Convocation

UFV/Convocation/Convocation FAQs

Convocation FAQs

What is the difference between graduation and Convocation?

Graduation is the official academic process of completing your program and having your credential awarded by the University. This requires submitting an Application to Graduate through the Office of the Registrar and confirming that all program requirements have been met.

Convocation is the ceremonial event where graduates gather to celebrate their achievement and cross the stage. You can graduate without attending Convocation, but you cannot participate in Convocation unless you have applied to graduate and are eligible to receive your credential.

Registration for Convocation is completed through the Regalia and Guest Ticket Registration form, available April 26 to May 22. This step confirms your attendance, reserves your regalia, and processes your guest ticket allocation.

Guest tickets are requested as part of the Regalia and Guest Ticket Registration form , available April 26 to May 22. During registration, you will confirm the number of tickets you require (up to four) and may join the wait list if you wish to request additional tickets.

Convocation ceremonies are scheduled by academic program. Please visit the Convocation schedule page to find the date and time of your ceremony.

Graduates are allocated up to four guest tickets for their ceremony.

Yes. If you require more than four tickets, you may add yourself to the wait list during registration. Additional tickets are not guaranteed and will be released based on availability closer to the ceremony date.

Students who wish to invite their relatives to Convocation are required by IRCC to write their own letters of invitation. Please refer to the  IRCC website  for more information and please note that the following are required to support your invitation:

  1. Submit a Graduation Request form to the Office of the Registrar before April 1 deadline.
  2. Once it arrives, print your OReg email confirming receipt of your Graduation Request.
  3. Print a copy of the  UFV convocation schedule .
  4. Write your letter of invitation.
  5. Copies of the following must be submitted to IRCC:
  6. OReg email confirmation of Graduation Request Form;
  7. the UFV convocation schedule web page;
  8. your letter of invitation

If you need further assistance in this matter, please reach out to UFV’s International Senior Immigration Consultant (RCIC), John Fernando, via the  Appointment Manager portal

  • For virtual regular appointments/workshops, select UFV International Student
  • For virtual daily drop-ins, check daily at 8am PST to find available times
  • Please note, you cannot pre-book virtual appointments, the day before. 

Artona will be on campus offering portrait sessions on the Chilliwack campus between March 12–13, 2026, and the Abbotsford campus between March 15–22, 2026.
 
Book online here.
 
If you are unable to attend on-campus sessions, you may book an appointment at Artona’s studio in Vancouver.

Guest tickets will be emailed to your UFV student email address at the end of May. Please forward the tickets to your guests before the ceremony.

Regalia is picked up on the day of your ceremony in Evered Hall. Please arrive early and bring your confirmation email.

A limited number of gowns will be available for walk-up rental on the day of your ceremony for $90. Guest tickets are not guaranteed for on-site rentals.

If you are experiencing financial barriers and are unable to pay for your regalia, please contact convocation@ufv.ca.

Applying to graduate is a separate process from registering for Convocation. You must submit your application to graduate through the Office of the Registrar by the posted deadline. For more information, visit the Graduation page.

Please contact the Office of the Registrar as soon as possible to discuss your options.

If you or one of your guests requires accessible seating or other accommodations, please email convocation@ufv.ca in advance so arrangements can be made.

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