Passports

If you do not have a passport or a current passport that is valid through 6 months after the end of your program, you should apply for a new passport immediately.

Information on applying for a passport can be found at: http://travel.state.gov/passport

You should usually allow 4-6 weeks for the delivery of a passport. Students can sometimes wait for months because of a back-log. Don’t take any chances. Apply early. You will need all of the following when turning in your passport application:

  • An official copy of your birth certificate OR expired passport, OR a certified copy of your naturalization or citizenship papers. If you do not have a birth certificate with the official seal, write to the County Clerk in your county of birth to obtain one.
  • A photo ID with signature; examples include a driver’s license, California ID, or Military ID.
  • Two identical passport photos, front view, 2” x 2” square, with a white background.
  • $145 processing fee for new applications and $110.00 for renewal. Add $60.00 to expedite the service. Payment must be made by personal check, cashier’s check or by money order.

Visas

A visa is an official permission granted by the authorities of the country where you will study or travel that allows you to enter and remain in the country for a certain amount of time. A visa is usually in the form of a stamp or sticker placed in your passport. Some countries (e.g. Australia) now issue electronic visas for which nothing is placed in your passport; instead, the authorization to enter the country is linked to your passport number.

If your host country does not require a visa, you will need special documentation to be there as a student. You may not stay in your host country as a tourist (except for Cortona students). Consult your host country’s embassy and/or consular website.

A student visa is required to enter many of the countries in which USC sponsors study abroad programs. Visa requirements for US citizens may vary from those for citizens of other countries.

The documentation and fees required to obtain a visa vary greatly from country to country, and even between different consulates of the same country. Some countries will require a signed medical form or letter from a physician or certain immunizations. Some require an HIV test, tax return, or criminal background checks.

For some countries you need to apply as far as 3 months in advance. Most consulates will keep your passport while they are processing your visa application. This may force you to alter pre-program overseas travel plans.

Please note that for some visas you need to apply in person at the nearest consulate in the US. Most programs will inform you directly if you need a visa to enter your host country.

You will also be advised on the visa process by your program provider and your study abroad advisor.

It is ultimately the student’s responsibility to obtain the visa.

Visas for Non-US Citizens

If you are not a U.S. citizen, you should consult the nearest consulate of the country of your citizenship and the nearest consulate of the country where you plan to study. The procedures you will follow are different from those for U.S. citizens. It is important to initiate this process as soon as possible in order to assemble the documents and allow time for lengthy procedures.  You should also consult with an OIS adviser before leaving USC.

Non-U.S. citizens should also check to see if a transit visa is required for the countries they pass through on the way to their ultimate destination, and whether they need a visa to travel to other countries during the semester.

Re-Entry to the U.S.

U.S. permanent residents must check with the U.S. Immigration Service concerning regulations for re-entry into the U.S. It is particularly important to verify procedures for those who contemplate being outside of the U.S. for more than one year or are in the process of applying for citizenship.

International students must see an advisor at the Office of International Services (OIS) to obtain important information regarding regulations and documentation to leave and re-enter the United States.

DACA-eligible students should consult with their study abroad advisor.