International Students: Inviting Guests Made Simple

International students can invite family and friends to visit them in their host country by providing them with an invitation letter. This letter should be written by the student and given to the visa applicant. It should include the student's status in the host country, the purpose of the visit, the dates of the visit, and any financial support the student will provide. In addition to the invitation letter, the student can also provide a copy of their study permit, proof of enrolment, and other relevant documents. The visitor will typically need to apply for a tourist visa or a Temporary Resident Visa, depending on the host country, and may be required to provide evidence of sufficient funds and their intention to return to their home country.

Invitation letter from the student

International students can invite friends and family to visit them in the U.S. by writing an invitation letter. This letter should be written in English and should state:

• Who is being invited (name of the honoree)
• The purpose of the visit (for example, vacation, graduation ceremony, or meeting a new baby)
• The dates of the visit (even approximate dates)
• What financial support you are offering (for example, the cost of travel and accommodation)

> To Whom It May Concern:

> My name is [name]. I am an F-1 undergraduate student in valid immigration status, studying [name of major] at [name of university] in [city, state]. My passport number is [passport number] and was issued by [name of issuing country]. I am writing to inform you that I have invited my [friend/mother/brother/cousin], [full name of invitee], to visit me in the United States from [start date of trip] until [end date of trip]. I will be providing financial support for their trip, including the cost of travel and accommodation.

>

> Please let me know if you require any additional information or documentation. I can be reached at [contact information].

In addition to the invitation letter, it is recommended that the student provides their invitee with a copy of their official transcripts to verify their enrolment at the university. The invitee may also need to provide evidence of sufficient funds and proof of their intent to return to their home country. Depending on their country of citizenship, they may need to apply for a B1/B2 tourist visa or obtain pre-clearance authorization under the Visa Waiver Program.

Visitor's visa requirements

International students can invite friends and family to visit them in a foreign country. However, the visitor will most likely need to apply for a tourist visa (B1/B2 visa). The requirements for a visitor visa are as follows:

Visitor Visa Requirements

• Proof of the temporary nature of the visit: Applicants should be prepared to explain that their visit is temporary. They must also prove their intent to return home, which can be documented by evidence of a job, family, property, or other strong ties to their home country.
• Financial support: Applicants must provide evidence of sufficient funds to cover their expenses during their stay. This can be in the form of a bank statement. Alternatively, they can provide a letter of invitation or Affidavit of Support (Form I-134) from the person they are visiting, along with the host's bank statement and employment verification letter.
• Biometric data: Since 2004, visa officers have been collecting biometric data, including photographs and digital "inkless" fingerprints. This information is kept electronically by the host country's government and is used to track the entries and exits of non-citizens.
• Interview: A consular officer will interview the applicant to determine their eligibility for a visitor visa. During the interview, the officer will take the applicant's ink-free, digital fingerprint scans.
• Visa issuance fee: After the visa is approved, the applicant may need to pay a visa issuance fee, depending on their nationality. They will also need to make arrangements for the return of their passport and visa.
• Other documents: Additional documents may be requested by the embassy or consulate to establish the applicant's qualifications. These could include evidence of employment or family ties to support the purpose of the trip and the applicant's intent to return to their home country.

It is important to note that the requirements for a visitor visa may vary depending on the country, and applicants should refer to the specific guidelines provided by the relevant embassy or consulate.

Financial support and documentation

International students can invite family members to visit them in the United States. To do this, they need to provide a letter of invitation to their family members. This letter should include the family member's name, birth date, relationship to the student, passport number, the purpose and length of their visit, and whether the student will provide for their room and board during their visit. The letter should also emphasise the temporary nature of the visit and the visitor's intention to return to their home country.

In addition to the letter of invitation, the student may also need to provide the following documentation:

• Evidence of financial support: If the student is providing any financial support for the visit, they need to provide documentation such as bank statements from the last 2-3 months. This is to prove that they have sufficient funds to cover the visitor's expenses.
• Evidence of the visitor's financial resources: If the student is not providing full financial support, the visitor will need to provide evidence of their own financial resources. This can also take the form of bank statements.
• Academic certification: The student can obtain an enrolment verification form to confirm their student status. Graduate students may also want to attach a departmental funding letter.
• Lease or room contract: If the student is providing accommodation for the visitor, they can include a lease or room contract as evidence.
• Immigration status: The student should include a copy of their I-20 or DS-2019 and I-94 card as evidence of their immigration status in the US.
• Health insurance: The student should ensure their family member has health insurance that will cover them in the US, as most local healthcare providers do not accept foreign health insurance plans.

It is important to note that the specific documentation required may vary depending on the individual circumstances of the applicant. Students can find sample invitation letters online to use as a guide when writing their own letter. They can also seek guidance from their university's international student services or office.

Temporary visit and ties to home country

International students can invite friends and family to visit them in the country where they are studying. However, the visitor will most likely need to apply for a tourist visa (B1/B2 visa) to enter the country. The length of stay that is granted to the visitor is at the discretion of the country's government official but is usually no longer than 6 months.

To apply for a B1/B2 visa, the visitor must demonstrate that their visit is temporary and that they have adequate funds to cover the costs of transportation and expenses. They must also prove that they have a residence outside the country and strong ties to their home country, indicating that they intend to return. These ties could include evidence of a job, family, property, or other significant connections.

To support their visa application, the international student can provide their relative or friend with a personalised invitation letter. This letter should include the purpose of the visit, the dates, and any financial support the student can offer. The student can also include a copy of their I-20 or DS-2019 form, although it is recommended to keep the original form for themselves. Additionally, the student can provide a certificate of attendance or a letter of student status from their university.

It is important to note that the requirements and guidelines for visa applications may vary depending on the country where the international student is located. Visitors should refer to the official website of the country's embassy or consulate for specific instructions and requirements.

Biometric data and electronic tracking

International students in the United States can invite friends and family to visit them by writing a letter of invitation in English. This letter should include the name of the person being invited, the purpose of the visit, the dates of the visit, and what financial support the host will be offering. The host may also need to submit a Form I-134 Affidavit of Support. The guest will most likely need to apply for a tourist visa (B1/B2 visa). Canadian citizens and citizens of Visa Waiver countries do not need to obtain a visa for this purpose. However, visitors traveling under the Visa Waiver Program will need pre-clearance authorization called ESTA.

Frequently asked questions