Understanding the US Visa Invitation Letter
A US visa invitation letter is a crucial document for individuals applying for a visitor visa (B1/B2). While it doesn’t guarantee visa approval, it provides compelling evidence to the consular officer about the purpose of the visit, the relationship between the inviter and the applicant, and assurance that the applicant intends to return to their home country. The letter strengthens the application by adding a personal touch and clarifying details beyond the standard application form. It’s important to note that the applicant still needs to meet all other eligibility requirements for the visa.
Key Elements of an Effective Invitation Letter
A well-written invitation letter should clearly state the inviter’s full name, address, contact information, and immigration status in the US. It must also include the applicant’s full name, date of birth, passport number, and address. The letter needs to explain the purpose and duration of the visit, highlighting the relationship between the inviter and applicant. Furthermore, it should explicitly state who will bear the financial responsibility for the applicant’s stay in the US, and assure the consular officer that the applicant has ties to their home country and intends to return after their visit. Honesty and accuracy are paramount in crafting a credible and persuasive invitation letter.
Sample Invitation Letters
Below are several examples of invitation letters, tailored for different relationships and situations. Remember to customize these templates to reflect your specific circumstances.
Sample 1: Family Member Invitation
[Your Full Name]
[Your US Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]
[Date]
United States Embassy/Consulate
[City, Country]
Subject: Invitation Letter for US Visitor Visa – [Applicant’s Full Name]
Dear Sir/Madam,
I am writing to invite my [Relationship, e.g., mother], [Applicant’s Full Name], born on [Applicant’s Date of Birth], passport number [Applicant’s Passport Number], to visit me in the United States. She resides at [Applicant’s Address].
The purpose of her visit is for [Purpose of Visit, e.g., vacation and to spend time with family]. The intended duration of her stay is from [Start Date] to [End Date]. I will be responsible for her accommodation and living expenses during her stay.
My [Relationship to Applicant] has strong ties to [Applicant’s Home Country] and intends to return upon completion of her visit. I am a [Your US Immigration Status, e.g., US Citizen, Green Card Holder] with alien registration number [Your Alien Registration Number, if applicable].
Thank you for considering her application.
Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Typed Name]
Sample 2: Friend Invitation
[Your Full Name]
[Your US Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]
[Date]
United States Embassy/Consulate
[City, Country]
Subject: Invitation Letter for US Visitor Visa – [Applicant’s Full Name]
Dear Sir/Madam,
I am writing to invite my friend, [Applicant’s Full Name], born on [Applicant’s Date of Birth], passport number [Applicant’s Passport Number], to visit me in the United States. He/She resides at [Applicant’s Address].
The purpose of his/her visit is for [Purpose of Visit, e.g., a vacation and to experience American culture]. The intended duration of his/her stay is from [Start Date] to [End Date]. I will be assisting with accommodation, and [Applicant’s Name] will be primarily responsible for their own expenses.
[Applicant’s Name] has strong ties to [Applicant’s Home Country] and intends to return upon completion of his/her visit. I am a [Your US Immigration Status, e.g., US Citizen, Green Card Holder] with alien registration number [Your Alien Registration Number, if applicable]. I have known [Applicant’s Name] for [Number] years.
Thank you for considering his/her application.
Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Typed Name]
Sample 3: Business Colleague Invitation
[Your Full Name/Company Name]
[Your US Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]
[Date]
United States Embassy/Consulate
[City, Country]
Subject: Invitation Letter for US Visitor Visa – [Applicant’s Full Name]
Dear Sir/Madam,
I am writing to invite [Applicant’s Full Name], born on [Applicant’s Date of Birth], passport number [Applicant’s Passport Number], to visit us in the United States. He/She resides at [Applicant’s Address]. [Applicant’s Name] is a valued colleague at [Applicant’s Company Name] in [Applicant’s Country].
The purpose of his/her visit is for [Purpose of Visit, e.g., a business meeting, training]. The intended duration of his/her stay is from [Start Date] to [End Date]. [Company Name] will be responsible for his/her accommodation and living expenses during his/her stay.
[Applicant’s Name] has strong ties to [Applicant’s Home Country] and his/her role at [Applicant’s Company Name] requires his/her return. I am a [Your US Immigration Status, e.g., US Citizen, Green Card Holder] with alien registration number [Your Alien Registration Number, if applicable].
Thank you for considering his/her application.
Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Typed Name/Company Title]
Sample 4: Event Invitation
[Your Full Name/Organization Name]
[Your US Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]
[Date]
United States Embassy/Consulate
[City, Country]
Subject: Invitation Letter for US Visitor Visa – [Applicant’s Full Name]
Dear Sir/Madam,
I am writing to invite [Applicant’s Full Name], born on [Applicant’s Date of Birth], passport number [Applicant’s Passport Number], to visit the United States. He/She resides at [Applicant’s Address].
The purpose of his/her visit is to attend [Event Name] from [Start Date] to [End Date]. The event will be held at [Event Location]. [Optional: Briefly describe the event]. We/I [Organization Name] will be responsible for [Specify which expenses, e.g., registration fees]. The visitor will be responsible for his/her travel and accommodation.
[Applicant’s Name] has strong ties to [Applicant’s Home Country] and intends to return upon completion of the event. I am a [Your US Immigration Status, e.g., US Citizen, Green Card Holder] with alien registration number [Your Alien Registration Number, if applicable] and the organizer of [Event Name].
Thank you for considering his/her application.
Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Typed Name/Organization Title]
Sample 5: Invitation for Medical Treatment
[Your Full Name/Hospital Name]
[Your US Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]
[Date]
United States Embassy/Consulate
[City, Country]
Subject: Invitation Letter for US Visitor Visa – [Applicant’s Full Name] – Medical Treatment
Dear Sir/Madam,
We are writing to invite [Applicant’s Full Name], born on [Applicant’s Date of Birth], passport number [Applicant’s Passport Number], to visit the United States for medical treatment at [Hospital Name]. He/She resides at [Applicant’s Address].
The purpose of his/her visit is to receive treatment for [Medical Condition] by [Doctor’s Name], starting approximately on [Start Date]. The estimated duration of treatment is [Duration]. The patient/family will be responsible for the full cost of treatment, which is estimated to be [Cost]. Proof of funds to cover these expenses is included with the application.
[Applicant’s Name] requires this specialized treatment that is not readily available in his/her home country. We, [Hospital Name], are committed to providing the necessary medical care. I am [Your US Immigration Status/Title, e.g., a US Citizen, the Hospital Administrator].
Thank you for considering his/her application.
Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Typed Name/Hospital Title]
Sample 6: Invitation for a Graduation Ceremony
[Your Full Name/University Name]
[Your US Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]
[Date]
United States Embassy/Consulate
[City, Country]
Subject: Invitation Letter for US Visitor Visa – [Applicant’s Full Name] – Graduation Ceremony
Dear Sir/Madam,
I am writing to invite [Applicant’s Full Name], born on [Applicant’s Date of Birth], passport number [Applicant’s Passport Number], to visit the United States. He/She resides at [Applicant’s Address] and is the [Relationship, e.g., mother, father, spouse] of [Student’s Full Name], a student graduating from [University Name].
The purpose of his/her visit is to attend the graduation ceremony of [Student’s Full Name] on [Date of Graduation]. The ceremony will be held at [Location of Ceremony]. The intended duration of his/her stay is from [Start Date] to [End Date]. [Optional: State who will be responsible for expenses, e.g., The visitor will be responsible for their own expenses.]
[Applicant’s Name] has strong ties to [Applicant’s Home Country] and intends to return immediately following the graduation ceremony. I am [Your US Immigration Status/Title, e.g., a US Citizen, the University Registrar]. [Student’s Full Name] is a student in good standing at [University Name], pursuing a degree in [Student’s Major].
Thank you for considering his/her application.
Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Typed Name/University Title]
Conclusion
Creating a compelling US visa invitation letter involves clear and accurate communication. Tailor the sample letters provided to accurately reflect the relationship and circumstances of the applicant and inviter. By focusing on the purpose of the visit, financial responsibility, and the applicant’s intent to return home, you can significantly strengthen the visa application. Remember that honesty and providing all necessary details are crucial for a positive outcome.