Family members who are not the children or spouse of the F-1 student or J-1 exchange visitor must apply for a visa-generally a B-1/B-2 visitor visa-to gain entry into the U.S. Family members from certain countries may be eligible to travel to the U.S. to visit with a visa waiver.
- A formal letter of invitation (written by you as the F-1 student or J-1 exchange visitor) indicating the specific reason for the visit (e.g., graduation, wedding, illness, birth of a child) should be provided to the visitors. The letter should include information about the purpose of travel and planned itinerary, as well as information about your visa status.
- There is no template, but you should include the following information in your letter of invitation:
- name,
- SEVIS ID,
- U.S. address,
- statement that your family/friends will be staying with you or whatever specific arrangements have been made and
- reason for the visit (graduation, visit, see new baby, etc.).
- Please be sure to sign your letter in BLUE ink and to address it "To Whom It May Concern."
- Copies of items you may need to attach to the letter; be sure to check the website of the consulate where the application will be made for POSSIBLE additional items:
- Your transcript
- Letter of enrollment verification from VISA (request form found on our FORMS page)
- Your valid I-20 or DS-2019
- Your passport (biographical info, document expiration date and visa pages)
- Your I-94
- If graduating, proof that your application has been submitted to the Registrar's Office (emailed to you after you apply via the Graduation screen in LeoOnline); additional documentation that you'll be participating in commencement could also be helpful (confirmation of that is also emailed once you submit that request via the Graduation screen in LeoOnline)
- Baby's birth certificate or marriage certificate-whichever is applicable
For more information about B-1/B-2 visas, refer to the Department of State web site.
Web Resources
Take a look at the following sites for additional information regarding visitor visa applications.
- Web Sites for U.S. Embassies and Consulates
- Estimated Time Needed for Visa Processing in U.S. Consulates
- Visa Application Forms
- In the Event of a Denial...
- Special Cases: Visa Waiver Program & Citizens of Bermuda, Canada & Mexico
Please e-mail VISA if you have any further questions.