Visas and Permits

Most countries require approval and additional documentation to enter a country, including a passport. For some countries transit visas are required to travel through. Some require visas or permits prior to arrival. It is important to research the rules, regulations, and documents needed prior to entering a country.

visas-for-living-abroad — **Please note**: Information presented here was based on requirements available at the time of publication. Countries can change their visa/permit requirements at any time or they may be interpreted differently by various consulates or airport authorities. Always review the most current official documents and government websites, and rely on those specific details over anything presented here.

A visa or permit gives you permission to reside in a country for an extended period of time. The main purpose being to study for 90 days or more. Some countries require a study or residence permit to enter. Others require a visa.
A visa or permit is an official document, often placed inside your passport, that a foreign government issues to you, allowing you to enter that particular country, for a specified period of time, and participate in certain activities legally.
Prior to departure you will need to fill out an application, gather supporting documents listed on the consulates webpage, and then apply in person. Oftentimes you will have to get an appointment at an embassy or consulate to hand in your passport and other supporting documents.

The requirements to obtain a visa or permit depend on the host country, type of visa/permit, duration of the program, and nationality of the applicant. The foreign country’s U.S. based Consulate/Embassy should be able to provide you with a list of requirements based on these factors.
Each consulate location has its own website and requirements may vary from location to location. Some consulates will only allow you to apply at the consulate providing jurisdiction over your home state, whereas others will allow you to apply using your school’s address. For example you may be able to apply via the mail, whereas another student attending the same program may need to apply in person, so be sure to check the website for the location of the consulate representing the correct jurisdiction (usually Chicago for St. Olaf students/Minnesota residents).
Additionally, should the process become too overwhelming, many processing agencies such as CIBT, Travisa, Perry International, etc. exist to help research and submit applications. These agencies are very useful for quickly determining whether you are required to obtain a visa/permit and whether an in-person appointment is required. This is especially useful when researching non-U.S. student situations. The Smith Center Office recommends Perry International to provide these services. You can fill out a form on their website and Perry Visa will email you the visa requirements usually within 24 hours. Keep in mind if you choose to use their services you will have to pay a service fee in addition to the visa/permit fee.

Most consulates will not let you apply more than 90 days before your study abroad program starts.
For consulates that require an in-person appointment, the available time slots often fill up quickly. You may need to book an appointment months before you plan to apply, so plan accordingly! If you can only select an appointment near your departure date, you should see if your consulate offers a waitlist or an appointment calendar that you can continue checking for earlier appointments that open up.
Begin the visa/permit application process as soon as you receive your letter of invitation from your host university/program. A good rule of thumb is to submit your application at least two months in advance. A good rule of thumb is to submit your application at least two months in advance. That way if any snags occur, you’ll still have time to remedy the issue and keep your application on track.

Visa/permit processing can take as little as a couple of days to several months depending on the country and your nationality.
The website of the U.S. consulate or embassy of your host country should list the average time it takes to process a visa/permit.
Make sure you apply early as only a few consulates have the option to rush or expedite a visa/permit application. If it is an option it’s usually very expensive.
As you will need to mail your passport to the Consulate, which they will keep as they process your visa application, you should not plan any international trips (including Canada and Mexico) in the months leading up to your program. If international travel while your passport is being processed at the consulate is absolutely necessary, in rare cases, you may be able to apply for a second passport. You would need to contact the local passport agency for more information.

International students frequently study abroad/away while enrolled at St. Olaf. International students must contact the Taylor Center for Equity and Inclusion prior to studying abroad to verify reentry requirements for F-1 visa holders to the U.S. and to update their I-20 form, if needed.
Visa/permit fees listed on program budgets are based on U.S. citizenship. Fees for non-U.S. citizens may vary.

U.S. permanent resident (green card holder) students traveling abroad for study can find it difficult to navigate the ins-and-outs of the visa/permit process.
Remember in addition to a visa/permit, you must travel with the passport of your country of citizenship, or obtain a reentry permit or refugee travel document (form I-131). You cannot travel abroad on a “green card” alone.
If you are unable to apply for a passport and will be using a U.S. issued Travel Document for your study abroad program, please make sure the country of your study abroad program will allow you to enter without a passport and will issue a visa/permit without a passport. Not every country will allow travelers without a passport.
Upon your return to the U.S. you will need to present both your green card and passport/U.S.Travel Document. You may be subject to “secondary inspection” upon your return, where you could be taken into a separate room and asked questions about your time spent outside the U.S.
Visa/permit fees listed on program budgets are based on U.S. citizenship. Fees for non-U.S. citizens may vary.

Studying abroad can be difficult for undocumented students.
Remember in addition to a visa/permit, you must travel with proper documentation. This includes a passport. You will want to discuss this with your immigration attorney to ensure you would not be deported.
If you are unable to apply for a passport and will be using a U.S. issued Travel Document for your study abroad program, please make sure the country of your study abroad program will allow you to enter without a passport and will issue a visa/permit without a passport. Not every country will allow travelers without a passport.
Visa/permit fees listed on program budgets are based on U.S. citizenship. Fees for non-U.S. citizens may vary.

While on an international study abroad program, your host country admits you under the regulations of a student visa/permit or the appropriate immigration status. This means your stay is for the sole purpose of education, and you are not allowed to take a job, or sometimes even intern or volunteer, (even part-time) and earn an income. If you violate those restrictions and are caught, you risk being deported.
However, some exceptions apply. Some countries do allow international students to take on a part-time job, volunteer, or intern whilst on a student visa/permit. To find out if your country of destination or program and visa/permit category allows for part-time work, visit the consular webpage for your host country.

A transit visa allows you to travel through another country. Some countries require individuals of certain citizenships to have a transit visa. Be sure to research which countries require you to gain approval prior to entry.
A transit visa is valid for 24 hours, but can be issued for a few days depending upon the country and embassy.
You will need to apply for a transit visa in advance. Processing times can vary so make sure to apply early.

Follow your program’s instructions on immigration policy and what documents are needed to enter the country. Most programs email you specific instructions and keep in contact with government officials. Contact your program directly if you have any questions about the process.
You need a passport. A passport, issued by your home country, proves your citizenship, while a visa or permit, issued by the country you are studying in, shows you are allowed to stay in the country for a period of time. You will need your passport in order to apply for your visa.
Gather supporting documents. Make sure to check with your program on what the requirements are. Common documents to apply for your visa and/or permit include:
- Visa/Permit Application (paper or electronic) – Make copies of your application and supporting materials, in case they are lost or not returned during the application process. Having copies of all documents will save you time, energy and most importantly, money.
- Passport – You will be unable to travel internationally while applying for your visa/permit. If you don’t have a passport make sure to apply early so you can be sure to receive it on time to apply for your visa/permit.
- Copies of travel documents – This could include a flight itinerary. Some embassies/consulates require you to submit proof of paid flight prior to application. Some embassies/consulates advise you to wait until you have received your visa to book your flight.
- Proof of Insurance – As a student at St. Olaf you are automatically covered under EIIA International Travel Insurance. However, some countries require you to purchase health insurance through their government.
- Acceptance Letter/Letter of Offer from program – This will come directly from the study abroad program. You will receive an email or be located in your provider portal. This will serve as proof of acceptance and purpose of stay in country.
- Enrollment Letter from St. Olaf – This letter states you are currently enrolled as a full time student here at St. Olaf and that you will return to the U.S. to finish your degree.
- Proof of Financial Support – Some consulates/embassies require you to show you have sufficient funds while studying in their country. The country’s government wants to ensure you are not relying on them to fund your time in their country. This could include bank statements or a scholarship statement. Some require you to open a bank account in their country.
- Confirmation of Good Health – This could include proof of vaccinations, TB tests, medical reports, etc. Requirements will vary based on where you are studying abroad and your citizenship.
- Biometrics – Biometrics is the data by which someone is identified. This would include collecting your fingerprints, picture, and signing your name. To get your biometrics you will need to travel to a government location. This would be done before your visa/permit appointment.
- Fee – The most common payment method is by Money Order. Money Orders can be purchased at the Post Office, Bank, Cub Foods, Kwik Trip Gas Station, etc. for a small fee. You will need to pay for the Money Order in cash.
Apply to the consulate or embassy. Make sure to make an appointment either online or by phone. Check the consulate/embassy’s website on how to make an appointment.
Visas cost money. Make sure to verify the fee and type of payment needed for your visa/permit. Each consulate/embassy can differ in what they require for payment.
You may need to travel to hand in your supporting documents and passport to an embassy, consulate, or visa/permit processing center. Do not be late for that appointment.
Visas take time to process. After you have turned in your paperwork and passport it can take a few months for you to receive your passport with your visa/permit. During this time you will be unable to travel internationally.
Possible interview after arrival. Some countries will ask for an interview upon arrival into the country. You will have to appear for an in person appointment while an immigration officer asks you questions. Make sure to respond accurately and honestly.

DISCLAIMERS:
A visa/permit is a privilege, not a right. A consular office may deny your visa/permit application, so it is best to adhere to their requirements as closely as possible. Obtaining a visa/permit is your responsibility. It is important that you know what is required of you before attempting to enter a country. Failing to obtain a visa/permit (or the correct visa) could result in a denial of entry into a country and/or criminal charges.

Check your visa/permit’s validity dates (valid from and date of expiry). You may not enter the country before the date stated on your visa/permit and you must exit the country on or before the date of expiry. Overstaying your visa/permit may be a crime and may result in you facing deportation and being barred from returning to the country.

NAFSA

U.S. Department of State

Perry Visa Service

Visas and Permits

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Steps for Obtaining a Visa/Permit:

Additional Visa Resources