Visitor's Visa Invitation Letter

Consular Officials from the U.S. State Department have stated that invitation letters from universities are not required for B-2 visitor visa applicants, and that such letters are not helpful. To confirm what documents are required for B-2 visitor visa applicants, please visit http://www.usembassy.gov to locate the specific embassy or consulate where your visitor will be applying for the visa. 

When reviewing applications for B-2 visitor visas, Consular Officials seek to confirm that the applicant has ties to their home country and that the applicant is not likely to stay in the United States. Often, evidence like property deeds, proof of employment, and a letter from their employer authorizing the vacation time can be used to demonstrate ties to the home country.

If your visitor would like an invitation letter, you may write one yourself. Our office has created a template to use as a guide for your letter. All information in bold in the following template is included as an example only, and must be replaced in the final letter. The letter should be written in English, and should include the following:

  1. The name of the invited person
  2. Their relation to you
  3. The purpose of their visit: to see your graduation ceremony? tourism? If your graduation is the purpose of the visit, you may include a screenshot confirming you have applied for graduation.
  4. The dates of their visit
  5. How their visit will be funded (who will be paying? If you are funding, you should provide financial documentation to the visitor)
  6. The location(s) of their visit (are they staying with you? at a hotel? – what is the address where they are staying)
  7. Itinerary of the visit (after visiting The University of Scranton, are you going to do some sightseeing with them in New York, D.C., etc.?)
  8. If you are an F-1 or J-1 student, you can include this information in the letter, and indicate the dates of your study in the U.S. You can also include a copy of your immigration documentation.
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