# How to Get a US Visitor (B‑2) Visa for Parents to Attend Your Graduation

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](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.

## Step 3: Parents Complete DS-160 Form

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://www.ustraveldocs.com/)  
[https://in.usembassy.gov/apply-for-a-nonimmigrant-visa/](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](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:

*   Passport
    
*   DS-160 confirmation page
    
*   Appointment confirmation page
    

## 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/](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/**](https://easyusaapply.com/)