Obtaining a US visa often requires a compelling invitation letter. This letter, usually written by a US resident or organization, strengthens the visa application by clearly stating the purpose of the visit, providing assurance of the applicant’s intentions, and offering support regarding accommodation and expenses (if applicable). A well-crafted invitation letter demonstrates a legitimate reason for travel and increases the likelihood of visa approval.
Key elements of an effective US visa invitation letter include the inviter’s full name, address, contact information, and immigration status in the US. The letter should explicitly state the invitee’s full name, date of birth, passport number, and their relationship to the inviter. Importantly, it should detail the purpose and duration of the visit, any financial support being offered, and a clear statement guaranteeing the invitee’s return to their home country after their authorized stay. Accuracy and honesty are paramount.
The invitation letter doesn’t guarantee visa approval, but it adds significant weight to the application. It’s essential that the information presented aligns with the details provided in the visa application form (DS-160). Any inconsistencies could raise red flags and negatively impact the outcome. Consulting with an immigration attorney or visa specialist can be beneficial in complex situations or when specific guidance is needed.
Below, we provide eight sample invitation letters. These are templates and should be customized to reflect the specific circumstances of your situation. Remember to adjust the details to match your situation and always strive for clarity and truthfulness in your letter. The purpose is to show the consular officer that you have a valid reason to visit the US and that you intend to return to your home country when your visa expires.
US Visa Invitation Letter Samples
Sample Letter 1: Family Visit
[Your Full Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]
[Date]
[Consular Officer Name, if known]
Consulate General of the United States
[Consulate Address]
Subject: Invitation Letter for US Visa Application
Dear Consular Officer,
I am writing this letter to invite my [relationship to the applicant], [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].
I am a legal permanent resident of the United States, residing at the above address. I would like [Applicant’s Full Name] to visit me from [Start Date] to [End Date] for the purpose of [state reason for visit, e.g., “vacation and to experience American culture”].
I will be responsible for [Applicant’s Full Name]‘s accommodation and living expenses during [his/her] stay. I guarantee that [he/she] will return to [his/her] home country before the expiration of [his/her] authorized stay.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Typed Full Name]
Sample Letter 2: Business Conference
[Company Name]
[Company Address]
[Company Phone Number]
[Date]
[Consular Officer Name, if known]
Consulate General of the United States
[Consulate Address]
Subject: Invitation Letter for US Visa Application – Business Conference
Dear Consular Officer,
This letter is to formally invite [Applicant’s Full Name], born on [Applicant’s Date of Birth], passport number [Applicant’s Passport Number], to attend the [Conference Name] conference, which will be held in [City, State] from [Start Date] to [End Date].
[Applicant’s Full Name] is a [Applicant’s Job Title] at [Applicant’s Company] in [Applicant’s Country]. Their participation in this conference is crucial for [explain the reason for their attendance, e.g., “their professional development and to foster collaboration between our companies”].
[Company Name] will be responsible for covering [Applicant’s Full Name]‘s conference registration fees. [He/She] will be responsible for [his/her] own travel and accommodation expenses.
We guarantee that [Applicant’s Full Name] will return to [his/her] home country upon completion of the conference.
Thank you for your attention to this matter.
Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Typed Full Name]
[Your Title within the Company]
Sample Letter 3: Academic Research
[Professor’s Full Name]
[University Department]
[University Name]
[University Address]
[Professor’s Phone Number]
[Professor’s Email Address]
[Date]
[Consular Officer Name, if known]
Consulate General of the United States
[Consulate Address]
Subject: Invitation Letter for US Visa Application – Academic Research Collaboration
Dear Consular Officer,
I am writing to support the visa application of [Applicant’s Full Name], born on [Applicant’s Date of Birth], passport number [Applicant’s Passport Number]. [He/She] is a [Applicant’s Title/Position] at [Applicant’s Institution] in [Applicant’s Country].
I am a Professor of [Your Field of Study] at [University Name]. I am inviting [Applicant’s Full Name] to collaborate with me on research related to [Research Topic] from [Start Date] to [End Date].
[Applicant’s Full Name]‘s expertise in [Applicant’s Area of Expertise] will be invaluable to our research project. [He/She] will be working under my supervision at [University Name] during [his/her] stay.
[Optional: State if you are providing financial support. For example: “[University Name] will provide a stipend to cover [Applicant’s Full Name]‘s living expenses during [his/her] stay.”] If not, state “[Applicant’s Full Name] is responsible for [his/her] own travel and living expenses.”
I have no doubt that [Applicant’s Full Name] will return to [his/her] home country upon completion of this research collaboration.
Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Typed Full Name]
[Your Title]
[University Name]
Sample Letter 4: Medical Treatment
[Doctor’s Full Name]
[Hospital/Clinic Name]
[Hospital/Clinic Address]
[Doctor’s Phone Number]
[Date]
[Consular Officer Name, if known]
Consulate General of the United States
[Consulate Address]
Subject: Invitation Letter for US Visa Application – Medical Treatment
Dear Consular Officer,
This letter is to confirm that [Applicant’s Full Name], born on [Applicant’s Date of Birth], passport number [Applicant’s Passport Number], is seeking medical treatment at [Hospital/Clinic Name] under my care.
[Applicant’s Full Name] has been diagnosed with [Medical Condition] and requires specialized treatment that is available at our facility. The estimated duration of treatment is from [Start Date] to [End Date].
[He/She] will undergo [Specific Procedures/Treatments] at our clinic.
[Optional: State who will be responsible for the medical expenses. For example, “[Applicant’s Full Name] will be personally responsible for covering all medical expenses.”]
We believe that [Applicant’s Full Name]‘s medical condition warrants [his/her] travel to the United States for this treatment, and we are confident that [he/she] will return to [his/her] home country after the completion of the treatment.
Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Typed Full Name]
[Your Medical Title, e.g., MD]
Sample Letter 5: Wedding Invitation
[Your Full Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]
[Date]
[Consular Officer Name, if known]
Consulate General of the United States
[Consulate Address]
Subject: Invitation Letter for US Visa Application – Wedding Attendance
Dear Consular Officer,
I am writing to invite [Applicant’s Full Name], born on [Applicant’s Date of Birth], passport number [Applicant’s Passport Number], to attend my wedding ceremony, which will be held in [City, State] on [Date of Wedding].
[Applicant’s Full Name] is my [relationship to the applicant, e.g., “close friend,” “sibling”] and I would be honored to have [him/her] present at this special occasion. I am a [Your occupation/status in the US, e.g. US citizen, legal permanent resident].
I anticipate [his/her] visit to last from [Start Date] to [End Date]. During this time, [he/she] will be staying at [Location of Stay – can be your home or hotel].
[State who will cover expenses, e.g., “I will be responsible for [Applicant’s Full Name]‘s accommodation and meals during [his/her] stay.”] If the applicant is paying for their own expenses, state “[Applicant’s Full Name] will be responsible for [his/her] own travel, accommodation and living expenses.”
I guarantee that [Applicant’s Full Name] will return to [his/her] home country after the wedding ceremony and before the expiration of [his/her] authorized stay.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Typed Full Name]
Sample Letter 6: Visiting Elderly Parent
[Your Full Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]
[Date]
[Consular Officer Name, if known]
Consulate General of the United States
[Consulate Address]
Subject: Invitation Letter for US Visa Application – Visiting Elderly Parent
Dear Consular Officer,
I am writing to invite my [Mother/Father], [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].
I am a [US Citizen/Legal Permanent Resident] of the United States, residing at the above address. My [Mother/Father]’s health has been declining recently, and I would like [him/her] to visit me from [Start Date] to [End Date] so I can provide [him/her] with care and support.
I will be responsible for [Applicant’s Full Name]‘s accommodation, meals and any necessary medical care during [his/her] stay. I also have health insurance here to cover medical expenses for my parents as visitors.
I guarantee that [he/she] will return to [his/her] home country before the expiration of [his/her] authorized stay.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Typed Full Name]
Sample Letter 7: Sibling Visit
[Your Full Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]
[Date]
[Consular Officer Name, if known]
Consulate General of the United States
[Consulate Address]
Subject: Invitation Letter for US Visa Application – Sibling Visit
Dear Consular Officer,
I am writing to invite my [Brother/Sister], [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].
I am a [US Citizen/Legal Permanent Resident] of the United States, residing at the above address. I would like my [Brother/Sister] to visit me from [Start Date] to [End Date] for the purpose of leisure and family bonding.
I will be responsible for [Applicant’s Full Name]‘s accommodation and meals during [his/her] stay, while [he/she] will be responsible for all other expenses incurred during the visit.
I guarantee that [he/she] will return to [his/her] home country before the expiration of [his/her] authorized stay.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Typed Full Name]
Sample Letter 8: Friend’s Visit
[Your Full Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]
[Date]
[Consular Officer Name, if known]
Consulate General of the United States
[Consulate Address]
Subject: Invitation Letter for US Visa Application – Friend’s Visit
Dear Consular Officer,
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].
I am a [US Citizen/Legal Permanent Resident] of the United States, residing at the above address. I would like my friend to visit me from [Start Date] to [End Date] so that we can catch up and spend time together.
[Applicant’s Full Name] will be responsible for [his/her] own travel, accommodation and living expenses during [his/her] stay. However, I will ensure [he/she] has access to all the local spots and help in making [his/her] experience in the US worthwhile.
I guarantee that [he/she] will return to [his/her] home country before the expiration of [his/her] authorized stay.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Typed Full Name]
Conclusion
A US visa invitation letter can be a valuable asset to your application. While it doesn’t guarantee approval, a well-written, honest, and detailed letter strengthens your case. Remember to tailor the sample letters provided to your specific situation, provide accurate information, and ensure consistency with your other visa application materials. Always err on the side of transparency, and consider seeking expert guidance if you have any concerns or complex circumstances. Good luck with your visa application!
