Convocation is a wonderful occasion as it marks the end of many months of perseverance and commitment. It’s a time when you’re prepared to enter a new stage of life, armed with wisdom and success. But without your parents, who have been the constant pillars of your support throughout this wonderful journey. Their unyielding encouragement and sacrifices have paved your path to success. Now, as you prepare to put on your cap and gown, you are celebrating not only your academic success but also the love and family relationships that have carried you forward.

We’ll walk you through the steps to invite your parents for Convocation on a visiting visa in this blog.  We’ll explain the necessary steps and the required documents to turn this significant event into a reality.

What is a Visitor Visa?

An official travel document known as a visitor visa is given by the government of a country and enables foreigners to travel, visit family, conduct business, or stay elsewhere temporarily within that country. It typically comes with specific conditions, including a limited stay duration and restrictions on employment or education. In addition to facilitating international travel and fostering cultural interaction, visitor visas also help to ensure that people don’t overstay their welcome or misuse the advantages they have been granted. These visas frequently demand that applicants give proof of their intention to leave the country once their permitted stay has ended.

When is a Visitor Visa Granted?

Various events and purposes are covered by visitor visas, including but not limited to:

• Tourism: Visitor visas are commonly granted to individuals who wish to explore the host country as tourists. These visas allow travelers to visit famous landmarks, experience the local culture, and enjoy leisure activities.
• Family visits: Many people apply for visitor visas in order to go to see family members who live abroad. These visits could involve spending time with loved ones, going to weddings, or gatherings of the family.
• Tourists: People who want to visit the host country on vacation frequently receive visitor visas. These visas enable visitors to take in the local culture, see well-known sites, and engage in leisure activities.
• Meetings and Conferences for Business: In order to attend meetings, conferences, trade exhibitions, and negotiations, business travelers frequently apply for visitor visas. These visas enable individuals to engage in professional activities without seeking employment.
• Academic and Cultural Events: Visitor visas may be granted to attend academic conferences, workshops, or cultural events such as music festivals, art exhibitions, and theater performances.
• Medical Treatment: Some individuals seek visitor visas to receive medical treatment in another country. These medical visas allow access to specialized healthcare facilities and expertise.
• Convocation and Graduation: Students studying abroad often invite family members on visitor visas to attend their convocation or graduation ceremonies, celebrating their academic achievements together.
• Sporting Events: Visitors may obtain visas to attend major sporting events like the Olympics, FIFA World Cup, or international tournaments.
• Volunteer Work: Those participating in volunteer programs, charitable activities, or religious missions may apply for visitor visas to engage in temporary humanitarian work.

Documents needed for visitor visa

The specific documents needed for a visitor visa can vary depending on the country you intend to visit and your purpose for traveling. However, some common documents often required for a visitor visa application include:

• Passport: A valid passport with at least six months of validity beyond your intended date of departure from the country.
• Visa Application Form: Completed and signed visa application forms, which are usually available on the embassy or consulate’s website.
• Passport-Sized Photos: Recent passport-sized photographs that meet the specified size and quality requirements.
• Workplace Verification: A letter from your employer outlining your position, length of work, and approval of your leave of absence, if you are employed.
• Travel Schedule: A schedule defining the dates, locations, and activities of your trip.
• Visit’s Objective: You could be required to submit extra documentation depending on the nature of your visit (tourism, a family visit, a business meeting, etc.). For instance, business travelers might require an invitation letter from the firm or group they would be visiting.
• Invitation letter: If you’re visiting relatives or friends, your host may need to write you an invitation letter outlining your visit and their relationship with you.
• Proof of Travel Plans: A round-trip flight schedule, rail tickets, or any other documentation that shows how you intend to enter and leave the country counts as proof of travel plans.
• Financial Records: Evidence that you have the money to pay for your stay, such as bank statements, salary stubs, or a letter of financial assistance.
• Travel insurance: Certain countries demand evidence of travel insurance that covers unexpected medical costs and other emergencies while you’re there.
• Information on lodging: confirmation of your accommodations, such as a letter from your host if you’re staying with friends or family or hotel bookings.

• Medical Records: If you’re traveling for medical treatment, you may need medical reports and a letter from the healthcare facility outlining your treatment plan.
• Criminal Record Check: Some countries require a police clearance certificate to prove you have no criminal record.
• Consular Fees: Visa application fees, which vary depending on the country and visa type.

Along with

Process for getting visitor visa for convocation of child

The process for obtaining a visitor’s visa to go to your child’s convocation is normally simple, although it may differ depending on the countries in which your child is studying and your own nationality. Here is a general how-to in detail:

1. Check Visa Requirements: Visit the official website of the country’s embassy or consulate where your child is studying. Look for information regarding visitor visas, especially those for family visits or attending special events like convocations. Ensure that you understand the specific visa requirements for your nationality.

2. Complete Visa Application: Download the visitor visa application form from the embassy or consulate’s website. Fill out the form accurately and completely. Make sure to provide all required information, including your purpose of travel (attending the convocation) and your child’s details.

3. Gather Required Documents: Collect the necessary documents to support your visa application. These may include:

A valid passport with at least six months of validity beyond your intended departure date.

• Passport-sized photographs meeting the specified requirements.
• An invitation letter from your child or their educational institution, confirming your child’s convocation date and details.
• Proof of financial means to cover your travel expenses and stay during your visit.
• Travel itinerary showing your intended dates of arrival and departure.
• Proof of relationship with your child, such as birth certificates or family records.
• Medical Insurance: Check if you need to obtain travel or medical insurance as part of the visa application requirements. Some countries require visitors to have insurance coverage during their stay.

4. Submit Visa Application: Submit your completed visa application form and supporting documentation to the nearest embassy or consulate of the country where your child will be studying. If applicable, pay the visa application fee. Moreover, it is quite important to submit a well-written SOP for Visitor Visa explaining your Itinerary. This Visa SOP is quite important if you are applying to countries like Canada, Australia, and others.
5. Attend an Interview: A visa interview may be required at an embassy or consulate based on your country and circumstances. Be prepared to answer questions about your visit’s purpose and provide additional documents if requested.
6. Wait for Visa Processing: The processing time for visitor visas varies by country, so check the expected processing times on the embassy or consulate’s website. It’s advisable to apply well in advance of your child’s convocation date.
7. Receive Visa Decision: You will be notified of the visa decision, which can be either approval or rejection. If approved, your visa will be stamped in your passport.
8. Travel and Attend Convocation: Once you receive your visitor visa, make travel arrangements to attend your child’s convocation as planned. Ensure that you have the necessary documentation with you on your journey.
9. Enjoy the Convocation: Attend the convocation event and spend quality time with your child to celebrate their accomplishment.

At Contenholic, we understand the importance of being there for your loved ones’ significant life events. Our team of Visa SOP Writers specializes in creating powerful SOPs for Visit Visa tailored for Visitor Visa applications. Whether it’s attending a convocation, a family reunion, or any other special occasion, we’re here to assist you throughout the Visitor visa application filing process. With our guidance, you can navigate the complexities of visa requirements and ensure your presence at these important moments. Count on us for a personalized Visitor Visa SOP that conveys your genuine intent to visit, making your visa application smoother and increasing your chances of being there when it matters most. Get in touch with our team to avail of Visa SOP Writing Services and invite your parents to see you getting convocated.