Introduction to Writing a US Visa Invitation Letter
The immigration process is fraught with complexities. Often, applicants are tasked with the burden of proof. This means that they typically have to provide evidence as to why their request should be granted. One such piece of evidence is a US visa invitation letter.
Sometimes, a U.S. citizen or Legal Permanent Resident writes a letter of invitation as additional evidence. Moreover, this letter often strengthens the foreigner’s application.
Furthermore, it provides details about the foreigner’s visit, allowing the U.S. visa officials to understand the intent of the visit. Additionally, it clarifies whether the visitor has a place to stay, has the funds to support their stay, and, more importantly, assures that they will not overstay.
Reasons why an invitation letter for a U.S. travel visa application is written.
They include:
1. Invitation Confirmation: It shows that someone in America is inviting the applicant to visit and this can be a relative, friend or organization.
2. Supporting Documents: It provides extra evidence that the applicant wishes to visit for a particular purpose such as tourism, business, or family visitation, as well as establishes whether there is a genuine relationship between the person inviting and the invitee.
3. Clarification of Details: This includes indicating the purpose of the trip, how long it will take, where the visitor will stay and who will pay for expenses.
4. Aiding Decision Making: An invitation letter helps visa officers determine whether a visitor is likely to return to their home country in a timely manner instead of overstaying.
5. Visa Application Requirement: In order to apply for some visas like the B-2 tourist visa, a letter of invitation may be required as part of the application documentation.
The letter must be drafted carefully with special and crucial information regarding the inviter and invitee, purpose and period of visit, arrangement for accommodation and financial support (if any), among others.
Note that a letter of invitation does not automatically translate to a successful application as immigration authorities weigh several factors such as applicant’s ties to his/her home country, finances, etc., before coming to a decision.
What is a US Visa Invitation Letter ?
A letter of invitation is a document issued by the host (person or organization) in the destination country, which invites the applicant to visit for specific purposes. The following are normally included in a letter of invitation:
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Host Information: Name, address, contact details, and relationship to the applicant.
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Applicant Information: Name, passport number, and details of their relationship to the host.
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Visit Details: Purpose of the visit, duration of stay, accommodation arrangements, and any planned activities.
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Host Commitment: A statement confirming that they will take responsibility for ensuring that an applicant complies with conditions imposed by a visa officer and if necessary supply money or shelter.
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Additional Supporting Documents: Depending on the country, as well as type of visa, this may include evidence such as proof of the host’s legal status in the country, financial statements or accommodation.
Overall, the letter of invitation helps to consolidate your visa application, showing more convincingly why you need it and how much support your host is willing to give you while there.
What should the letter say?
There are certain specific details that a visa officer looks out for in a letter of invitation. These details help them assess the genuineness of your application. Below are the essential details that a letter of invitation for a visa application should contain:
1. Host Information
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Complete name
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Location
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Contact information (telephone number, email address)
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Nationality and Immigration Status (for example: citizen, permanent resident)
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Relationship with Applicant
2. Applicant’s Information
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Fully name
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Date of Birth
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Passport Number
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Address
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Relationship with Host.
3. Details of Visit
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Purpose of Visit (e.g., tourism, family visit, business)
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Duration of Stay (whether exact dates or estimated time)
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Accommodation Details (the location the applicant will be staying, host or separate place)
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Planned Activities (optional but helpful in explaining why you want to travel).
4. Host Commitment
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Statement of Responsibility (confirming the host agrees to abide by the conditions of the visa on behalf of the applicant).
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Financial Support (in case it applies; stating that the applicant’s expenses will be covered by the host).
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Accommodation Details (assurances that claimant will stay with petitioner/indicating exact arrangement made).
5. Additional Supporting Documents
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Proof of Resident’s Lawful Status (Copy of Passport or Visa or Residence Permit)
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Proof of address (utility bill, lease agreement, etc.)
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Financial Statements (if the host is the supporting financially)
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Visit Schedule (optional)
6. Closing
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Host’s signature
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Date
7. Optional (Only if needed for specific visa processes)
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Notarization or Legal Attestation ( in some cases letters may need to be notarized and endorsed).
These details help make it clear why a visitor is coming, how they know the host, and that the host will be responsible for them the entire duration of their visit. In addition, all of this will make it easy for one to meet the visa application requirements, therefore strengthening their application and increasing the odds of success.
For a more tailored guidance on writing a letter of invitation, you can consult with an attorney at www.immigrationquestion.com
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