Does a letter of invitation help me qualify for a non-immigrant visa?

Under Section 214(b) of the U.S. Immigration and Nationality Act, all applicants for all kinds of non-immigrant visas, including tourist and student visas, are considered intending immigrants unless they can convince the interviewing officer otherwise. Therefore, it is incumbent on the applicant to demonstrate clear intentions to return to the country of residence after a short visit to the United States. Applicants generally demonstrate their intention to return by showing that they have strong familial ties, a stable economic situation and commitments that require their return. An established job, steady savings, strong family ties and a defined plan of study or tourism are important factors during the interview. Although many applicants have family or friends who would like to invite the applicant and offer to pay all costs for the trip, under Section 214(b), only the applicant can qualify for the visa. An invitation letter will simply help establish that the applicant has a credible reason for traveling, but an invitation alone is not enough for an applicant to overcome the presumption of intending immigrant.