If you plan on inviting a family member or friend to visit you in the United States, you will need to provide them with an invitation letter to obtain a visitor visa. This letter serves as proof that the visitor has a place to stay and will not be seeking illegal employment while in the US. In this article, we will provide tips on how to write a successful invitation letter and seven example letters for different scenarios.
Tips for Writing an Invitation Sample Letter for a Visitor Visa
1. Keep it concise
Your invitation letter should be clear and to the point. Avoid rambling, and only include the necessary details.
2. Explain your relationship with the visitor
In your letter, explain your relationship with the visitor, how long you have known them, and the purpose of their visit.
3. Include the visitor’s information
Provide the visitor’s full name, date of birth, passport number, and the dates they will be staying with you.
4. Provide your information
Include your full name, home address, and contact information.
5. Offer to provide financial support
If you plan on providing financial support for the visitor’s trip, state this clearly in your letter.
6. Edit the letter as needed
Read through the letter multiple times to check for errors, and edit it as needed to fit your specific circumstances.
Examples of Invitation Sample Letters for a Visitor Visa
Inviting a Parent for a Visit
Dear Consular Officer,
I am writing to invite my mother, Jane Smith, to visit me in the United States. My mother is retired and will be staying with me for three months from June 1 to August 31. I will be responsible for all of her expenses during her stay, including food, lodging, and transportation. My mother has no intention of seeking illegal employment while in the United States.
Thank you for considering my request,
Sincerely,
John Smith
Inviting a Friend for a Wedding
Dear Sir/Madam,
I am writing to invite my friend, Sarah Johnson, to attend my wedding in the United States on July 15. She will be staying with me for two weeks from July 10 to July 24. I will be providing her with accommodations during her stay and will ensure that she returns to her home country after the wedding. Sarah has no intention of seeking illegal employment while in the United States.
Thank you for your consideration,
Sincerely,
Emily Brown
Inviting a Sibling for a Graduation
Dear Visa Officer,
I am writing to invite my sister, Maria Rodriguez, to visit me in the United States for my graduation ceremony. My sister will be staying with me for one week from May 15 to May 22. I will be providing her with accommodations during her stay, and she has no intention of seeking illegal employment while in the United States.
Thank you for your time and consideration,
Sincerely,
Carlos Rodriguez
Inviting a Spouse for a Vacation
Dear Consular Officer,
I am writing to invite my spouse, Emily Davis, to visit me in the United States for a two-week vacation. Emily will be staying with me from July 10 to July 24. I will be responsible for all of her expenses during her stay, and she has no intention of seeking illegal employment while in the United States.
Thank you for your time and consideration,
Best regards,
Michael Davis
Inviting a Grandparent for Family Reunion
To Whom It May Concern,
I am writing to invite my grandparent, Robert Johnson, to visit me in the United States for a family reunion. My grandparent will be staying with me for two weeks from June 1 to June 15. I will be providing him with accommodations during his stay and will ensure that he returns to his home country after the reunion. Robert has no intention of seeking illegal employment while in the United States.
Thank you for your time and attention,
Sincerely,
Alex Johnson
Inviting a Cousin for a Job Interview
Dear Sir/Madam,
I am writing to invite my cousin, Anna Li, to visit me in the United States for a job interview. Anna will be staying with me for three days from May 15 to May 18. I will be providing her with accommodations during her stay and will ensure that she returns to her home country after the interview. Anna has no intention of seeking illegal employment while in the United States.
Thank you for your consideration,
Regards,
Jack Li
Inviting a Niece for a Birthday Celebration
Dear Visa Officer,
I am writing to invite my niece, Sarah Kim, to visit me in the United States for her 16th birthday celebration. My niece will be staying with me for two weeks from August 1 to August 15. I will be providing her with accommodations during her stay and will ensure that she returns to her home country after the celebration. Sarah has no intention of seeking illegal employment while in the United States.
Thank you for your time and consideration,
Best regards,
Jennifer Kim
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use an invitation letter written by someone else?
No, the invitation letter must be written and signed by the person who will be hosting the visitor during their stay in the United States.
What information should I include in my invitation letter?
Your invitation letter should include your full name, address, and contact information, as well as the visitor’s full name, date of birth, passport number, and the dates they will be staying with you. You should also explain your relationship with the visitor and the purpose of their visit.
Do I need to provide financial support for the visitor?
No, it is not required for you to provide financial support for the visitor. However, if you plan on doing so, you should state this clearly in your invitation letter.
What if the visitor has already booked their travel before receiving the invitation letter?
While it is recommended for the visitor to have the invitation letter before booking their travel, it is not required. The visitor can still use the invitation letter to apply for their visitor visa after booking their travel.
How long should my invitation letter be?
Your invitation letter should be clear and concise, with only the necessary information included. It should be no longer than one or two pages.
What if the visitor is planning on staying with me for an extended period of time?
If the visitor is planning on staying with you for more than 90 days, they will need to apply for a different type of visa, such as a student or work visa.
Conclusion
Writing an invitation letter for a visitor visa can seem daunting, but by following the tips and using the sample letters provided, you can ensure that your letter is effective and meets all of the necessary requirements. Remember to keep it clear and concise, and provide all of the necessary information to make the visa application process as smooth as possible.