Obtaining a Travel Visa
Attending Commencement as an International Guest
If you live outside of the U.S., you may need to apply for a visitor visa to attend your student’s commencement ceremony. Depending on your citizenship, you might be able to enter the U.S. through the .
How to Prepare
Start early to account for any delays. Visa appointment wait times can vary depending on the workload and staffing of the U.S. embassy or consulate closest to you. At your appointment, be prepared to:
- Discuss your intent to return homeand show proof of ties to your home country, such as employment or property ownership.
- Document your ability to pay for the trip through items such as bank statements or an employment letter with salary information.
- Provide evidence of your student’s visa status in the U.S., such as enrollment verification or transcript, a copy of your visa, or other documentation.
Requesting an Invitation Letter
The Commencement Office can provide an official invitation letter from the chancellor on university letterhead to include in family members’ visa applications if necessary. We request your student complete the invitation letter request form with the below information.