Visitor Visa (B-2) for Family and Friends

Mailing Address: 3910 Keswick Rd., Baltimore MD 21211 Telephone: +1-667-208-7001 Email: [email protected] Website: http://ois.jhu.edu

Family and friends from abroad who wish to visit and/or attend JHU international students’ graduation ceremony may

apply for a B-2 visa from the United States consulate nearest to the place of their residence. OIS advises that you read

the handout prepared by the U.S. Department of State on tips for Visitor Visas – Business and Pleasure

(https://travel.state.gov/content/dam/visas/VisaFlyer_B1B2%20March%202015.pdf

), and assist their guests by following

the suggestions below.

*** The OIS does not issue invitation letters to family or guests of international students ***

Suggestions for improving the chances of obtaining a visitor visa:

Write a separate letter of invitation for each visitor, including the following information:

 The visitor’s name, date of birth, place of birth, and nationality

 An explanation of the purpose and length of their stay (example: to attend the graduation ceremony)

Provide evidence of your status in the US, such as a copy of your I-20, an unofficial transcript printed from SIS or a copy

of your course schedule, or your I-94

Provide verification of your enrollment, available through the National Student Clearinghouse.

 Log in to SIS (https://sis.jhu.edu/sswf/

)

 At the top left select “Registration”, then “Enrollment Verification”

 Click the blue link at the bottom that will lead you to the National Student Clearinghouse.

 At the first bullet, select “Current enrollment” for a verification on the current semester only. Select “All

enrollment” for a verification of all of your enrollment at Johns Hopkins.

 Click “Obtain an enrollment certificate”. Save the document to view and/or print.

If you need the names of your invited guests to be included in the Enrollment Verification, you can request a letter from

the registrar’s office by emailing them at ASENverify@jhu.edu

Give your visitors the U.S. Department of State information on the visitor visa application process available at:

https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/tourism-visit/visitor.html

on B-2 visas to the visitor. If your guest is not

fluent in English, you may translate the information or recommend that they contact the nearest U.S. consulate to

request a translated version before applying for the visa. They should read the information before submitting their

application for the visa.

Your guests may be denied visas if they cannot prove to the consular officer’s satisfaction that they will return to their

home country immediately after their temporary visit. The following are examples of documents which may help

demonstrate strong ties to their home country:

 An employer’s letter describing the employee’s position, annual salary, company permission for the trip, and

the expected return date to employment

 Evidence of funding, if your guest/s intend to cover their own expenses. For example, a bank statement,

employment verification, or other funding document

 Evidence of substantial property and investments in their home country

 Records of other trips abroad and return

 Birth certificate to prove familial relationship with you

Please be aware that your family and friends may be denied a B-2 visa if they have relatives who are U.S. citizens or

permanent residents. For further immigration advice, please consult with a licensed immigration attorney.