Invite family, friends, or colleagues from India with confidence. This concise guide shows you exactly how to draft a one-page U.S. invitation letter—covering must-have details, supporting documents, and ready-to-use templates—so your guest can breeze through the B-1/B-2 visa interview.
Although U.S. consular officers do not require an invitation letter for a B-1/B-2 visa, they still read it carefully because it answers three key questions at a glance:
Copy of your U.S. passport/green-card/visa
Proof of residence (lease, deed, or recent utility bill)
Bank statement or recent tax return if you promise to pay expenses
Round-trip flight itinerary or wedding/conference invite, if already booked
Photos or chat logs showing your genuine relationship (optional but useful)
Bundle scans of these docs with the letter so your guest can upload everything to the U.S. Visa Applicant Portal before scheduling the interview.
One page, 3 – 5 short paragraphs
11- or 12-point font, left aligned
If it’s a business visit, print on company letterhead
Date format: Month DD, YYYY (e.g., June 18, 2025)
Sign in blue or black ink, then scan to PDF
6. Common mistakes that delay approvals
Leaving out dates or relationship details—vagueness raises red flags.
Making it too informal—remember it’s an official document.
No proof of funds or housing—consular officers want facts, not promises.
Unsigned digital drafts—always sign before scanning.
Usually no for Indian posts; a signed PDF is fine unless the consulate asks otherwise.
Yes—list each traveler’s full details in separate bullet points.
Aim for < 60 days before the visa interview.