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Start This Process Early! |
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Passports
U.S. citizens will require a passport for travel outside of the U.S. Be sure to apply early because the normal processing time is between four and six weeks or longer. For first-time passports, apply in person at a U.S. Department of State agency, through selected post offices or through clerks at federal, state or county courthouses. If you already have a passport, make sure it will be valid for six months after the program ends.
Documents required for obtaining a U.S. passport:
- Proof of U.S. citizenship (an official birth certificate, naturalization certificate or previous U.S. passport);
- Two recent identical color 2” by 2” photographs with a white background (passport photos can be taken at most Kinkos, Walmarts, Walgreens or other photo processing locations);
- Form of identification with your signature and photograph (i.e. driver’s license);
- Social Security number;
- Passport fee.
Be sure to make several copies of the passport. Leave one copy at home and carry a copy abroad. Store the copy apart from the actual passport so as not to lose both at the same time. A copy of the passport speeds up the process of replacing it in case of loss or theft. More information about passport applications and current fees is available on-line at http://travel.state.gov/passport/index.html or by calling the National Passport Information Center at (900) 255-5674. Non-U.S. citizens should verify the validity of their passports as well.
Expediting Passport Applications
The US State Department does allow you to pay to expedite your passport information. Please refer to their instructions for this service. Addidionally, there are companies that will assist you in this process including obtaining a passport in 24 hours if necessary. This link provides more information about those services.
Visas
A study visa is required for everyone that will be a student rather than a tourist. The documents below will assist you in obtaining your student visa. For additional information please see your VIP page.
Chicago Visa Instructions - for students residing in CO, IL, IA, KS, MN, MO, NE, ND, SD, WI, or WY
General Visa Instructions - for students residing in all other states
Sample Visa Application - explains how to answer the questions found on the visa application
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