For many individuals planning a visit to the United States on a B1/B2 Visa, presenting a well-crafted invitation letter can significantly strengthen their application. While not mandatory, an invitation letter from a U.S. citizen or Legal Permanent Resident (LPR) can positively impact the visa process, especially when it highlights strong ties to the applicant’s home country. Here, we explain what makes an effective invitation letter for a U.S. visitor visa.
Keys to a B Visa Invitation Letter
An effective invitation letter should communicate:
- Host’s Details: Include the host’s name, status in the U.S. (citizen or LPR), contact information, and address.
- Visitor’s Information: Please provide your full name, date of birth, passport number, and contact information.
- Relationship: Clarify the nature of your relationship with the host.
- Visit Details: State the purpose, exact duration, and itinerary of your visit, including accommodation arrangements.
- Financial Responsibility: It should be explicitly mentioned if the host bears any costs.
Structure of the B Visa Letter
The letter should originate from the host and detail their relationship with the visitor. It should be dated, contain both parties’ full information, and specify the hosting arrangements and travel dates. Crucially, it should emphasize the temporary nature of the stay in the U.S.
Sample B Visa Invitation Letter
Below is a template of how such a letter might be structured:
[Host’s Full Legal Name]
[Host’s Full U.S. Address]
[Date]
Dear [Visitor’s Full Legal Name],
I, [Host’s Name], am delighted to invite you to the United States to celebrate my 50th wedding anniversary in Buffalo, NY, on February 21, 2050. You will be accommodated at my Buffalo, NY, residence from February 21 to February 28. Our plans include visiting Niagara Falls, Letchworth State Park, and Fort Niagara. I will cover the costs of your round-trip airfare, food, and medical insurance during your stay. Your presence would mean a lot to us.
Sincerely,
[Host’s Signature]
[Host’s Contact Information]
Supporting Documentation for a B Visa
Accompany this letter with relevant documents such as event invitations, proof of roundtrip airfare, host’s identification or passport, accommodation proof, and a detailed travel itinerary.
Insights for B Visa Applicants
For B Visa applicants, remember:
- Dependent Visas: Spouses and children must apply separately for a B-2 visa.
- Employment Restrictions: B-1/B-2 visa holders are prohibited from working in the U.S.
- Visa Validity: A valid U.S. visa in an expired passport remains active; do not remove it from the expired passport.
Crafting an invitation letter with these elements can significantly enhance the credibility of your B1/B2 Visa application and facilitate your travel plans to the United States.
Schedule a Consultation with an Immigration Lawyer
