If you are inviting your parents, relatives, or friends to visit the United States, you may provide supporting documents to explain their travel plans and financial arrangements. However, a U.S. visitor visa is approved based on the applicant’s eligibility, including the purpose of travel, financial circumstances, and ties to the home country.
The applicant should bring sponsor documents to the visa interview only when relevant. In many cases, the consular officer may not ask to review them.
Important:
- Do not send sponsor documents directly to the U.S. Embassy or Consulate.
- Send copies of the documents to the visa applicant before the interview.
- Use recent, clear, and legible documents. Financial and employment documents should generally have been issued within the last six months.
1. Form I-134, Declaration of Financial Support (Optional)
Form I-134 is not required for most B-1/B-2 visitor visa applications. However, if the visitor will rely on a U.S. sponsor for financial support during the trip, the sponsor may submit Form I-134 as supporting evidence.
- The sponsor may complete a separate Form I-134 for each applicant.
- The form does not need to be notarized.
- Submitting Form I-134 does not guarantee visa approval.
2. Employment Verification Letter (Recommended)
A recent employment verification letter from the sponsor may include:
- Job title
- Employment start date
- Full-time or permanent employment status
- Current annual salary
The letter should be printed on company letterhead and dated within the last six months.
3. Recent Pay Statements
Provide copies of the sponsor’s three to six most recent pay statements to show current employment and income.
4. Bank Statements
Recent bank statements, generally covering the past three to six months, may be provided when the sponsor will pay for the visitor’s expenses.
No minimum bank balance is required. Available funds should reasonably cover the planned trip.
A separate bank verification letter is generally optional unless specifically requested.
5. Invitation Letter
The sponsor may provide a signed invitation letter explaining:
- Who is being invited
- The purpose of the visit
- Expected travel dates
- Where the visitor will stay
- Whether the sponsor will provide accommodation or financial support
An invitation letter is optional but may provide useful context about the travel plans.
6. Financial Support Letter (Optional)
When the sponsor will pay for some or all of the visitor’s expenses, a brief financial support letter may be included.
The letter should mention the sponsor’s relationship to the visitor and specify the expenses the sponsor intends to cover.
7. Tax Documents
The sponsor may provide:
- The most recent Form 1040, U.S. Individual Income Tax Return; or
- An IRS tax return transcript
W-2, Wage and Tax Statement, or 1099 forms may also be included when available.
Providing tax returns for the past three years is generally unnecessary unless specifically requested.
8. Proof of Legal Status in the United States
The sponsor should provide evidence of lawful status, such as:
US citizens
- U.S. passport
- Certificate of Naturalization
- Certificate of Citizenship
Lawful permanent residents
- Copy of both sides of the Permanent Resident Card (Green Card)
Temporary visa holders, including H-1B, L-1, and O-1 visa holders
- Passport identification page
- Current visa, when available
- Most recent Form I-797, Notice of Action
- Most recent Form I-94, Arrival/Departure Record, when applicable
When an extension or change of status is pending, include the applicable USCIS receipt notice.
9. Proof of Relationship
When applicable, include documents showing the relationship between the sponsor and the visitor, such as:
- Birth certificate
- Marriage certificate
- Other relevant civil documents
Proof of relationship may be useful when inviting parents, children, or in-laws.
10. Additional Documents (If Applicable)
Depending on the circumstances, the sponsor may also include:
- Copy of passport biographical page
- Copy of driver’s license or state ID
- Proof of residence, such as a lease agreement or utility bill, if the visitor will stay with the sponsor
The documents are optional and usually not required.
Important Reminders
- Sponsor documents alone do not determine visitor visa approval.
- The applicant should be prepared to explain the purpose of the trip, intended length of stay, and plans to return home after the visit.
- The applicant should demonstrate strong ties to their home country, such as employment, business, family responsibilities, property, or ongoing studies.
- The consular officer may approve or refuse the visa based on the interview and the applicant’s overall qualifications, even when extensive sponsor documents are provided.
- The applicant should answer all interview questions honestly and provide documents only when requested by the consular officer.
Typical Sponsor Document Checklist
- Optional Form I-134, Declaration of Financial Support, when the sponsor will provide financial support
- Invitation letter
- Employment verification letter
- Recent pay statements
- Recent bank statements
- Most recent Form 1040, U.S. Individual Income Tax Return, or IRS tax return transcript
- Proof of U.S. citizenship or lawful immigration status
- Proof of relationship, when applicable
The checklist covers supporting documents only. The applicant’s eligibility remains the primary factor in a B-1/B-2 visitor visa decision.
