Skip to main content
GiveApplyReport A Concern

Inviting Family or Friends to Visit

The information below provides guidance if your family or friends need a tourist visa to enter the U.S.

If you would like to invite family and friends to visit the U.S., you should provide them with the following documents for their visa interview:

  • A letter of invitation from you (in your language and English) including:
    • The relationship to you 
    • Purpose of the visit 
    • Dates of the visit 
    • Where the visitor(s) will sleep and eat 
    • Any other important information
  • Evidence that you can support them during the visit if you are providing room and board (that might include a bank statement or assistantship information, apartment lease, etc.) 
  • Evidence that you are a full-time student by requesting the enrollment verification through LionPATH. 
  • Copy of your I-20 or DS-2019 

Visitors need to provide evidence that they intend to return abroad and not remain in the U.S. 

Note: ISSA does not provide letters of invitation for family or friends to visit. The U.S. Department of State has advised that letters from ISSA are not helpful for this purpose. 

If you would like to invite family and friends to visit the U.S., you should provide them with the following documents for their visa interview:

  • A letter of invitation from you (in your language and English) including:
    • The relationship to you 
    • Purpose of the visit 
    • Dates of the visit 
    • Where the visitor(s) will sleep and eat 
    • Any other important information
  • Evidence that you can support them during the visit if you are providing room and board (that might include a bank statement or assistantship information, apartment lease, etc.) 
  • Evidence that you are a full-time student by requesting the enrollment verification through LionPATH. 
  • Copy of your I-20 or DS-2019 

Visitors need to provide evidence that they intend to return abroad and not remain in the U.S. 

Note: ISSA does not provide letters of invitation for family or friends to visit. The U.S. Department of State has advised that letters from ISSA are not helpful for this purpose. 

iStart

Access your iStart account.

chevronRightDouble icon
Psu logo

The Pennsylvania State University 2023
410 Boucke Building, University Park, PA 16802

Call Us (814) 865-7681
  • iStart
  • Starfish
  • LionsABROAD
  • Global Safety Network
  • Immigration Resources
  • Privacy Statements
  • Non Discrimination
  • Accessibility
  • Legal Statements
The Pennsylvania State University © 2025