A letter of invitation for a U.S. visa is a personal statement from a U.S.-based host explaining the details of a visitor’s trip. While it may describe who is visiting and why, its most important function is to clarify whether—and how—the host is willing to provide financial support during the visit. For UK residents seeking a B-1/B-2 visitor visa, this letter can be a useful document to include with the application, particularly when financial support or accommodation is being offered.
The letter is typically optional and is not required by the U.S. government for all visa types. However, it is recommended as it provides consular officers with a clearer view of the trip’s purpose, duration, and logistics. It is often used in conjunction with Form I-134, Declaration of Financial Support, which formally documents the host’s financial ability. The invitation letter supports Form I-134 by communicating the sponsor’s willingness and intent in plain language, but it does not replace the form.
Purpose and Importance of the Invitation Letter
Consular officers review visitor visa applications to assess public charge risk and the credibility of the applicant. A well-crafted invitation letter can address these concerns by demonstrating a legitimate reason for the visit and a clear plan for the visitor’s stay. It shows the officer that the visitor has ties to the U.S. through the host and a specific purpose for their trip, which can help overcome common grounds for visa refusal.
The letter is particularly valuable in several scenarios: * First-time applications, where the visitor has no prior U.S. travel history. * When the host is covering travel or accommodation costs, clarifying financial responsibility. * To make a stronger, more complete application package.
While visitors from Visa Waiver Programme (VWP) countries do not need a visa for trips under 90 days, those from non-VWP countries, such as the UK, may require a visa for longer stays or specific purposes.
Key Components of a Support-Focused Invitation Letter
A support-focused invitation letter should be concise, factual, and specific. It is not a formal contract but a statement of intent. The primary goal is to prevent misunderstandings by providing a clear explanation of the visit’s details. Key elements to include are:
- Host and Visitor Details: Full names, addresses, and contact information for both parties.
- Relationship: A clear description of the relationship between the host and the visitor (e.g., friend, family member).
- Purpose of Visit: A specific and legitimate reason for the trip, such as tourism, family visits, or attending an event.
- Trip Duration: Anticipated arrival and departure dates, providing a clear timeline for the visit.
- Accommodation Plans: Where the visitor will stay, such as the host’s home or a hotel, including the address.
- Financial Support Declaration: A clear statement of what the host is willing to cover. This should be specific and realistic, avoiding exaggeration. Common areas include:
- Accommodation (lodging).
- Daily living expenses (food, transportation).
- Travel costs (flights).
- Host’s Status: The host’s U.S. immigration status (e.g., U.S. citizen, permanent resident).
- Itinerary: A brief overview of planned activities during the stay.
The letter should be typed, printed on standard paper, and signed by the host. A formal yet personal tone is appropriate; it should be welcoming and warm but not overly contrived. It is not usually necessary to have the letter notarised.
Sample Invitation Letter Templates
The following samples are provided as guides only. They should be modified to accurately reflect the specific situation, replacing bracketed information with personal details. Always ensure the letter is truthful and reflects what the host genuinely intends to provide.
Sample 1: Letter Addressed to the Consulate (Formal Tone)
This sample is written directly to the consular office and is the most common format.
[Your Full Name] [Your Street Address] [City, State, Zip Code] [Email Address] [Phone Number] [Date]
Consulate General of [Visitor’s Home Country] [Consulate Address]
Subject: Invitation for [Visitor’s Full Name], Passport No: [Visitor’s Passport Number]
Dear Consulate,
I, [Your Full Name], residing at [Your Address], am writing this letter to support the visa application of my [relationship, e.g., friend], [Visitor’s Full Name].
[Visitor’s Full Name] plans to visit the United States briefly for leisure and sightseeing purposes. During their stay, which we anticipate lasting from [arrival date] to [departure date], [he/she/they] will be staying with me at my home. The address is listed above. I will be taking time off work to show [him/her/them] around the city and ensure [he/she/they] experience the diverse cultural heritage of our country.
I am a [Your Occupation] and residing in the U.S. as a [Your Status, e.g., U.S. citizen/permanent resident]. I am providing this letter to attest to my intention to support [Visitor’s Full Name] during [his/her/their] visit. I will be covering the costs of [specify, e.g., accommodation, daily meals, and local transportation]. [Visitor’s Full Name] will be responsible for [specify, e.g., international airfare and travel insurance].
I kindly ask you to consider [Visitor’s Full Name]’s visa application. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you require any further information.
Sincerely,
[Your Signature] [Your Printed Name]
Sample 2: Letter Addressed to the Guest (Less Formal Tone)
This sample is written directly to the visitor and can be included with their application to demonstrate the host’s commitment.
[Date]
Dear [Visitor’s Name],
I am writing to formally invite you to visit me in [City, State] from [arrival date] to [departure date]. I am very much looking forward to hosting you and showing you some of the wonderful sights in our area.
As your host, I will be providing accommodation at my home located at [Your Address]. I will also cover the costs of your daily meals and local transportation during your stay. Your visit will be a great opportunity for us to spend time together after [mention period of time since last meeting].
Please use this letter as part of your visa application to the U.S. Consulate. I have attached a copy of my [e.g., U.S. passport or permanent residence card] for your reference.
I hope you have a safe journey, and I look forward to seeing you soon.
Warm regards,
[Your Signature] [Your Printed Name]
Frequently Asked Questions
Is an invitation letter mandatory for a U.S. visitor visa? No, it is not a mandatory requirement set by the U.S. government. However, it is strongly recommended, especially when the applicant needs to demonstrate strong ties to the U.S. or when financial support is being provided.
Does the letter need to be notarised? Typically, no. A signed letter from the host is sufficient. The U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Consular Affairs does not specify notarisation as a requirement for invitation letters.
What if I cannot provide financial support? The letter can still be used to explain the purpose of the visit and accommodation plans. If you are not offering financial support, you should clearly state that the visitor will be responsible for all their expenses. Exaggerating your willingness to provide support can harm the applicant’s case.
Can I use the same letter for multiple visitors? No, each invitation letter should be tailored to the specific visitor and trip. A generic letter lacks the personal details that consular officers look for to assess the legitimacy of the visit.
What should I avoid in the letter? Avoid making unrealistic promises, providing false information, or being overly formal in a way that sounds insincere. The letter should be truthful, specific, and focused on the facts of the trip.
Conclusion
A letter of invitation is a valuable tool for UK residents supporting a visitor’s U.S. visa application. It serves to clarify the purpose, duration, and financial arrangements of the visit, helping to build a credible application. While optional, its use can significantly strengthen a case, particularly for first-time applicants or those receiving support from a U.S.-based host. The letter should be factual, concise, and specific, focusing on the host’s willingness to support the visitor without making guarantees. When used alongside other required documents, such as Form I-134, it can provide a comprehensive picture of the visitor’s plans, aiding the consular officer in making a fair assessment.