In this blog, we provide a comprehensive guide on how international students in US can apply for a US Tourist / Visitor (B-2) visa for their family members and parents to attend their graduation or convocation ceremony. This blog will provide you the step by step process and documents required to apply for a B-2 visa.

What is a B-2 Visa?

B-2 visa is a non-immigrant type of visa which allows foreign nationals to enter the US temporarily for tourism, family visits, medical treatment, or other non-business purposes. The B-2 visa is also commonly known as a tourist visa or visitor visa. It allows the holder to stay in the US for a maximum of six months per visit.

Who can apply for a B-2 visa to attend your graduation?

Parents, siblings, relatives and friends of an international student in the US can apply for a B-2 visa to attend the graduation ceremony. They need to fill the DS-160 non-immigrant application form, schedule a visa interview and attend the visa interview at the US Embassy to get the B-2 visa. They can attend the visa interview in a group at the same time.

When should I start the US Visitor (B-2) Visa application process?

Due to the current visa interview date appointment delay issues in some countries like Nepal and India, it is recommended to start the visa processing six month prior to the graduation ceremony to ensure that the visa interview date can be booked at the right time. Once the current situation of visa interview date appointments is normalized, you can start the application process three months prior to the graduation.

How to Apply for a US Visitor (B-2) Visa?

To apply for a US Visitor (B-2) visa, follow these steps:

1. Get an invitation letter from your university about your graduation / convocation ceremony, including your name, major, graduation date, and some description about you.

2. Fill out the DS-160 Form for your parents/siblings/relatives.

3. Create a CGI Federal Account to book the visa interview appointment.

4. Pay the Visa Interview Fee of $160 for each applicant from the Bank or Credit / Debit Card or online platform.

5. Book the visa interview appointment. If you want to book the visa interview in a group at a time, create a group scheduling appointment request and book the visa interview appointment for all applicants at the same time.

6. Attend the visa interview at the US Embassy / Counselor office and get the visa. If your parents or family members cannot answer visa interview questions in English, they can choose to attend the visa interview in their native language such as Nepali, Hindi etc so that they will be asked questions in native language and answer those questions in their native language.

If the visa is refused at the interview, same steps can be followed to apply again.

Documents Required for the B-2 Visa Interview:

• Passports
• DS-160 Confirmation Page
• Visa Interview Fee Payment Receipt
• Invitation Letter from the university for graduation
• One 2 x 2 photo of each applicant
• International Student's I-20 and transcripts

B-2 Visa Interview Questions

The chances of B-2 visa acceptance is high and the questions are also simple. While answering, your parents need to match the information filled in the DS-160 form. Here are potential interview questions which can be asked:

• What is your occupation?
• What is the name of your son’s / daughter’s university?
• What is he/she studying?
• How long will you stay in the US?
• Who will fund your stay in the US?
• What is the reason for your visit?
• Do you have anyone other than your son / daughter in the US?

How to answer a B-2 Visa Interview Question to get the visa?

To receive a B-2 visa, demonstrate to a counselor officer that you qualify for a U.S. visa through your answers and documents. The answers must demonstrate:

• That your trip to the US is a temporary visit for your child’s graduation
• That you plan to stay in the US for a limited period of time
• That you have sufficient funds to cover your expenses in the US
• That you will return to your home country

Wrapping Up

In conclusion, applying for a US Visitor (B-2) visa for your parents and family members to attend your graduation ceremony in the US can be a smooth process if you follow the necessary steps and provide the required documents. You should start the application process early to ensure that you can book the visa interview appointment at the right time. By providing accurate and truthful answers during the visa interview and demonstrating that your visit is temporary and you have the means to cover your expenses, you will obtain a B-2 visa.

Looking for more? These blogs continue the conversation:

B1/B2 Visa for Family: Top 25 Interview Questions for Attending a US Graduation in 2024

B1/B2 Visa Interview: Top 10 US Visitor Visa Questions

B1/B2 Visa: Who is your sponsor and what are their income sources?

Securing Assistantship as an International Student in US & Canada Universities

B1/B2 Visa: Why do you want to travel to the US?