UMD: A Globally Connected University

Requests for Letters

Requests for Letters

ISSS provides several letter categories to our F1 & J1 sponsored students:

  • full-time immigration status ;
  • social security number(SSN) recommendation; and
  • concurrent enrollment.

To submit your letter request, log into your iTerp account and navigate to F-1/J-1 Student Services>Letter Request. ​ Once submitted ISSS will contact you when your letter is ready for pick-up at the ISSS office (1126 H.J. Patterson Hall, College Park, MD 20742).   Please allow at least 5 business days for processing.  Special letters may require additional processing time.

Students on OPT/CPT:  

  • Requests for SSN letters should be requested from your employer.​
  • OPT students may not request full time status verification letters.  Your I-20, EAD card, and employment paystubs are all used to confirm your status.

Requests for Invitation Letters

ISSS does not issue invitation letters.  No invitation letter is needed if the purpose of the activity is for sightseeing and visiting the United States.

As instructed from the travel.state.gov website these letters are not required by the embassy to issue a B2 visa. The Student/Scholar should submit a copy of their I-20/or DS2019 to the relative applying for the tourist visa. You can also send an Enrollment Verification Certificate along with the copy of your passport.   The B2 visa is designated for tourist activities, such as sightseeing, visiting friends and relatives, obtaining medical treatment, etc. 

Note: Visa applicants must qualify on the basis of the applicant's residence and ties abroad, rather than assurances from U.S. family and friends. A letter of invitation or Affidavit of Support is not needed to apply for a visitor visa. If you choose to bring a letter of invitation or Affidavit of Support to your interview, please remember it is not one of the factors used in determining whether to issue or deny the visa.