
How to Sponsor Someone for a US Tourist Visa
- Formal Invitation Letter. You need to write a letter to the applicant that clearly expresses your wish to sponsor them. ...
- Letter to the US Consulate. In addition to the invitation letter, you need to write another letter addressed to the US consulate.
- Accurately Filled Form I-534. Also known as the Affidavit of Support form, you can download the I-534 form from the USCIS website.
- Proof of Financial Stability. Since you will the sole provider for the applicant during their stay in the US, the USCIS will want to know if you are capable of ...
- Residency Information. The USCIS does a thorough background check of the sponsor before approving a tourist visa. ...
- Some Useful Tips. Send all the documents to the applicant well before they are required. ...
Does an employer have to sponsor a work visa?
These visas are temporary and must be renewed regularly. Visa sponsorship means an employer is willing to obtain a work visa for highly-qualified candidates who live outside the United States. It’s not a simple process for employers. They must prove that they were unable to fill their vacancies with qualified American workers for sponsoring a visa.
Can I get a work visa without a sponsor?
Since there are so many US visas, it can be confusing to know which ones are for employment. Even within the US work visas, for very short seasonal work you might not need a sponsorship. But you must keep in mind that most employment offers in the US will need a visa sponsorship. The US visas have groups of nonimmigrant and immigrant visas.
Who is required to be a sponsor?
· A sponsor must be someone other than the parent of the one to be confirmed. · A sponsor must have received the Sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation and Holy Eucharist. · A sponsor must be at least 16 years of age and may be male or female regardless of the sex of the candidate.
Can an USA permanent resident sponsor another person?
Your status determines who you can bring (sponsor) to live and work in the United States. If you are a U.S. citizen, you can sponsor: If you are a permanent resident, you can sponsor: If you have been a refugee or asylee within the past two years, you can petition for certain family members to obtain refugee or asylee status.

How much money do you need to sponsor tourist visa?
While there is no specific guideline to how much money you should have in the bank, it should be enough to take care of all their expenses. Something like $5,000/person should be good enough.
Can a friend sponsor for US tourist visa?
A short term US visitor visa or tourist visa can either be self sponsored or you may seek sponsorship from any US resident (friends, relative) to sponsor your b1-b2 visa. Any foreign citizen can apply for a US Visa.
Do you need a sponsor for a US tourist visa?
Sponsorship is not mandatory for US Visitor or tourist visa. An individual who has a good financial background and who meets the other requirements for visa grant, can get visitor visa without a sponsorship.
How do I invite someone to a tourist visa?
Sample of letter of invitation addressed to the consular officer. My name is [Host's Name], residing at [Host's Address] and I am a United States citizen (or lawful permanent resident alien). I am requesting that you issue a tourist (B-2) visa to [Visitor's Name] who resides at [Visitor's Address].
Can you sponsor a non relative to us?
U.S. law requires a financial sponsor so that non-citizens in the U.S. won't become public charges, dependent on government assistance for financial support. You don't have to be a relative to be someone's financial sponsor. So, a friend can become a financial sponsor.
How much bank balance is required for US visitor visa?
The amount of bank balance you should have for applying to the US tourist visa depends on the duration. If it is a 15-day trip, you must have $ 5,000-10,000 in your bank. Is travel insurance compulsory for the US travel visa? No, travel insurance is not compulsory for the US travel visa.
How can I sponsor a visitor to USA?
How to Get a Sponsorship: 8 Key TacticsResearch potential sponsors. Look at your existing supporters. ... Tell your organization's story. ... Provide sponsor incentives. ... Reach out to established companies. ... Use data to legitimize your pitch. ... Find the right contact. ... Build a connection over time. ... Follow up.
What documents do I need to invite someone to the USA?
Below is a list of the recommended documents to include with an Invitation Letter:Scanned copy of host's ID or passport.Evidence of means of financial subsistence.Proof of homeownership or rental contract.An itinerary of the planned visit.Documentation of the host's time off from work for the visit.
How many people you can sponsor for visitor visa?
Yes, you may sponsor more than one person if you want to. If you are invited to apply, you can sponsor your parents and grandparents. To do so, you will need to submit separate applications for each person (or couple) you sponsor. We will process each application separately.
How long does an invitation visa take?
For this reason, the application process can take up to six months or more. You will need to apply for your visa as early as possible, but no later than three months before you wish to enter the United States.
Can you invite someone from another country?
Inviting someone to visit the United States. Under the U.S. federal law, applicants must apply on their own to visit the United States. A citizen of a foreign country who wishes to enter the United States must first obtain a visa.
Who can a U.S. citizen sponsor?
A U.S. citizen who is at least 21 years or older may also petition for the following relatives: Parents; • Brothers or sisters. When you submit your petition, you are required to provide evidence to prove your relationship to the person for whom you are filing. What does the petition do for my relative?
How do I sponsor someone to come to the US?
on a relative petition must have a financial sponsor. If you choose to sponsor your relative's immigration by filing a Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative, you must agree to be the financial sponsor and file an affidavit of support when the time comes for actual immigration.
How many people you can sponsor for visitor visa?
Yes, you may sponsor more than one person if you want to. If you are invited to apply, you can sponsor your parents and grandparents. To do so, you will need to submit separate applications for each person (or couple) you sponsor. We will process each application separately.
Can I bring my friend to the US?
Inviting someone to visit the United States. Under the U.S. federal law, applicants must apply on their own to visit the United States. A citizen of a foreign country who wishes to enter the United States must first obtain a visa.
What documents do I need to invite someone to the USA?
Below is a list of the recommended documents to include with an Invitation Letter:Scanned copy of host's ID or passport.Evidence of means of financial subsistence.Proof of homeownership or rental contract.An itinerary of the planned visit.Documentation of the host's time off from work for the visit.
What is a sponsor visa?
These visas are temporary and must be renewed regularly. Visa sponsorship means an employer is willing to obtain a work visa for highly-qualified candidates who live outside the United States. It’s not a simple process for employers. They must prove that they were unable to fill their vacancies with qualified American workers for sponsoring a visa. When an organization sponsors an employment visa for a new employee, they help complete the application, prepare labor certification paperwork, and represent the petitioner for the visa.
What is an I-134?
The petitioner must submit Form I-134, Affidavit of Support, to help the visa applicant. The visa sponsorship helps ensure that the K-1 entrant will not become a public burden if he or she does have adequate money during the trip.
What is visa sponsorship?
Visa sponsorship is typically associated with a petition. The U.S.-based person or entity submits a petition on behalf of the foreign national. Once approved, the foreign national is generally able to apply for the desired visa.
What does it mean to sponsor a visitor?
If a family member or friend is willing to sponsor the visitor, that means that the sponsor has agreed to cover the costs should the visitor no longer have the means to pay. It mitigates the possibility the visitor will become a public burden. To sponsor a visitor, the supporter prepares Form I-134, Affidavit of Support.
What is an immigrant visa?
Immigrant visas are for permanent immigration (green cards). But sponsoring a visa may apply to businesses helping an individual obtain a temporary work visa (such H-1B) or an organization that administers a visitor visa (like J-1).
How to sponsor an alien relative?
Both U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents may start the sponsorship process by filing Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative. Although there are additional forms along the way, this is how the process begins.
How many people get a green card through a relative?
Family-based immigration is the most common way to obtain a green card. In fact, over 600,000 people get a green card through a relative each year. Visa sponsorship comes from the petitioning relative but can also come from other sponsors.
How to get a tourist visa in the US?
The USCIS does a thorough background check of the sponsor before approving a tourist visa. And, apart from the financial details, they also need proof of your residency status. To satisfy this need, you will have to provide the following documents: 1 A copy of your passport 2 Employment verification letter, if you are working in a US-based company 3 Copies of I-94, I-797, L1 and H1 visa (if applicable) 4 Permanent residents need to give a copy of the front and back of their Green Card, along with their certificate of citizenship.
Why do USCIS want to know if you are capable of financial support?
Since you will the sole provider for the applicant during their stay in the US, the USCIS will want to know if you are capable of such financial support. The reason is that they don’t want the applicant to become a liability for the US government.
What is a verification letter for a business?
Bank verification letter, which confirms that you have an account with them. Bank statements for the last six months. Copies of your salary slips of the last two months. In case you own a business, you will need to provide a copy of the personal tax returns.
Do you need a background check for a tourist visa?
The USCIS does a thorough background check of the sponsor before approving a tourist visa. And, apart from the financial details, they also need proof of your residency status. To satisfy this need, you will have to provide the following documents:
Do you send all documents to the applicant?
Send all the documents to the applicant well before they are required . This will help them to attach it with their visa application and also carry them to the interview.
Can sponsorship help you get a visa?
Ask the applicant to clearly explain the relationship you hold with them during the visa interview. Although sponsorship won’t necessarily guarantee that the person will get the visa, but it will increase their chances of approval.
Do I need a copy of my green card for 2021?
Permanent residents need to give a copy of the front and back of their Green Card, along with their certificate of citizenship. If you’re traveling in 2021, I recommend checking out the updated travel rules for USA.
What are the allowed reasons to sponsor a tourist visa?
Family get-togethers, weddings, funerals, medical treatment, graduation ceremony, or any other event, which the consulate officer can see as a legitimate reason for the trip.
How can sponsorship help?
Although consulate and visa authorities look for the overall eligibly of the visa applicant, having a legitimate and qualified sponsor can increase the chances of getting the visitor visa.
How to invite parents or family members to USA?
If you legally live and earn in USA and want to invite/sponsor trip for your parents, relatives or friends, you can do so by providing certain documents, most commonly an Affidavit of Support Form I-134, a letter of invitation, and supporting documents as evidence to your financial ability to bear the expenses of the trip.
What does it mean to sponsor a trip?
Sponsorship indicates that the person sponsoring the trip will be able to bear the cost of travel USA and less chances of becoming public burden. It makes it easy for authorities to establish a contact / relationship with a US resident, just in case. This may be useful from security perspective as well.
What does sponsorship mean in travel?
In general, sponsorship means the sponsor is taking the responsibility to take care of all the expenses for the visitor's trip.
Does having a sponsor guarantee a visa?
Remember that having a sponsor does not guarantee that the visa will be granted. Individual applicants must fulfill and qualify for the US visa. Consulate will judge the applicant according to various criteria including a background check, a valid reason for travel, strong ties to the home country, evidence of funds, legitimacy of travel plan, etc.
Is sponsorship necessary for US visitor visa?
Sponsorship is not mandatory for US Visitor or tourist visa. An individual who has a good financial background and who meets the other requirements for visa grant, can get visitor visa without a sponsorship.
What documents are needed for a parent to visit their child?
The additional documents for parents visiting their children in the U.S. are: Birth certificates of children. Photocopies are sufficient, but if that isn’t available, an affidavit can serve the requirements. Photocopies of the passport of the sponsoring child.
What is the form I-134?
Form I-134 is what you need to submit to obtain a visitor’s visa. Known as the Affidavit of Support, this is an 8-page document with six pages of instructions. This serves as evidence of your income and certifies that you’re in a financially-healthy condition to support your visitors.
What documents are needed to get a job offer?
The documents to include are: Copy of passport. Letter of employment provided at the time of your job offer if you’re employed in the U.S. If you’re on a visa, like an H1 or L1, then a copy of your visa along with Form I-797 and I-94.
What to do after inviting your parents to the US?
After you’ve written a letter to your parents/friends/family about inviting them to the U.S., you need to write to the U.S. Consulate to initiate the process of issuing a visa to them . Just like in the previous case, you’re required to state the purpose of the visit, the duration, and expenses covered, among other things.
What forms do I need to renew my visa?
If you’re on a visa, like an H1 or L1, then a copy of your visa along with Form I-797 and I-94. If at the time of applying your visa has expired or is set to expire, then you can submit copies of the renewed petitions.
What is a bank account verification letter?
This includes the name of the applicant, bank balance, how long the account has been in operation, and the name of the addressed consulate. If you cannot obtain a bank account verification letter, then you can submit a bank statement for the past 12 months of your salary account.
Do you need to send separate forms for mother and father?
If you’re applying for a mix of both, then you might be required to submit different forms. If the sponsoring members are husband and wife, then there is no need to send separate forms from each side.
How often do you update your biographical information on a Chinese passport?
In accordance with the agreement signed between the United States and China to extend visa validity, beginning on November 29, 2016, Chinese citizens with 10-year B1, B2 or B1/B2 visas in Peoples’ Republic of China passports will be required to update their biographical and other information from their visa application via a website every two years, or upon getting a new passport or B1, B2, or B1/B2 visa, whichever occurs first. This mechanism is called EVUS - Electronic Visa Update System.
What happens after a visa interview?
After your visa interview, the consular officer may determine that your application requires further administrative processing. The consular officer will inform you if this required.
What is a visa for a foreigner?
A visa allows a foreign citizen to travel to a U.S. port-of-entry (generally an airport) and request permission to enter the United States. A visa does not guarantee entry into the United States. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS), U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officials at the port-of-entry have authority to permit or deny admission to the United States. If you are allowed to enter the United States, the CBP official will provide an admission stamp or a paper Form I-94, Arrival/Departure Record. Learn more about admissions and entry requirements, restrictions about bringing food, agricultural products, and other restricted/prohibited goods, and more by reviewing the CBP website.
What does 999 days mean?
A wait time listed as "999 calendar days" indicates that the Consular Section is only providing that service to emergency cases. Please check the Embassy or Consulate website for further information.
How long does a passport need to be valid for a visa interview?
Gather and prepare the following required documents before your visa interview: Passport valid for travel to the United States – Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your period of stay in the United States (unless exempt by country-specific agreements ).
What happens if you fail to leave the US on time?
Failure to depart the United States on time will result in being out of status. Under U.S. law, visas of individuals who are out of status are automatically voided ( Section 222 (g) of the Immigration and Nationality Act ). Any multiple entry visa that was voided due to being out of status will not be valid for future entries into the United States.
Where to schedule a visa interview?
You should schedule an appointment for your visa interview at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in the country where you live. You may schedule your interview at another U.S. Embassy or Consulate, but be aware that it may be more difficult to qualify for a visa outside of the country where you live.
What is a letter to the US consulate?
Letter to US Consulate requesting that visa be granted to the person you are sponsoring. (See a sample letter to US consulate for visitor visa ).
Do I need a copy of my passport for my child?
Copy of passport of the sponsoring child. Note: If you are sponsoring your in-laws, birth certificate and passport (all pages) copies are required for the child of the visa applicant, i.e. your spouse).
Is there a minimum balance for a bank account?
There is no official limit or set rules for a minimum balance requirement for your bank account. Any amount that can justify the overall cost involved to support the trip and your financial ability to take care of the expenses related to trip will do.
Can you sponsor a visitor if you send them an invitation letter?
If you just send them an invitation letter, you are just inviting them, you are not really sponsoring them. In that case, the visitor would have to prove that they have the financial means to visit the U.S. on their own.
Can you send documents to the consulate?
A: No. The U.S. consulate has no way to track the documents sent by the sponsors and match it to the applicants (visitors). Do not send them to the U.S. Embassy/Consulate/CGI. The sponsor should send the documents directly to the applicant, who can share them with the consular officer at the time of the interview.
Do parents have to show sponsorship documents at the time of visa interview?
You should do that even if your parents were not asked to show sponsorship documents at the time of their visa interview.
Does a sponsor guarantee a visa?
A: Having a sponsor or offer to guarantee a person’s return to their home country does not guarantee the issuance of a visa. U.S. immigration law makes no provisions for offers of guarantee or bond for issuing a non -immigrant visa. The burden of proof of non-immigrant intent is entirely on the applicant. Send all documents directly to the applicant.
Can you sponsor someone?
A: You can sponsor anyone you like. However, the closer the relationship or bond, the easier it would be to justify why you are sponsoring them.
What is a sponsor licence?
A sponsor license is essentially the permission needed for UK-based employers to recruit foreign migrants to work for them in the UK.
What are the sponsor licence eligibility requirements?
To be eligible for a sponsor licence, the Home Office must be satisfied that you are a genuine organisation operating lawfully in the UK. To prove this, you must provide certain mandatory documentation to demonstrate that your business is genuine, and that you have an operating or trading presence in the UK. You will also need to provide any additional documents as may be requested by the Home Office to help them decide your application.
What is the sponsor licence application process?
To apply for a sponsor licence, you will need to register your details with UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) and complete an online application form.
What are the ongoing obligations for sponsors?
Your sponsor licence will be valid for a period of 4 years, although you’ll be at risk of losing your licence if you do not meet your ongoing obligations as a sponsor, including:
How do you sponsor someone?
The process on how to sponsor someone can be complex, requiring a Home Office approved sponsor licence that will enable you to issue a valid Certificate of Sponsorship to a migrant worker who must then apply for a visa.
How much money do you need to sponsor someone in UK?
Sponsoring someone to work for you in the UK can be costly. This can include a licence application fee of at least £1476, together with the cost of issuing a Certificate of Sponsorship for each migrant worker, typically £199.
What happens if you fail to submit documents to UKVI?
If you fail to submit the required documentation for the applicable route (s), or these documents are incorrect, your application will be rejected. If there are any documents missing from your application, other than mandatory documents, or if UKVI require any more documents or information, you will be contacted by email. It’s therefore important that your authorising officer and key contact are available while your application is being considered.

Tourist Visa Sponsor Documents
- To bring a parent or parents to the U.S. on a B visa, you will need to gather or create several supporting documents, including: 1. Affidavit of Support Form (Form I-134) 2. Tourist Visa Invitation Letter 3. Tourist Visa Sponsor Letter 4. Financial Documents 5. Proof of Sponsor’s Residency Status Each of these items is discussed in more detail belo...
Additional Documents For Parents Visiting Children in The U.S.
- These documentsaren’t necessary but may be asked for during the scheduled interview with the USCIS. It’s always a wise decision to carry them or their photocopies along with you to avoid confusion and delays. The additional documents for parents visiting their children in the U.S. are: 1. Birth certificates of children. Photocopies are sufficient, but if that isn’t available, an affidavit …
Frequently Asked Questions For The Sponsor
- Do sponsors need to send the documents to a U.S. consulate or directly to VFS?
Sponsors don’t need to submit the documents. The applicant should submit the documents and carry those to the interviews scheduled with the USCIS. - Is filing Form I-134 separately necessary for each visitor?
If you’re applying for your mother and father or your in-laws, then a single form is sufficient. If you’re applying for a mix of both, then you might be required to submit different forms. If the sponsoring members are husband and wife, then there is no need to send separate forms from …