Invitation Letter and Affidavit of Support for a U.S. Tourist Visa (B-2) — Philippine Context

This article explains how invitation letters and “affidavits of support” (Form I-134) fit into a Filipino applicant’s B-2 visitor visa case. It covers what they are, when they help, how to prepare them, frequent pitfalls, and Philippine-specific departure considerations. It is general information, not legal advice.

1) The Big Picture: What Actually Decides a B-2 Visa?

Presumption of immigrant intent (INA §214(b)). Every applicant is presumed to be an intending immigrant unless they prove strong ties to return to the Philippines after a temporary U.S. visit.
Core evidence is about you, the traveler: your purpose of trip, funds to pay for it, and strong home-country ties (work, business, studies, family, property, responsibilities).
Invitation letters and I-134s are optional. They can be helpful context for purpose and funding, but they do not guarantee approval. Consuls routinely approve without them and refuse even with them if ties/facts are weak.
No tickets required. Never buy non-refundable tickets or pay large deposits before the visa.

2) Invitation Letter vs. Affidavit of Support (I-134): What’s the Difference?

Item	Purpose	Required?	Who prepares/signs	Legal effect
Invitation Letter	Explains visit plan, relationship, lodging, and (sometimes) who will pay.	No	U.S. host (or event organizer)	Informational only. Not binding.
Form I-134 (Affidavit of Support)	A U.S.-based sponsor promises financial support to avoid the applicant becoming a public charge.	No for B-2	U.S. sponsor (citizen, LPR, or other lawfully present person with income/assets)	Persuasive only, not legally enforceable like the immigrant-visa I-864. Consuls may weigh it along with proof of sponsor’s ability.

Key nuance: For B-2 cases, the I-134 is a supplement. The officer still looks first at the traveler’s own ties and credibility. If the visitor cannot show realistic means or intent to return, an I-134 rarely cures that.

3) When Do These Documents Help?

Clear, short-term, relationship-based visits: e.g., visiting immediate family for two weeks, attending a wedding, meeting a newborn.
Sponsor covers accommodation or some trip costs: e.g., student or retiree visitor with modest savings, but a sibling in the U.S. will host.
Group or event travel: conferences, graduations, medical check-ups (with evidence of scheduling and funding).

They are less helpful if:

The proposed stay is long or vague (e.g., “6–12 months to look around”).
The applicant lacks clear home ties (unstable work, no school enrollment, etc.).
Financial support looks fabricated or last-minute.

4) Preparing an Invitation Letter (Best Practices)

Content to include (concise and factual):

Host identity & status: full name, U.S. address, phone/email; proof of lawful status (e.g., U.S. passport, green card, valid work visa).
Relationship: how you know the visitor; brief history.
Purpose & itinerary: exact dates (or realistic range), places to visit, key events.
Accommodation & funding: where the visitor will stay; whether the host will provide lodging and any support.
Return plans: emphasize short duration and the event triggering departure (e.g., return to work/school).
Attachments: copy of host’s ID/status, recent utility bill/lease (for address), event invites (wedding/program), and any booking holds (not paid tickets).

Formality: A simple signed letter is usually enough. Notarization is not required by the U.S. Embassy for an invitation letter.

5) Using Form I-134 (Affidavit of Support) for a B-2 Case

Who can sponsor? Any lawfully present person in the U.S. (U.S. citizen, LPR, or certain nonimmigrants) who has sufficient income/assets and is willing to sign.

Evidence to pair with I-134 (typical set):

Proof of status (passport bio page, green card, I-94, EAD/visa).
Income: recent pay slips (e.g., last 3 months), employer letter stating position/salary/start date, most recent U.S. tax return/W-2 or IRS transcript.
Assets (if needed): bank statements (last 3–6 months), evidence of savings or liquid assets; avoid large unexplained deposits.
Housing: lease or property tax bill if offering lodging.

Income threshold? I-134 does not have a strict, enforceable poverty-guideline threshold like the immigrant I-864 (125%). Officers typically compare against federal poverty guidelines as a reference, but they judge the overall credibility and proportionality (short trip vs. sponsor means).

Notarization? Modern I-134 versions are signed under penalty of perjury—no notarization required.

Multiple sponsors? Possible (each files their own I-134), but too many can look manufactured. One credible sponsor is better than many weak ones.

6) What the Applicant Should Bring (Philippine Context)

Identity & application basics

Valid passport (ideally with >6 months validity beyond intended stay).
DS-160 confirmation page, photo (per current specifications), appointment confirmation, MRV fee receipt (fees change; verify current amount and process).
If previously refused, bring the new facts or documents addressing the old concern.

Purpose & funding

If self-funded: bank certificates/statements (seasoned), payslips, business papers (DTI/SEC, Mayor’s permit, BIR), pension proofs, or remittance history.
If sponsored: invitation letter + I-134 (if using one) with the sponsor’s supporting financials (as above).

Strong home-country ties

Employment: Certificate of Employment, position, salary, approved leave dates.
Business: permits, BIR filings, proof of ongoing operations.
Study: current enrollment, school ID, registration/assessment.
Family: marital status, children’s school records, caregiving responsibilities.
Property: land/condo titles, long-term leases.
Travel history: prior visas/entry stamps (Schengen, Japan, Korea, etc.) demonstrating compliance.

Medical trips (if applicable)

Doctor’s letter from the Philippines, U.S. medical appointment confirmations, cost estimates, and clear funding plan (self/sponsor/insurance).

What is usually not required unless asked

NBI/police clearances, barangay certificates, affidavits from neighbors, thick binders. Bring only items that directly prove purpose, funds, and ties.

7) Interview Strategy (Manila)

Be concise and truthful. Most interviews last a few minutes.
Lead with purpose and ties. “Two-week visit to my sister for her wedding; I work at ___ and resume on ___; approved leave shown here.”
Only show documents when asked. Officers often decide based on answers, then scan a key proof.
If refused under 214(b): It’s typically about ties/credibility, not missing a form. Reflect on how to strengthen facts (stable job, travel history, clearer itinerary) before reapplying.

8) After Approval: Visa & Philippine Departure Notes

Visa validity vs. allowed stay: A 10-year B1/B2 visa (common for Filipinos) doesn’t grant 10 years per trip. U.S. CBP decides your admitted stay (often up to 6 months) at the port of entry—check the I-94 after arrival.
Do not overstay or work. Tourist activity only.
Philippine Bureau of Immigration (BI) checks on departure:
- Bring items that match your story (invitation, itinerary, employer leave, school enrollment).
- Minors traveling without both parents typically need DSWD travel clearance and PSA documents; align with airline requirements.
- “Affidavit of Support & Guarantee” (AOSG) notarized in the Philippines is not a U.S. requirement and is not a substitute for the U.S. I-134; BI may ask questions to ensure the traveler isn’t vulnerable to trafficking or illegal work. Be consistent and prepared.

9) Common Pitfalls (and How to Avoid Them)

Assuming an invitation guarantees approval. It doesn’t. Focus on your own ties and a credible, short trip.
Last-minute, unexplained bank spikes. Season funds; document the source of large deposits.
Overly long or open-ended plans. Keep the itinerary realistic (e.g., 2–4 weeks) with clear return obligations.
Inconsistent details. Host address, travel dates, employment records, and sponsor info must tell the same story.
Too many “co-sponsors.” One strong, well-documented sponsor beats several marginal ones.
Buying tickets before the visa. Not required and risky.
Template abuse. Obviously canned or exaggerated letters hurt credibility. Be specific and honest.

10) Templates (Customize; Don’t Overstate)

A) Invitation Letter (Sample)

[Date]

Consular Officer
U.S. Embassy Manila

Re: Invitation for [Full Name of Visitor], Philippine Passport No. [_______]

Dear Consul:

I am [Your Full Name], currently residing at [Full U.S. Address]. I am a [U.S. citizen/LPR/visa status], employed as [Job Title] at [Employer].

I am inviting my [relationship], [Visitor’s Full Name], to visit me in the United States from approximately [start date] to [end date] to [purpose: attend my wedding / meet our newborn / tourism in __]. During this period, [he/she/they] will stay at my home at the address above.

I will provide [lodging/ground transportation/partial support]. [Visitor’s Name] will [cover airfare and personal expenses / I will cover reasonable travel expenses]. We fully understand this is a temporary visit, and [Visitor’s Name] will return to the Philippines on or before [date] to resume [work/school/family responsibilities].

Attached are copies of my [passport/green card/visa], proof of address, and [event invitation/itinerary].

Sincerely,

[Signature]
[Printed Name]
[Phone / Email]

B) Sponsor Packet Cover Note (to pair with Form I-134)

[Date]

To the Consular Officer:

I, [Sponsor Full Name], residing at [U.S. Address], submit Form I-134 to support [Visitor Full Name] for a short family visit (approx. [dates]).

Included:
1. Proof of lawful status: [U.S. passport / green card / I-94 + visa]
2. Employment letter (position, salary, start date)
3. Pay stubs (last 3 months)
4. Tax return / W-2 or IRS transcript (most recent year)
5. Bank statements (last 3–6 months)
6. Lease / property tax bill (lodging offered)

I understand this visit is temporary and that [Visitor] will return to the Philippines.

[Signature]
[Printed Name]
[Contact]

(Attach the completed and signed Form I-134 itself.)

11) Quick Checklists

For the U.S. Host/Sponsor

☐ Invitation letter (simple, truthful)
☐ Proof of status (passport/green card/visa + I-94)
☐ Proof of address (utility bill/lease)
☐ If sponsoring: completed Form I-134 + income proofs (employer letter, payslips, tax, bank)
☐ Event evidence (wedding invite, graduation program, conference registration), if any

For the Filipino Applicant

☐ Passport, DS-160 confirmation, photo, appointment page, MRV receipt
☐ Purpose proofs (invitation, itinerary, bookings on hold)
☐ Funding (bank cert/stmt, payslips, business or pension proofs)
☐ Ties (COE + approved leave; permits/BIR; school enrollment; property titles)
☐ Travel history (old passports/visas)
☐ If minor: DSWD clearance & PSA docs, if applicable

12) FAQs

Q: Is an invitation letter required? A: No. It can help explain the visit, but approval rests on your intent and ties.

Q: Do I need Form I-134? A: Optional. Useful if a U.S. sponsor will house or help fund the trip—and can prove ability. It’s persuasive, not binding.

Q: Should the letter/I-134 be notarized? A: Not required for B-2. Sign accurately under penalty of perjury (for I-134).

Q: How much money should be in my account? A: Enough to credibly cover your specific itinerary (airfare, lodging if not hosted, daily costs), consistent with your income and life situation. Season your funds and be ready to explain sources.

Q: My last visa was refused under 214(b). Should I reapply with an I-134 now? A: Only if facts have improved (stronger ties, clearer plan, better financials). The I-134 alone rarely changes a 214(b) outcome.

Q: Will the Philippine BI ask for an AOSG? A: BI focuses on purpose and traveler protection. Bring documents consistent with your visit. An AOSG is not a U.S. requirement and does not replace U.S. visa criteria.

13) Practical Timeline (Philippines → U.S.)

Draft itinerary and confirm leave from work/school.
Prepare invitation letter; decide if I-134 is warranted; collect proofs.
Complete DS-160, pay MRV, book interview. (Processes and fees change—verify the latest.)
Attend interview with originals; answer simply and truthfully.
If approved, receive visa by courier; finalize travel bookings.
On departure, carry documents consistent with your purpose; for minors, ensure DSWD/airline requirements are met.

Final Word

An invitation letter or an I-134 can support a well-prepared B-2 application, but neither replaces the essentials: a credible, short visit plan, sufficient means, and compelling Philippine ties. Build your case around those pillars, keep documents lean and consistent, and you’ll maximize your chances.