|
|
|
Current Students - Other Immigration/Visa Information
Inviting Family/Friends to the US
Inviting a family member or friend to visit you while you are studying in the
U.S. is a common occurrence. It is important for the reasons detailed below
that you, the student, write a letter of invitation to the U.S. Consular
Official to support the B1/B2 visa application of your family or friend.
Download a sample invitation letter.
Applicants for visitor visas must show that they qualify under provisions of
the Immigration and Nationality Act. The presumption in the law is that every
visitor visa applicant is an intending immigrant. Therefore, applicants for
visitor visas must overcome this presumption by demonstrating that:
- The purpose of their trip is to enter the U.S. for business, pleasure, or medical treatment.
- They plan to remain for a specific, limited period.
- They have a residence outside the U.S. as well as other binding ties which will insure their return abroad at the end of the visit.
- They provide evidence of funds to cover expenses in the United States.
- Evidence of compelling social and economic ties in the home country.
Visitor Visa Application
 Where should they apply for the visitor visa?
Applicants for visitor visas should generally apply at the American Embassy or Consulate with jurisdiction over their place of permanent residence. Although visa applicants may apply at any U.S. Consular Office abroad, it may be more difficult to qualify for the visa outside the country of permanent residence.
What are the Required Fees?
Nonimmigrant visa application processing fee –
Each applicant for a visitor visa must pay a nonrefundable US $100 nonimmigrant
visa application processing fee.
Visa issuance fee – Additionally, if the visa is issued, there
will be an additional visa issuance reciprocity fee, if applicable. Please
consult the US Department of State Visa Reciprocity Table to find out if you
must pay a visa issuance reciprocity fee and what the fee amount is.
What should they submit?
Each applicant for a visitor visa must submit the following documentation,
and submit fees as explained above:
- An application, Nonimmigrant Visa Application, Form DS-156, completed and signed.
- A Supplemental Nonimmigrant Visa Application, Form DS-157 provides additional
information about your travel plans. Submission of this completed form is
required for all male applicants between 16-45 years of age and all applicants
from state sponsors of terrorism age 16 and over, irrespective of gender,
without exception.
- A passport valid for travel to the United States and with a validity
date at least six months beyond the applicant's intended period of stay in
the United States. If more than one person is included in the passport, each
person desiring a visa must make an application.
- One (1) 2x2 photograph. See the required photo format explained in
Nonimmigrant Photograph Requirements.
What should they demonstrate to the U.S. Consular Official?
Applicants must demonstrate that they are properly classifiable as visitors
under U.S. law by:
- Evidence which shows the purpose of the trip, intent to depart the United States, and arrangements made to cover the costs of the trip may be provided. It is impossible to specify the exact form the documentation should take since applicants' circumstances vary greatly.
- Those applicants who do not have sufficient funds to support themselves while in the U.S. must present convincing evidence that an interested person will provide support.
- Depending on individual circumstances, applicants may provide other documentation substantiating the trip's purpose and specifying the nature of binding obligations, such as family ties or employment, which would compel their return abroad.
|
|
|
|
Prospective Students