Traveling to the U.S. can be an exciting experience, but the visa application process can be challenging. One way to strengthen your visa application is by including an invitation letter from a U.S. host, providing details about where you will stay.
The U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Consular Affairs offers two types of visas for individuals seeking entry into the U.S. for either business (B-1) or pleasure (B-2) purposes.
What’s the Difference
B-1 Visa:
- For business meetings, conferences, or negotiations.
- Temporary residence for business purposes.
B-2 Visa:
- For short-term travel, vacation, or visiting friends and relatives.
- For pleasure and personal visits.
Under the Visa Waiver Program, citizens of specific countries can visit the U.S. for tourism or business purposes for up to 90 days without needing a visa.
Application Process
When applying for a B-1/B-2 visitor visa, having a well-written invitation letter from a U.S. citizen or legal resident hosting you can be advantageous. While not mandated, an invitation letter can provide additional confidence to the consular officer reviewing your case.
What is a Visa Invitation Letter?
This letter explains the purpose of your visit and confirms where you will be staying. It provides the U.S. consulate or embassy with assurance that your visit is legitimate and that you have a host who will support you during your stay.
When is an Invitation Letter Most Helpful?
Including an invitation letter with your U.S. visa application can be beneficial in several scenarios for individuals intending to visit the United States for personal, business, or academic purposes. Here are instances where attaching an invitation letter can enhance your visa application:
- Family Visits: If you are visiting family, the letter can explain the purpose of your visit and your relationship with the host.
- Tourism: Tourists staying with friends or family can show they have accommodation and support.
- Business Travel: Letters from your U.S. contacts can verify the specifics of your visit, including meetings, conferences, or other business engagements.
- Special Events: For attending weddings, graduations, or family gatherings.
- Medical Reasons: For seeking medical treatment, a letter from the hospital or doctor can confirm your plans.
- Academic Purposes: For short-term courses or conferences, a letter from the hosting institution can be useful.
Here is an example from the State Department on activities you can do with a B-1/ B-2 tourist visa or business visa.
What Should Be Included in a Visa Invitation Letter?
A strong invitation letter should contain:
- Host’s Details: Name, status in the U.S. (citizen or legal permanent resident), contact information, and address.
- Visitor’s Information: Full name, date of birth, passport number, and contact information.
- Relationship: Clearly state your relationship with the invitee. (e.g. friend, family member, business associate, etc.).
- Purpose of the Visit: Explain why the invitee is coming to the U.S. and include specific activities and events they will participate in.
- Dates of Stay: Intended arrival and departure dates.
- Accommodation Details: Where the invitee will stay during their visit and whether the host will cover any expenses.
- Financial Responsibility: Clarify if the host will bear any costs.
- Host’s Signature: To confirm responsibility and authenticity of the invitation.
Sample Invitation Letter for B-2/Tourism
[Your Address]
[City, State, ZIP Code]
[Email Address]
[Phone Number]
[Date]
[U.S. Embassy or Consulate Address]
Dear Sir/Madam,
I, [Your Full Name], residing at [Your Address] in the United States, would like to invite [Invitee’s Full Name], who is [describe relationship], to visit me in the U.S.
[Invitee’s Full Name] is living at [Invitee’s Address] in [Invitee’s Country]. Their date of birth is [Invitee’s Date of Birth], and their contact number is [Invitee’s Phone Number]. Invitee has strong ties to their home country, such as [describe family, economic, real estate, and social ties to the home country].
Their intention in traveling to the U.S. is to [state the purpose of the visit, such as “attend a graduation ceremony on [date]”, “explore tourist destinations”, or “participate in a business conference”].
[Invitee’s Full Name] plans to reside at [Your Address] for their visit, spanning from [start date] to [end date]. I will ensure they have comfortable lodging and will take care of all expenses incurred during their stay at my home.
I work for [Your Employer’s Name] in the capacity of [Your Job Title], and I am able to provide full support for [Invitee’s Full Name] during their visit. Attached are the required documents demonstrating my income and legal status in the United States.
Please contact me at [Your Phone Number] or [Your Email Address] if you need any further information or documentation.
Thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely,
[Your Hand Signature]
[Your Name]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your email]
[Your U.S. Passport Number]
Sample Invitation Letter for B-1/Business
[College Department Letterhead]
[Date]
[Title and Name of Visitor]
[Full Address]
Dear [Title and Name of International Visitor]:
The [Department Name] in the College of [College Name] at [University] invites you to visit [University] to discuss future research collaborations between [University] and [Name of the visitor’s institution or employer] from [begin date] to [end date].
OR
Thank you for agreeing to give your talk at the conference, [Conference Name], at the University’s [Department/College Name] on [date].
The [Department Name] will pay you a $[Amount] USD honorarium and cover your round trip air fare and travel expenses from [Country of Origin] to [City, State].
The U.S. government allows academic institutions to pay honoraria and reimburse expenses to foreign nationals who enter the U.S. B-1 (short-term business) status. However, there are some restrictions in the law. Federal law requires that:
- You are in the U.S. in B-1 visa status;
- The academic activities do not exceed nine days;
- You have not accepted similar payments from more than five other U.S. institutions during the six-month period immediately preceding your visit.
If you need to apply for a B-1 visitor visa, please bring this letter, along with your valid passport and other required documents to the U.S. Embassy or Consulate which serves your place of residence.
We hope to see you at [Specify Event]. If you have any questions about the visa application, please visit the Department of State’s website: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas.html.
Sincerely,
[Sponsoring Professor Signature]
[Printed Name]
[Title]
[Contact Information including Email and Office Address]
[Department/School Head/Chair Signature]
[Printed Name]
[Title]
Honoraria and Reimbursement of Incidental Expenses While on B-1
B-1 visa holders are not permitted to work in the U.S. and cannot receive salary for their U.S. activities. However, a U.S. source can provide the applicant with an expense allowance or reimbursement for expenses incidental to the temporary stay. As per the Foreign Affairs Manual, incidental expenses must not exceed the reasonable expenses incurred for travel to and from the event, plus living expenses such as meals, lodging, laundry, and other basic services.
Conditions for Honoraria and Reimbursements
Academic institutions can pay honoraria and reimburse expenses if specific conditions are met. Payments to Non-Resident Aliens (NRAs) require special handling to comply with Internal Revenue Service (IRS) regulations on withholding and reporting tax on NRAs.
Examples of payments made to NRAs include:
- Wages/Compensation
- Stipends
- Travel & Expense Reimbursements
- Independent Contractor Payments
- Royalties/Commissions
- Honoraria
- Prizes/Awards
- Scholarships/Fellowships
What Is the Rule on Unlawful Employment on B-1?
B-1 visa holders are not allowed to work in the U.S., but they can engage in business activities that do not involve skilled or unskilled labor.
While this can be confusing, the clearest legal definition comes from the Board of Immigration Appeals in Matter of Hira, affirmed by the Attorney General. In this case, a tailor measured customers in the U.S. for suits to be manufactured and shipped from outside the U.S. This was considered a B-1 activity because the principal place of business and the actual place of profit accrual were in the foreign country.
U.S. Activities Incidental to Foreign Work
According to the Foreign Affairs Manual, the Hira decision supports U.S. activities that are incidental to work performed outside of the United States. This means that while in the U.S. on a B-1 visa, the work done must directly relate to business conducted abroad.
For more detailed information on this topic, you can refer to the Foreign Affairs Manual.
Supporting Documents for B Visa
When applying for a B visa, attach the invitation letter along with the following documents:
- Event Invitation: Proof of the event you are attending.
- Round trip Airfare: Tickets showing travel dates.
- Host’s ID or Passport: Copies of the host’s ID or passport to show their status.
- Accommodation: Details of where the visitor will stay.
- Planned Itinerary: Plans for stay.
- Host’s Status: Copies of host’s green card or U.S. passport.
- Host’s Financial Records: Bank records or proof of income to show the host’s ability to support the guest.
- Evidence of Relationship: Pictures, letters, or other records of the host and applicant’s relationship.
- Traveler’s medical insurance: Insurance for the stay in the U.S.
- Documentation of the applicant’s ties to the home country:
- Employment verification
- Bank statements
- Property ownership
- Family responsibilities
- Foreign Travel: Any evidence of the applicant’s travel to other countries (visa stamps).
Do I Need to Attach an I-134 Affidavit of Support to the Invitation Letter?
The Declaration of Financial Support, Form I-134, prepared by a U.S. sponsor can be used to strengthen the case if the visa applicant does not have strong evidence of financial resources to support the trip to the U.S. without working illegally.
- The applicant’s qualifications determine visa eligibility, not the sponsor’s.
- Consular officers adjudicate B-1/B-2 visas based solely on the applicant’s personal qualifications.
- No document submitted by someone in the U.S. can guarantee visa approval. The focus is on the applicant’s personal situation and answers to interview questions.
Financials and B-1/B-2 Visas
Finances are a key part of the B-1/B-2 application process. The DS-160 application asks who will pay for the applicant’s trip and the applicant’s monthly salary. Consular officers examine financial information to assess if the applicant can afford the trip and to demonstrate ties to the home country to overcome the presumption of immigrant intent under Section 214(b) of the Immigration and Nationality Act.
Do Not Submit I-134 Unless Requested
- I-134 is used to document the personal finances of a U.S. sponsor to show that visa applicants have sponsorship and will not become public charges in the U.S.
- The Foreign Affairs Manual mentions I-134 only in cases of public charge refusals.
- I-134 is not very useful in B-1/B-2 context unless the sponsor is paying for the trip in the DS-160 or the applicant is seeking medical treatment in the U.S. Even then, the form should only be submitted if the consular officer requests it.
I-134 to Supplement Applicant’s Financial Evidence
- I-134 can be a red flag to a consular officer that the applicant may not have the financial means to support the trip independently.
- I-134 should not replace personal financial documents but rather supplement them to establish the applicant’s qualifications in some cases.
Invitation Letters from Boyfriends/Girlfriends or Fiancées
Many questions arise for all dual citizens in the nation. Here are some helpful answers to all these frequently asked questions considering real-world issues.
Understanding the Risks
- Inviting a boyfriend, girlfriend or fiancée to the U.S. on a B-2 visa can be challenging.
- Consular officers scrutinize these applications more closely due to potential visa misuse for immigration purposes.
- The main concern is whether the applicant intends to return to their home country after the visit.
Common Reasons for Refusal
- Immigrant Intent: Under Section 214(b) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, nonimmigrant visa applicants are presumed to be intending immigrants. The burden of proof is on the applicant to show they will return to their home country. Relationships with U.S. citizens can raise questions about the applicant’s intent to immigrate permanently.
- Weak Ties to Home Country: Applicants must show strong ties to their home country, such as employment, property ownership, and family obligations. A romantic relationship with a U.S. citizen can be seen as a reason to stay in the U.S. permanently.
- Insufficient Financial Evidence: If the applicant cannot show sufficient financial resources to support themselves during the stay or if the financial support is only coming from the U.S. citizen partner, this can be a red flag.
How to Minimize the Risks
- Detailed Invitation Letter: Provide a detailed invitation letter that clearly states the temporary nature of the visit, including specific travel dates, activities, and accommodation plans.
- Strong Supporting Documents: Include strong evidence of ties to the home country, such as employment letters, property deeds, and family commitments.
- Don’t Overemphasize the Relationship: While the relationship with the U.S. citizen should be mentioned, the focus should be on the purpose of the visit and the applicant’s ties to their home country.
Honesty and Transparency: Ensure all information provided is true and consistent. Misrepresentation can lead to visa denial and future immigration problems. This is more true in this context. The DS-160 asks questions about U.S.-based relatives including fiancée. Always be truthful to the Consular Officer and the US Customs and Border Protection Officer.
Will the Consulate Even Look at the Invitation Letter and Supporting Documents?
We have heard many cases where the applicant shows up for the visa interview and is surprised that the consular officer will not look at the supporting documents, including the invitation letter and evidence of strong ties to the home country.
This is unfair. At the very least, applicants pay for and deserve to have all evidence reviewed before a consular decision is made.
To ensure your documents are reviewed, especially in complex or high-risk cases:
- Mail and email a copy of the supporting documents to the Non-Immigrant Visa Unit of the Embassy or Consulate before the interview.
- Include the name of the applicant, the visa case number, and the date of the interview. Attach a copy of the Visa Interview Scheduling Notice.
While there is no guarantee that the documents will be reviewed before the interview, we have seen this work.
It is not easy to find the email address of the Non-Immigrant Visa Unit of the embassy or consulate. Over the years, the State Department has made it harder for the public to communicate with them. Here are the U.S. Embassy and Consulates and their website pages.
B Visa Tips
- Dependent Visas: Spouse and children must apply separately for B-2 visa.
- Employment Restrictions: B-1/B-2 visa holders are not allowed to work in the U.S. (including unauthorized remote work for a foreign employer)
- Visa Validity: A valid U.S. visa in an expired passport is still valid; don’t remove it from the expired passport.
Navigating the Visa Process
Working with Immigration Lawyers
- Expert Advice: Immigration lawyers specialize in visa applications and can give advice on what documents and requirements are needed.
- Application Review: Lawyers can catch mistakes or omissions before submitting it, reducing the risk of rejection.
- Personalized Service: In special cases, immigration lawyers can give targeted advice and strategies.
Apply for Your Visa
- Collect Your Documents: Gather all necessary documents, including your visa application form DS-160, passport, passport-size photos, and evidence of strong ties to your home country (such as job letters, property deeds, or family commitments).
- Complete the DS-160 Form: Fill out the DS-160 form online. This form is crucial as it gathers your biographical information and other necessary details for visa processing.
- Pay the Visa Fee: Pay the non-refundable visa application fee. The amount varies based on the type of visa you are applying for.
- Schedule Your Interview: Visit the website of the U.S. embassy or consulate where you will apply to schedule an interview appointment. This step may vary depending on the specific embassy’s procedures.
- Attend Your Visa Interview: On the day of your interview, bring all required documents, including your DS-160 confirmation page, passport, photos, and any supporting documents (like the invitation letter, if applicable).
- Submit Biometric Information: Depending on the embassy, you may need to provide biometric information such as fingerprints on the day of your interview.
- Wait for Processing: After your interview, wait for the visa processing to be completed. Processing times vary and can be checked on the embassy’s website.
- Receive Passport with Visa: If approved, your passport will be returned to you with the visa stamped inside. If denied, you will receive an explanation for the denial.
Don’t Make These Mistakes
- Incomplete Application: Fill out every section of the visa application form. Read the instructions carefully and ensure all required fields are completed.
- Incomplete Information: Check all information provided in your application and supporting documents. Make sure your name, date of birth, and travel information are correct.
- Lack of Supporting Documents: Make sure you have all the required documents, including the invitation letter, accommodation proof, and financial statements. Show proof of sufficient funds to support your stay, such as bank statements or a sponsorship letter.
Last Steps: Preparation and Arrival
- Finalize your travel plans once your visa is approved.
- Confirm all travel dates and accommodation arrangements.
Be prepared to present your visa and supporting documents to the immigration officer upon arrival. The consular officer will ask questions to determine your eligibility and intent to return to your home country after the visit. Have copies of your invitation letter and other important documents with you.
What if My B1/B2 is Denied?
If your visa is denied, you can reapply, addressing the reasons for the denial and providing additional information or documents to strengthen your case.
Get Expert Help with Your B1/B2 Visa Application
A well-crafted invitation letter can significantly impact your B1/B2 visa application. Make sure your letter includes all essential details and is backed by strong evidence. For personalized assistance and to avoid common pitfalls, consult with the experienced team at Herman Legal Group.
Contact us at Herman Legal Group at 1-216-696-6170 to receive expert guidance throughout your visa application process. Start planning your trip now and benefit from our live support every step of the way.
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