Visa Categories

If your family plans to come to commencement, they should obtain the appropriate visitor visa should they not already have a dependent visa such as F-2 or J-2. Individuals from certain countries can visit for up to 90 days without this visa, as per the Visa Waiver Program by the U.S. Department of State.

As stated on the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Consular Affairs website, an invitation letter is not required for B-1/B-2 visa applicants. Visa approval is based on the applicant's ties to their home country, not on letters from U.S. family or friends. Invitation letters, including those for general visits or special occasions like graduation, are not mandatory for visa applications. If you choose to bring an invitation letter or an Affidavit of Support to your interview, be aware that these documents are not considered when determining visa eligibility.

If you still wish to provide a personal invitation letter to your family or friends, you may use our sample invitation letter template (PDF). You can also include additional documents, such as a copy of your Form I-20/Form DS-2019, an enrollment verification letter, transcripts, or other proof of your status at Thomas Jefferson University.

Please be aware that the State Department prefers invitation letters from the individual student or scholar personally connected to the visitor. Consequently, Thomas Jefferson University must provide University invitation letters for personal visa applications.