Invitation Letter (Personal) apostille

What is a personal invitation letter apostille?

A personal invitation letter is a private document, not a government record. To be apostilled, it must first be signed before a licensed notary public, who verifies the identity of the inviting party and witnesses the signature. That notarized letter is then submitted to the Secretary of State in the state where the notarization took place, and the state authority issues the apostille. The apostille confirms the notary's credentials and the authenticity of the signature.

When you need one

You are most likely to need an apostilled personal invitation letter when: sponsoring a family member's visa application to visit the US or a third country that requires authenticated sponsor documentation; inviting a foreign guest to a wedding, graduation, or other family event in a country with strict visitor visa requirements; or supporting a relative's long-term visa or family reunification application where proof of the relationship and the inviter's US residence is required.

How Laurela handles it

We review the letter to confirm it includes the information foreign embassies typically require (inviter's full name, address, relationship to the invitee, purpose of visit, and confirmation of financial responsibility if applicable), arrange notarization if not yet completed, and then submit to the correct Secretary of State for apostille. We route to embassy legalization for non-Hague countries.

Apostille vs. embassy legalization

If the invitee's home country — or the country issuing the visa — participates in the Hague Apostille Convention, an apostille from the state Secretary of State is sufficient. If that country is not a Convention member, the letter must also go through the country's embassy or consulate for legalization. We confirm which applies based on your recipient country.

Frequently asked questions

What information must the invitation letter include?

Most consulates expect: the full name and address of the US-based inviter, the full name and passport details of the invitee, the nature of the relationship, the purpose and planned duration of the visit, and a statement of the inviter's willingness to host. Requirements vary by destination — we can review your draft before notarization.

How long does it take?

Once notarized, state-level apostille processing times vary. We provide an estimated turnaround at the time of order.

Can I apostille a letter I already had notarized?

Yes, as long as the notarization is current and was performed by a licensed notary in the state where you are submitting. We will review your existing notarized letter to confirm it meets requirements.

Does the letter guarantee a visa will be issued?

No. The apostilled letter is supporting documentation for the visa application. The visa decision rests entirely with the issuing embassy or consulate.