It's a moment of pride and emotion to invite your parents to visit you in the USA. One of the most important aspects of the visitor visa (B2 visa) application process is to obtain an invitation letter for parents to visit the USA. This letter serves as a significant catalyst in assisting them to get the visa to travel.
Here in this guide, we will discuss how to compose an effective invitation letter, present a sample, and address typical questions such as What is the minimum bank balance for B2 visa?, Who can issue an invitation letter?, and How long does it take to invite parents to the USA? Let's explore
What is a Parental Visit Invitation Letter to the USA?
A parents' visit invitation letter is a formal letter composed by you (the sponsor) inviting your parents to the United States. The letter demonstrates to the U.S. Embassy or Consulate that your parents genuinely have a reason to travel and that they will be taken care of during their stay.
The letter covers information on:
● Purpose of the visit
● Stay duration
● Invitee and inviter relationship
● Financial planning for the trip
Why is an Invitation Letter Needed for a B2 Visa?
Even though an invitation letter is not a requirement for a B2 tourist visa, it solidifies your parents' visa application. It reflects that:
● They have relatives in the USA
● Their visit will be for a short while
● They have adequate support financially and socially
● It may enhance the opportunities for visa approval, particularly when used in conjunction with other corroborative documents.
How to Write an Invitation Letter to Parents to Visit USA
It is easy to write an invitation letter if you have a clear structure. Here is what you include:
1. Your Details (Inviter's Details)
● Full name
● USA address
● Contact number and email
● Immigration status (Citizen/Green Card holder/Visa holder)
2. Parents' Details (Invitee's Details)
● Full names
● Passport numbers (optional but useful)
● Your relationship to them
● Their home country address
3. Reason for the Visit
Tell them why you are inviting them (family reunion, vacation, special occasion)
4. Length of Stay
Sincerely state the period you have in mind (e.g., June 2025 to September 2025)
5. Financial Responsibility
Indicate whether you will cover their trip (airfare, living costs) or if they will pay for it themselves.
6. Declaration and Closing
Polite, courteous ending with signature.
Invitation Letter for Parents to Visit USA Sample.
Here's a basic sample invitation letter for parents to visit USA you can use as follows:
[Your Full Name]
[Your Full Address in USA]
[Phone Number]
[Email Address]
[Immigration Status]
[Date]
Consulate General of the United States
[City, Country]
Subject: Invitation Letter for B2 Tourist Visa for My Parents
Dear Sir/Madam,
I am writing to invite my parents, [Father's Full Name] and [Mother's Full Name], who live at [Their Full Address], to come visit me in the United States. Their visit is intended to spend time with family, tour the United States, and attend [state any special events such as your graduation, birth of a child, etc.].
They plan to reside in the USA between [start date] and [end date]. While there, they will live with me in my residence, and I will cover all their needs, such as travel, medical coverage, housing, and daily living expenses.
I am a lawful permanent resident (or citizen) of the United States. I work for [Company Name] and have an annual income of [Your Income].
Attached please find copies of my passport, employment proof, and bank statements for your information.
Grant them kindly the required B2 visitor visa to make this family reunion possible.
Thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely,
[Your Full Name]
[Your Signature]
Documents to Attach with the Invitation Letter
● While sending the invitation letter to your parents, also include:
● Copy of your passport and visa/Green Card
● Proof of relationship (birth certificate)
● Employment verification letter
● Recent bank statements
● A copy of your lease or property deed (to prove accommodation)
What is the Minimum Bank Balance for B2 Visa?
There is no fixed minimum bank balance required for a B2 visa. However, the applicants must show that they have sufficient funds to support themselves during the trip without working illegally.
Generally, for a 2-3 week trip, a balance of $5,000 to $10,000 is considered safe. If you (the sponsor) are covering expenses, you should show enough funds to cover their:
● Airfare
● Accommodation
● Food and travel costs
● Health insurance
Proving financial strength ensures the visa officer that the visit is genuinely temporary and well-supported.
Who Issues an Invitation Letter?
The invitation letter is issued by the person residing in the United States, inviting their parents to visit. This is typically the son, daughter, or relative who holds:
● U.S. Citizenship
● U.S. Green Card (permanent residency)
● Valid work or study visa (H1B, L1, F1, etc.)
● It is not issued by the U.S. government or any official authority.
How Long Does it Take to Invite Parents to the USA?
● The time it takes to invite parents depends on several factors:
● Writing the invitation letter: 1–2 days
● Gathering supporting documents: 2–5 days
● Scheduling the visa appointment: 2–4 weeks depending on location
● Visa processing time: 7–30 days after the interview
● On average, the entire process from sending the invitation to getting the visa could take around 1–2 months. Therefore, start preparing early!
Tips for a Strong Invitation Letter
● Be honest and clear about the purpose of the visit.
● Avoid exaggerating plans (vacation and family bonding are sufficient reasons).
● Mention your legal status and ability to support.
● Attach all relevant documents to build trust.
● Make sure your parents’ DS-160 visa application form matches the information in the letter.
Things Parents Must Show During Visa Interview
● Along with the invitation letter, parents should be ready with:
● Proof of ties to home country (property, job, family members)
● Proof of financial stability (bank accounts, assets)
● Travel itinerary (even rough plan helps)
● Return ticket booking (optional but can help)
● The focus is to convince the visa officer that they will return home after their temporary visit.
Conclusion
Writing an invitation letter for parents to visit the USA is a straightforward but important step. A well-prepared letter, combined with complete documents, can significantly boost the success of their B2 visa application.
Remember, while the invitation letter is helpful, the ultimate visa approval depends on your parents’ ability to prove their ties to the home country, financial stability, and intent to return.
Start early, prepare carefully, and you’ll soon enjoy precious moments with your family in the United States!