How to Write an Invitation Letter for U.S. Visa

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, written by a U.S. citizen or legal permanent resident, can be a good addition to the visa application. It can be helpful because it clearly indicates to USCIS that the visitor will have a residence (temporary) after being admitted into the United States and have a definitive departure date. In this post, we will examine what makes a good letter plus a few sample invitation letters.

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

An invitation letter is typically useful for individuals applying for a tourist visa or other temporary visa such as a B-1, F, J or M visa. The letter should be included when filing the other required forms at the U.S. consulate/Visa Application Center. The letter would be typed or written in ink although typing it is better overall.

Learn all about the Family Green Cards.

Information to Include in the Invitation Letter

An invitation letter increases the chances of the B-2 visa application being approved. The letter should be clear that the U.S. citizen or LPR can host the foreigner for the duration in the United States. If there are familial ties or a close friendship, this can be useful to mention as well. 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.

There is no hard rule about what has to be included in the invitation letter for a visa, but as a guideline, it is good practice to include the following details:

• Host’s name
• Host’s status in the United States
• Host’s contact information and address
• Visitor’s name and date of birth
• Visitor’s passport number (if advised)
• Visitor’s contact information
• Relationship between the two parties
• Reason for the visit and length (exact entry and departure dates)
• Home space details

The host writing the letter should be a citizen of the United States or a Lawful Permanent Resident. Furthermore, they should have a home or apartment with enough space to accommodate the foreign friend/relative/girlfriend/boyfriend. The invitation letter is just one component of the overall visa application. It is important to meet the other U.S. nonimmigrant visa requirements, including strong ties to your home, employment, etc.

Check out this related topic: I-864 Affidavit of Support | Immigration Form Complete Guide

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.

Jose and Maria Gonzalez  [Visitor’s Name]

PONIENTE 7 447, CENTRO, 94300 [Visitor’s Address]

Veracruz, Mexico

December 1, 2021 [Date]

[email protected] [Host’s Email Address]

Dear Jose and Maria,

I am inviting you to visit me in California for my 50th birthday celebration on May 2, 2023. As my brother and sister-in-law, I would like you to come to celebrate this special time and stay in my home (which I own) in Los Angeles, California for the entire week (May 1-8, 2023) so that I can show you where I live and introduce you to the rest of the family here. I am more than happy to pay for your expenses to come to visit (including the airfare travel to the United States and then back to Mexico as well as food and medical insurance). As a high-school teacher, I have the entire summer off and am able to accommodate you both during your time in the United States. While you are here in California were can visit some historic destinations and museums as well since I know about your interest in archeology. I will cover the costs to visit these places while you are here so do not worry about that. I am very much looking forward to spending time with you both!

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]

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 for 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. Again, your immigration lawyer is best suited to advise you regarding alternative forms of supporting documentation to include along with your visa invitation letter. 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.

Check out this guide: B-1/B-2 to H-1B Change of Status

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.

How do I write a visa invitation letter?

The first requirement is that a United States citizen or legal permanent resident write the visa invitation letter. This person is referred to as the host. The visitor to the United States should be a friend/relative/boyfriend/girlfriend to the host. The relationship should be made clear in the visa invitation letter. Other components of the letter include the date it is written, visitor’s passport number if the letter is for the consulate, the host’s full name, address, contact information, details about where the host lives, and the fact that there is room to accommodate the guest, the exact dates of visitor’s trip to the United States and confirmation that the host will support the expenses during that time. USCIS fears that the individual will come to the U.S. on a tourist visa and then not leave, resulting in them having to be deported, so having the exact entry and departure dates in the letter is good to include. Review the two sample invitation letters above. If it is written directly to the guests, the tone can be less formal and more conversational.

How can I invite someone to the USA?

You can invite someone to the United States by writing a visa invitation letter either addressed to them or addressed to the consular office. There are sample invitation letters outlined above. While they differ slightly, they both have key components including the host’s name, status in the U.S., contact information and address, visitor’s name, contact information, the relationship between the two parties, the reason for the visit, and trip duration.

Who needs to provide a visa invitation letter?

Typically, tourist visa applicants (B2 visa) should include an invitation letter along with the tourist visa application. While it can be beneficial to the case, it is not required and does not in any way guarantee an approval. The person writing the letter (host) should be a citizen of the United States or a Lawful Permanent Resident. They should also have a home or apartment with enough space to accommodate the foreign friend/relative/girlfriend/boyfriend.

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.

Does the visa invitation letter need to be hand-written?

You can either type or write the visa invitation letter. If you handwrite it, make sure it is legible and the same ink color is used for the entire letter.

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