa under B1 category. If a family member or friend based in the United States is hosting someone from abroad, a letter of invitation can help prove to immigration authorities that the visitor plans to go home after the trip.
While it is not an assurance of visa approval, it can increase the chances of visa approval by giving additional documents which will substantiate the purpose of the travel and the intention of the applicant to return to his/her home country.
For instance, a family from overseas who wants to travel to attend a wedding or visit a brother or sister is going to need a Letter of Invitation for US visa application. The letter also serves as a supporting document as it shows that arrangements for accommodation and support are made, thereby reducing the risk of illegal stay. The content in the letter must be honest and consistent with other submitted documents.
Key Elements to Include in a US Visa Invitation Letter
In order for the letter to be effective, there are some things that need to be included.
1. First, it should identify the host by full name, U.S. status, and complete contact information.
2. The letter must then identify the visitor by full name, address, date of birth and passport details.
3. The objective and length of the visit should be specified.
4. The letter should indicate whether the host will pay for any expenses (e.g., travel, food, accommodation). If that isn’t the case, it should explicitly mention that the visitor will bear expenses.
5. Then there has to be a confirmation that the guest will leave the U.S. at the end of the visit and not overstay.
6. Finally, the letter should be signed and dated, and copies of the host’s passport must be attached.
Sample Invitation Letter for Tourist Visa – Template 1 (Family Member)
Sample Invitation Letter for Tourist Visa (for family member)
[Your Full Name]
[Your Full Address in the U.S.]
[Phone Number]
[Email Address]
[Date]
To the Consulate General of the United States
[City, Country of Applicant]
Subject: Invitation Letter for US Visa for [Visitor’s Full Name]
Dear Sir/Madam,
I am writing to invite my [relationship], [Visitor’s Full Name], to visit me in the United States for a short stay from [start date] to [end date]. I am a lawful permanent resident/citizen of the United States residing at the above address.
[Visitor’s Full Name], residing at [Visitor’s Address], is visiting for tourism and to spend time with family. During their stay, they will stay at my home, and I will be responsible for their accommodation and food expenses.
[Visitor’s Full Name] will return to [home country] before the visa expires. Attached are copies of my proof of residency and identification.
Please do not hesitate to contact me if you require more information.
Sincerely,
[Your Full Name]
[Signature]
Invitation Letter for Visa USA – Template 2 (For A friend)
Here’s a b1/b2 visa invitation letter sample (for a friend)
[Host’s Full Name]
[Host’s U.S. Address]
[Phone Number]
[Email]
[Date]
To: Consulate General of the United States
[City, Country]
Subject: Letter of Invitation for US Visa for [Friend’s Full Name]
Dear Sir/Madam,
I am writing this letter to support the visa application of my friend, [Friend’s Full Name], who intends to visit the United States from [Date] to [Date]. I am a legal resident/citizen of the U.S., and I currently work as [Job Title] at [Company Name].
[Friend’s Name] is visiting to explore the country and will stay with me at my residence for the duration of the trip. They will cover their travel and personal expenses. This visit is temporary, and they plan to return to [Home Country] after their stay.
Enclosed are copies of my proof of residency and identification for your reference. Please contact me for any further information.
Sincerely,
[Host’s Full Name]
[Signature]
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Incomplete letter of invitation for US visa details like names or dates.
- Vague purpose of visit or unclear relationship.
- Financial claims don’t match supporting documents.
- Unsigned invitation letter for US visa or missing ID info.
- Casual tone in the invitation letter for visa USA reduces seriousness.
Do You Need to Notarize the Letter?
In general, a notarized letter is not required. However, it is okay if some applicants will notarize the invitation letter for USA Visa to make it more credible! This step is not necessary unless you are requested to provide it by the embassy. For businesses or formal invite visits, notarization could be helpful, especially if the visitor has few personal or financial ties in their home country.
Furthermore, supporting documents such as the host’s proof of immigration status, bank statements, and travel itinerary could further authenticate the letter. These can be combined with the application at the time of submission to avoid any confusion.
Who Can Write an Invitation Letter?
- Any U.S. citizen or legal resident can write a Letter of Invitation for US Visa Application
- Host can be a family member, friend, or business contact
- Relationship must be genuine and clearly shown
- Proof like photos or past communication, can support the connection
- Host should trust the applicant to follow US Visa rules and return on time.
Conclusion
US visa invitation letter is a helpful document that can help when someone applies for a visa to enter the United States. Although not automatic approval, it gives personal and logistical information that will show the visitor’s intention to enter the United States for a temporary stay.