Updated May 06, 2024
An invitation letter for a U.S. visa strengthens an application for a visa to visit the United States. Written by a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, the letter formally invites a citizen of another country to stay for a short time in the U.S. While the letter is not a required element of a visa application, it can increase an applicant’s chances of obtaining a visa.
When to Use
To enter the United States, non-citizens and nonimmigrants must apply for a visa. A letter of invitation can show a consular officer that the applicant has ties to the U.S.
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What Types of Visas Use Letters of Invitation?
Typically, a letter of invitation is used to support an application for a “B” visa, which allows visitors to stay for a maximum of six months. There are two types of “B” visas:
- B1: This is used for people who intend to visit the U.S. for business-related reasons other than employment. Business-related reasons include attending conferences, giving lectures, negotiating contracts, and settling estates. Any paid employment requires another class of visa.
- B2: This is used by someone intending to visit as a tourist or to spend time with friends and family while in the U.S.
These days, citizens of some countries can apply for a visitor’s visa through the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA), which allows them to skip some of the laborious parts of applying for a visa. There is no need to submit a letter of invitation for an ESTA application.
How to Write an Invitation Letter
The letter can be addressed to either the applicant or the consular officer reviewing the applicant’s visa application. It should explain when the visitor is arriving, how long the visitor is staying, where the visitor will be staying, and what the host has planned for the duration of the visit.
Remember that no matter who it’s addressed to, the letter is for the benefit of the consular officer. Even if the applicant does not speak fluent English, write the invitation letter in English.
Should I Include Supporting Documents?
In short, yes. The stronger a visa application, the likelier it is to result in a visa. Some examples of useful supporting documentation follow:
- Applicant’s round-trip airline ticket
- A copy of the photo page of the host’s passport
- A screenshot of the host’s bank statement
- Any documents associated with the itinerary outlined in the letter, such as an invitation to a wedding or birthday
Sample Letter of Invitation
LETTER OF INVITATION
[DATE]
[WRITER’S NAME]
[WRITER’S STREET ADDRESS]
[WRITER’S CITY, STATE, ZIP CODE]
[WRITER’S PHONE NUMBER]
[WRITER’S EMAIL ADDRESS]
[WRITER’S IMMIGRATION STATUS]
[PROOF OF STATUS (E.G. PASSPORT #)]
[APPLICANT’S NAME]
[APPLICANT’S ADDRESS]
[APPLICANT’S PHONE NUMBER]
[APPLICANT’S EMAIL ADDRESS]
[APPLICANT’S PASSPORT NUMBER]
Dear Consular Officer:
My name is [WRITER’S NAME] and I am a [U.S. CITIZEN OR PERMANENT RESIDENT].
I have invited my [RELATIONSHIP TO APPLICANT], whose name is [WRITER’S NAME], to the U.S. from [DATE] to [DATE] for the purpose of [DESCRIPTION OF VISIT].
During the applicant’s visit, I will cover their accommodation and living expenses. The applicant will stay at [ADDRESS] while in the U.S.
I have the following planned for the applicant’s visit: [DESCRIPTION]
I have attached the following supporting documentation to this letter: [DESCRIPTION]
If you need any further information, please don’t hesitate to contact me.
Thank you for your time and consideration,
_______________________________
[SIGNATURE]
[WRITER’S NAME]