How to Write Visitor Visa Invitation Letter

Were you asked to write a visa invitation letter by a relative or friend seeking a U.S. nonimmigrant tourist visa? While not a requirement, an invitation letter for a U.S. visitor visa can be a great addition to the visa application.

In this post, we will examine what makes a good letter, plus view a few sample invitation letters. After reading, you will gain a better understanding about what the powers that be expect in an invitation letter, and how you can be a deciding factor in a person’s visa approval process.

Invitation letters are only part of numerous forms that must be completed for various types of immigration programs. The path to immigration is long and complex. With VisaNation Law Group’s software, we make the entire application process easy and simple!

How can I invite someone to the United States?

You can invite someone to the United States by writing a visa invitation letter either addressed to them or addressed to the consular office. The letter should include specific details like your relationship with the visitor, the purpose of their visit, duration of stay, and financial arrangements, among other important information.

Information to Include in Visa Invitation Letter

Crafting a well-written invitation letter can improve your chances of receiving B-2 visa approval. The letter should clearly state that the U.S. citizen or Legal Permanent Resident is willing to host the foreign visitor during their stay in the United States. Mentioning a close friendship or family relationship can also be beneficial.

Note that having an immigration invitation letter does not guarantee the visa will be issued, but it certainly does help. It also helps to emphasize that the activities the visitor will partake in while in the U.S. are completely legal and in line with the visa parameters.

To write a visa invitation letter, follow these guidelines:

• Host: The person writing the visa invitation letter should be a U.S. citizen or a legal permanent resident. This person is often a friend, relative, boyfriend, or girlfriend of the visitor.
• Relationship: Clearly state the relationship between the host and the visitor in the letter.
• Date: Include the date on which you’re writing the letter.
• Visitor’s Passport Number: If the letter is for the consulate, include the visitor’s passport number.
• Host’s Details: Provide the host’s full name, address, and contact information.
• Accommodation: Mention that there is sufficient room to host the visitor.
• Travel Dates: Specify the exact dates of the visitor’s trip to the United States.
• Financial Support: Confirm that the host will cover the visitor’s expenses during their stay.
• Concerns About Overstay: Since USCIS is concerned about visitors overstaying their visas, it is beneficial to include exact entry and departure dates.
• Tone: If writing directly to the guests, the tone can be less formal and more conversational.

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The invitation letter is just one component of the overall visa application. It is important to meet the other U.S. nonimmigrant visa requirements. With guidance from VisaNation Law Group, you can make the visa process as simple as possible. Book a consultation today.

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Sample Invitation Letter for Visitor Visa

Always have a qualified immigration attorney review the letter before including it in the visa application. You should not write the letter too formally, or it can sound contrived. The following is an invitation letter sample that demonstrates the various components of the letter that the writer should include. It is addressed to the guests, so the tone is less formal and more conversational than one written to the consular office.

Here is another sample letter that is addressed to the consular office:

[Date]

U.S. Consulate General

[Consulate Address]

Dear Sir/Madam Consul,

Jose Gonzalez [Visitor’s Name] – Passport Number 83725374 – [Visitor’s Birth Date] Born on March 17, 1969

My name is Jennifer Gonzalez [Host’s Name] and I reside at 5960 W 85th Place, Los Angeles, California, 90045 [Host’s Address]. The purpose of the letter is to support the visa application for my brother Jose Gonzalez. He is a citizen of Mexico, where I was born as well, and he lives at PONIENTE 7 447, CENTRO, 94300 [visitor’s address]. I love my brother very dearly and have not seen him in eight years. I am requesting he be issued a tourist visa so he can come to visit me in Los Angeles from May 1-8, 2023 to celebrate my 50th birthday with the rest of the family here in the United States. I am a teacher so I will have the entire summer off of work so I can accommodate him in my home and any expenses incurred while he is in the United States. Jose will be showing you this letter along with other supporting documents including his employment in Mexico to show he has no intention of remaining in the United States past May 8, 2023.

I truly appreciate your consideration of his visa.

Sincerely,

Jennifer Gonzalez [Host’s Name]

5960 W 85th Place [Host’s Address]

Los Angeles, California, 90045

Cell phone: 310-330-8736 [Host’s Contact Info]

Home phone: 310-987-0043

[Host’s Signature]

Supporting documents may also be beneficial, but not necessary, to submit to the embassy. These may include a copy of the host’s identification or passport, proof of residence for you to stay in during your trip, a travel itinerary detailing things you plan to do during your trip, etc.

Once the host has finished writing the invitation letter, it should be submitted by the visa applicant during their appointment at the consulate/embassy along with Form I-134.

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Invitation Letter Frequently Asked Questions

Below are some of the most frequently asked questions our office receives. Should you have a question or concern that is not addressed below, it’s best to schedule a private consultation.

When is an Invitation Letter for U.S. Visa Required?

Typically, people applying for a tourist visa or other temporary visas, like B-1 find an invitation letter useful. Include this letter when you file the other required forms at the U.S. consulate or Visa Application Center. You should type the letter, although you can also handwrite it if necessary.

Learn how to write an immigration reference letter for a family member!

Where do I send my visa invitation letter?

After the invitation letter has been completed by the U.S. citizen host or lawful permanent resident, you should submit it during your appointment at the consulate/embassy along with Form I-134.

What are the requirements to write a visa invitation letter?

To be clear, the letter itself is not required but recommended. The letter should be written by a United States citizen or lawful permanent resident. In the letter, the host should specify their status in the United States and their living situation. The host can also include proof of the residence, such as homeownership or a rental agreement if possible and willing. Be sure everything detailed in the letter is accurate. If there are discrepancies between what the letter states and what the guest tells immigration officials during the in-person appointment, the entire case risks being put on hold.

Have you ever wondered if USCIS will know about your unauthorized employment? Check out this guide on unauthorized employment!