Graduation Information
Are you enrolled in your final semester?
All students in their final term must notify ISSS by submitting the Exit Form within 30 days after the start of their final term! This e-form alerts ISSS to shorten a student’s I-20/DS-2019 if your end date occurs in a future term. Remember, your I-20/DS-2019 end date must correspond with your final term of enrollment.
Review the graduation information on the Registrar's website including submitting a Graduation Application.
Commencement Ceremony-Inviting Family
Parents and family who wish to come to the U.S to attend the commencement ceremony should apply for a tourist visa. The U.S. Department of State U.S. Consular Affairs does not require a letter of invitation. Therefore, the Office of International Affairs and the Registrar no longer provide invitation letters for graduating international students.
Students can instead provide a copy of their most recent I-20 or DS-2019 and copy of their unofficial transcript which can be obtained from CougarNet.
Family members applying for a tourist visa should contact the nearest U.S. embassy/consulate for a list of required documents. In general, officers would want to see information showing applicants are in good economic terms back at home, and have strong ties to their home countries, proving that they will not overstay their visa once in the U.S. Please visit the U.S. Department of State website for more information about applying for a tourist visa.
For additional information about applying for graduation and graduation eligibility contact graduation@siue.edu and for questions regarding participating in commencement, please visit SIUE Commencement.
