Planning a visit to the United States and navigating the visa application process? Look no further! In this extensive guide, we'll walk you through the steps of creating a compelling invitation letter for your US visa application. Whether you're inviting friends, and family, or applying for a tourist visa, we've got you covered. Let's delve into the key aspects of writing an effective invitation letter and ensuring a smooth visa application process.

While a visa invitation letter doesn't guarantee approval, it can significantly aid the application process for your friends or family members. Let's delve into the essentials of crafting a compelling invitation letter that can support your loved ones in their journey through the visa application process.

Before we dive into the details, let's grasp the importance of a visa invitation letter for your application. This formal letter, written by a US citizen or resident, serves as an invitation for friends or family members to apply for a US visa. Although not obligatory, a well-crafted invitation letter can provide crucial insights for the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) regarding the nature of your relationship with the applicant.

What is a Visa Invitation Letter?

A visa invitation letter, also known as a sponsorship letter, is a formal invitation written by a US citizen or resident for friends or family members applying for a visa. Though not mandatory, this letter provides valuable insights for the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) regarding the relationship between the host and the applicant.

Who Needs a Visa Invitation Letter?

Anyone wishing to visit friends or family in the U.S. and requiring a tourist visa can benefit from a visa invitation letter. If someone is sponsoring your trip, they can furnish additional documents, including a visa sponsorship letter, to accompany your visa application.

To create a comprehensive and effective invitation letter, it is crucial to include specific details for both the host in the U.S. and the visa applicant. This section outlines the key information that should be incorporated into your letter:

Host in the U.S.:

Full name

Date of Birth

Full address

Contact information (phone number and email address)

U.S. status

Identification details (I.D., passport, or green card number)

Photocopy of the identification document

Visa Applicant:

Full name

Date of Birth

Full address

Contact information (phone number and email address)

Relationship to the U.S. host

Purpose of the trip

Length of stay in the U.S. with specific dates

Confirmation of financial responsibility by the host

Accommodation details

Host's signature and date

Ensure the visa invitation is comprehensive and includes supporting documents. These can be sent to your friends or family members for attachment to their B-2 visa application and may include:

1. A copy of the host's passport, I.D., or green card
2. Proof of sufficient funds (e.g., host's bank statements if funding the visit)
3. Declaration of Financial Support or USCIS Form I-134
4. Proof of residence (e.g., home address, rental contract)
5. For students, enrollment verification letter or transcripts

How to Write a Visa Invitation Letter?

When drafting your letter, include all relevant details that make the invitation compelling. The provided sample invitation letter is illustrative, and you should customize it with additional information specific to your situation.

[Your Full Name]

[Your Full Address]

[City, State, Zip Code]

[Email Address]

[Phone Number]

[Date]

United States Consulate General [Address of the US Consulate]

Dear Sir/Madam,

RE: Invitation for [Visitor's Full Name] to visit the United States

I am writing this letter to invite my [relationship to the visitor, e.g., friend, brother, etc.], [Visitor's Full Name], who resides at [Visitor's Address]. I am a [Your Occupation] working at [Your Company Name], and I reside at [Your Address].

I would like to invite [Visitor's Full Name] to visit me in the United States for [length of the visit] to [describe the reason for the visit such as attending a family event, touring, etc.]. During their stay in the United States, [Visitor's Full Name] will stay with me at my residence, and I will be responsible for all their accommodation expenses.

I kindly request you to grant [Visitor's Full Name] a visitor's visa for this period. I assure you that [Visitor's Full Name] will return to [Visitor's Home Country] before the expiration of their visa.

Please find attached all the necessary documentation for your reference.

Thank you for considering my request. Please do not hesitate to contact me should you require any additional information.

Kind regards,

[Your Full Name]

Remember, do not use this sample verbatim; customize it to best explain your and the applicant's situation. StampThePassport wishes you success in your visa application journey!

U.S. Visa Invitation Letter Template

For additional guidance, here is another sample invitation letter:

US Visa Sample

For additional guidance, here is another sample USA Visa:

And there you have it – all you need to know about crafting an effective U.S. invitation letter with StampThePassport!

Getting a Tourist Visa for the USA from India has lots of details. In this blog, I'll make it easy with just three steps:

Easy visa application platform for Indians: StampThePassport

1: Select the right visa for your trip

2: Complete our easy online application: StampThePassport

3: Our Expert will review your application before submitting

Get your visa and Fly !!

The US tourist visa, also known as the B1/B2 visa, is for individuals planning to visit the US for leisure, tourism, or medical treatment. This visa allows holders to explore the country's attractions, visit family or friends, undergo medical treatment, or participate in short-term recreational courses.

The process of obtaining approval for a US visa involves multiple stages. These entail assembling the necessary documents, arranging the interview, and undergoing the interview itself, among other steps.

However, it's crucial to note that completing these steps doesn't guarantee the issuance of a US tourist visa for Indian citizens.

Is a US Visa On Arrival available for Indians? 

Unfortunately, no such provision exists. Indian citizens are required to apply for a visa in advance as the option for a visa on arrival is not available.

Documents required for your US tourist visa:

Passport

• Your passport should be valid for at least 6 months beyond your travel date
• Your passport should have a minimum of 2 blank pages
• Previously issued passports, if you have any
• Your passport should have been issued within the last 10 years
• Indian passports with any observations or corrections will not be accepted

Financial Documents

• Personal bank statement (last 6 months) with seal and signature of the bank
• Income Tax returns (last 3 years)
• Salary slips (last 3 months)
• Financial documents of sponsor and sponsorship letter (if sponsored)
• GST registration certificate (If self-employed)

Invitation Letter - format provided by StampThePassport

• If you're visiting friends or family, you'll need a signed invitation letter from them, along with a copy of their passport and visa

No Objection Certificate - format provided by StampThePassport

• Minors travelling without a parent or guardian, require a NOC or No Objection Certificate from their parents
• If employed, you require a Leave Sanction Certificate from your employer

Supporting Documents - provided by StampThePassport

• Copy of US visa confirmation page (DS 160)
• Appointment Letter Confirmation (Biometrics and Interview)
• US Visa Fee Payment Receipt
• Asset documents such as fixed deposits, stocks owned and property papers

Other Documents

• Marriage certificate (if your spouse's name is not in your passport)
• Wedding/engagement photos and your wedding card or invitation (for newly married couples)
• Asset documents such as fixed deposits, stocks owned and property papers
• School/College Identity card in case the applicant is a student

How To Apply For US Visa For Indians

Getting a US visa involves a lengthy process that can span several months. Before obtaining your tourist visa for the USA from India, there are specific steps you must diligently follow. Some of these steps include:

Step 1: Choose the US Visa Category

To kickstart the process of obtaining a US tourist visa for Indians, it's crucial to define the purpose of your visit. If you're planning a short-term trip for tourism or business reasons, applying for a B1/B2 visa is necessary.

However, there are various other non-immigrant visa options available, each demanding specific documents. It's essential to verify your eligibility for the chosen visa type.

Once you've identified the visa category, gather all the required documents.

Step 2: Apply Online Application for a US Visa

Commence your US tourist visa application through the online portal.

Complete the online non-immigrant application form (DS 160 form) using Internet Explorer 11 or higher, Firefox, or Google Chrome 58. Note that Safari and Microsoft Edge aren't compatible. This form is commonly known as the B2 visa application form.

DS 160 Form

Keep your Application ID handy as it's necessary for the entire visa application procedure.

Prepare your travel documents and compile a comprehensive file containing all necessary materials for your application and interview.

Fill out the DS-160 form accurately, providing:

• Personal information
• Travel specifics (lodging, contact in the US)
• Companion details (if applicable)
• Previous US travel history (if applicable)
• Address and contact info
• Work or educational background
• Family particulars
• Passport information
• Security and background data
• Review the completed form meticulously, ensuring accuracy. You can print a copy for your records.

Sign and submit the DS-160 form.

Save and print the Confirmation of Submission for inclusion in your visa application file.

Upon submission, retain and print the Confirmation of Submission from your DS-160 form for your application records.

Step 3: Payment of US Tourist Visa Fees

Indian citizens have various options to pay their US tourist visa fees, including Online payment via the CGI Federal portal

• Demand Draft addressed to the US Embassy/Consulate
• Credit card or Debit card
• Cash in Indian Rupees or Dollars at DRUK Bank, AXIS Bank, or Citibank
• National Electronic Funds Transfer (NEFT)
• Mobile Payments – IMPS

Ensure to retain proof of payment in your file for presentation during your visa interview. It's essential to note that US tourist visa fees are non-refundable.

Step 4: Scheduling the US Visa Interview for Indian Citizens

To schedule a US tourist visa appointment in India, follow these steps:

• Create an account on the US online visa application service via the CGI Federal portal.
• Schedule an appointment at the Visa Application Center (VAC).
• Schedule a separate appointment at the US Embassy or Consulate. Remember, the Embassy/Consulate appointment should be set at least one day after the VAC appointment.

When making the appointment, gather details like:

Passport number

Visa fee deposit reference number

Barcode number on the DS-160 confirmation page

You'll also be asked for information about the visa type, personal details, dependents, document delivery location, and visa payment before scheduling your appointment.

The VAC is designated by the US government to gather biometric data, photos, and fingerprints of visa applicants before submission to the consular section. Your visa interview will then take place at the US embassy/consulate.

Step 5: Attending the US Visa Interview

Securing an interview date in India can be challenging due to the high volume of visa applications. However, persevere in finding the nearest available US visa interview slots.

As mentioned earlier, you might have two separate visa interviews—one at the VAC and another at the US consular. The initial VAC interview involves providing biometrics, fingerprints, and photographs.

By this stage, ensure you've gathered all necessary documents required for the visa interview with US government officials. During the interview, expect questions related to your trip and be ready to provide relevant documents and information.

The primary aim of the non-immigrant visa interview is to ascertain that the applicant doesn't intend to establish permanent residency in the USA. Additionally, officials seek assurance that the applicant maintains strong ties to their home country and intends to return after the trip.

Upon a successful interview, you'll submit your passport and documents to obtain your US tourist visa from India.

Step 6: Tracking Your US Visa Application

You can track your US visa application through the online portal. Additionally, you have the option to inquire via email or phone at:

Email: UStraveldocs

Phone Numbers: +91 120 4844644 or +91 22 62011000

However, before reaching out about your visa application status, bear in mind that processing times can range from a few weeks to several months. It's recommended to wait at least a few days after the interview or submission of supplemental documents before making an inquiry.

Step 7: US Visa Approval

Upon approval and when your US visa is ready for collection, you'll receive a notification via the provided email address or phone number. Ensure to pick up your passport within 14 working days of receiving this notification.

Passports not collected within this timeframe will be returned to the embassy or consulate. Alternatively, you can opt to pay INR 650 for passport delivery via courier.

Overview of the US Tourist Visa for Indians

Visa Validity:

Indian applicants may receive a US tourist visa valid for up to 10 years. However, the granted visa validity can vary for each applicant. Verify your visa validity on the sticker in your passport. The duration of stay is typically up to 180 days for single or multiple entries.

Visa Fees:

The application fee for Indian citizens applying for a US tourist visa is USD 160 or INR 15540. From May 30, 2023, fees for certain visa categories will increase to $185.

Processing Time:

The embassy usually processes the US tourist visa from India in 3 to 5 days, with an additional 10 days for delivery.

Restrictions:

With a US tourist visa, certain activities are prohibited, including work, study, paid performances, press-related work, crew member roles, seeking permanent residency, or engaging in birth tourism.

Visa Types:

For tourism or business purposes, Indian citizens must apply for a non-immigrant visa. The B1 visa is for business-related visits, allowing activities like consultations, negotiations, or attending conferences. The B2 visa is for tourism purposes, including travel, medical treatments, social events, and recreational courses.

Other Non-Immigrant Visas:

Apart from tourist visas, various non-immigrant visas are available for US travel, including work visas (H, L, O, P, Q), student visas (F, M), exchange visitor visas (J), transit/ship crew visas (C, D), religious worker visas (R), domestic employee visas (B-1), journalist and media visas (I), with processing fees ranging from USD 160 to USD 265.

This overview primarily focuses on the Tourist Visa USA from India or B2 Visa.

Who are we?

Apply for Any Visa…

StampThePassport is India’s first and only hybrid (online and offline) visa application platform, designed to streamline your visa application process. With our user-friendly system and the assistance of visa experts, you can now apply for any visa in less than 5 minutes. We guide you through the entire process to ensure that you receive your Visa on time.

Why You Can Count On Us  

Fast and Easy: Easy, traveller-friendly visa application process. Simple and much less complicated than dealing with any foreign government website.

Get Approved: All documents are reviewed by a team of visa experts. Our staff is well-trained to handle all your visa requirements.

Secure and Safe: We keep your private information and data protected through our world-class data centres and state-of-the-art security.

Visas for 180 destinations: Wherever you want to travel, whatever your reason—our team of global visa experts knows how to get you there. 

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VisaPro: VisaPro is our premium service. Choose VisaPro if you don't have the time to apply yourself. Know more.

Conclusion 

In conclusion, crafting a compelling invitation letter for your US visa online application is a crucial step in ensuring a smooth and successful process for your friends and family. StampThePassport has provided you with a comprehensive guide, covering the importance of the visa invitation letter, who needs it, key information to include, additional required documents, and a sample template to facilitate your writing.

Remember, the visa invitation letter is not a guarantee of approval, but a well-prepared and detailed letter can significantly strengthen your application. By adhering to the guidelines outlined in this guide, you can enhance your chances of obtaining a U.S. visa for your loved ones or yourself.

We understand that navigating the visa application process can be challenging, but StampThePassport is here to support you every step of the way. Feel free to customize the provided template to suit your specific situation, and don't hesitate to reach out if you have any questions.

Safe travels, and we wish you success in bringing your friends and family to experience the beauty of the United States! StampThePassport is committed to making your visa application journey as seamless as possible.