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. ...
Can I cancel a visitor visa that I have sponsor?
Your employer, a sponsor or family member cannot cancel your visa. However, a person with parental responsibility can request us to cancel the visa of a person under 18 years old.
How to apply for a visa to visit the USA?
- Print and keep the DS-160 barcode page. (You will not need to print the full application.)
- You must schedule a visa interview appointment. (The U.S. Embassy or Consulate does not schedule an appointment for you.) Visit the U.S. ...
- Pay the visa application processing fee. Review country-specific instructions on the U.S. Embassy or Consulate website.
Can my parents sponsor my US tourist visa?
To invite your parents, friends, or any other relatives to USA, the sponsor needs to provide a few documents to get the visitor visa approved by the USA Consulate. Completed and notarized Affidavit of Support form I-134. A letter from Bank/Banks stating your account summary. The letter should carry the bank's business letter head.
Can I sponsor someone for a visa?
While you can’t petition for a friend’s immigrant visa or Green Card (only family members can do that), you can financially sponsor a friend’s immigration petition with Form I-864, Affidavit of Support.
Can a U.S. citizen sponsor a friend for a tourist visa?
If you are a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident, and you have a friend or relative who seeks to come to the U.S. as a tourist (on a B-2 visitor visa), you might be able to help the person by providing a letter of invitation.
Who can sponsor me in USA for tourist visa?
Traditionally, a US visa sponsorship has been associated with an employer or close family member filing an immigration petition with the US government. This would be for obtaining a green card for their employee or close family member.
What documents do I need to sponsor a visitor in US?
Tourist Visa Sponsor DocumentsAffidavit of Support Form (Form I-134)Tourist Visa Invitation Letter.Tourist Visa Sponsor Letter.Financial Documents.Proof of Sponsor's Residency 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.
How can I invite someone to visit USA?
The Invitation Letter can be submitted by the host at the embassy or consulate along with the visa document file. The host must scan it and send it to the visitor, who will later submit it with the other supporting documents on the day of their appointment at the embassy or consulate.
Can a U.S. citizen sponsor a non family member?
Can a U.S. citizen sponsor a non-family member for immigration? Unfortunately, no, you can't petition for a foreign national's visa or green card if they aren't a family member.
How much money do I need to show for U.S. tourist visa?
How much money do I need to show for US Tourist Visa? Officially, there is no limit for the money to be shown for the US Tourist Visa. Any amount that can validate the overall expenses for your US trip must be adequate. This includes to and fro air tickets, medical insurance, boarding, lodging, shopping, etc.
How do I write a sponsor letter for U.S. tourist visa?
I am writing on behalf of [Applicant's full name] who resides at [Applicant's address] requesting that you issue him/her a tourist (B-2) visa. [Applicant's name] is my [Describe relationship; i.e. father, sister, friend] and I would like for him/her to visit me in the United States.
Do you need an invitation letter to visit USA?
A letter of invitation or Affidavit of Support is not needed to apply for a visitor visa. If you choose to bring a letter of invitation or Affidavit of Support to your interview, please remember it is not one of the factors used in determining whether to issue or deny the visa.
Can I sponsor my friend to USA?
The U.S. immigration laws do not allow you to sponsor someone just because they are your friend. If a person seeks to enter the U.S. through a family member, the person entering the U.S. must have a financial sponsor.
Who can sponsor me in USA?
Who You Can Help ImmigrateWho Can Sponsor WhoWho You AreImmigrants You Can PetitionU.S. citizen (at least age 18, for financial sponsorship purposes)Minor, unmarried childrenU.S. citizenMarried children or adult childrenU.S. citizen age 21 or olderBrothers and sisters4 more rows
What documents are needed for sponsor?
Supporting Documents for ALL Sponsors: Also include a copy of each and every Form 1099, Schedule, and any other evidence of reported income. You may submit this information for the most recent three tax years, pay stubs from the most recent six months, and/or an employment verification letter if necessary.
Who can sponsor me in USA?
Who You Can Help ImmigrateWho Can Sponsor WhoWho You AreImmigrants You Can PetitionU.S. citizen (at least age 18, for financial sponsorship purposes)Minor, unmarried childrenU.S. citizenMarried children or adult childrenU.S. citizen age 21 or olderBrothers and sisters4 more rows
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.
Which companies provide visa sponsorship?
Top 10 companies that consistently sponsor H-1B visasAmazon.Infosys.Tata Consultancy Services.Cognizant.Microsoft.Google.Capgemini.HCL America.More items...
How do I write a sponsor letter for US tourist visa?
I am writing on behalf of [Applicant's full name] who resides at [Applicant's address] requesting that you issue him/her a tourist (B-2) visa. [Applicant's name] is my [Describe relationship; i.e. father, sister, friend] and I would like for him/her to visit me in the United States.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
What is a letter of invitation for a travel sponsorship?
A formal letter of invitation, addressed to the applicant, is required. If more than one person will be traveling through the same sponsorship, a single letter mentioning all the names of the people being sponsored will suffi ce. The letter can be in English or your native language.
What is a B2 visa?
The B2 visa is meant for those who wish to travel to America for the purposes of visiting friends or family, for tourism, medical treatment, or participating in a music, sports or social event that does not lead to any monetary remuneration.
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 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.
What to do if your US visa has expired?
If your US visa has expired, but has a renewed petition, photocopy of the renewed petition. If your US visa status (such as H, L) has expired, and your employer has filed for an extension, send the I-797 receipt notice.
How many I-134 forms do I need to apply for a family?
One form should be filled for each applicant. So, even though your parents are applying together, you need to send two forms. Some consulates say that if you are applying for a family (such as parents, in-laws, etc.), you have to submit only one I-134 and not for each person.
Do I need a photocopy of my passport?
Photocopy of all pages (including blank pages) of your passport. If the US visa is in your old passport, then a photocopy of all pages of the old and new passport is required. Also, proof of legal status: If you are on an H1 or L1, a copy of the latest H1/L1 visa approval notice (I-797 Notice of Action).
Can I sponsor multiple people at the same time?
If you are sponsoring multiple people at the same time (such as both of your parents), you should send separate I-134 forms for each person. However, you can just send one set of supporting documents for both of them. Form I-134, Affidavit of Support Form.
Do I need to send an I-797 if my visa is expired?
These may not be required, but it does not hurt to send them. If your US visa has expired, but has a renewed petition, photocopy of the renewed petition. If your US visa status (such as H, L) has expired, and your employer has filed for an extension, send the I-797 receipt notice.
How to help a visitor?
You can also help your visitor by teaching him interviewing techniques, such as how to answer questions calmly and truthfully while tense or nervous . Some countries require interviews from applicants who plan to enter the United States as a visitor.
What does it mean to sponsor someone?
To sponsor someone means that you will be financially responsible for that person while they are in the United States. It is important to note, however, that foreign visitors must apply in their own countries to visit America. Ask the person, to go to the government offices in their country and apply for a visitor’s visa to the United States.
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 …