Passports + Visas

important documents

A valid passport is required to study outside the United States. An entry permit or visa may also be necessary for you to enter and study in your host country. You are responsible for the application process. Note that Exchange and Study Away cannot expedite the issuance of entry permits, visas or passports. Furthermore, due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, extra time may be needed for processing, so plan accordingly. 

IMPORTANT NOTE: There are currently significant delays in U.S. passport processing. As of March 2023, the U.S. State Department is currently citing wait times of up to 7-9 weeks for an expedited passport and 10-13 weeks for regular processing. Applicants shouldn't expect to see a status update on whether or not your passport has made it to the processing center for at least 2 weeks after submitting it at an acceptance facility (post office etc.). If you plan to study away in Spring or Summer 2024 and need a passport, APPLY TODAY!

 

passports

All travel outside of the U.S. requires a passport. The passport is your official document identifying you as a citizen of the United States (or home country). If you do not currently have a passport you must apply for one as soon as possible!  If you already have a passport be sure to check the expiration date. Many countries have visa specifications that require your passport to be valid for up to six months after you plan on being back in the United States. The processing time for a passport application can take four to six weeks, so plan ahead.

For U.S. citizens: To obtain a passport application and for more detailed information on how to apply or renew your passport, visit the U.S. State Department website.

For non-U.S. citizens: Please verify that your passport is valid for up to six months after you plan on being back in the United States.

Remember: Your passport is the most important document you have when outside of the United States. Know where it is at all times. When you receive your passport, make several copies of the front pages and keep the copies separate from your baggage. We advise that you also leave a copy with your parents or another family member at home. It is not necessary to carry your passport with you. In fact, you are strongly advised to leave it in a locked and secure place at your domicile, e.g., apartment, hotel room, or hostel.

visas

Many governments require a visa for entry into their country. A visa, which is a stamp or attachment in your passport, allows you to stay in that specific country for a certain amount of time. Visas are issued by a consulate or embassy of that country. Each country has its own immigration and visa policies. Please make sure you have fulfilled all of the requirements necessary before your departure. Each country has different rules and it is YOUR responsibility to know and understand these rules. You should contact the consulate or embassy of the country you are traveling to or visit its website. Plan early, as some visas applications can take up to three or four months to process! A valid passport with a sufficient number of blank pages is needed prior to applying for a visa.

For U.S. citizens: A list of foreign entry requirements and consular contact numbers can be found on the U.S. State Department website.

For non-U.S. citizens: Please verify the visa requirements with the consulate of the country to which you are applying. In addition, if you are in the U.S. on an F-1 student visa, please also make sure that your F-1 visa is not expired or will be expired by the time you wish to return to the U.S.  Consult with ArtCenter’s International Student Advisor in the Center for the Student Experience for additional guidance.

For legal reasons, the Exchange and Study Away office cannot provide information about how to obtain a visa for a foreign country. Please contact the embassy or consulate of your host country for information and guidance.

A Note About International Internships

ArtCenter students participating on an International Internship will need a valid passport. If you are being paid, you will also likely need a work visa. Follow the same links and advice above to find out about your specific visa needs.

Please visit the website for the consulate or/and embassy for the country where your internship is located and check which visa you need and the procedure to apply. Companies outside the US that regularly hire international interns may be able to help you with relevant resources for getting a work visa in their countries.

If you need an attendance or enrollment verification from ArtCenter to apply for your visa, please email enrollmentservices@artcenter.edu to request one.