Study Abroad Students - Visa Information

As you make your preparations for study abroad next semester, there are many details you will need to take care of, including obtaining a student visa to study in a foreign country. Not all countries require visas from US citizens. However, if you are studying in any of the countries listed below, you will need a student visa (and you may be asked by the airline to show proof that you have a student visa before you are allowed to board the plane):

Argentina, Australia, China, Chile, Egypt, France, Hungary, Israel, Italy, Japan, Spain.*

(*This list is not all-inclusive. There may be other countries that require you to obtain a student visa. Please check with your study abroad program.)

The visa application process can be time-consuming, and should not be left until the last minute. At times during the visa application process, you may feel like you’re running into a brick wall. However, don’t despair! Your program will assist you in applying for the visa. Student Academic Services can give you general information, and has put together the following information to help you during the visa application process. Read on for important information!

First, you must have a passport to apply for a visa. It can take up to 4-6 weeks to get a passport, so if you don’t have a valid passport, apply now. If you already have a passport, check the expiration date and make sure it is valid for 6 months after your program ends. The following are Passport Acceptance Facilities in Seattle:

Generally you will need to work with your host country's consulate in the US to get your visa. You are assigned a consulate based on your state of residence.

The requirements for visas vary by country, and sometimes by consulate. For instance, if you are traveling to Chile or Argentina, you may need to have a police or FBI background check (Tip: if you can use the state police, it's a lot quicker than the FBI!). If you will be studying in Australia, you will need to get chest x-rays and a doctor's signature on a health form provided by the government of Australia. And if you are traveling to Italy and live in the mid-west, you will most likely have to make a personal appearance at the consulate in Chicago to get your visa.

Obtaining the visa stamp in your passport will take some work on your part, so allow plenty of time for the process.

With planning and follow-through, your study abroad experience will be one you will never forget!

<<Back to Table of Contents
<<Back to Study Abroad Home