This post was most recently updated on May 27th, 2019
What is an Invitation Letter for US Visa?
An invitation letter for US visa, is a letter or document written by a legal resident of USA to request the presence ( or visit ) of a non-US resident to the United States. Writing an invitation letter for US visa can be quite challenging when you have no idea about what is expected. My goal in this article is to show you how to write the letter and also present so samples for inspiration.
If you would like to know how a proper invitation letter for US visa should be written, you have found the right article. In writing an Invitation Letter for US visa (Tourist visa) what is most important is to ensure that all the required information is in the letter.
In 2016 alone (according to CNN) the USA issued over 10 million non-immigrant visas to visitors all over the world. And in 2018 over 9 million non-immigrant visas were issued. Most of these visas were issued based on the belief that these visitors would leave the United States of America at the end of their visit. Although you would not see an invitation letter among the list of documents required for the issuance of a B2 Visa, it is highly suggested that you have one with you when attending a visa interview.
There is no specific method or style for writing an invitation letter. However, you must ensure that all the required information is visible in the letter. Please note that the consulate does not require an invitation letter for the issuance of a B-2 Visa. An invitation letter is a good document to have because it gives more details about the reason for your intended visit to the USA.
In summary, the following should be in the letter of invitation.
Your letter should include the following information about the person being invited:
- Complete name.
- Date of birth.
- The person’s address and telephone number.
- Your relationship to the person being invited.
- The purpose of the trip.
- How long the person you are inviting intends to stay in the United States of America.
- Details on accommodation and living expenses.
- The date the person you are inviting intends to leave the USA.
Your letter should also include the following information about the person writing the letter:
- Complete name.
- Date of birth.
- Address and telephone number in the United States.
- Occupation.
- Your status in the United States
- A photocopy of a document proving your status in the United States.
How does the visa officer evaluate an invitation letter?
The Chief of the Non-Immigrant Visa Unit at the U.S. Consulate in Casablanca, Morocco, Ms. Nahal Kazemi, participated in a Town Hall meeting with Moroccan Americans, in Washington, where she spoke about various aspects of immigration policies affecting the Moroccan and Moroccan-American community. In this clip, she talks about the invitation letter for US visa.
Before you start writing your letter
If you do not have Grammarly - A grammar checker that I use every day for all my writing, please get it free from here Now. Grammarly. You can read my full story on how I discovered Grammarly here.Sample invitation letter for US Visa written to a Girl Friend
There are two ways to address an invitation letter for US Visa. You could either address it to the visa officer or you could address it to the person you want to invite. Please find below a sample invitation letter addressed to the US consulate! The names on it are fictitious but this format has been used and visas have been issued using this format. There are other formats that can be used. The most important thing is for the information required to be on it.
Remember that this is just a sample and we are not in any way connected to the US immigration.
Sample Invitation Letter for US visa Addressed to the US Consulate
January 27th, 2019
United States Consulate General
Address of the Consulate
Dear Honourable Consul,
SADE OMOTOLEWA – PASSPORT NO AO234567 – DATE OF BIRTH (24 JUNE, 1983)
My name is Maya Louhre, and I reside at 4532 68th Street, New York, NY 12546. I am a United States citizen (or lawful permanent resident alien).
I am requesting that you issue a tourist (B-2) visa to my girlfriend Sade Omotolewa who resides at 234 lane, House 2, Mararaba Estate, Ikeja, Lagos, Nigeria. This is to allow her to visit with me in the United States. We have been friends for the past 2 years and I would like her to visit, this summer.
Sade will be visiting with me from June 1st 2019 to June 30th 2019. This will be a great time because we will both be off work at this time. During her stay in the United States, she will stay with me at my home at the address stated above.
I will be responsible for all of her accommodation expenses while she is in the United States. Upon the termination of her visit, she will return to Lagos, Nigeria.
Sade will be presenting this letter to you, together with other evidence to establish her close ties with Nigeria, and to assure you that she will return prior to the expiration of her stay in the United States.
Your kind consideration of this request will be greatly appreciated.
Yours Truly,
Maya Louhre
4532 68th Street, New York, NY 12546
1-202-123-1234
Do not forget to send a scanned copy of your passport or Green card.
Here is an image to give you an idea of how the invitation letter for us visa could be laid out. This is just one way. You may choose to do it another way.
PDF Sample of the Invitation Letter for US visa
Here is a pdf version of the letter! (Sample Invitation letter for USA visa). I have chosen not to include a Microsoft word version so that you are not tempted to use the exact wording of this sample. It is better to use these samples as guides and to write the invitation letter in your own words.
Sample Invitation Letter for US Visa Addressed to the Invited Guest.
January 27th, 2016
Sade Omotolewa
234 lane, House 2,
Mararaba Estate,
Ikeja, Lagos, Nigeria
Dear Sade,
Please consider this as a formal invitation to visit me at my home in 4532 68th Street, New York, NY 12546.
You can visit me during this summer from June 1st – June 30th, 2016. During your visit, I will be on vacation and I can show you the various tourist attractions in New York. During your visit, you can stay at my place and I will be responsible for the transportation expenses around New York.
You may use this as part of your supporting documents during your visa interview!
Yours Truly,
Maya Louhre
1-202-123-1234
GUEST INFORMATION
- Name: SADE OMOTOLEWA –
- PASSPORT NO AO234567 –
- DATE OF BIRTH (24 JUNE, 1983)
- PHONE: 234809569989
- OCCUPATION: LAWYER
- CITIZENSHIP: NIGERIAN
HOST INFORMATION
- NAME: Maya Louhre
- Status in USA: Citizen of USA
- OCCUPATION: Truck Driver
Sample Invitation Letter for US Visa Addressed to an old friend
March 27th, 2019
To whom it may concern,
This is to certify that John Smith will be visiting me in Queens, New York from June 1st, 2019 to September 15st 2019. John has been a close personal friend of mine for eight years and will be staying at my home for the duration of his stay.
My address:
234 Lachine Ave, Queens, New York. 111111. USA
Tel: 111-767-0987.
I am a Citizen of the United States of America
Should you require any further information, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Kind regards,
David Adidas
GUESTS:
Name: Mr. John Smith
Address:.1 Progress Street, Accra, Ghana.
Date of Birth – May 12, 1976
Telephone: +233-803-217-3333
Relationship: Friend.
Do not forget to send a scanned copy of your passport or permanent resident card.
Sample letter of invitation for your girlfriend
Please take note that there is no specific format for an invitation letter. What you need to be concerned about is that you have the necessary information on the letter.
Dave Malay
3444 Mascot Ave, New York,
New York.
23 Month, year
Susan Molly
114 Amorsolo Street, Legaspi Village,
Makati City, Metro Manila, Philippines
INVITATION TO VISIT NEW YORK
Hi Babe,
Please use this as a formal invitation to visit me in New York this coming Summer. As discussed on the phone, you may come between May 25 and June 25. This will give you enough time to visit a few places and for us to get to enjoy each other again. I really enjoyed my visit to Manila last summer. I am looking forward to your visit. I have made arrangements for us to visit the Blabla Museum and the [another tourist attraction.]
During your visit, you would be staying at my apartment at 3444 Mascot Ave, New York. I will be responsible for your travel around the USA. You can take this letter for your visa interview as part of the supporting documents for your visa application.
I love you
Insert your signature here – Don’t forget to do this!!!
Dave
Host Information
Name – Dave Malay
Address – 3444 Mascot Ave, New York,
Occupation – Marketing Representative, Widget Company
Status in USA – Citizen
Passport N0 – XXXXXXXXX
Phone No. 12121212112
Guest Information
Name – Susan Molly
Address -114 Amorsolo Street, Legaspi Village, Makati City, Metro Manila, Philippines.
Occupation – School Teacher – Go TO School, Secondary School.
Date of Birth – 23 March 1980
Passport No – XXXXXXXX
Telephone No – 12121221212
All you have to do after signing is to send scanned copies of the letter and the Bio-data page (the one with your photo and information) to your girlfriend in Manila. You are free to send any other document that you feel comfortable to send such as proof of your apartment or tax return.
Sample Invitation Letter for US Visa written to a Fiancee’s Mother to attend a wedding
John Gray
93 Compton St,
Kingston, State,
USA
Dear Mrs. Jonathan,
Invitation to attend our wedding
Further to all the plans that have been made over the phone, this is a formal invitation for your visa application!
You are invited to visit us for 4 weeks from July 1st, 2015 to July 31st! This will be so that you can help us with the final preparations for the wedding which you are a major part of on the 25th of July!
A copy of the formal invitation card is attached to this letter as well as the order of events on that day!
While you are here, you will stay with us and we will be responsible for your feeding and transportation around the city.
We look forward to having you here. Peace your daughter would really appreciate your help at this time!
With love,
John Bay
Phone Number
Guest information
Name
Address
Phone
Passport no
Relationship
Please be reminded that you will need to send photocopies your Passport or Immigration documents and bank statements if you are sponsoring the entire trip.
Writing an Invitation Letter is just one piece of the puzzle, your guest may need help with Visa Application or Interview. You may also need to read about B1 B2 Visa Interview Questions and Answers
Sample Invitation Letter for US Visa for Sister
January 27th, 2016
Jessica Hickens Okon
XYZ Street, House 41,
Thuja Villa,
Utako, Abuja Nigeria
Dear Jessica,
Please consider this as a formal invitation to visit me at my home in 4528 58th Street, New York, NY 12547.
You can visit me during this summer from August 1st to August 16th, 2018. During your visit, I will be on vacation and I can show you the various tourist attractions in New York. You can stay at my place and I will be responsible for the transport and feeding expenses in New York.
Please use this as part of your supporting documents during your visa interview!
Yours Truly,
[Signature]
Tochi Larry
1-212-423-1884
GUEST INFORMATION
Name: Jessica Hickens Okon
PASSPORT NO A0004239
DATE OF BIRTH (12th January 1988)
PHONE: 2348025678923
OCCUPATION: Events Planner/Interior Decorator
CITIZENSHIP: Nigerian
HOST INFORMATION
NAME: Tochi Larry
Status in the USA: Citizen of USA
OCCUPATION: Business Writer
*You could also use this as a sample invitation letter for your brother or parent.
Sample Invitation Letter for Us Visa for Aunt
Tochi Larry
4528 58th Street,
New York, NY 12547
Phone Number:1-212-423-1884
Email: tochilarry@gmail.com
[Date]
Aunt Becky
XYZ Street, House 41,
Thuja Villa, Utako, Abuja, Nigeria
Dear Aunt Becky,
I invite you to visit us and spend your vacation in the USA with me. I have plans to visit famous tourist places like [name of tourist places to visit] and also check out those fast food joints you’ve been dying to go to. It will also be an opportunity for you to see and experience the American culture and lifestyle.
I will be taking care of your entire USA tour expenses, including the round-trip airfare food, housing, medical insurance, and all your other personal expenses.
Herewith I am sending all the required documents for getting the necessary tourist visa from the US Consulate, [Name of US Consulate, e.g. Mumbai Consulate]
Sincerely,
[Sponsor’s signature]
Tochi Larry
Sample Invitation Letter for Visitor Visa for In-laws addressed to the US Consulate
United States Consulate General
Address of the Consulate
Dear Honorable Consul,
JESSICA HICKENS OKON – PASSPORT NO A0004239 – DATE OF BIRTH [12th January 1988]
My name is Tochi Larry, and I reside at 4528 58th Street, New York, NY 12546. I am a United States citizen and a lawful permanent resident.
I am requesting that you issue a tourist (B-2) visa to my sister-in-law, Jessica Hickens, who resides in Hs 41, Thuja Villa, Utako Abuja. I’m inviting her over and the visa will allow her to visit with me in the United States. We have been friends for the past 4 years and I would like her to visit, this summer.
Jessica will be visiting with me from August 1st to August 16th, 2018. This will be convenient for us because we will both be off work at this time. During her stay in the United States, she will stay with me at my home at the address stated above. I will be responsible for all of her accommodation expenses while she is in the United States. Upon the termination of her visit, she will return to Abuja, Nigeria.
Jessica will be presenting this letter to you, together with other evidence to establish her close ties with Nigeria and to assure you that she will return prior to the expiration of her stay in the United States.
Your kind consideration of this request will be greatly appreciated.
Thank you.
Tochi Lori
How should the Invitation letter for Visa be delivered?
I suggest you write the invitation letter on a computer, get it printed and signed. You can then scan the signed letter and send it to your guest(s). You can attach scanned copies of your immigration documents and send them via email as well.
What Next After the Invitation Letter is Written?
Once you have written an invitation letter, you send it with copies of your documents as listed above to your guest. Your guest will them obtain and fill out an application for visa form. The procedure for obtaining and filling out these forms as well as cost varies from country to country. It is the responsibility of your guest to contact the embassy or consulate of the country they want to visit to find out the procedure. Most embassies have these procedures listed on their websites. You can find links to some of these websites on the right-hand side of this page.
In many cases, your guest would need to schedule an appointment for a visa interview online. In some countries, the visa office will contact your guest to give him or her a date for a visa interview. During this interview, several questions will be asked to determine their eligibility for a visitor visa and to confirm that what they wrote in their application is true.
If the visa officer is satisfied with the answers they provide to her questions, they will be issued a visa. The visa office will then instruct them on when to come back for their international passport with the visa already placed in it.
Is an Invitation Letter for Visa really necessary?
Many countries required an invitation letter for the issuance of a visitor visa in the past. These days however, some countries have stated that an invitation letter for visa application is not required.
Nevertheless, they require proof of the purpose of your visit and an invitation letter in many cases is the only proof you have that you want to go and visit your cousin or girlfriend for a few weeks.
If however you want to visit the USA for example and you have no friend there, you do not need to look for an invitation letter from a stranger. Find ways of showing that you are visiting the country as a tourist and that would satisfy the requirement to show proof of the purpose of your visit. Read what the US visa office has to say on this issue
Hi, I am a USA citizen and I have a friend in JA. He wants to able to visit here multiple times. For example, he wants to come stay here for three months and and go back home for three months then come back again. What is the best way he can get a visa or which visa is the best one? Plus, do I have to be working and paying tax for an invitation letter? I am physical disable and receive government benefits, how do I go about helping my friend to come here to Florida?
Hi Michelin, you can write an invitation letter as long as you are a U.S. Citizen! However your friend needs to show to the consular officer that he would actually return to his home country after each visit! If he does not have a steady job, personal landed property or a thriving business, it is quite difficult for a single man to prove his ties to his home country!
Hi I’m Lea and I’m from the Philippines. My boyfriend wants me to visit him next year. I can have him write that letter since he offered to sponsor my stay but I’m afraid I lack documents to proves my ties with my country. I don’t own any bank accounts nor own any properties. All I have is my job here which I love and I do intend yo come back. What other documents can I present to prove that I’ll return and be approved?
Hi Lea, your best option is to start making effort to gather documents that will prove your ties to Philippines! Get a bank account, get a letter from your work place that you would be on leave, also a letter from an NGO stating your involvement!
Hello,my name is Sonnia from Kenya,My boyfriend and I met through a dating site one and a half years ago,we haven’t been able to make our first meeting because I’m in another country and I have to finish my contract,So he plans to visit me immediately i get back home,Now he wants to send me an invitation letter so that i can apply for a tourist visa and go back with him because his parents want to meet me first,i have a bank account,children but i don’t own any properties,What more documents can i use to prove that i will be returning to my country?
Hi Sonnia, it’s not easy to prove that you would come back when you are in a relationship with a citizen! You would have to hope that you encounter a friendly consular officer! Try letter from employer! Of course your children are not going with you. I wish you the best!
What would be your advice in our case,we just want to do things the right way,your advice will be highly appreciated,thank you Admin
Hi Sonnia, there is no harm in trying for a Visa! If it is not approved them you would have to explore other options! Such as fiancée visa…
my name is Awal and my friend have write me the invitation letter to visit her in USA, but I will take all my expenses, please she is confuse about how to put my address on the letter, please can she put my address and phone number and also councillor address on top of the letter?
She can put your address!
She can address the letter to you! You will then add it to your application! If she decides to address it to the consulate then she can simply say that your address is …
tell your boyfriend to apply for fiancé visa, I recently did for my Ethiopian girlfriend
Hi Greg
How did you do that by applying for your fiancé because my boyfriend want to invited me to the USA and he does not know how
Please can you explained
Thanks
April
I’m male 25, but will be 26 next month. I’m from Nigeria. I’ll like to apply for a usa visiting visa. Please can anyone help by sending me an invite? Thanks.
hello..iam indonesian. i want to ask, my bf from american. he want me come to america next month. now he’s in indonesia. he wanna make invitation. do he need fill form for any document? or he just make invitation latter? where i can input the invitation letter by ?
and i just quit from my job last january because we went to traveling in asean for few months. it will be a problem if i have no job yet?
how can i get multiple entry visa?
thanks a lot
Hello Sir
I currently live and work in South Africa and planning to apply for a tourist visa soon. My brother is a US citizen and he’ll be sending me a letter of invitation. Besides my work documents do you think it might also help if I include documents of property(ies) I own back home in Nigeria?
Thank youfor such a helpful forum and hope to hear from you soon.
Irene
My friend is a us citizen and an ex marine.. He is inviting me to the us.. but the thing now is he doesn’t have a passport..as during his time in the force he only travelled with his I.D.
Will the embassy honour his invitation letter with out his passport attached to it.. what are my chances
my nephew goes to school in Trinidad and wants to visit me in the U.S for 2wks how do I write an invitation letter for him to come?
My name is Marie, Im Haitian and I’m living in Haiti. I have a friend in USA, he would like me to visit him for this summer. I’m a student, but i dont have a job. My friend is ready to sponsor my travel and my accomodation. What can i do to have a tourist viza to visit my friend in USA?
Hello sit!
I am Rashid Iqbal ,am from Pakistan,I have a friend in USA,he want me to invite to visit USA,please guide me,how can I get visit visa soon,
Good day,I’m a Nigerian studying in India and I would like to visit my cousin in America,he’s an American citizen but he’s 20,can he invite me?….can I appy for the visa here in India?…..thanks
Yes he can invite you because is is over 18 and yes you can apply from India if you have legal docs to be in India
Yea I have legal documents…..what are the likely questions they will ask me?
Hi,
I’m a citizen of the USA and I’m trying to invite my father from Nigeria for medical reasons. What sort of information would I need to put in my letter?. I’m also a reserve in the US army, I wouldn’t know if I should include that to help enhance my chances.
Hi! My Husband is a citizen and he want to invite my nephew 8, niece 5 and my mother for Christmas. My husband is godfather of my niece. How we should do a invitation letter, do they need?
Hi,
I want to invite my granpa to stay with me for 3 months he’s 88 years old and I’m pregnant and I.would like to having him.here for my delivery day. I want to include my husband at the letter I’m permanent resident and he’s American
what should I do? Write 2 different letters or just a joint one. Should I have to mention my pregnancy ?
My fiancee’s son wants to visit me from Venezuela this fall while his mother is also here for a visit. While he is here in the U.S. he also plans on visiting his fiancee’s mother and her husband, who live in another part of the U.S. When writing an invitation letter on his behalf, should I make any reference to his intention to visit another part of the U.S., or simply focus on his visit with me? I’m not quite sure how this situation would work or how the letter should be worded in this case. Any help you can provide would be appreciated.
My friend is on PR visa in usa and getting married soon, what kind of sponsorship letter do i require as i want to attend his wedding.
Hello, I would like to know how I should write a letter to the U.S Embassy on behalf of my fiancé of 3 years that is in Malaysia and from Nigeria he just finished his 3 year school there and acquired his business degree and has a letter from the school to support him at the embassy also. We want to get married and I am not sure how my invite should be for him.
Any suggestions ?
Thanks
Dear admin,
My uncle that based in USA want to invite…please who and where is him going to address the invitation letter to?
Plz tell me what can I do my cousin send me a invetation letter from u s.but wrongly he give his wrong signature on the invetation letter.i am very upset what can I do now