Invitation Letters

Visa applicants must qualify on the basis of the applicant's residence and ties abroad, rather than assurances from U.S. family and friends. A letter of invitation or Affidavit of Support is not needed to apply for a visitor visa. If the applicant chooses to bring a letter of invitation or Affidavit of Support to their interview, please remember it is not one of the factors used in determining whether to issue or deny the visa.

However, if you would like to send a letter in support of a visitor visa application, the following suggestions are meant as advice only. We cannot guarantee how U.S. consulates will approach each individual situation.

This letter should be sent to the person who will be applying for the visa, and that person should present it to the U.S. consulate along with the application for the tourist (B-2) visa. The applicant should also present as much documentation as possible to establish that she/he will depart the U.S. prior to the expiration of her/his authorized stay in the United States.

Additional Application Support

To support the application for a B-2 visa, we suggest that you send the following to the applicant:

  • A letter from you to your invitee, in English, inviting her/him for a visit.
  • Evidence of your valid student status:
    • Copies of your transcript and/or current enrollment
    • Photocopy of your I-20 or DS-2019, passport, visa and I-94 card
  • Evidence of your ability to financially support your visitor during their stay (for example, a bank statement).
    • This evidence is needed only if your visitor does not have the funds to support herself or himself during the visit to the U.S.

Suggested Invitation Letter Format

Date:

United States Consul General
[Address of foreign consulate where person will apply for the visa; check online]

Dear Honorable Consul:

My name is [last name], [first name] and I reside at [your US address]. I am a student at Tarrant County College working toward a [name of degree]. I am requesting that a tourist (B-2) visa be issued to [person you want to invite], in order to allow [her/him] to visit with me in the United States. [She/He] is my [explain your relationship to the person] and will be visiting with me from [arrival date] to [departure date].

[Explain why you want the person to visit].

During [her/his] stay in the United States, [she/he] will stay with me at my residence at the address stated below. I will be responsible for all of [her/his] room and board expenses while [she/he] is in the United States. Upon the termination of [her/his] visit, [she/he] will return to [country].

Your kind consideration of this request will be greatly appreciated.

Very truly yours,

[Signature]

Name
Address
Email

Updated January 20, 2023