In some cases, you can submit your tourist visa application along with an invitation letter. The letter is not mandatory. Some consulates do not even check it.
The invitation letter may be written by people with the following immigration status:
- U.S. citizens, provided they can prove their condition through their American passport, their naturalization certificate or their birth certificate.
- Legal permanent residents, whose invitation letter has to include a copy of their Green Card (both sides).
- Legal foreign residents in the U.S. They have a valid visa, and they must attach their original birth certificate, a photocopy of all the sheets of their passport and copies of their visa (even if the visa is in an old passport).
If the invitation is addressed to one of your in-laws, a photocopy of the marriage certificate of the inviter and a photocopy of the passport of her husband or his wife must be enclosed. For example, if an American citizen who is married to a Mexican wants to invite his mother to the U.S. to celebrate the christening of a child, it should not only include proof of citizenship but also proof of being married to his Mexican wife and a copy of her passport.
Letter Format
Although there are no specific rules to write this letter, it should be formal, respectful and clear. It should also:
- Be written in English (include the date and your signature).
- Include the name of the person who is invited (specify the link between both of you).
- Be printed in high quality.
Recipient of the Letter
The letter must not be sent to a consulate or embassy. It is sent to the person you want to invite.
Additional Documentation
It is advisable to submit documents proving that the inviter has the economic means to accommodate and cover the visitor’s expenses. Here is a list of useful documents:
- Federal tax return for the last three years, copies of the W2 and, if appropriate, of corporate bank accounts.
- Account statements from the last 6 months, showing economic solvency.
- A letter written on the stationery of the company where the inviter works that includes the age of the employee, his or her salary amount and the conditions of his or her contract.