Cecilia Guizado
To write an invitation letter for a U.S. visa, the host in the United States includes their name, address, status and contact details, the visitor’s information, the purpose and dates of the trip, and signs it. The letter is optional: the consulate decides based on the applicant’s own ties. At Notaria Latina, we help hosts prepare and notarize it.
Key takeaways
- The invitation letter is written by the host in the U.S., not by the traveler.
- It is not required for a visitor visa, and the U.S. Department of State says it is not a factor in approving or denying the visa.
- It can help the traveler explain the purpose, dates and place of stay consistently at the interview.
- Notarization is optional: it confirms the host's signature but does not improve the chances of approval.
Understanding the letter of invitation
A letter of invitation is a short, written document from a U.S.-based host inviting a friend, relative or business contact to visit the United States. It explains who the host is, how they know the visitor, why the visitor is coming and where they will stay. The visitor can bring it to their visitor visa (B-1/B-2) interview.
The letter is personal: it does not come from the U.S. government, and it does not guarantee anything to the consulate.
Is a letter of invitation mandatory?
No. According to the U.S. Department of State, visa applicants must qualify on the basis of their own residence and ties abroad, not on assurances from family and friends in the United States. A letter of invitation is not needed to apply for a visitor visa, and if the applicant brings one, it is not one of the factors used to issue or deny the visa.
So why write one? A clear letter can help the traveler describe the purpose and dates of the trip accurately and answer interview questions consistently. What really matters is the applicant's own situation:
| ✔ What matters most at the interview | ✘ What does not guarantee a visa |
|---|---|
| A stable job or business in the home country | An invitation letter, even if notarized |
| Family, property or studies that ensure the return home | The host's citizenship or income |
| The ability to pay for the trip and a coherent travel plan | An Affidavit of Support from the host |
| Clear answers that match the DS-160 form | Documents that contradict what the applicant says |
Who can write an invitation letter?
Anyone living in the United States who can provide truthful details and proof of identity, including:
- U.S. citizens.
- Green card holders (lawful permanent residents).
- People with a valid visa status, such as students or temporary workers.
- U.S. companies and organizations, for business or event invitations.
Types of letters of invitation
- Family visit invitation: for relatives; explains the family relationship, purpose and length of stay.
- Friend visit invitation: for tourists visiting friends.
- Business invitation letter: issued by a U.S. company on letterhead for meetings, negotiations or conferences (B-1 visa).
- Event invitation letter: for weddings, graduations, conferences or ceremonies.
All follow the same basic structure, with details adapted to the purpose of the visit.
Information required in an invitation letter
| Section | What to include |
|---|---|
| Host information | Full legal name, U.S. address, phone, email, immigration status and occupation. |
| Visitor information | Full name, date of birth, nationality, passport number and relationship to the host. |
| Trip details | A specific purpose, approximate arrival and departure dates, and where the visitor will stay. |
| Expenses (if any) | What the host will actually cover, such as lodging. |
| Signature and date | The host's handwritten signature. |
How to request an invitation letter
- Contact your host: explain when and why you plan to visit.
- Share your information: a photo of your passport's bio page, your travel dates and the purpose of your visit.
- Agree on the details: the dates and purpose in the letter must match what you write in your DS-160.
- The host drafts and signs the letter, and can notarize it if they want more formality.
- The host sends it by email or mail, with a copy of their proof of status.
Invitation letter for visa sample
Use this sample as a guide and adapt it to your situation. Never include information that is not true.
[Host's full name]
[Host's address in the U.S.]
[Phone] · [Email]
[Date]
To the Consular Officer
U.S. Embassy / Consulate in [City, Country]
Dear Consular Officer,
My name is [host's full name], and I am a [U.S. citizen / lawful permanent resident / other status] living at [address]. I work as [occupation].
I am writing to invite my [relationship], [visitor's full name], born on [date of birth], a citizen of [country], passport number [number], to visit me in the United States from approximately [arrival date] to [departure date]. The purpose of the visit is [specific purpose, for example: to attend my graduation ceremony].
During the visit, [visitor's name] will stay at my home at [address]. I will cover [lodging / meals, if applicable].
Please feel free to contact me at [phone] or [email] if you need any additional information.
Sincerely,
[Signature]
[Host's full name]
The letter is addressed to the consular officer, but it does not "request" the visa: only the traveler applies, with their own form and at their own interview.
Supporting documents to include
- A copy of the host's U.S. passport, green card or visa.
- Proof of address, such as a utility bill or lease, if the visitor will stay with the host.
- For students inviting family to a graduation: an enrollment letter or graduation confirmation.
- For businesses: the letter on company letterhead.
Keep it simple. Extra financial documents from the host do not replace the applicant's own proof of ties and finances.
How the letter is used at the visa interview
The letter is not uploaded with the DS-160. The applicant brings it to the interview, where the officer may look at it, ask about it or not ask for it at all. Keep in mind that most visitor visa applicants now attend an in-person interview, and most nonimmigrant visas include a visa integrity fee paid when the visa is approved, in addition to the application fee. Check current fees on the embassy's website.
Common mistakes to avoid
| Mistake | How to avoid it |
|---|---|
| Believing the letter guarantees the visa | The consulate decides based on the applicant's ties abroad. |
| Dates or purpose that don't match the DS-160 | Coordinate the details with the traveler before writing. |
| Having the traveler write it | The host in the U.S. writes and signs it. |
| Promising to cover "all expenses" without being able to | State only what you will actually cover. |
| Mentioning work or a longer stay | A visitor visa does not allow work; describe only the real purpose. |
Is a child coming to visit? If your guest is a minor traveling with only one parent or with another relative, U.S. Customs and Border Protection recommends carrying a consent letter from the parent who is not traveling, preferably notarized. Learn about our travel consent letters.
What if you cannot get an invitation letter?
You can still apply. Focus on what the consulate actually evaluates: your job, family and other ties to your home country, your ability to pay for the trip and a clear, honest travel plan.
Prepare your invitation letter with Notaria Latina
With more than 15 years of experience serving the Latino community in the United States, Notaria Latina helps hosts prepare a clear invitation letter in English or in a bilingual version, and notarizes it if you want extra formality. We serve clients at our offices and online.
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- Phone: 908-800-9046
- WhatsApp: 908-800-9046
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- 2104 N University Dr, Sunrise, FL 33322
- Phone: 305-600-3290
- WhatsApp: 305-600-3290
Toll-free: 1-800-742-8602 · Book an appointment online
Legal notice: I am not an attorney licensed to practice law and may not give legal advice about immigration or any other legal matter or accept fees for legal advice.
