Graduating next May? Planning to invite family or friends to the U.S.?

ISSS has issued a dedicated information page about Visitors Visas, which many international students and scholars may be interested in, especially ahead of next May's graduation ceremonies. Please review Visitors Visas for Family and Friends  for information about visitor (tourist) visa options and links to important government resources.

If you are inviting visitors for graduation next May, it is strongly recommended that any guests start the visa application process early. Visa Wait Times at many U.S. consulates are taking several months, even up to a half a year. 

According to the U.S. State Department, an invitation letter is not needed for the visitor's visa, and is not reviewed and considered by U.S. visa officers when deciding whether to issue a visitors visa. For this reason, ISSS is no longer issuing invitation letters. However, you may still choose to issue a personal invitation to your family and friends. Consult our resource page above for a sample invitation letter.