Graduation is one of those moments that feels surreal. You’ve survived the endless assignments, late-night study sessions, and those days when you seriously considered dropping everything and becoming a professional napper. And if you are like most international students, you would want your parents to be there cheering for you when your name is called. To make that happen, they will need to apply for a visitor visa. The application also requires a statement of purpose, which your parents will have to submit.
At SOP Pro, we understand how important it is to be there for your loved ones during their big days. We have a team of top SOP writers in India who can assist you in your visitor visa application process and help write a strong SOP for a visitor visa application.
In this blog, we’ll walk you through how to invite your parents to your convocation ceremony, explain the process in simple terms, and share tips to make sure their visa application goes smoothly. Whether you’re in Canada, the USA, the UK, or Australia, this step-by-step breakdown is for you.
What is a visitor visa?
A visitor visa allows your parents to travel abroad temporarily to attend personal events like your graduation ceremony. Each country has its own process, but the overall idea is the same: show that the visit is short, personal, and the person visiting will return to their home country. The type of visa and application process can vary depending on where you are studying:
- USA: B2 Tourist Visa
- Canada: Temporary Resident Visa (TRV)
- UK: Standard Visitor Visa
- Australia: Visitor visa (Subclass 600)
What will your parents need to apply for a visitor visa?
- A valid passport
- Passport-size photos
- Proof of financial stability (bank statements, income tax returns, etc.)
- Ties to home country (job, property, family responsibilities)
- Completed application forms specific to the country
- An invitation letter addressed to the visa officer by their son/daughter.
- A letter from your university with your graduation details.
- A copy of passport and student visa of the son/daughter.
- Proof of accommodation of the student.
- Proof of your financial ability (if you’re supporting their trip)
How to write the Invitation Letter inviting family members to Cthe onvocation ceremony
This is a key part of the application. Your invitation letter for convocation should be short, formal, and include:
- Your name, student ID, and university details
- Reason for inviting your parents
- Convocation date
- Where they’ll stay and who will fund the visit
- Your contact information
Application process of each country
For Canada (TRV):
- Apply online through the IRCC website
- Upload all documents
- Pay the application fee
- Book a biometrics appointment
For USA (B2):
- Fill out the DS-160 form
- Pay the visa fee
- Book a visa interview
- Attend the interview with documents
For UK (Standard Visitor Visa):
- Apply online
- Upload documents and biometrics
- Wait for approval (takes 3-6 weeks)
For Australia (Visitor Visa 600):
- Apply visa ImmiAccount
- Upload documents status online
- Track application status online
Tips to increase approval chances
- Submit complete and accurate paperwork
- Show strong home ties like jobs, properties, or other dependents
- Keep the trip short and specify exact dates
- Avoid giving the impression they plan to overstay
- Apply 2-3 months before convocation
Conclusion
Graduating abroad is a big deal. It’s not just about degrees and ceremonies. It’s about sharing your success with the people who raised you. By preparing well, writing a clear invitation letter, and submitting strong documentation, you’re increasing the chances of your parents to see you graduate. It is extremely important that you write a clearly written SOP which explains your parents’ purpose of visit, their itinerary, their home ties and when they will return to your home country. However, if you feel you are a little underconfident about writing such an important document by yourself, you can connect with the professionals at SOP Pro. We have extremely talented and experienced writers for SOP who can draft a really compelling draft. So, call us today to avail our amazing SOP Writing Services.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How to apply for a visitor visa for Canada as my parents wants to come for my convocation?
If your parents are planning to fly to Canada for your convocation, they’ll need to apply for a visitor visa - officially called a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV). The whole process happens online through the IRCC website. They’ll have to fill out a form, upload some key documents (like the invitation letter from you, a copy of your graduation proof, and their own financial details), pay the application fee, and book a biometric appointment. Once that’s done, all they have to do is wait for the decision.
Can parents attend a convocation?
Yes! In fact, most universities encourage it. You just need to help them apply for the right visa and provide the required paperwork, like the letter fromthe university and an official invitation to the convocation.
How to write an invitation letter for a parent visa?
Think of it as a formal yet warm letter. Mention your full name, student ID, your university, course, and graduation date. Explain that you're inviting your parents to attend your convocation, mention who will bear the travel expenses, and where they’ll stay. Keep it clear, polite, and attach supporting documents like your university letter and passport copy.
Can an international student invite their parents to their graduation?
Yes, an international student can invite their parents to your convocation. They just have to provide an invitation letter, proof of your student status, graduation date, and a few supporting documents. It's a very common and totally acceptable reason for visitor visa applications.
How to write a cover letter for a visitor visa application?
The cover letter for a visitor visa application should be written by your parents and submitted along with their visa application. It should include the purpose of the visit (your graduation), travel dates, their relationship to you, who’s funding the trip, and proof that they plan to return home (like their job, property, or family back home). It needs to be clear and detailed.
How long will the visitor visa for convocation be?
Usually, the visitor visa is valid for 6 months. That gives your parents enough time to attend your convocation, spend some time with you, and travel around if they’d like. But, you should clear your itinerary beforehand in the Statement of Purpose.
What proof of funds do visitors need for a visitor visa to Canada?
Visitors need to show they can afford the trip. That usually includes recent bank statements, fixed deposits, income tax returns, salary slips (if employed), or proof that you (the student) are sponsoring their visit. The idea is to prove they won’t face financial hardship during the stay or rely on public funds.
