Every year, Indian parents visit the USA to attend their children’s convocation. While this is an exciting time for the family, it can also be a bit overwhelming. Here are some tips to help Indian parents plan their trip to the USA to attend their children’s convocation.
What to expect when attending your child’s convocation in the USA
Assuming you are the parent of a child who is graduating from high school in the United States, here is what you can expect when attending their convocation ceremony:
The convocation ceremony will likely be held at the school’s auditorium or gymnasium. It will begin with a processional of all the graduates, followed by a speech from the school’s principal.
Next, the valedictorian and salutatorian will give their speeches.
Finally, the graduates will receive their diplomas and turn their tassels from left to right. The ceremony will end with a recessional of the graduates.
After the ceremony, there will likely be a reception for the graduates and their families. This is a great opportunity to take photos and congratulate your child on their accomplishment!
Attending convocation – How to apply for Visa
There are a few steps involved in applying for a US visit visa for parents.
The first step is to gather all of the required documentation. This includes a passport, birth certificate, and proof of financial stability.
The next step is to complete the online application and pay the associated fee.
Once the application is submitted, you will need to schedule an interview at a US consulate or embassy.
During the interview, you will need to demonstrate that you meet the requirements for a US visit visa.
If approved, you will be issued a visa and will be able to travel to the United States.
Visitor visa requirements for parents to attend their child’s graduation
If you are the parent of a child who is graduating from a U.S. college or university, you may be able to attend the graduation ceremony by obtaining a visitor visa. Although you may be able to attend the graduation ceremony on a tourist visa, it is generally advisable to apply for a visitor visa specifically for the purpose of attending the graduation.
To qualify for a visitor visa, you must demonstrate to the U.S. consulate that you meet the following requirements:
You must have a valid passport.
You must have a reason for your visit to the United States that is consistent with the type of visa you are applying for. In this case, you would need to show that you are coming to the United States specifically to attend your child’s graduation ceremony.
You must have enough financial resources to support yourself during your stay in the United States. This includes money for food, lodging, and any other necessary expenses.
You must demonstrate that you have ties to your home country that would compel you to return there after your trip to the United States. This could include, for example, evidence of a job, a home, or family ties in your home country.
You must not have any criminal convictions that would make you ineligible for a visa.
You must not have any communicable diseases that would make you inadmissible to the United States.
You must not be seeking to immigrate to the United States.
You must be willing to submit to a background check and an interview at the U.S. consulate as part of the visa application process.
If you are able to demonstrate that you meet all of these requirements, you should be able to obtain a visitor visa to attend your child’s graduation ceremony.
Tips for parents attending their child’s convocation in the USA
As your child’s convocation approaches, you may be feeling a mixture of pride and nerves. While it is a time to celebrate your child’s academic achievements, it can also be a stressful event. Here are a few tips to help you navigate convocation and support your child during this exciting time:
1. Talk to your child about what to expect.
Convocation can be a long and overwhelming day for students. Help your child prepare by discussing the schedule and what will happen during the ceremony.
2. Dress comfortably.
Convocation ceremonies can last several hours. Make sure you and your child are dressed in comfortable clothing that you won’t mind sitting in for a long period of time.
3. Bring snacks and drinks.
Convocation ceremonies can be long and there may not be food available. Pack snacks and drinks for yourself and your child to help keep your energy up.
4. Take plenty of pictures.
This is a special day for your child and you’ll want to document it. Take plenty of photos and be sure to get a few with your child in their graduation regalia.
5. Cheer loudly.
Your child will be looking for you in the audience, so make sure you cheer loudly when they walk across the stage. This will be a moment they’ll remember for the rest of their life.
