Inviting Family Members to Commencement

Inviting Family Members to Attend Commencement: Visitor Visa Guidance

Congratulations on reaching the final stretch of your academic journey! We know this is an exciting time, and many of you may wish to invite your family members to celebrate your achievement at Hamilton College’s commencement ceremony. Below is important information regarding the process for inviting family members who may need a U.S. visitor visa (B-2 visa) to attend.

 

ISS Policy on Invitation Letters

The Office of International Student Services (ISS) does not provide letters of invitation for family members’ visitor visa applications.

This policy aligns with guidance from U.S. Department of State officials, who confirm that such letters are not required for B-2 visa applications. Instead, students are encouraged to write their own invitation letters to support their family members’ visa process.

 

How to Create an Invitation Letter

To assist you, we have provided a template letter that you can customize. The template is designed to guide you in writing a supportive letter for your family members. While ISS does not create these letters, you are welcome to use the resources provided to ensure your family has the necessary documentation for their visa application.

Here’s what to do:

1. Review the detailed information on this page.
2. Download and review this template letter (PDF).
3. Create a personalized letter for your family member(s) to use in their visa application.

 

Steps for Your Family’s Visitor Visa Process

If your family plans to visit the U.S. for a short period, including commencement, they should follow the visitor visa application procedures outlined by the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in their home country. Below are some tips and documents that may help them prepare their application.

 

Documents Your Family May Need

Your family members may need to present the following items as part of their visa application:

• Invitation Letter: Written by you, the student or scholar. (Use the sample template provided.)
• Proof of Your Status in the U.S.:
  • Copies of your: I-20, Passport, Visa, I-94
  • An enrollment verification letter from Hamilton College (available from the Registrar’s Office).
  • Unofficial transcript or class schedule.
• Proof of Relationship: Such as a birth certificate or other evidence of familial connection.
• Commencement Ceremony Information: Include event details to verify the purpose of their visit.
• Proof of Financial Stability: Your family member must show they have sufficient funds to support themselves during their stay.
• Proof of Ties to Their Home Country: Your family member will need to demonstrate strong ties to their home country to confirm their intent to return after their visit. Examples include:
  • Employment verification letter with return-to-work date.
  • Property ownership or investments.
  • Family obligations or other responsibilities in their home country.
  • Evidence of prior international travel and return.

Important Notes

• Ensure that your family members review the visa application procedures specific to the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in their home country.
• If your family members are not fluent in English, consider assisting with translation or advising them to request translation services from the Embassy or Consulate.

 

We understand how important it is to share this special moment with your loved ones, and we hope these resources will help make their visit possible. If you have further questions about this process, feel free to contact the ISS team.

Congratulations once again on your upcoming graduation!