Families of international students sometimes experience difficulty obtaining visas to attend Commencement. Family members who will require US visa stamps must apply to a US embassy or consulate far in advance to complete the process in time. International students who received or will receive a November 2023, March 2024, or May 2024 degree may request the Office of Student Affairs to send an invitation letter to their family; this letter may help support the granting of a visa.
To request a letter, please email the Office of Student Affairs at studaff@fas.harvard.edu at least three weeks before your family’s appointment with the embassy or consulate.
As a reminder, receiving a visa letter from our offices does not guarantee participation in Commencement. Graduating students are still required to register for Commencement to confirm their participation in the Diploma Awarding Ceremony and secure tickets for their guests.
