A Practical Note on How to Add a Letter of Invitation to Your B-1/B-2 Visa Application.
If you apply for a B-1/B-2 travel visa to the United States, you might be able to attach a letter of invitation from a family member or friend who will be your host while in the United States. Although it is not necessary, you can strengthen your visa application by submitting a letter of invitation and showing the U.S. consulate that you have a place to stay while visiting. In this post, we’ll walk you through what to put in the letter, how to write one, and even have an example invitation letter for you.
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What Is A Letter of Invitation For A US Travel Visa?
Letter of Invitation: This is a letter sent by an official to a US citizen or a U.S. permanent resident (green card holder) who will be hosting you in the United States during your stay. It is a letter of affirmation that you have a place to stay while in the U.S. and this will help make sure that the consular officer knows that you won’t overstay your visa or enter the country illegally.
You don’t have to submit the letter to your B-1/B-2 visa application but it can help if you want to increase your chances of approval.
What Should Be Included In A Letter of Invitation?
Your invitation letter should be well-edited and should mention important details about your trip and the host you are hosting. Here’s what the letter needs to say:
Host’s Full Name and Contact Details.
You’ll also need to specify in the letter who invited you to the U.S.: his name, address, phone number, and email.
Host’s Immigration Status
It should indicate if the host is a U.S. citizen or U.S. permanent resident (green card holder) on the letter. This makes the host legitimate to invite you.
Your Relationship with the Host
In the letter, describe the connection between the visa applicant (you) and the invitee. (For instance: “I am asking my brother to come and see me in the United States.)
Visa Holder’s Full Name and Address.
You should also have your full name and address on the letter to establish that you are who you say you are.
Purpose of the Trip
You should let your host know what the purpose of your visit is tourism, family visit, birthday party, wedding, etc.
Exact Dates of the Trip
Make sure to include the dates of your trip in both arrival and departure times to let them know how long you’ll be there.
Host’s Signature
This letter needs to be signed by the host since that shows they’re inviting you.
Having all of this information in it, the letter will be able to show the prospective traveler what you are looking forward to and your connections with the invitee which will assist in the visa application process.
Letter of Invitation for U.S. Visa to Visit Example.
Here’s a sample, plain and simple, good-looking letter of invitation for a B-1/B-2 visa:
Navi Laghari
3, Mm-ii, Panchkuian Road
Delhi, Delhi, 110055
India
January 17, 2023
Dear Navi,
I am writing you to say come to Washington, DC, for my 30th birthday, 28 May 2023. You will join me for a week during your one-week stay (May 25-31) in my Seattle house. Your sister and I will show you the city, museums, hiking… You’ll love that.
I will pay for your round-trip air ticket from and to the U.S. and for your living expenses in America.
Let’s have a party!
Love,
[Host’s signature]
Sarika Laghari
9679 46th Ave SW
Seattle, WA, 98136
USA
Mobile: (206) 591-2342
U.S. Passport Number: 562908832
The letter is full of all the information like the host’s details, the trip intention, and the dates. It also shows that the host is prepared to provide the guest with a financial cushion while they are in the U.S.
What to Know About the Letter of Invitation Here are a Few Things to Remember about the Letter of Invitation.
It’s Not Necessary: While useful, the letter is not necessary for a B-1/B-2 visa application.
Signed: The letter needs to be signed by the host and the host should be a U.S. citizen or a U.S. permanent resident.
It Must Be Specific and Clear: It must specify your connection with the host, your visit purpose, and your stay dates in the letter.
A letter of invitation isn’t required in your U.S. B-1/B-2 visa application, but it’s something you can attach to the process in case you need to provide specific details about your plans and that you have somewhere to live while in the U.S. If you adhere to the above suggestions and your letter is well-drafted and includes everything necessary, you’ll be on your way to bolstering your visa application.
At Law and Visas, we’re on your side at every phase of the visa application process from the draft of documents such as the letter of invitation to processing. We are on hand to provide expert guidance if you want assistance with your application. Start your application today and make the dream of US travel happen!