This article was last updated and fact checked on April 28, 2025 by Mani Karthik.
Are you trying to help your parents visit you in the United States? Or perhaps you want to sponsor a friend or relative for a short trip to America?
The sponsorship process for a US tourist visa can feel overwhelming when you’re doing it for the first time.
I remember feeling completely lost when I first sponsored my parents for their US visit.
Don’t worry – I’ve created this straightforward guide to walk you through exactly what you need to do to successfully sponsor someone for a US tourist visa.
In this article...
Quick Overview: Sponsoring Someone for a US Tourist Visa
Sponsoring someone for a US tourist visa (B2) means you’re providing financial support and vouching for them during their temporary stay in America. While not officially required, proper sponsorship significantly improves visa approval chances.
The main components include writing a sponsorship letter, providing financial documents, and sometimes submitting an Affidavit of Support (Form I-134).
Your sponsored visitor will still need to demonstrate their intention to return home after their visit.
When traveling to USA, travel insurance is much recommended.
Two great plans are, Atlas America and Safe Travels USA.
However there are other choices like these, as well.
Who Can Sponsor a Tourist Visa for USA?
You can sponsor someone for a US tourist visa if you are:
- A US citizen
- A US permanent resident (Green Card holder)
- Someone on a valid work visa (like H1B)
- Someone on a valid student visa (with sufficient income/resources)
The closer your relationship to the applicant, the more convincing your sponsorship will be to visa officers.
💡 Pro Tip: Even if you’re on a temporary visa yourself (like H1B), you can still sponsor family members for tourist visas. Your stable income and legal status in the US are what matter most.
Step by Step Guide to Sponsoring Someone for a US Tourist Visa
Step 1: Prepare a Sponsorship Letter
A well written sponsorship letter is crucial. It should include:
- Your full name, address, and immigration status in the US
- The visitor’s full name and relationship to you
- Purpose and duration of the visit
- Your commitment to financial support
- Confirmation that they will return to India after the visit
Be specific about where they’ll stay and how you’ll cover their expenses. Stating your visitor’s ties to India (like property, family, or a stable job) can strengthen their case for return.
Step 2: Gather Supporting Financial Documents
Attach these documents to prove your financial capability:
- Recent bank statements (last 3 months)
- Pay stubs or employment verification letter
- Most recent tax returns (Form 1040)
- Copy of your passport and visa/Green Card/citizenship certificate
All documents should be clear, current, and show sufficient funds to support your visitor during their stay.
Step 3: Consider Form I-134 (Affidavit of Support)
While not always required for tourist visas, submitting Form I-134 (Declaration of Financial Support) can strengthen the application, especially if:
- Your visitor has limited financial resources
- They plan an extended stay (several months)
- They’ve previously been denied a visa
This form legally commits you to support the visitor financially during their entire US stay.
Step 4: Help Prepare the Visa Application
Guide your visitor through preparing their B2 visa application:
- Complete the DS-160 form online
- Pay the visa application fee ($185 as of 2025)
- Schedule a visa interview at the US Embassy or Consulate in India
Make sure they have all their own supporting documents ready, including passport, photographs, travel itinerary, and proof of ties to India.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Sponsoring a US Tourist Visa
1. Submitting Vague Sponsorship Letters
Vague statements like “My parents are visiting me” aren’t enough. Be specific about dates, purpose, accommodation arrangements, and financial support details.
2. Insufficient Financial Documentation
Embassy officials need to see you have stable, sufficient income to support visitors. Recent pay stubs and at least 3 months of bank statements are crucial.
3. Ignoring the “Ties to Home Country” Requirement
Even with strong sponsorship, your visitor must demonstrate they have compelling reasons to return to India after their trip. Help them gather evidence of their home ties.
4. Mismatched Information
Ensure all information in the sponsorship letter matches what your visitor states in their visa interview and application forms. Inconsistencies raise red flags.
| Sponsorship Element | What to Include | What to Avoid |
|---|---|---|
| Sponsorship Letter | Specific dates, purpose, relationship | Vague statements, promises of work |
| Financial Proof | Recent bank statements, pay stubs | Outdated documents, joint accounts only |
| Visitor Documentation | Return tickets, property documents | One way tickets, incomplete papers |
FAQs About Sponsoring Someone for a US Tourist Visa
How much bank balance is required to sponsor a US tourist visa?
There’s no specific amount required, but generally, you should show at least $10,000 in savings plus about $2,000 per month of intended stay for each visitor. More is always better to demonstrate financial stability.
Can I sponsor my parents for a 6 month stay in USA?
Yes, you can sponsor your parents for a stay of up to 6 months on a B2 tourist visa. For longer stays, they would need to file for an extension using Form I-539 after arriving in the US.
What if my sponsorship application is rejected?
If your sponsored visitor’s visa application is rejected, carefully review the reason given. Address that specific concern before reapplying, whether it’s providing stronger financial documentation or better proving ties to India.
Do I need to meet my sponsored visitor at the airport?
While not legally required, it’s good practice to receive your sponsored visitor at the airport. Immigration officers sometimes call sponsors to confirm arrangements, so being physically present helps verify your commitment.
Is health insurance required for the person I’m sponsoring?
While not mandatory for visa approval, travel health insurance is strongly recommended. US healthcare costs are extremely high, and as a sponsor, you could be responsible for any medical bills they incur.
Bonus Tips for Successful Tourist Visa Sponsorship
Get a notarized sponsorship letter. Though not required, a notarized letter adds credibility to your sponsorship commitment.
Provide a detailed itinerary. A day by day plan of the visit demonstrates the trip is for legitimate tourism purposes.
Submit property documents from both sides. Your US housing documents and their Indian property papers strengthen the application significantly.
💡 Pro Tip: If possible, include an invitation to a specific event like a graduation ceremony, wedding, or important family function. Event specific visits with fixed return dates have higher approval rates than general “visiting family” applications.
Key Takeaways for Sponsoring a US Tourist Visa
- Write a detailed sponsorship letter clearly stating your relationship and support commitments
- Provide strong financial documentation showing stable income and sufficient savings
- Help your visitor demonstrate strong ties to India for their return
- Be prepared to complete Form I-134 if the visitor has limited financial resources
- Ensure all information is consistent across all application documents and interviews
- Consider providing travel health insurance for your visitor’s protection
Remember that ultimately, the visa decision rests with the consular officer, but a well prepared sponsorship package significantly improves approval chances.
Wishing your family or friends a wonderful American visit!
The effort you put into proper sponsorship will help ensure a smooth visa process and a memorable US experience for your loved ones. ✈️
