Sample Invitation Letter Format for U.S. Visa Application Category

If you ever want to visit a friend in the United States, you should know that a U.S. Visa Sample Invitation Letter can help with your visa application. Read this article to learn how to write these letters.

US Visa Invitation Letter

When writing a US Visa Invitation Letter, it should be a personal letter. In this letter, you promise the US government that the person you invite will stay for a short time and that you’ll support them financially.

Why You Should Give a US Visa Application Invitation Letter

You might need a letter of invitation when applying for a B2 tourist visa to the United States. Keep in mind that it’s not a must, but it’s a good idea.

To make the invitation letter valid, the person inviting you must:

  • Be a US citizen or a lawful permanent resident.
  • Be your friend, boyfriend, girlfriend, or relative.
  • Have a registered place (like a home or apartment).
  • Have enough space for you.

Why is a US Visa invitation Letter Needed?

A US visa invitation letter is not a must, but it can make things easier if you are a US citizen or permanent resident and want to invite a friend or relative for a tourist visit (B-2 visa) to the United States.

Why is the U.S Tourist Visa Tough to Get

Some people enter the country on a tourist visa but stay longer than allowed. This is why a visa invitation letter for the United States is important.

In the letter, you need to convince the consular officer that the person you are inviting has a reason for visiting and will go back home after their visit is done.

You can give this letter to your invitee and tell them to bring it to the US consulate or embassy when they apply for a US visitor visa

Conditions Required For a Tourist Visa to be Valid

To make this letter valid, you must apply for a B2 visa, indicating that you’re visiting the United States as a tourist.

The following conditions must be met:

  • The host must be a lawful permanent resident or a US citizen.
  • The host should be a friend or relative.
  • The host must have a place for you to stay.

How to Create a US Visa Application Invitation Letter?

Writing an invitation letter can feel challenging for both the host and the guest, but the process is quite straightforward. The letter should be addressed to either the consular officer or the visitor.

When writing it, the guest needs to make sure to include all the necessary information:

  • Host’s full name.
  • Host’s date of birth.
  • Host’s address and contact details in the United States.
  • Host’s occupation.
  • Host’s status in the United States.
  • A photocopy of a document that proves the host’s status in the country.
  • Guest’s full name.
  • Guest’s date of birth.
  • Guest’s address and phone number.
  • Guest’s relationship to the host.
  • The reason for the trip.
  • Specific dates for how long the guest plans to stay in the country.
  • Details about accommodation and living expenses.
  • The host’s signature.


When writing to the guest, the letter doesn’t need to sound official. It should be personal to show your close relationship with them.

If the US invitation letter includes all the info mentioned earlier, it’s good to go.

Additional Documents

Since the invitation letter is not a must, the host does not have to send any other documents with it.

However, it would be thoughtful if the applicant included any of the following documents along with the Letter of Invitation:

  • A scanned copy of the host’s ID or passport.
  • Proof of financial support if the host will help the guest financially.
  • Proof of home or rental agreement.
  • A flight itinerary for the US visa application (a dummy ticket is acceptable as proof).
  • An Affidavit of Support (USCIS Form I-134, available on the USCIS website) only if the host plans to financially support the guest.

Example Invitation Letter for the Consular Officer

[Date] United States Consulate General [Address of the Consulate]

Dear Honorable Consul,

[Visitor’s Name] – Passport Number: XXXXXXXX – Date of Birth: [Visitor’s Date of Birth]

I am [Host’s Name], residing at [Host’s Address], and I am a US citizen (or lawful permanent resident alien).

I am writing to request a tourist (B-2) visa for [Visitor’s Name], who resides at [Visitor’s Address]. The purpose of this visa is to allow him/her to visit me in the United States. We have been friends for three years, and I am excited to have him/her visit me this summer.

[Visitor’s Name] will stay with me from [Entry Date] to [Exit Date]. This is an ideal time as both of us will be on vacation. They will have to stay at the address mentioned above throughout the visit.

I will cover all the expenses for [Visitor’s Name]’s accommodation while he/she is in the United States. [Visitor’s Name] plans to return to [Visitor’s Hometown] after the visit concludes.

[Visitor’s Name] will submit this letter along with other supporting documents to demonstrate strong ties to [Visitor’s Home Country] and provide assurance of a timely return to the United States before the visa’s expiration date.

when writing an invitation letter, consider including the following documents as they may be necessary:

  • A Copy (Scan) of the host’s ID or Valid Passport.
  • Proof of Funds if the host will financially support the guest.
  • Proof of Shelter, such as evidence of home ownership or a rental contract.
  • An Affidavit of Support (USCIS Form I-134) only if the host plans to provide financial support to the guest. This form is available on the USCIS website.
  • A Flight Itinerary for the US Visa Application.

With the provided samples above, we hope you can easily draft your letter for your visa application.

Sample of Letter of Invitation Addressed to the Guest

What is the required passport validity period for a U.S. visa application?

To apply for a U.S. visa, your passport must be valid for travel to the United States, and it should have an expiration date at least six months beyond your planned stay in the United States, unless specific agreements between countries provide exemptions.

Am I eligible for the Visa Waiver Program?


but refrain from using words that conclude with “ED”.

How much is the ESTA fee, and who is responsible for paying it?

ESTA registration is mandatory for all travelers coming to the United States under the Visa Waiver Program. The ESTA registration fee is $14, and it can be paid online using a debit card or one of the following credit cards: Visa, MasterCard, American Express, or Discover.

If I travel to the United States without ESTA, what happens?

Travelers under the Visa Waiver Program who haven’t received approval through ESTA should anticipate being denied boarding on any airline heading to the United States.

Can a third-country national residing in Egypt, apply for a non-immigrant visa in Egypt?

in general, it’s advisable that applicants apply in their own country of nationality or residence.

However, people who are legally present in Egypt have the option to apply for a visa in Egypt.

Are all non immigrant visa applicants require to attend an interview at the U.S. Embassy?

Yes, for the majority of applicants. There are only a few cases where the interview requirement does not apply.

My nonimmigrant visa is nearing its expiration, and I want to renew it.

Even if you previously held a visa or your current nonimmigrant visa is still valid, you must follow the regular application procedure.

My passport has expired, but the U.S. visa inside it is still valid.

No, if your visa is still valid, you can travel to the United States with both your old and new passports, provided that the visa is still valid, undamaged, and matches the type of visa required for your main travel purpose.

I hold dual citizenship. Which passport should I use for my travel to the United States?

If one of your nationalities is not American, you have the option to apply using either nationality. However, it is crucial to declare all your nationalities on your application form when applying to the U.S. Embassy. Furthermore, U.S. citizens, including dual citizens/nationals, are required to use a U.S. passport for entry into and departure from the United States.

How can I extend my visa?

Visa validity cannot be extended, regardless of the visa type you hold. When a visa’s validity period expires, it cannot be renewed or extended. To continue traveling to the United States for the same or a different purpose, you must apply for a new visa.

Is it mandatory to electronically submit my visa application form?

Yes, you are required to fill out the DS-160 form electronically, and it’s necessary to have a printed copy of the DS-160 confirmation page when you attend your interview at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate.

What does “administrative processing” mean?

“Administrative processing” refers to an additional step that certain visa applications may undergo after the applicant’s interview with a consular officer. Applicants are informed about the possibility of administrative processing when they submit their applications. You can find more details about administrative processing on the Consular Affairs website.

How can I read and comprehend the information on my visa Application?

Once you receive your visa, it’s important to review it carefully to ensure that all the personal information printed on the visa is accurate. If you find any discrepancies between the information on your visa and the details in your passport or if there are any other inaccuracies, please contact the issuing authority (i.e., the U.S. Embassy or Consulate) without delay.

Is it a problem if my visa expires while I am in the United States?

No, it is not a problem if your visa expires while you are in the United States. You are permitted to remain in the United States for the duration and under the conditions authorized by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) officer when you arrived in the United States. This information will be documented on your I-94, even if your visa has expired during your stay.

Conclusion

In conclusion, understanding the process of writing an invitation letter for a U.S. visa application is essential for both hosts and guests. This guide has provided valuable insights into the importance of such letters, their content, and the supporting documents that can enhance the application process. Remember that while the letter is not always required, it can significantly facilitate the visa application process, ensuring a smoother and more successful journey for your guest.

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