Family members may wish to visit the United States during a student's studies or to attend commencement. A letter of invitation is not needed to apply for a nonimmigrant tourist visa. Visa applicants must qualify on the basis of the applicant's residence and ties abroad, rather than assurances from family and friends currently in the United States. If you choose to write a letter of invitation, please remember that it is not one of the factors that U.S. Consulates use in determining whether to issue or to deny a nonimmigrant tourist visa. ISP does not provide family invitation letters. You may review this sample of a family invitation letter.
