DOS says a letter of invitation is not needed to apply for a visitor visa.
A focused guide to invitation letters and financial support for a U.S. visitor visa: what is optional, who may fund a trip, what evidence can support that arrangement and what does not replace the applicant’s own visa qualification.
DOS says a letter of invitation is not needed to apply for a visitor visa.
If you cannot cover all costs yourself, evidence may show that another person will cover some or all of the trip.
Assurances from U.S. family or friends do not replace the applicant qualifying for the visitor visa.
USCIS says the Department of State may request Form I-134 in certain instances.
A letter may explain who the visitor plans to see, the relationship, proposed dates, accommodation and other practical arrangements. It should support the real trip described by the applicant rather than act as a substitute for the applicant’s own qualification.
A B1/B2 trip may be self-funded, partly funded by another person or funded by another person. The evidence should correspond with the arrangement actually described.
For an ordinary visitor case, people often use “sponsor” informally to describe a relative, friend, company or other person paying expenses. That should not be confused with the immigrant Form I-864 sponsorship framework.
USCIS states that the Department of State may request Form I-134 in certain instances. That is different from saying every visitor applicant who has a host or third-party payer should file one.
The invitation, financial evidence, DS-160 information and interview explanation should not materially conflict about who is travelling, why, for how long, where the visitor will stay or who is paying.
Use the existing EYM B1/B2 assessment to connect travel purpose, applicant circumstances and funding through one pathway.
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