A graduating student and her mother smile and while displaying the hook'em sign

Inviting Family to Visit

Anyone may apply for a tourist visa to visit the United States if they have legitimate tourist intent, but there are some steps you and your family may take to increase the chance of being granted a B-2 tourist visa:

  • Write a letter of invitation addressed to your family. This letter should come directly from you, as you are the person inviting them to attend your graduation. Texas Global or any other UT Austin office may not write a letter of invitation. Be sure to include the following in your letter, written in both English and your native language:
    • The purpose of their visit;
    • The length of their stay; and
    • How they will financially support themselves while they are in the  U.S. 
  • Send photocopies of all of your immigration documents. Your relatives may take these copies to the U.S. Embassy for their visa appointment. These documents include your passport, visa, I-94, and I-20 (for F-1 status) or DS-2019 (for J-1 status).
  • Proof of enrollment. To demonstrate that you are a UT student, you may want to request proof of enrollment from Texas One Stop. This is an official University document that confirms attendance, degrees awarded, current and past enrollment, expected graduation date, and other parts of a student's academic record. 
  • Proof of University commencement dates. If your family is coming for graduation, it is also a good idea to send proof of when the University commencement will take place. This could be a printout from the UT Austin Commencement Homepage, your formal invitation card, or other proof you have available.

OPTIONAL: If you will be supporting your family financially during their visit, download the I-134, or Affidavit of Support. Complete this form for each family member applying for a U.S. visa. The form proves that each person entering the country can financially support themselves during the stay. You can find the form on the USCIS website. If you choose not to complete the I-134, your family should show their own financial support with personal bank statements.

Be sure to check the website of the U.S. Embassy or Consulate where your relative(s) will apply for the visa, as other documents may be requested at that location.