If your parents want to visit the USA for your graduation, they usually need to apply for a B-2 Visitor Visa. This visa is for tourism, family visits, medical treatment, and short temporary visits, including attending a graduation ceremony.
Step 1: Confirm the Visa Type
Parents should apply for a:
B-2 Tourist/Visitor Visa
Purpose of travel can be written as:
“To attend my son/daughter’s graduation ceremony and visit them temporarily in the United States.”
Official visitor visa information:
https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/tourism-visit/visitor.html
Step 2: Collect Documents from the Student in the USA
The student should send parents these documents:
Invitation letter from the student
Copy of student passport
Copy of F-1 visa
Copy of I-20
Enrollment verification letter
Graduation/commencement invitation or university graduation confirmation
University address and graduation ceremony details
Some universities also provide family invitation guidance for graduation visitors.
Each parent must complete a separate DS-160 form online. The DS-160 is required for temporary travel to the United States.
Official DS-160 link:
https://ceac.state.gov/genniv/
After submitting, download and print the DS-160 confirmation page.
Step 4: Pay Visa Fee and Book Appointment
After DS-160 submission, parents need to create an account on the official visa appointment website, pay the visa fee, and schedule appointments.
https://www.ustraveldocs.com/
https://in.usembassy.gov/apply-for-a-nonimmigrant-visa/
Check visa wait times here:
https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/visa-information-resources/wait-times.html
Step 5: Attend Biometrics Appointment
Before the visa interview, parents may need to attend a biometrics appointment where fingerprints and photos are taken.
They should carry:
Step 6: Attend Visa Interview
At the interview, parents should answer clearly and honestly.
Common questions:
Why are you going to the USA?
Which university is your child studying at?
When is the graduation?
How long will you stay?
Who will pay for the trip?
What do you do in your home country?
Do you have family/property/job/business in your home country?
The main goal is to prove the visit is temporary and they will return home after graduation.
Step 7: Carry Supporting Documents
Parents should carry:
Valid passport
DS-160 confirmation
Visa appointment confirmation
Graduation invitation
Student invitation letter
Student I-20 copy
Student visa/passport copy
Parents’ employment/business documents
Property documents if available
Financial proof if they are paying for the trip
Sponsor documents if the student is sponsoring
Financial documents may not always be checked, but parents should be ready to prove they can afford the trip.
Step 8: Wait for Visa Decision
If approved, the passport will usually be kept for visa stamping. If refused, the officer will explain the refusal section.
Step 9: Travel to the USA
After receiving the visa, parents can travel to the USA. At the airport, CBP decides final entry and length of stay. Parents can later check their I-94 online.
Official I-94 website:
https://i94.cbp.dhs.gov/
Sample Invitation Letter
Subject: Invitation Letter for Parents to Attend Graduation
To Whom It May Concern,
I am inviting my parents, [Father’s Name] and [Mother’s Name], to visit me in the United States to attend my graduation ceremony at [University Name] on [Graduation Date].
I am currently an F-1 student at [University Name], pursuing [Program Name]. My parents plan to visit the United States temporarily from [Start Date] to [End Date] and will return to [Home Country] after the visit.
The purpose of their visit is to attend my graduation ceremony and spend a short time with me. I have attached my student documents and graduation details for reference.
Sincerely,
[Student Name]
[SEVIS ID, optional]
[University Name]
[Phone Number]
[Email]
Final Checklist
Before the interview, parents should have:
✅ Passport
✅ DS-160 confirmation
✅ Appointment confirmation
✅ Graduation invitation
✅ Student invitation letter
✅ Student I-20 copy
✅ Student passport and visa copy
✅ Financial/supporting documents
✅ Proof of ties to home country
Final Thoughts
Applying for a parents visa for graduation is simple if you prepare properly. The most important things are a clear purpose, honest answers, strong home-country ties, and proper supporting documents.
For more USA student and visa guides, visit:
https://easyusaapply.com/
