Invitation letters are not required by U.S. Embassies or Consulates in order for family members of F-1/J-1 students and scholars to obtain visitor visas. As such, OIS does not write letters of invitation for the purpose of inviting students’ and scholars’ family members to visit the United States.
As a courtesy to our students and scholars, OIS has provided a sample letter template for those who wish to write their own letter to invite primary family members (i.e., parents, grandparents and siblings) to the U.S. Again, this letter is not required and OIS provides this template as a courtesy only.
Should the student or scholar choose to write an invitation letter, they should also include a photocopy of their most recent I-20/DS-2019.