Note that only the spouse and/or child of an F-1 or J-1 student is eligible for a dependent Form I-20 or Form DS-2019 and to apply for the F-2 or J-2 visa.
For the purposes of the information provided here, “guest” refers to friends and other family members (not an F-1 or J-1 student’s spouse or child).
What kind of visa should my guest obtain?
Apply for the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) if Guest from Participating Country
The Visa Waiver Program (VWP) enables most citizens or nationals of participating countries to travel to the United States for tourism or business for stays of 90 days or less without first obtaining a visa, when they meet all requirements explained below. Travelers must have a valid Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) approval prior to travel. If the traveler prefers to have a visa in your passport, they may still apply for a visitor (B) visa. For detailed information, please visit Visa Waiver Program.
Apply for a Visitor Visa (B-2)
Visitor visas are nonimmigrant visas for persons who want to enter the United States temporarily for business (visa category B-1), tourism, pleasure or visiting (visa category B-2), or a combination of both purposes (B-1/B-2). The length of a visitor’s initial permission to stay in B-2 status is determined by the officer at the U.S. port of entry. The maximum initial period is six months. For detailed information about visitor visas and how to apply, please visit Visitor Visa (state.gov).
How can I support my guest’s visitor visa application?
You may write a letter in English inviting your guest to visit you. Include in the letter (1) whom you are inviting, (2) the purpose of the visit, for example, vacation, attend graduation, meet a new baby, (3) the dates or approximate dates of the visit, and (4) any financial support you are offering, for example, cost of travel, room and board. Note that International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) does not issue invitation letters for guests to visit the U.S.
You may send your guest a copy of your Form I-20 or Form DS-2019, but they should not submit it to the consular officer unless asked for it. Do not send your original I-20 or DS-2019 to your guest.
If the purpose of their visit is to attend your graduation, and you have applied to graduate via the CaneLink Application for Graduation, you may send your guest a copy of your Commencement Registration Confirmation email. Students that have applied to graduate may also purchase announcement invitations from the Herff Jones website that contain the University of Miami seal as well as the date, time and location of the commencement ceremonies. For questions regarding Commencement, contact the Office of Commencement (commencement@miami.edu). Note that neither ISSS, the Office of Commencement, or the Registrar's Office provide formal letters or invitations for international guests.
Health Insurance Reminder
Be sure your guest has health insurance that will cover them while in the United States. Most visitors will require “major medical coverage,” which is health insurance that goes into effect if they are unexpectedly hospitalized as the result of an accident or an illness. Without coverage, your guest could experience financial devastation if hospitalization becomes necessary.
