I put this together to respond to some inquiries on this topic. This is just a guide. You can modify it to suit your situation.
Many people including students wish to invite friends and family for a short visit to the United States.
The B-2 visitor visa is a good choice for visits of 6 months or fewer in duration or for family members who do not qualify for an F-2 or J-2 dependent visa (such as parents, siblings, cousins, etc.).
The most important part of the B-2 visa application at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate abroad will be the applicantโs demonstration of ties to the home country (List B below) the short duration of the trip, planned return to the home country, and ability to cover expenses.
For example , as a student, you can provide supporting documents for the B-2 visa application (List A below). This is not a comprehensive list of all documents required for the B-2 visa. Comprehensive information can be found on the website of the U.S. Embassy or Consulate where the visa application will be made.
A. To invite your relatives and friends to the U.S., you may send the following to the person(s) invited:
1. A letter of invitation written by YOU in English, stating that you would like to invite the person for a visit. The letter should include:
a. Name and relationship to you of the visitor(s)
b. The length of the visit
c. Who will provide financial support for the visit (if you, provide evidence of support โ see below) d. The purpose of the visit, e.g., to attend graduation
- If the visit is to attend your graduation ceremony, you can include a document with the details of your graduation.
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Evidence of your student or scholar status such as a copy of your I-20.
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If you will support the person’s visit financially, you should provide evidence of financial support (a bank statement, your assistantship letter, your sponsor’s letter, etc.).
B. Your family members or friends should also bring โproof of tiesโ to home country with them when they apply for the visa stamp at the U.S. consulate, such as:
๏ท copies of deeds to any property (land, house, apartment) they own in their home country
๏ท bank statements of any accounts they maintain at home
๏ท if they are employed, they could bring a letter from the employer stating they will return to the job after the U.S. visit.
Again check to fully know all other documentation as specifically required by the Embassy or Consulate of where visa interview will take place.
B-2 visitors while in US may apply for an extension of stay with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services by filing an I-539 and demonstrating finances and purpose of the extension.
The Form I-539 form, instructions and fees can be found atย www.uscis.gov.
๏ท Note: The length of the visa does not equate to the length of stay. When visitors enter the U.S., their documents will be inspected by a U.S. border official. The officer will determine the amount of time the visitor will be permitted to remain in the U.S. and write that date on the I-94 Arrival/Departure record. The maximum period of admission for a regular B-2 visitor is 6 months.
About Joe K. Mungai, LMSW
As a life skill coach and a spiritual counselor Joeโs mission is to help others become conscious of their entrapment and empower them to find freedom and joy in life. He is passionate about helping people cope and grow through their experiences in life-changing circumstances.
Joe is the author of three books including BROKEN JUSTICE: WHEN LAWLESS GANGS CAPTURE THE STATE. The book is available both in US and in Kenya and it gives practical
suggestions to Kenyans on how to change the fate of their country. You can also get a copy of the book through cash app (319-325-3225) and one will be shipped to your address. The E-book is available on Amazon.
You can reach Joe by emailing him at:ย contact@speakoutspeakup.life
Founder:ย www.speakoutspeakup.life
Here are the links of the books for your easy access.
BROKEN JUSTICE: WHEN LAWLESS GANGS CAPTURE THE STATE
http://www.amzn.com/B07XNH93T3
WANT TO LIVE IN AMERICA? : YOUR PATHWAY TO LEGAL STATUS
http://www.amzn.com/B07XNFKSMB
LIFE AFTER LOSS: YOU CAN HEAL YOUR WOUNDED HEART
http://www.amzn.com/B07XNFBKH5
How to invite friends and family for a short visit to the United States
Visiting US sure is great specially if you will be reuniting with your loved ones living in the country. But we all know that visa application for US travel has become somewhat difficult so it’s really important to plan your travel as well as to have invite from family which lives in the country. Having invitation letter can help increase the visa approval for visa applicants.