Invitation Letter for Graduation Ceremony
Students Currently Enrolled:
If you are participating in May's Commencement Ceremony and you would like to invite family members and/or friends to attend, or you would like to invite family/friends to visit you at any time during your studies, you may request a status letter, and provide your own, personal invitation letter in support of your family/friend’s visa application.
OPT Students:
If you are currently completing OPT, and you are participating in May's Commencement Ceremony and you would like to invite family members and/or friends to attend, or you would like to invite family/friends to visit you at any time during your OPT period, you may request a status letter by confirming your current employer details using the Report OPT Employer Information Request in the Platform. In addition to the status letter we provide confirming your F-1 status, you will provide your own, personal invitation letter in support of your family/friend’s visa application. (OPT Students DO NOT use link below,, instead you must Confirm Employer Information to receive a status letter.)
To facilitate your guests visa interview process, you should provide them with the following:
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Status Letter provided by International Student Services office. The status letter verifies your student status, dates of attendance, and current student enrollment status.
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A copy of your SUNY New Paltz transcript.
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A copy of your most recent I-20.
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Provide your guest with a "Letter of Invitation” written by you. Since the purpose of a tourist visa directly involves a visit to you, it will be beneficial if you provide your family and friends with the letter. A sample letter will be provided once your Status Letter is available in the platform.
Procedure:
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Use the link bel0w to request status letter.
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The International Student Services Office will review your request
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You will receive an email once your letter is available in the International Student Platform.
Special Considerations
Providing your family members with the documentation listed above may improve their chances of obtaining a visa; however, there is no guarantee a visa will be issued.
Information to help your guests apply for a tourist visa (B-2) at a US consulate or Embassy in their home country can be found on the US Department of State site.
All students must apply for graduation to have a degree conferred (diploma awarded) Additional information information including application & deadline found on the Records & Registration site.
Please visit the SUNY New Paltz Commencement Ceremony site for information, updates and FAQs regarding the year's ceremony.
