For a Family Member or Friend to Visit the United States
U.S. Embassies and Consulates do not require an invitation letter for family members of F-1 students to apply for a visitor visa. Therefore, ISSA does not provide invitation letters for the purpose of inviting family members to visit the United States.
As a courtesy to our students, ISSA offers a sample letter template for those who wish to draft their own invitation letter for immediate family members (such as parents, grandparents, and siblings). Please note that this letter is optional and provided solely as a courtesy.
Suggestions for Helping Your Visitor Apply for a B-2 (Tourist) Visa
1. Check the U.S. Embassy Website
Your visitor should visit the website of the U.S. embassy or consulate in their home country for specific guidance on applying for a tourist visa and to access the necessary forms. Click here for a list of U.S. consulates.
2. Provide an Invitation Letter
You can write a letter inviting your family member or friend to visit you. Below is a template for you may use, and a sample letter is linked at the bottom of this page.
3. Include Supporting Documents
Make copies of your I-20, passport, visa, and I-94 to provide along with the invitation letter. You may also wish to include a copy of your transcript, which can be requested online or in person in Woody Hall.
4. Proof of Finances
Your visitor will need to provide evidence of sufficient funds to cover all expenses during their stay in the U.S.
5. Proof of Ties to Home Country
Your visitor will also need to demonstrate intent to return to their home country after the visit, such as employment, property, or family obligations.
6. Visa Appointment
Your visitor should bring all the of the above documents to their visa appointment at the nearest American Embassy/Consulate.
Important Note: There are no guarantees that a visitor’s visa will be issued, and occasionally applications are denied.
Template for Invitation Letter
[Your Name]
[Your California mailing address]
[City, CA, zip code, USA]
[Phone Number]
[Date]
U.S. [Consulate or Embassy]
[City, Country of Location of U.S. Consulate or Embassy]
Dear Sir or Madam:
I am currently a [graduate/undergraduate] student at the University of La Verne, in La Verne, California majoring in [major]. I hold F-1 status and began my studies at the University of La Verne on [program start date on I-20]. My expected program completion date is [program end date on I-20].
I am writing in support of my [relationship to you]’s application for a B-1/B-2 visitor visa so that [s/he] may visit me in the United States. I would like to invite [her/him] for a temporary visit from [date] to [date] during which time [state purpose of the trip].
Visitor(s) information
Name:
Relationship to Student:
Date of Birth:
Country of citizenship:
Passport number:
Thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely,
Your Signature
Your name
Enclosures: Photocopy of I-20
To see a sample letter, CLICK HERE (pdf file)