Visitor visas for graduation

You and your guests may need visitor visas to attend your graduation ceremony. You can apply for a visa to stay up to six months. 

Countries that need a visa

A visa is needed to visit the UK if you are a visa national. 

This list is subject to change so you and your guests should check when planning a visit.

If you do not need a visa

Nationals of countries that do not need a visa will still need to prove that they are genuine visitors when they enter the UK. To do this, they will need to show proof that they intend to leave the UK and that they have the money to support themselves without working for the time they are in the UK. The supporting documents listed below should be carried in hand luggage in case the immigration officer requests them. 

How to apply for a visitor visa

The UKVI website will tell you if should you make your application online or by submitting a paper application.  It also explains the process in your country including visa fee and waiting times.

Supporting documents

From the graduating student

You should provide the following documents for your guests to include with their visa application:

• An up to date letter from the University confirming your graduation date. You can request a Congregation Information letter from the Student Hub by submitting the Accessing the Aston Webb Student Hub form.
• A letter from you, explaining your relationship with them and the purpose of their visit. IST have provided a sample letter (PDF - 21KB). 
• A copy of the bio-data page (the page containing your photograph) and the visa page in your passport, or a copy of both sides of your Biometric ID Card
• If you will be supporting them financially during their visit, or paying for the cost of their visit, your original payslips, bank statements, or some other evidence to show that you have enough money to support them. We advise that these documents should cover several months before the date of application.
• Professional translations of any of the above documents that are not in English or Welsh (see translation requirements)

From the person making the application

The person making the visa application should provide the following original documents:

• Passport or travel document
• A recent passport-sized colour photograph which meets the UKVI photo standard. These are only needed if they are applying before coming to the UK.
• Bank statements, payslips, or other financial evidence showing that they can pay for the trip and that they have enough money to support themselves without working. We advise that these documents should cover several months before the date of application.
• Evidence that they intend to leave the UK at the end of their visit (for example, a letter from their employer to say that they have a job to return to, or a return flight ticket).
• Professional translations of any of the above documents that are not in English or Welsh (see translation requirements)