What should be included in the invitation letters?
A B visa invitation letter should detail how you will be hosted during your visit to the United States. Having a B visa invitation letter does not guarantee a visa will be issued, however, it does increase the odds. The following are suggested details to include in a B Visa invitation letter:
- Your host’s name
- Your host’s status in the United States
- Your host’s contact information and address
- Your name and date of birth
- Your passport number
- Your contact information
- Relationship between you and your host
- Reason for the visit and exact length of visit
- Accommodation details
The strongest B visa invitation letters are from a US citizen or a Lawful Permanent Resident (LPR). It should also be clear that necessary accommodations have been made to host you. A well-written B visa invitation letter supported by proof of permanent ties to your home country, i.e., home, employment, family, etc. makes a strong case.
How do I write a B visa invitation letter?
A B visa invitation letter should be from a United States citizen or legal permanent resident, your host. You, the visitor, should be a friend/relative/boyfriend/girlfriend to the host. The invitation letter should clearly indicate your relationship. The letter should also include the date it is written, your passport number (if the letter is for the consulate), your US relative’s full name, address, contact information, details about where your host lives, and demonstrate accommodations for the visit, the exact dates of your trip to the United States and confirmation that your host will cover all expenses. The main point of the letter is to demonstrate that you are coming temporarily to the United States without the intention of staying permanently.
What does a B visa invitation letter look like?
The following is an example of a B visa invitation letter and what it should include. This letter is from the US relative to a foreign relative visiting the USA.
[Your Full Legal Name]
[Your Full Foreign Address]
[DATE]
Dear [Your Full Legal Name],
I am inviting you to visit me in Buffalo for my 50th wedding anniversary on February 21, 2050. I would like you to come to celebrate with us and are welcome to stay in our home (which I own) in Williamsville, NY for the entire week (February 21 – Feburary 28). We will see the sites, visit Niagara Falls, Letchworth State Park, and Fort Niagara. We will also introduce you to “real” buffalo wings at Duff’s and beef on weck at Charlie the Butcher’s. It will also be great to be together as extended family and friends. We would be glad to cover the cost of your visit including the airfare travel to the United States and then back to Canada as well as food and medical insurance. Since my retirement, I have all the time we need to accommodate you and your family both during your time in the United States. I am very much looking forward to spending time with you!
Sincerely,
[US Relative’s Full Legal Name]
[US Relative’s Full US Address]
[US Relative’s Contact # and E-mail address]
[US Relative’s Signature]
You should also include any supporting documents such as an invite to the event, proof of roundtrip airfare, etc. You should also include a copy of the US relative’s identification or passport, proof of residence for you to stay in during your trip, a travel itinerary detailing things you plan to do during your trip, etc. The letter and supporting evidence should be submitted by you during your appointment at the consulate/embassy.
What else should I know about B Visas?
Here are some other important things to know if you are considering applying for a B-1 Visa.
- Your spouse and children are not eligible for a dependent visa. Each of your dependents who will be accompanying or following to join you must apply separately for a B-2 visa and must follow the regulations for that visa.
- An individual on a B-1 Visa or B-2 Visa is not permitted to accept employment or work in the United States.
- There is no guarantee you will be issued a B-1 or B-2 visa. Do not make final travel plans or buy tickets until you have a visa.
- A valid US visa in an expired passport is still valid. Unless canceled or revoked, a visa is valid until its expiration date. If you have a valid visa in your expired passport, do not remove it from your expired passport. You may use your valid visa in your expired passport along with a new valid passport for travel and admission to the United States.
How long can I stay in the US as a Canadian Visitor?
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