Inviting Visiting Family and Friends

Many students wish to invite friends and family for a short visit to the United States. The B-2 visitor visa is a good choice for visits for 3 months or less, or for family members who do not qualify for an F-2 or J-2 dependent visa, such as parents, siblings, cousins, etc.

Visitor Visa Applicant Information

The most important part of the B-2 application at the U.S. Embassy/Consulate is the applicant’s demonstration of ties to the home country, planned return to the home country (i.e. a trip of short duration), and ability to cover expenses while in the United States. Please refer to the US embassy for application instructions.

Supporting Documents for Visitor Visa Applications

The University cannot provide invitation letters for visitors. However, students can provide supporting documents for a B-2 visa application, including those listed below. There is no guarantee that providing this information will result in the issuance of a visa. Comprehensive information about visa application requirements must be obtained directly from the U.S. Embassy or Consulate where the visa application will be made. Please see travel.state.gov.

  • Students may write a letter of invitation, including the name of the visitor and their relationship to the student, the length of the visit, who will provide financial support for the visit and the purpose of the visit, e.g., to attend the student’s graduation.
  • Students can provide visitors with a copy of their I-20/DS-2019 and/or a verification of enrollment from Enrollment Services. Students may request a letter that shows their anticipated graduation date from the Office of Enrollment Services.
  • Graduation evaluation letter could be requested from the Enrollment Services/Records Office (registrar@fdu.edu) and/or students may apply for Enrollment Verification by visiting EnrollmentVerify – National Student Clearinghouse.
  • If the visit is to attend a graduation ceremony, students must also be sure to complete the steps to file for graduation.

Regulations for Visitors on B-2 Visa

  • Visitors in B-2 status may have a difficult time changing status in the U.S. to a different visa category.
  • B-2 visitors may NOT enroll in classes at a U.S. university or college or work without authorization from USCIS.
  • B-2 visitors may apply for an extension of stay with USCIS.

Note: The duration of a visitor visa is determined by US Customs and Border Patrol (CBP) at the time of entry into the United States. The duration of stay is not related to the duration of the US visitor visa. When visitors arrive in the U.S., their documents will be inspected by a CBP official at the airport or port of entry to the US. The CBP officer will determine the amount of time the visitor will be permitted to remain in the U.S. and write that date on the I-94 Arrival/Departure record. For detailed information about the B-2 nonimmigrant visa, visit the State Department’s website.

Visa Waiver Program/ESTA

If a friend/relative is a citizen of a country in the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) or Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) they must follow the instructions from the US Embassy/Consulate in their area or visit the Visa Waiver Program website.

Note: a VWP/ESTA status visitor may NOT change status from within the U.S. under any circumstances