Inviting Visitors to the U.S.

Visa and Immigration Services (VIS) does not issue invitation letters for international visitors who want to travel to the United States, including visitors attending Commencement.

If your family or friends plan to visit you in the United States, you may write your own invitation letter to support their visitor visa application.

According to the U.S. Department of State, visitor visa applicants must qualify for a visa based on their own circumstances, including their residence and ties outside the United States. An invitation letter or Form I-134 (Affidavit of Support) is not required and is not a deciding factor in whether a visa is approved.

If you choose to write an invitation letter to help explain the purpose of the visit, the guidance below explains what information to include.

What to Include in Your Invitation Letter

Your letter should include the following information:

• Your full name and your current immigration status at Stony Brook University (for example: F-1, J-1, H-1B).
• The visitor’s full name, date of birth, and relationship to you.
• The purpose of the visit (for example, visiting family or attending your graduation).
• The address where your visitor will stay during the visit.
• The expected dates of travel and length of the visit, if known.

You may use the sample invitation letter below as a guide.

Sample Invitation Letter for Visitors

Additional Tips

You may choose to include copies of documents that help explain your situation. For example:

• Your most recent Form I-20 or DS-2019
• Your passport identification page
• Your visa page (if available)
• Your Employment Authorization Document (EAD), if applicable
• Your Enrollment Verification from Stony Brook University

Additional notes:

• If multiple visitors are applying for visas, you may write separate letters or include all visitors in one letter.
• Your letter does not need to be an original document. You may scan and email it to your visitors.
• Your visitors should review the U.S. Department of State visa website for information about visa applications and U.S. embassy or consulate locations.

Supporting Documents Your Visitors May Need

When applying for a visitor visa, your visitors may be asked to provide documents that support their application. These documents help show the purpose of the trip to the United States.

If they are attending your graduation, they may bring:

• A copy of your Form I-20 or DS-2019
• Your full-time enrollment verification
• A letter from your academic advisor confirming your expected graduation
• Commencement ceremony tickets or invitations, if available

Your visitors may also bring a printed page from the Stony Brook University Commencement website showing the ceremony date.

If your visitors are attending a conference or special event, they should bring documents confirming the event registration or invitation.

Evidence of Intent to Leave the United States

Visitor visas are issued for temporary travel. Your visitors must show that they plan to return to their home country after the visit.

Examples of supporting documents include:

• A flight itinerary showing planned travel dates
• A letter from an employer confirming employment and approved vacation leave
• Documents showing school enrollment, if the visitor is a student

Your visitors should not purchase airline tickets until their visa is approved.

Evidence of Financial Support for the Trip

Your visitors should be prepared to show that they can pay for their travel expenses.

Examples of documents include:

• Bank statements
• Employment letters confirming salary or income
• Other financial documents showing the ability to pay for travel and living expenses during the visit.