Inviting Family/Supporters to Visit the US

If your family members are considering to visit the United States (for example, to attend your upcoming commencement), they might need to apply for visitor visas to enter the United States.

Please visit this visitor visa page provided by the US Department of State to learn more about the helpful resources in pursuing a visa for your visiting family members.

On this page, the Department of State confirms that visitor 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 visitor visa. If you choose to bring a letter of invitation or Affidavit of Support to your interview, please remember it is not one of the factors used in determining whether to issue or deny the visa."

If your family member still wishes to carry a letter of invitation to their visa interview or during their upcoming travel, you can submit a request "Inviting Family to Visit the U.S" through your International Portal.

We will prepare a letter for you and notify you upon completion, it will include:

• the name of the person applying for the visa (should match the passport) and your relationship to you
• the purpose of the visit, e.g., to attend graduation
• the arrival & departure date

Proof of Ties to Home Country

Your family members or friends should also bring "proof of ties" to their home country with them when they apply for the visa stamp at the U.S. embassy/consulate, such as:

• copies of deeds to any property (land, house, apartment) they own at home
• bank statements of any accounts they maintain at home
• if they are employed, they could bring a letter of employment