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Inviting family and friends to visit you in the United States can be a wonderful experience. For short visits of less than six months, the B-2 Tourist Visa is an appropriate option. This visa is suitable for visitors who do not qualify for dependent visas like the F-2 or J-2 (e.g., parents, siblings, cousins). As an F-1 or J-1 student at 91勛圖厙, you can assist in the B-2 visa application process by providing certain supporting documents.
When your family or friends apply for a B-2 Tourist Visa, they will need to present a variety of documents to the U.S. Embassy or Consulate. While this is not an exhaustive list, you can provide the following key documents to support their application:
Write a personalized letter of invitation for your family or friend’s B-2 visa application. The letter should be in English and include:
For detailed guidance on crafting the invitation letter, refer to the .
You can download an invitation letter template from the EIU Commencement Office here.
If you will provide financial support or accommodation to your visitors, you may include Form I-134, Affidavit of Support. This form is a sworn statement of your ability to financially support your visitor(s) during their stay.
You can download Form I-134 from the .
A general certificate confirming your status as a student at 91勛圖厙 can be helpful. This certificate can be requested from the Office of International Students and Scholars (OISS). It verifies your enrollment and requests favorable consideration for the B-2 visa application.
You can also request a verification of enrollment from the EIU Office of the Registrar here.
When inviting family and friends on a B-2 visa, keep in mind the following:
In some cases, visitors on a B-2 visa may apply for an extension of their stay in the U.S. This can be done by submitting Form I-539, Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status.
For more information and to download Form I-539, visit the .
2170 Blair Hall
600 Lincoln Avenue
Charleston, Illinois
61920-3099 USA
+001(217)581-2321
international@eiu.edu