What is a Letter of Invitation?

A Letter of Invitation is a written note from an individual with whom the visitor will stay in the host country. The invitation letter is proof that the visa applicant will have a place to stay during their visit. Ideally, the host should be a permanent citizen or a green card holder.

Understanding Invitation Letters for Visa Applications

Embassies across the globe often request certain documents that can be perplexing to first-time travelers applying for a visa. By researching, visa applicants can learn about the necessary documents, how to get them, and why they’re important. One such document that often causes confusion is the Letter of Invitation.

Content of the Invitation Letter

The Invitation Letter should provide the following details:

• Host’s name and contact information
• Host’s immigration status
• Relationship between the host and the visa applicant
• Full name and Address
• Purpose of the trip
• Exact dates of the trip
• Host’s signature

Invitation Letter for Visa Application

A host writes an Invitation Letter for a visitor visa application and sends it to the embassy or consulate. The letter is addressed to either the person applying for the visa or the officer in charge at the consulate. 

The letter explains that the host will let the person stay in their house for the whole visit to their country.

Requirements for Writing an Invitation Letter

For the Invitation Letter to be valid, the host should meet these conditions:

• Must be a citizen or lawful permanent resident of the country the applicant plans to visit.
• Must be a friend, significant other, or family member/relative of the applicant.
• Must have a registered place to stay
• The place of stay must have enough space to accommodate the applicant.

Not every consular office requires an Invitation Letter. However, it is better to submit one if possible.

Guidelines for Writing an Invitation Letter

Invitation Letters are easy if an individual knows why he/she needs them. It can help with the visa application. However, there are different types of invitation letters.

Some embassies have their own invitation form. Therefore, check if there’s a specific form to fill out when researching a checklist of required documents.

Instructions for the Host

The Invitation Letter should include key details about the host and guest. On the host’s side, it should provide the following:

• Full name
• Birth Date
• Address
• Phone Number
• Occupation
• Type of Home (owned/rented house / flat / room)
• Host’s status in the host country
• Signature

Instructions for the Guest

For the guest, the invitation letter should include:

• Full name as shown on their International Passport.
• Birth Date
• The Person’s Address and Telephone Number.
• Relationship between the host and the guest.
• Purpose of the trip
• Exact Entry and Exit date.

It is advised to be friendly and personal when addressing a guest. This helps the consular officer understand the relationship between the guest and the host. Applicants should avoid being too formal.

Supporting Documents for the Invitation Letter

Though not always necessary, it’s considerate to include extra documents like an Invitation Letter when applying to some embassies.

• A scanned copy of the host’s passport.
• Evidence of means of subsistence (if the host will financially support the guest).
• Proof of home ownership or rental contract.
• A guidebook of the places planned to visit together.
• If the host will take time off work for the guest, it is best to submit proof to help the case.

Submission of the Invitation Letter

The guest can submit the Invitation Letter at the embassy or consular office, along with other visa documents. The host will scan and send the letter to the guest. The guest will bring it with their supporting documents to their embassy or consulate appointment.

Remember, an Invitation Letter can greatly enhance the chances of a successful visa application.

Conclusion

A letter of Invitation is a crucial document in the visa application process. While it might seem confusing at first, it is best to understand its purpose and requirements. Overall, it can make the process of visa application easier and more straightforward.