Invitation Letters Not Required for B-2 Tourist Visa Applicants

International Student and Scholar Services does not issue "letters of invitation". We have received  U.S. Department of State’s confirmation that “Visa applicants must qualify on the basis of the applicant's residence and ties abroad, rather than assurances from U.S. family and friends. A letter of invitation or Affidavit of Support is not needed to apply for a nonimmigrant tourist visa”

Note: Visa applicants must qualify on the basis of the applicant's residence and ties abroad, rather than assurances from U.S. family and friends. A letter of invitation or Affidavit of Support is not needed to apply for a nonimmigrant tourist visa. If you do choose to bring a letter of invitation or Affidavit of Support to your interview, please remember that it is not one of the factors that we use in determining whether to issue or deny a nonimmigrant tourist visa. You may find more information here.

As ISSS has had no reports of visa denials based on the lack of a letter of invitation and given that it is not a required document, we will not generate invitation letters.

As a courtesy to our international community, we are providing a letter template for those who wish to write their own letter to invite family members to the U.S. If you choose to write your own letter, it should only serve to invite primary family members- parents, grandparents and siblings. Again, this letter is not required, and we are providing the template as a courtesy only. Along with the letter, should you choose to write it, you should include a photocopy of your immigration documents. If you have already received an email confirmation that you are going to graduate, you can send that along as well.

Sample Invitation Letter

[Your name]
[Local address in US]
[Phone number]
[Date]

U.S. [Consulate or Embassy]
[City, Country of location of US. Consulate or Embassy]

To Whom It May Concern,

I am currently a [graduate/ undergraduate] student/scholar/employee at Temple University in [your immigration status] status. I started my studies/appointment/employment at Temple University on [start date on I-20/DS-2019/Approval Notice/Appointment Letter] and my expected completion date is [last date on I-20/DS2019/end date on immigration document].

I am writing in support of my [relationship to you]’s application for a visitor visa to [state purpose of the trip] for the period from [date] to [date].

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 Temple Student/Scholar/Employee's Immigration Documents (I-20/DS-2019/Approval Notice/I-94/Visa Stamp/Passport)