On behalf of ISSO, congratulations on your upcoming graduation! As you prepare for this momentous event, we know that you may wish to have family and friends join you on campus to celebrate. To assist you in facilitating their visit, please find some helpful tips below:
Visa Considerations for Your Guests
- Visa Waiver Program (ESTA): Determine if your guests are eligible for the Visa Waiver Program, which allows citizens of certain countries to travel to the U.S. for tourism or business for up to 90 days without obtaining a visa. Eligibility details and application procedures can be found on the U.S. Department of State's website.
- B-2 Visitor Visa: If your guests are not eligible for the Visa Waiver Program, they will need to apply for a B-2 Visitor Visa. They should consult the U.S. Department of State's guidelines on visitor visas and check the specific requirements and procedures of the U.S. Consulate where they plan to apply.
Invitation Letters
While not mandatory, providing your guests with an invitation letter can support their visa application. You can draft this letter yourself, including details such as the purpose of the visit, your relationship to the guest, and the duration of their stay. A sample invitation letter template is available on the ISSO website for your convenience.
Visitors can also find information related to campus access, accommodations, directions, maps, and more via Columbia’s Visitors Center.
For additional information on inviting family and friends, please visit the ISSO website. As always, don’t hesitate to contact us to speak with an adviser, and don’t forget to review ISSO’s additional Final Term Reminders as well.
