Invitation Letter for Visa (B-1/B-2)

Letter from a U.S. host inviting a foreign visitor for tourism or business — supports B-1/B-2 visa application.

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Jordan Alex Taylor
482 Elm Street, Apt 3B, Portland, OR 97214
Phone: +1 503 555 0118
Email: jordan.taylor@example.com

Date: May 4, 2026

To:    Consular Officer
       U.S. Embassy / Consulate

Re:    Invitation Letter for Visitor Visa (B-1/B-2) Application
       Visitor:  Aleksandra Petrova
       Passport: Russian Federation passport 75AB123456

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Dear Consular Officer,

I am writing to formally invite Aleksandra Petrova, my Cousin (mother's sister's daughter), to visit me in the United States. This letter is offered in support of their B-1/B-2 nonimmigrant visa application.

ABOUT ME (HOST)

I am Jordan Alex Taylor, a U.S. citizen, residing at the address above. I work as Software Engineer at Acme Corporation. Documentation supporting my status (passport bio page or green card front and back) is attached.

PURPOSE OF VISIT

The visitor wishes to come to the United States for: Tourism / family visit.

DURATION

  Intended arrival:        August 10, 2026
  Intended departure:      September 5, 2026

ACCOMMODATION

The visitor will stay with me at my home address listed above for the entire duration of the visit. There is a furnished guest room available; no additional cost or burden to the visitor.

EXPENSES

Visitor covers their own expenses; host provides accommodation only

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I confirm that the visitor will return to their home country at the end of the authorised stay. I have known the visitor personally for many years and am confident in their intent to comply with all U.S. immigration laws.

If you require any additional information or documentation, please contact me at the address, phone, or email above.

Thank you for your consideration of this application.

Sincerely,


_______________________________            Date: May 4, 2026
Jordan Alex Taylor

Attachments:
  □ Copy of host's U.S. passport bio page (citizens) OR copy of green card front + back (LPRs).
  □ Recent pay stubs or employer letter showing host's ability to support visit.
  □ Any travel itinerary or accommodation plan.

About this template

A visitor visa invitation letter is a supporting document, not a U.S. government form. The actual application is the visitor's — Form DS-160 filed online before the consular interview, plus documents the visitor presents at the U.S. Embassy/Consulate. The consular officer evaluates the application against the §214(b) presumption that every nonimmigrant visa applicant intends to immigrate; the applicant must demonstrate strong ties to their home country (employment, family, property, financial assets) to overcome the presumption. The host's invitation letter helps establish the legitimacy and specifics of the trip but does not by itself overcome §214(b) — the visitor still bears the burden. The most-credible invitation letters are specific (named relationship, named accommodation, named dates, named purpose) and document the host's legal status with attachments. Consular officers see thousands of invitations; cookie-cutter language is unhelpful. The host should NOT promise to "guarantee" the visitor's return — only the visitor can establish their intent. The host CAN provide financial support documentation (pay stubs, bank statements) if covering expenses; this both addresses the visitor's "ability to fund the visit" and establishes the host as a real, traceable person. Visa denials for nonimmigrant visitor visas are common (refusal rates 10-50% depending on country); a denial is not a final determination and the applicant can typically reapply with stronger evidence.

When to use it

  • Inviting a foreign relative or friend to visit you in the U.S.
  • Hosting a foreign business contact for short meetings.
  • Family wedding or special event with foreign guests.
  • Medical-treatment visit where the visitor stays with you.
  • Supporting a B-1/B-2 visa renewal where prior travel was uneventful.

What to include

  • Host's legal status (citizen / LPR / specific visa) with documentation.
  • Visitor identification (name, passport, country).
  • Specific relationship to host.
  • Purpose, arrival, and departure dates.
  • Accommodation details.
  • Who covers expenses.

Frequently asked

No. The consular officer evaluates the visitor's overall application against the INA §214(b) presumption of immigrant intent. The invitation establishes the trip's legitimacy and specifics; the visitor must independently demonstrate strong home-country ties (employment, family, property) to qualify. Refusal rates for B-1/B-2 visas vary widely by country (10% in some countries, 50%+ in others).
⚠ Legal disclaimer. This is a supporting invitation letter only — not a USCIS or Department of State form. The actual visa application is filed by the visitor (Form DS-160 plus consular interview). U.S. immigration law is complex and case-specific; consular officers have wide discretion under INA §214(b). For any visa application beyond a routine short-term visit, especially for visitors from higher-refusal-rate countries or with prior immigration issues, consult a licensed U.S. immigration attorney before filing. State Department travel.state.gov publishes country-specific reciprocity, fees, and processing times.

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