Inviting Family Members to the U.S.

If you want to invite members of your family that live outside of the U.S. to your graduation ceremony or commencement, please read this carefully.

Note: The following information applies to both domestic and F-1 students. 

VISA WAIVER PROGRAM

If your friend or family is from a country that is an approved member of the Visa Waiver Program, please have them read about the requirements to enter the U.S.

TOURIST VISA (B2)

They may need to apply for a visa at a U.S. Embassy. They can do that here. As a part of the application process or during the visa interview, your family members may need to demonstrate two things:

1 . They have adequate funds to support themselves during their stay.

2. They have no intention of remaining in the U.S. after their visit.

In addition to completing the DS-160 Application for a Non-Immigrant Visa, students or family members may need to prepare the following documentation:

Evidence of Funding- If you are providing financial support for your family's visit, you will need to prove your ability to do that. This is mostly done by showing you have enough funds in your bank account to cover their expenses. If your family members intend to cover their own expenses, they will need to be able to demonstrate that if requested. This is often done through employment verification, a bank statement, or other approved proof of funding.

Evidence of your Status in the U.S.- You may need to verify your status as a student, your graduation date, and, if applicable, that you are maintaining your F-1 status. This is done by providing a current COPY of your I-20 (for F-1 students) and an Enrollment Verification letter. You can request an Enrollment Verification letter are here. (Log in>Click 'All Enrollment'>Click 'Obtain an Enrollment Certificate. It will automatically download).

Evidence of Intent to Return- Sometimes your family members must prove that they do not intend to remain in the U.S. A prepaid departure ticket is often adequate, but other documents showing ties to their home country can also be used to demonstrate intent to return home. For example, paperwork showing property ownership, employment, close family ties, or proof of enrollment in school.

Invitation Letter- Students often want an invitation letter written from MSU Denver. MSU Denver does NOT write invitation letters because we are not sponsoring or inviting your family and they do not impact the visa process. With that said, if you want to write a letter of invitation make sure to include your name, the reason you are living in the U.S., the names of the family members who wish to visit, the purpose and length of their visit, and whether you are providing any support for their visit. Below is a simple letter template that has worked for other students.

IMPORTANT NOTE:  “Visa applicants must qualify on the basis of the applicant’s residence and ties abroad, rather than assurances from U.S. family and friends. 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."  From: http://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/tourism-visit/visitor.html#documentation

Sample Letter