Savanna Hoffman
International students can invite their friends and family to their graduation ceremony. However, their guests will likely need to apply for a B-2 visitor visa. The requirements for this visa include filling out the DS-160 non-immigrant application form, scheduling and attending a visa interview, and providing supporting documents such as an invitation letter and proof of ties to their home country. It is recommended to start the visa application process at least three months prior to the graduation ceremony. The graduate must write the invitation letter, although some universities provide a template to follow.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Who can international students invite for their graduation commencement? | Parents, siblings, relatives, and friends. |
| What do international guests need to enter the US for graduation commencement? | A B-2 visitor visa. |
| What is required for the B-2 visa application? | An invitation letter, proof of ties to the home country, financial statements, and other supporting documents. |
| Who should write the invitation letter? | The graduate/student. Some universities may provide a template or sample letter. |
| Where can international guests get the visa application form? | The US Department of State or the local US Embassy or Consulate website. |
| When should international guests start the visa application process? | It is recommended to start 6 months prior to the graduation ceremony, especially if there are visa interview date appointment delays in the country. |
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What You'll Learn
International students must write the letter of invitation
International students can invite friends to their graduation commencement. However, if those friends are coming from abroad, they will likely need a B-2 visitor visa. The U.S. Department of State has indicated that an invitation letter from the university does not influence the visa application outcome and is therefore not provided by the university. Instead, international students must write the letter of invitation themselves. This letter must come from the graduate, not the university.
The letter of invitation should include the guest's name, birth date, relationship to the graduate, passport number, the purpose and length of their visit, and whether the graduate will provide room and board. It is also beneficial to include additional documentation, such as a lease or room contract, bank statements, or evidence of the guest's financial resources if they will not be relying on the graduate for financial support during their stay.
It is important to note that the letter of invitation is just one part of the visa application process. Guests should also obtain a Commencement participation eligibility letter and review the specific instructions on the U.S. Embassy or Consulate website, as the steps to apply may vary.
[Guest's Name]
[Guest's Address]
[Guest's Passport Number]
Dear [Guest's Name],
You are cordially invited to attend my graduation commencement ceremony at [University Name] on [Date of Graduation]. The ceremony will be held at [Ceremony Location and Address], starting at [Time of Ceremony].
The purpose of your visit is to attend my graduation commencement and any associated celebrations and events. The expected length of your stay is [Number of Days] days, from [Date of Arrival] to [Date of Departure].
During your stay, you will be staying at [Guest's Accommodation Details] and will be responsible for covering your own expenses, including [Details of Expenses Covered by Guest].
I look forward to sharing this important occasion with you and hope you will be able to join me in celebrating my academic achievements.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Student ID Number or Other Relevant Identification]
Graduating Student at [University Name]
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Friends need to apply for a B-2 visitor visa
International students can invite their friends to their graduation ceremony, but their friends will likely need to apply for a B-2 visitor visa. This is a non-immigrant type of visa that allows foreign nationals to enter the US temporarily for tourism, family visits, medical treatment, or other non-business purposes.
To apply for a B-2 visa, friends of international students will need to follow these steps:
- Receive an invitation letter from the student: This letter must come from the student graduate, not the university. The letter should include the student's name, major, graduation date, and a description of the student. It is important to note that an invitation letter from the university is not required and does not factor into the visa application outcome.
- Fill out the DS-160 Form: This is a non-immigrant application form that needs to be completed and submitted. Each visitor must fill out their own form.
- Create a CGI Federal Account: This is necessary to book the visa interview appointment.
- Pay the Visa Interview Fee: There is a fee of $185 for each applicant, which can be paid through the bank, credit/debit card, or an online platform.
- Book the visa interview appointment: The interview can be booked individually or as a group at the same time. It is recommended to start the visa process six months prior to the graduation ceremony to ensure that the visa interview date can be booked on time.
- Attend the visa interview: The interview will be conducted at the US Embassy or Counselor's office. During the interview, the consular officer will ask about the purpose of the visit and the visitor's plans in the US. It is important to note that the visitor should bring the invitation letter and the Commencement participation eligibility letter to the interview, but it should not be mailed to the embassy/consulate beforehand. The visitor may also be asked to provide documentation substantiating the trip's purpose and specifying the nature of binding obligations, such as family ties or employment, that would compel their return abroad.
It is important to review the specific instructions on the US Embassy or Consulate website, as the steps to apply for a B-2 visa may vary. Additionally, the graduate's university may provide additional resources and guidance for inviting foreign guests to commencement ceremonies.
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Proof of ties to home country is required
International students can invite friends and family to their graduation ceremony or commencement by applying for a B-2 visitor visa on their behalf. This process should be started at least six months before the graduation ceremony. The application requires several documents, including an invitation letter, passports, DS-160 confirmation, and financial proof. Each applicant must fill out the DS-160 form accurately and pay a visa fee of $185.
One of the requirements for obtaining a B-2 visa is providing proof of ties to the applicant's home country, demonstrating that they will return after the temporary visit. This can include evidence of employment, property ownership, or family ties. For example, applicants may provide a letter from their employer or documents showing ownership of a car or business. It is important to note that a letter of invitation from the university is not required and does not factor into the visa application outcome. Instead, the graduate must write a personal letter of invitation for their guests, which should be included with the commencement participation eligibility letter at the visa interview.
In addition to demonstrating strong ties to their home country, visa applicants must also show that they have adequate funds to support themselves during their stay in the US. This can be done through employment verification, bank statements, or other approved proof of funding. Applicants may also need to provide evidence of their relationship with the graduate, such as a birth certificate or other documentation.
It is recommended that family members or friends of international students refer to the specific instructions on the U.S. Embassy or Consulate website for their visa application process, as the steps may vary. They should also be aware of any prohibited items when travelling to the US, such as certain fresh food products, weapons, or large sums of money.
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Financial statements strengthen the visa application
International students can invite friends and family to their graduation ceremony. However, their guests will likely need a B-2 visitor visa. As the host, the student must provide a letter of invitation to their guests. This letter must come from the graduate, not the university. The graduate can also provide a letter of student status or a letter of graduation from the Registrar's Office.
Now, onto the topic of how financial statements strengthen a visa application. Financial statements are crucial when applying for a visa, as they serve as proof of financial support for the applicant's trip. Consular offices and embassies typically require applicants to demonstrate that they have sufficient funds to sustain themselves during their stay abroad. This can be done by presenting various financial documents, including:
- Bank statements: These records show all transactions, inflows, and outflows within a specified period. It is important to ensure that the bank statement meets the specific requirements of the consular office or embassy.
- Mobile money statements: These are accepted by most embassies, provided they are certified by the mobile money company and accompanied by an official recommendation letter.
- Loan letters: Applicants can include loan letters as evidence of their financial resources.
- Financial sponsorship letters: If the applicant has a financial sponsor, they must provide an official notarized letter of sponsorship and an affidavit for both themselves and the sponsor. The sponsor must also submit their financial statements and other supporting documents.
It is important to note that providing false financial statements can result in serious consequences, including a ban on applying for any type of visa at that embassy for a certain period. Therefore, applicants should ensure that they provide truthful and accurate financial information when applying for a visa.
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Invitation letter from the university is not necessary
When it comes to inviting friends to a graduation commencement, international students should be aware that an invitation letter from the university is not necessary. While some universities, such as Harvard, may provide a sample letter of invitation, it is not a mandatory requirement for the visa application process. In fact, the University of South Alabama and UMBC explicitly state that they do not produce letters of invitation, and that the graduate must write their own.
The B-2 visitor visa is the typical route for friends and family wishing to attend an international student's graduation ceremony in the US. The graduate should provide a letter of invitation to their guests, which they can include with their visa application. This letter should come from the graduate, not the university, and should include personal details such as the graduate's name, major, and graduation date.
In addition to the invitation letter, guests will need to provide supporting documents to strengthen their visa application. These may include proof of relationship to the graduate, evidence of strong ties to their home country (such as employment or property ownership), and financial statements demonstrating they can cover their travel and stay in the US. It is also important to note that the visa interview process can vary, so guests should carefully review the instructions on the US Embassy or Consulate website.
While an invitation letter from the university is not necessary, there are other documents that graduates can obtain from their university to support their guests' visa applications. These include a letter of student status or a letter of graduation, which can be requested from the university's registrar's office. Additionally, official transcripts may be ordered to provide further evidence of the graduate's academic standing.
Overall, while an invitation letter from the university is not a requirement, international students can still provide their graduating friends and family with the necessary support and documentation to increase the chances of a successful visa application for their commencement ceremony.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, international students can invite friends to their graduation commencement.
Friends of international students will likely need to apply for a B-2 visitor visa to enter the US for the ceremony. They will also need to provide supporting documents, such as an invitation letter and proof of ties to their home country.
The graduate must write the invitation letter, not the university. However, the university can provide a commencement participation eligibility letter.
It is recommended that friends of international students start the visa application process at least three months prior to the graduation ceremony. They should also be aware of what not to bring into the US, such as most fresh food, weapons or large sums of money.
