U.S. Visa Invitation Letter Guide with Sample Letters
Learn how to write an invitation letter for a U.S. visa with detailed information and two sample invitation letters. Get a U.S. visa invitation letter sample today.
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An invitation letter can strengthen a U.S. visitor visa (B-1/B-2) application by helping the consular officer understand the purpose of the trip, the visitor’s ties to their home country, and the support available during their stay. This updated guide covers when and how to write one, the key components to include, updated 2026 fee information, and provides three professionally worded sample letters with easy copy functionality.
What Is a U.S. Visa Invitation Letter?
A comprehensive guide to writing a U.S. visa invitation letter, including sample letters, key components, and formatting tips for B-1/B-2 visitor visa applications.
A U.S. visa invitation letter is a document written by a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident inviting a foreign national to visit the United States. While the letter is not a mandatory requirement for a B-1/B-2 visitor visa application, it can serve as useful supporting evidence during the consular interview. The letter helps explain the visitor’s purpose of travel, where they will stay, who is hosting them, and how expenses will be covered.
It is important to understand a critical distinction: according to the U.S. Department of State, visa applicants must qualify for a visitor visa based on their own ties to their home country, not on assurances from U.S. family and friends. A letter of invitation or Affidavit of Support is not a factor used in determining whether to issue or deny the visa. However, it can provide helpful context and is commonly included in visa application packages.
📋 Complete Guide — Updated 2026
How to Write a U.S. Visa Invitation Letter
Step-by-step instructions, three professionally worded sample letters, key components, formatting tips, and updated fee information for B-1/B-2 visitor visa applications.
📄
Not Required
But Strongly Recommended
🎫
B-1 / B-2
Most Common Visa Types
💰
$185 + $250
MRV Fee + Integrity Fee
✍️
Host Writes
U.S. Citizen or LPR
⚠️
Important: State Department Guidance
According to the U.S. Department of State, visa applicants must qualify based on their own ties to their home country, not on assurances from U.S. family and friends. A letter of invitation is not one of the factors used in determining whether to issue or deny the visa. However, it can still provide helpful context to consular officers.
🆕
2026 Fee Update: New $250 Visa Integrity Fee
Under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (signed July 4, 2025), a new $250 Visa Integrity Fee will be charged when any nonimmigrant visa is issued, including B-1/B-2 visitor visas. This is in addition to the existing $185 MRV application fee. The fee is potentially refundable if the visitor complies with all visa terms. Implementation details are still pending from DHS.
When Should You Write an Invitation Letter?
Not every visitor visa application needs an invitation letter. Understanding when one is appropriate—and when it might not be—can help you make the right decision.
✅ Write a Letter When
✓A close family member (parent, sibling, child) is visiting you and staying at your home
✓You are covering the visitor’s travel, accommodation, or living expenses during their stay
✓The visitor is attending a specific event (graduation, wedding, birth of a child, reunion)
✓A business colleague is visiting for meetings or a conference at your workplace
✓You have a genuine, established relationship with the visitor and can vouch for their intentions
🚫 Do Not Write a Letter When
✕You do not know the person well (distant acquaintance, online-only contact)
✕You are unclear about their visa type, the purpose of the trip, or whether they plan to return home
✕Someone asks you to write a letter as a favor without you fully understanding their situation
✕The letter would contain false or exaggerated information about the relationship or visit
✕You suspect the person may intend to overstay or violate visa conditions
Key Components of the Invitation Letter
A well-written invitation letter should be formal, clear, and include all the details a consular officer would find useful. Below are the essential and recommended components to include.
📌 Required Information
1
Your full name, address, and phone number — As the U.S.-based host, provide complete contact details
2
Your immigration status — State whether you are a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident (green card holder), or hold another valid status
3
Relationship to the visitor — Clearly explain your connection (parent, sibling, friend, business associate)
4
Visitor’s full name, date of birth, and passport number — Identifies the applicant for the consular officer
5
Purpose of the visit — Tourism, family visit, medical treatment, business meeting, or attending an event
6
Travel dates — Include specific arrival and departure dates to show a time-limited visit
7
Accommodation details — Where the visitor will stay (your home, a hotel, etc.)
8
Financial responsibility — If you are covering expenses, state this clearly (lodging, food, travel, medical)
💡 Recommended Additions
+
Your occupation and employer — Establishes your credibility and financial ability
+
Proof of residence — Mention how long you’ve lived at your address; attach a utility bill or lease
+
Visitor’s home country ties — Mention their job, property, or family obligations that ensure their return
+
Travel itinerary — List planned activities, tourist attractions, or events to demonstrate a clear plan
+
Copy of your U.S. ID or passport — Verifies your identity and status
+
Bank statements or pay stubs — Demonstrates financial ability to support the visitor’s stay
+
Evidence of relationship — Photos together, correspondence, previous visit records
+
Your signature and date — Always sign and date the letter to authenticate it
ℹ️
Formatting Guidelines
The letter should be typed in English and printed on standard paper. It does not need to be notarized, though notarization can add an extra layer of credibility. Keep the tone formal yet warm. Address it to the “U.S. Consulate General” or “U.S. Embassy” of the visitor’s home country. The visitor should bring it to the visa interview along with their other supporting documents.
Sample Invitation Letters
Below are three professionally worded sample invitation letters for different scenarios. Each letter can be copied with one click and customized with your own details. Replace all bracketed placeholders with your actual information.
✉️ Sample Letter 1
Friend / Tourism
[Your Full Name]
[Your Street Address]
[City, State, ZIP Code]
[Your Email Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Date]
Consulate General of the United States
[Address of the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in Visitor’s Country]
Subject: Invitation Letter for [Visitor’s Full Name], Passport No. [Visitor’s Passport Number]
Dear Honorable Consul,
I am writing to support the B-2 visitor visa application of my friend, [Visitor’s Full Name], who is a citizen of [Visitor’s Country of Citizenship].
My name is [Your Full Name], and I am a [U.S. citizen / lawful permanent resident] residing at the address above. I am employed as a [Your Job Title] at [Your Employer/Company Name] in [City, State]. I have lived at this address for [number] years.
I would like to invite [Visitor’s Full Name] to visit me in the United States for a leisure and sightseeing trip. [He/She/They] plan(s) to arrive on or around [Arrival Date] and depart on or around [Departure Date], for an approximate stay of [number] weeks.
During [his/her/their] visit, [Visitor’s First Name] will stay at my residence at the address listed above. I have sufficient room to accommodate [him/her/them] comfortably. I plan to take time off work to show [him/her/them] around [City/Region], including visits to [mention 2-3 specific attractions or planned activities].
I will cover all expenses during [his/her/their] stay, including lodging, meals, local transportation, and any incidental costs. [Visitor’s First Name] also has the financial means to support [himself/herself/themselves], as [he/she/they] is employed as a [Visitor’s Occupation] in [Visitor’s City, Country] and has strong ties to [his/her/their] home country, including [mention ties: family, property, employment].
I understand that visa issuance is at the discretion of the consular officer. I am happy to provide any additional documentation or answer any questions to support this application.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Respectfully,
[Your Handwritten Signature]
[Your Typed Full Name]
[Your U.S. Passport or Green Card Number]
Enclosures:
— Copy of my U.S. passport / green card
— Copy of a recent bank statement
— Copy of my employment verification letter
✉️ Sample Letter 2
Family / Parent Visit
[Your Full Name]
[Your Street Address]
[City, State, ZIP Code]
[Your Email Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Date]
Consulate General of the United States
[Address of the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in Parent’s Country]
Subject: Invitation Letter for [Parent’s Full Name], Passport No. [Parent’s Passport Number]
Dear Honorable Consul,
I am writing to support the B-2 visitor visa application of my [mother/father], [Parent’s Full Name], born on [Parent’s Date of Birth], who is a citizen of [Parent’s Country of Citizenship].
My name is [Your Full Name], and I am a [U.S. citizen / lawful permanent resident], residing at the address above. I hold a [U.S. passport / green card], number [Your Document Number]. I have been living in the United States for [number] years and am currently employed as a [Your Job Title] at [Your Employer] in [City, State].
I wish to invite my [mother/father] to visit me and my family in the United States. It has been [number] years since we last saw each other in person, and this visit would be deeply meaningful for our family. [Optional: mention a specific occasion such as meeting a grandchild, a birthday, a holiday gathering, or a health-related visit.]
[Parent’s First Name] plans to arrive on or around [Arrival Date] and return home on or around [Departure Date], for an approximate stay of [number] weeks. During [his/her] visit, [he/she] will reside with me at my home at the address listed above.
I will take full financial responsibility for my [mother’s/father’s] trip, including round-trip airfare, lodging at my home, meals, local transportation, medical needs, and all other expenses for the duration of [his/her] stay. I have enclosed copies of my bank statements and employment verification letter as evidence of my financial ability.
My [mother/father] has strong ties to [his/her] home country. [He/She] owns [a home / property] in [City, Country], is [retired from / still employed at] [Employer or description], and has [other children / grandchildren / community obligations] in [Country]. [He/She] fully intends to return home after this visit.
I respectfully request that you give [his/her] application favorable consideration. I am happy to provide any additional information or documentation that may be needed.
Sincerely,
[Your Handwritten Signature]
[Your Typed Full Name]
[Your U.S. Passport or Green Card Number]
Enclosures:
— Copy of my U.S. passport / green card (both sides)
— Recent bank statements (last 3 months)
— Employment verification letter
— Copy of my most recent tax return (optional)
— Proof of relationship (birth certificate, family photos)
✉️ Sample Letter 3
Business / Conference
[Company Name]
[Company Street Address]
[City, State, ZIP Code]
[Company Phone Number]
[Company Website]
[Date]
Consulate General of the United States
[Address of the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in Visitor’s Country]
Subject: Business Invitation for [Visitor’s Full Name], Passport No. [Visitor’s Passport Number]
Dear Honorable Consul,
I am writing on behalf of [Company Name] to support the B-1 business visitor visa application of [Visitor’s Full Name], born on [Visitor’s Date of Birth], a citizen of [Visitor’s Country].
My name is [Your Full Name], and I serve as [Your Job Title] at [Company Name], located at the address above. Our company is a [brief description of the company, e.g., “technology consulting firm established in 2010 with 150 employees”].
We are inviting [Visitor’s Full Name] to visit our U.S. office for the purpose of [attending business meetings / participating in a training program / attending a conference / conducting contract negotiations / discussing a partnership]. [Visitor’s First Name] currently serves as [Visitor’s Job Title] at [Visitor’s Company Name] in [Visitor’s City, Country], and [his/her/their] visit is directly related to our ongoing business relationship.
The visit is scheduled from [Arrival Date] to [Departure Date], a duration of approximately [number] business days. During this time, [Visitor’s First Name] will [describe specific activities: attend meetings at our office, visit our manufacturing facility, participate in the annual industry conference at (venue), etc.].
[Visitor’s First Name] will not receive any compensation, salary, or payment from a U.S. source during this visit. [His/Her/Their] employer in [Country] will continue to pay [his/her/their] salary, and [his/her/their] company will cover [his/her/their] travel and accommodation expenses. [Alternatively: Our company will arrange and cover hotel accommodation at (Hotel Name) and local transportation during the business visit.]
[Visitor’s First Name] will return to [his/her/their] home country immediately after the business activities conclude, as [he/she/they] hold(s) an active position at [Visitor’s Company Name] and has ongoing professional and personal commitments in [Country].
Should you require any further information or documentation, please do not hesitate to contact me directly at [Your Phone Number] or [Your Email Address].
Respectfully,
[Your Handwritten Signature]
[Your Typed Full Name]
[Your Job Title]
[Company Name]
Enclosures:
— Company letterhead (this letter)
— Meeting agenda or conference registration
— Copy of inviter’s business card or company ID
— Evidence of the business relationship (prior correspondence, contracts)
2026 Visitor Visa Fees & Costs
While the invitation letter itself has no associated fee, the visitor’s overall visa application involves several costs. Here is the current fee structure for B-1/B-2 visitor visa applications as of 2026.
Fee
Amount
When Paid
Notes
MRV Application Fee
$185
Before scheduling interview
Non-refundable, covers application processing
Visa Integrity Fee
$250
At visa issuance
New under OBBBA (2025). Potentially refundable if visa terms fully complied with. Implementation pending.
Reciprocity Fee
Varies
At visa issuance
Depends on applicant’s nationality. Some countries: $0; others up to several hundred dollars.
EVUS Enrollment
$30
Before travel
Applies to Chinese nationals with 10-year B-1/B-2 visas only. Effective Sept 30, 2025.
$435+
Estimated Minimum Total Visa Cost (2026)
$185 MRV application fee + $250 Visa Integrity Fee = $435 minimum. Additional reciprocity fees may apply depending on the applicant’s nationality. The Visa Integrity Fee implementation is still pending final DHS rulemaking.
ℹ️
Visa Waiver Program Exemption
Citizens of the 40+ Visa Waiver Program (VWP) countries can travel to the U.S. for up to 90 days without a visa using ESTA ($21 fee). They are exempt from both the MRV fee and the new Visa Integrity Fee. VWP travelers do not need an invitation letter. Check if your visitor’s country participates at travel.state.gov.
Supporting Documents to Include
Alongside the invitation letter, the following supporting documents can strengthen the visitor’s application. These should be sent to the visitor so they can bring them to the consular interview.
Document
From Host (You)
From Visitor
Purpose
Invitation Letter
✅ Required
—
Explains the purpose of visit, relationship, and support
Copy of U.S. ID or Passport
✅ Recommended
—
Verifies the host’s identity and immigration status
Proof of U.S. Status
✅ Recommended
—
Copy of green card, naturalization certificate, or valid visa
Home ownership, business, vehicle — demonstrates ties abroad
✅
Pro Tip: Ties to Home Country Are Key
The single most common reason consular officers deny B-2 visa applications is insufficient evidence of ties to the visitor’s home country. The stronger the visitor can demonstrate that they have reasons to return home—employment, family, property, business—the better their chances of approval. Your invitation letter can help by mentioning these ties.
Step-by-Step: How the Visitor Uses the Letter
📝 From Letter to Interview: The Complete Process
1
Host Writes & Signs the Letter
The U.S.-based host writes the invitation letter, signs it, and gathers supporting documents (ID copy, bank statements, employment letter). Send everything to the visitor by mail, email, or courier.
2
Visitor Completes Form DS-160
The visitor fills out the online DS-160 nonimmigrant visa application at ceac.state.gov. They will need the host’s U.S. address, planned travel dates, and other details from the invitation letter.
3
Pay the MRV Application Fee ($185)
The visitor pays the non-refundable $185 Machine Readable Visa (MRV) fee. Payment methods vary by country. The receipt is required to schedule the interview.
4
Schedule & Attend the Visa Interview
The visitor schedules an interview at the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate. At the interview, they present the invitation letter, supporting documents, DS-160 confirmation, passport, and photo. The consular officer may ask about the purpose of the trip, ties to the home country, and financial situation.
5
Visa Decision & Integrity Fee
If approved, the visa is issued. Starting in 2026, the visitor will also pay the $250 Visa Integrity Fee at the time of issuance (implementation timing pending). If denied, no integrity fee is charged, but the MRV fee is not refunded.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is an invitation letter required for a U.S. visitor visa?
No. The U.S. Department of State explicitly states that an invitation letter is not required for a B-1/B-2 visa application. However, it is commonly included as supporting evidence and can help the consular officer understand the purpose and duration of the visit. Importantly, the letter alone cannot get a visa approved — the applicant must independently demonstrate strong ties to their home country.
Does the invitation letter need to be notarized?
No, notarization is generally not required. A typed, signed letter on plain paper is sufficient. However, some applicants choose to have the letter notarized for additional credibility, especially for family-based visits. The consular officer’s decision is based on the totality of the application, not on whether the letter is notarized.
Who should write the invitation letter?
The letter should be written by the person hosting or inviting the visitor in the United States. This person should ideally be a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident. If the host holds another valid immigration status (e.g., H-1B, F-1 student), they can still write the letter but should clearly state their status. For business visits, the letter should come from the U.S. company or organization on official letterhead.
Can one invitation letter cover multiple visitors?
It’s best to write a separate letter for each visitor, even if they are from the same family. Each visa application is evaluated individually, and a dedicated letter with the specific visitor’s details (name, passport number, dates) is more effective. If a family is traveling together, you can reference this in each letter.
Should I address the letter to the visitor or to the consulate?
Address the letter to the U.S. Consulate or Embassy where the visitor will apply, not to the visitor personally. Use “Dear Honorable Consul” or “Dear Sir/Madam” as the salutation. Include the visitor’s details (full name, passport number) in the subject line so the consular officer can easily match it to the application.
What if the visitor is paying for their own trip?
That’s perfectly fine and may actually strengthen the application. If the visitor is self-funding, you can still write an invitation letter confirming the purpose of the visit and where they will stay. Simply omit the section about covering expenses, or note that the visitor will fund their own trip. The visitor should bring their own bank statements and financial documents to the interview.
What is the new $250 Visa Integrity Fee?
The Visa Integrity Fee was established by the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (Public Law 119-21), signed on July 4, 2025. It adds a minimum $250 charge at the time any nonimmigrant visa is issued, including B-1/B-2 visitor visas. The fee is non-waivable and will be adjusted annually for inflation. It is potentially refundable if the visa holder fully complies with all visa conditions and departs on time. As of early 2026, DHS has not yet finalized the implementation process, so the fee is authorized but collection has not officially begun.
Can the invitation letter guarantee visa approval?
No. An invitation letter cannot guarantee that a visa will be approved. The consular officer evaluates the entire application, with primary emphasis on the applicant’s own qualifications: their ties to their home country, financial stability, purpose of travel, and intent to return. The invitation letter is one supporting piece of evidence, but it is not a deciding factor. A strong application with solid home-country ties is far more important than any invitation letter.
How should I send the invitation letter to the visitor?
You can send the signed original letter and supporting documents by international mail or courier service (FedEx, DHL, UPS). Many consulates also accept printed copies of emailed or scanned documents. To be safe, send both a scanned digital copy by email (so the visitor has it immediately) and the physical original by mail. The visitor should bring the original signed letter to their interview if possible.
What if my visa invitation letter contains a mistake?
If you discover an error before the interview, write a corrected letter. If the error is minor (a small typo in the address, for example), it is unlikely to cause a problem. However, any inaccurate information about the visitor’s identity, passport number, or dates could create confusion. Always double-check all details, especially names and passport numbers, before signing the letter.
Writing a well-crafted invitation letter is one of the simplest yet most effective ways to support someone’s U.S. visitor visa application. While it cannot guarantee approval, it demonstrates to the consular officer that the visitor has a clear purpose, a place to stay, and support during their trip. Combine the letter with strong evidence of the visitor’s ties to their home country, and you give them the best possible chance of a successful application. Visit the official U.S. Department of State website for the most current visa application guidelines and requirements.
Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Immigration laws and policies are subject to change. Always verify current requirements on the official U.S. Department of State website and consult with a qualified immigration attorney for advice specific to your situation.
As the Chief Editor at VisaVerge.com, Oliver Mercer is instrumental in steering the website's focus on immigration, visa, and travel news. His role encompasses curating and editing content, guiding a team of writers, and ensuring factual accuracy and relevance in every article. Under Oliver's leadership, VisaVerge.com has become a go-to source for clear, comprehensive, and up-to-date information, helping readers navigate the complexities of global immigration and travel with confidence and ease.
Thank you for this information it was very helpful to me …..