Inviting Your Relatives to the U.S.

If you wish to invite your parent(s) or other family members to visit you in the U.S., we suggest gathering the documentation listed below. Please note that there are no guarantees on what documentation will work during the visa application process, as each appointment is different, and occasional denials are possible, even if all the steps are followed correctly. It is important to provide as much information as possible to establish that you are here in the U.S. maintaining a legal status, that your family member(s) have sufficient funds to cover expenses while in the U.S, and that they will return to their home country after their visit.

Documentation of student status:

1. Obtain a letter from your academic department and/or an Enrollment Certificate from the Registrar's office verifying that you are enrolled full-time and in good standing. 
2. Obtain a copy of your most recent transcript.
3. Provide copies of your Form I-20, Form I-94, and visa.
4. If you are on assistantship, obtain a letter from your academic department stating that you are supported by the department, including the monthly stipend amount and in-state tuition scholarship amount. 

Documentation of invitation and financial support:

1. Obtain a bank statement showing that you have sufficient funds to support your family member(s) while they are in the U.S. If your family member(s) will support themselves, they will need to show proof of sufficient funds available to them when they apply for a visa.
2. Write an invitation letter in which you state that you are inviting them for a certain period of time (give starting and ending dates, if possible), and that you are willing and able to support them while they are in the U.S. 
3. If you are renting a house or apartment, you may also wish to attach a copy of the lease agreement to show that you are able to provide accommodations at no additional expense to you and/or your family member(s).