Visa Information
What is a visa?
A visa is an official authorization allowing you to enter a country and travel, work, live, or study there for a specific period of time. Generally, a visa is an elaborate stamp that is sealed onto one of the pages of your passport. Visas are issued to American citizens by a foreign country's Embassy or Consulate located in the United States. Every country has its own regulations governing the issuance of visas.
General tips for applying for a visa
Foreign embassies and consulates in the US receive hundreds of inquires every day so contacting them can be a trying experience. Have patience. Some consulates only receive visitors or calls during certain hours of the day or on certain days of the week; visit their website to learn their hours or call back at different times of the day. You may find that you are placed on hold or that your call is never forwarded to the appropriate person. Don't be discouraged: be persistent, but polite. Remember that US consulates in foreign countries operate in a similar fashion!
Partner University Exchange
Applying for your student visa: ISEP Students
Australia
Do I need a visa to go to Australia?
A student visa is required for students who wish to study in Australia.
What do I need to apply for a visa?
You will need the following to apply for your visa:
- A valid passport. Please see page 1 in the Study Abroad Handbook for information on how to apply for a passport. Apply early for your passport! It may take 6-8 weeks to process your application.
- COE or eCOE (Confirmation of Enrollment letter sent or emailed to you by your host institution)
- Processing fee of US$ 322 (as of July 1, 2005) to be paid by credit card
- An email account and access to the web
Please note: You will not receive your COE from your host institution until after you have enrolled in Australian Health Insurance, OSHC.
Do not apply for your visa more than two months before your scheduled departure date, since your information may not yet be in the Department of Immigration & Multicultural & Indigenous Affairs (DIMIA) database.
How do I obtain a visa?
Online
Students from Assessment Level 1 countries apply online for their visa (In most cases, U.S. passport holders are Assessment Level 1).
- Eligible students should go to http://www.immi.gov.au/e_visa/visit.htm or from the DIMIA homepage, click "Online visas and services" to access the online visa application.
- Scroll down the E-Visa Page to "Online Visa Applications." The first sub-heading, "Student Visa Services," is for students applying for a visa from OUTSIDE of Australia. Select "Initial Student Visa."
- Please read the general information on Student Visas provided on this page. Then, click "Apply Online Here."
- You will then need to determine the appropriate class of student visa for which you should apply. In most cases, you will select (by clicking on the "yes" arrow) "I do not hold a current Student Visa and I believe my visa application is a full fee application."
- Please read the information about applying for a student (temporary) visa for Assessment Level 1 students. Then click "Apply Online Here."
- You need to agree to the Terms and Conditions by selecting "I agree."
- Please complete the online information as requested. You will be provided with a Transaction Reference Number (TRN). Save this number - you will need it in order to check the status of your e-visa.
- You should receive a confirmation email stating that your visa has been issued. To confirm the status of a student visa, visit the E-Visa portion of the DIMIA website. Scroll down to the subheading "Online Visa Services." Click on "Online visa enquiry facility." You will need your date of birth and TRN to check the status of your e-visa.
Via mail
You may also apply via mail from the Australian Embassy. Be aware of the following:
- Download the 157A form, complete it and send it along with the COE, passport, and payment.
- Send all documents, including your passport, in a FedEx, US Overnight Mail, or other express mail service that provides a tracking number for your parcel, to the embassy. Keep a photocopy of all documents, including your passport, for yourself.
- If there is a fee for your visa, send a money order or certified check--consulates will not accept personal checks.
- Be sure all documents are in order. Missing documents may cause delays in the processing of your application.
- Enclose a postage paid FedEx/US Overnight Mail envelope addressed to yourself. The consulate will only return your visa and documents if you provide a return envelope.
- Apply early.
- Do not leave the country until you have received your passport and visa.
Australian Embassy in the US
Embassy of AustraliaStudent Visa Processing Office
1601 Massachusetts Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20036-2273
Phone: (202)797-3000 or 1-888-990-8888 for queries on visas
WEBSITE: http://www.austemb.org
Chile
Do I need a visa to go to Chile?
A student visa is required for students who wish to study in Chile.
What do I need to apply for a visa?
You will need the following to apply for your visa:
- A valid passport. Please see page 1 in the Study Abroad Handbook for information on how to apply for a passport. Apply early for your passport! It may take 6-8 weeks to process your application.
- Health Certificate issued by a doctor stating that the applicant enjoys good health and has no communicable disease and an HIV test (must be recent, within 30 days)
- Police Certificate (record) issued by the applicant's local police (must be recent, within 30 days)
- An acceptance letter from the host university in Chile
- A document proving economic solvency, proof of permanent income (loan, international student exchange program, scholarship, statements of bank account, etc.)
- Four passport photographs professionally done, 2x2 (color or black and white)
- Processing fee of US$ 100 cash or money order (personal checks are not accepted).
Attention: This list may not be all-inclusive! Verify this information with the consulate, as the application process can change or may even vary by consulate.
Apply as soon as possible: The procedure for processing an application for a Chilean visa may take several weeks.
How do I obtain a visa?
In person
The Chilean consulate requires that you apply in person for your visa. It will take 48 hours to process your visa, so plan to return to the consulate two days later.
- Take the above documents to the Chilean consulate that has jurisdiction over your state of residence (a list of state jurisdictions can be found at http://www.chile-usa.org/consular.htm).
- Call the consulate before you visit to verify hours of operation and location.
- Avoid waiting until the last minute to apply for your visa, as omitting one document or failing to complete a form completely may delay the processing of your visa for weeks.
Via mail
You may receive permission to apply via mail from the Chilean consulate, be aware of the following:
- Send all documents, including your passport, in a FedEx, US Overnight Mail, or other express mail service that provides a tracking number for your parcel, to the consulate. Keep a photocopy of all documents, including your passport, for yourself.
- If there is a fee for your visa, send a money order or certified check--consulates will not accept personal checks.
- Be sure all documents are in order. Missing documents may cause delays in the processing of your application.
- Enclose a postage paid FedEx/US Overnight Mail envelope addressed to yourself. The consulate will only return your visa and documents if you provide a return envelope.
- Apply early.
- Do not leave the country until you have received your passport and visa.
Chilean Consulates in the US
For a listing of consular districts (which consulate serves applicants from your state of residence), see http://www.chile-usa.org/consular.htm. To print out a visa application form, see http://www.consuladochilesfo.com.
Chilean Consulate, San Francisco
AREA SERVED: California, Oregon, Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, Alaska, Washington, NevadaADDRESS: 870 Market St., Suite 1058, CA 94102
PHONE: (415) 982-7665
WEBSITE: http://www.consuladochilesfo.com
Denmark
Do I need a visa to go to Denmark?
A visa is required for students going to Denmark through an officially registered organization or program such as ISEP or The University of Montana's Partner University Exchange program, so you (and your dependents, if applicable) will need to obtain a visa for your period of study in Denmark.
What do I need to apply for a visa?
You need the following documents to apply for a visa (also called a "residence permit"):
- A valid passport. Please see page 1 in the Study Abroad Handbook for how to apply for a passport. Apply early for your passport! It may take 6-8 weeks to process your application.
- Two applications forms completed and signed
- The application for residence permit (Student Visa) is available on the Danish Consulate Web Site.
- Two recent passport photos (U.S. Passport size)
- A letter of acceptance from the Danish university you will be attending. If the acceptance letter from your host institution has not arrived within two months prior to your departure, please notify The University of Montana's Office of International Programs.
- A letter of acceptance to the exchange program from The University of Montana
- Proof that you have sufficient funds to cover your tuition and cost of living expenses while in Denmark. A minimum of $ 600 per month (grant, bank account, bank guarantee). Funds must be in student's own name.
- Payment of US$ 91.00 for processing fee in the form of money order or certified check. If you wish your passport to be mailed back to you by overnight delivery, add $17.00. Remember to include the address where your passport is to be returned.
Attention: This list may not be all-inclusive! Verify this information with the consulate, as the application process can change or may even vary by consulate.
How do I obtain a visa?
In person
- Take the above documents to the Danish consulate (The Danish consulate also processes visa applications by mail, see below).
- Call the consulate before you visit to verify hours of operation and location.
- Avoid waiting until the last minute to apply for your visa, as omitting one document or failing to complete a form completely may delay the processing of your visa for weeks.
Via mail
If you chose to apply for your visa via mail rather than in person, you should:
- Send all documents, including your passport, in a FedEx, US Overnight Mail, or other express mail service that provides a tracking number for your parcel, to the consulate. Keep a photocopy of all documents, including your passport, for yourself.
- Submit the $91.00 processing fee with a money order or certified check payable to the Consul-General of Denmark --consulates will not accept personal checks.
- Enclose a postage paid FedEx/US Overnight Mail envelope addressed to yourself. (Or include at extra US$17.00 for the Danish Consulate to return your visa via overnight mail.)
- Apply early: according the Consulate's website, please allow a minimum of 3-5 months for processing of applications.
- Be sure all documents are in order. Missing documents may cause delays in the processing of your application.
- Do not leave the country until you have received your passport and visa.
As of October 1, 2003, the Royal Danish Consulate General in New York is the only Embassy/Consulate in the U.S. accepting visa applications.
Royal Danish Consulate GeneralSTATES SERVED: All states
ADDRESS: One Dag Hammerskjold Plaza, 885 Second Ave., 18th Floor, 48th Street , New York, NY 10017-2201
Tel. (212) 223-4545; Fax (212) 754-1904
http://www.denmark.org
Finland
Do I need a visa to go to Finland?
A visa is required for students going to Finland through an officially registered organization or program such as ISEP or The University of Montana's Direct Exchange program, so you (and your dependents, if applicable) will need to obtain a visa for your period of study in Finland.
What do I need to apply for a visa?
You need the following documents to apply for a visa (also called a "residence permit"):
- A valid passport. Please see page 1 in the Study Abroad Handbook for how to apply for a passport. Apply early for your passport! It may take 6-8 weeks to process your application.
- Completed application for residence permit (part I and II); remember to provide the exact dates of your stay in Finland. To obtain, this document, phone the Finnish Consulate in Los Angeles (310)203-9903, New York (212) 750-4400, or Washington, DC (202) 298-5800.
- Two passport size photos
- A letter of acceptance from the Finnish university you will be attending
- Include your acceptance letter from The University of Montana and your acceptance letter from your host institution. If the acceptance letter from your host institution has not arrived within two months prior to your departure, please notify The University of Montana's Office of International Programs.
- Written proof of your housing arrangements in Finland
- Proof that you have sufficient funds to cover your stay in Finland (US$5,000/year)
- Written proof of any scholarship that you have received
- A cover letter stating the exact dates of your stay in Finland, your current telephone number and the address where your passport is to be returned
- Payment of US$65.00 for processing fee in the form of cash, money order, or certified check; the fee is nonrefundable, and may change due to exchange rate fluctuations. If you wish your passport to be mailed back to you by overnight delivery, add $17.00.
Attention: This list may not be all-inclusive! Verify this information with the consulate, as the application process can change or may even vary by consulate.
You will also find answers to many of your visa-related questions at http://www.finland.org/en/.
How do I obtain a visa?
In person
- Take the above documents to the Finnish consulate that has jurisdiction over your state of residence. (The Finnish consulate also processes visa applications by mail, see below).
- Call the consulate before you visit to verify hours of operation and location.
- Avoid waiting until the last minute to apply for your visa, as omitting one document or failing to complete a form completely may delay the processing of your visa for weeks.
Via mail
If you chose to apply for your visa via mail rather than in person, you should:
- Send all documents, including your passport, in a FedEx, US Overnight Mail, or other express mail service that provides a tracking number for your parcel, to the consulate. Keep a photocopy of all documents, including your passport, for yourself.
- Submit the $65.00 processing fee with a money order or certified check payable to the Consul-General of Finland (no cash unless you apply in person!) --consulates will not accept personal checks.
- Enclose a postage paid FedEx/US Overnight Mail envelope addressed to yourself. (Or include at extra US$17.00 for the Finnish Consulate to return your visa via overnight mail.)
- Apply early: according the Consulate's website, the process usually takes 3 weeks and cannot be started until all paperwork is submitted.
- Be sure all documents are in order. Missing documents may cause delays in the processing of your application.
- Do not leave the country until you have received your passport and visa.
Finnish Consulates in the US
See also http://www.finland.org for the Finnish Embassy in Washington, DC.
Consulate-General of Finland in Los AngelesSTATES SERVED: California, Alaska, Arizona, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Utah, Washington and Wyoming
ADDRESS: 1801 Century Park East, Suite 2100 Los Angeles, CA 90067
Tel. (310)203-9903; Fax (310)203-9186
E-MAIL: info@finlandla.org; http://www.finland.org/en/
Consulate-General of Finland in New York
STATES SERVED: All states not served by LA Consulate
ADDRESS: NW 866 United Nations Plaza, Suite 250 New York, NY 10017
Tel. (212) 750-4400; Fax (212) 750-4418
E-MAIL: finconny@ix.netcom.com; http://www.finland.org
Japan
Do I need a visa to go to Japan?
A visa is required for persons other than temporary visitors in Japan, so you (and your dependents, if applicable) will need to obtain a visa for your period of study in Japan.
What do I need to apply for a visa?
You will need the following documents to apply for your visa:
- A valid passport. Please see page 1 in the Study Abroad Handbook for information on how to apply for a passport. Apply early for your passport! It may take 6-8 weeks to process your application.
- Letter of Acceptance from Japanese University. Depending upon the school you will be attending, you can expect this document to arrive, via The University of Montana's Office of International Programs, in late June to early July.
- Certificate of Eligibility, which is issued by the Ministry of Justice of the Japanese Government. This document will be sent to your home address by the Japanese Ministry of Justice. (For students beginning study in the Fall, it will arrive in July or August.)
- A completed visa application form (Form 1-C) with 2" x 2" photo (contact the consulate that has jurisdiction over your state of residence to obtain Form 1-C).
Attention: This list may not be all-inclusive! Verify this information with the consulate, as the application process can change or may even vary by consulate.
You will also find answers to many of your visa-related questions at: http://www.mofa.go.jp/j_info/visit/visa/index.html.
How do I obtain a visa?
In person
- Take the above documents to the Japanese consulate that has jurisdiction over your state of residence. Technically, you must go in person to the consulate, however, you may phone ahead to request permission to process your visa via mail.
- Call the consulate before you visit to verify hours of operation and location.
- The Japanese Consulate in Seattle suggests that it takes 48 hours to process a visa application when you apply in person. However, you should avoid waiting until the last minute, as omitting one documents of failing to complete a form completely may delay the processing of your visa for weeks.
Via mail
If you do obtain permission to receive your visa via mail rather than in person, you should:
- Send all documents, including your passport, in a FedEx, US Overnight Mail, or other express mail service that provides a tracking number for your parcel, to the consulate. Keep a photocopy of all documents, including your passport, for yourself.
- If there is a fee for your visa, send a money order--consulates will not accept personal checks.
- Be sure all documents are in order. Missing documents may cause delays in the processing of your application.
- Enclose a postage paid FedEx/US Overnight Mail envelope addressed to yourself. The consulate will only return your visa and documents if you provide a return envelope.
- Consult the consulate about the time it will take to process you application. Apply early, as any errors may delay the processing of your visa for weeks.
- Do not leave the country until you have received your passport and visa.
Japanese Consulates in the US
If the appropriate consulate is not listed below, visit http://www.embjapan.org for a listing of other Japanese Consulates.
Consulate-General of Japan in SeattleAREA SERVED: Washington, Northern Idaho, Montana
ADDRESS: 601 Union Street, Suite #500
Seattle, WA 98 101
PHONE: (206) 682-9107 FAX: (206) 624-9097
WEBSITE: http://www.seattle.us.emb-japan.go.jp/English/ConsulateService/index_services.htm
Consulate-General of Japan in Portland
AREA SERVED: Oregon, Southern Idaho
ADDRESS: Wells Fargo Center, 1300 SW 5th Avenue, Suite 2700 Portland, OR 97201
PHONE: (503) 221-1811 FAX: (503) 224-8936
Mexico
Do I need a visa to go to Mexico?
A student visa is required for students who wish to study in Mexico.
What do I need to apply for a visa?
You will need the following to apply for your visa (also called a "Residence Permit"):
- A valid passport. Please see page 1 in the Study Abroad Handbook for information on how to apply for a passport. Apply early for your passport! It may take 6-8 weeks to process your application.
- An application form, completed and signed. Contact the consulate to obtain the appropriate forms. For the Salt Lake City Consulate, call (801) 521-8502 (for other consulates' phone numbers, see http://www.embassyofmexico.org/eng/)
- An acceptance letter from the host university in Mexico
- A document proving economic solvency, proof of permanent income (loan, international student exchange program, scholarship, statements of bank account, etc.)
- Six front view photographs and four profile photographs
- Processing fee of US$?? payable to the Consulado de Mexico, in the form of certified check or money order.
Attention: This list may not be all-inclusive! Verify this information with the consulate, as the application process can change or may even vary by consulate.
Apply as soon as possible: The procedure for processing an application for a Mexican visa may take several weeks.
How do I obtain a visa?
In person
- The Mexican consulate requires that you apply in person for your visa. It will take 48 hours to process your visa, so plan to return to the consulate two days later.
- Take the above documents to the Mexican consulate that has jurisdiction over your state of residence (a list of state jurisdictions can be found at http://www.embassyofmexico.org/eng/).
- Call the consulate before you visit to verify hours of operation and location.
- Avoid waiting until the last minute to apply for your visa, as omitting one document or failing to complete a form completely may delay the processing of your visa for weeks.
Via mail
If you miraculously receive permission to apply via mail, be aware of the following:
- Send all documents, including your passport, in a FedEx, US Overnight Mail, or other express mail service that provides a tracking number for your parcel, to the consulate. Keep a photocopy of all documents, including your passport, for yourself.
- If there is a fee for your visa, send a money order or certified check--consulates will not accept personal checks.
- Be sure all documents are in order. Missing documents may cause delays in the processing of your application.
- Enclose a postage paid FedEx/US Overnight Mail envelope addressed to yourself. The consulate will only return your visa and documents if you provide a return envelope.
- Apply early.
- Do not leave the country until you have received your passport and visa.
Mexican Consulates in the US
For a listing of Mexican Consulates and their contact information, see http://www.embassyofmexico.org/eng/. For a listing of consular districts (which consulate serves applicants from your state of residence), see http://www.embassyofmexico.org/eng/.
Mexican Consulate, Salt Lake CityAREA SERVED: Idaho, Montana, Utah, parts of Wyoming
ADDRESS: 458 East 200 South Salt Lake City, UT 84111
PHONE: (801) 521-8502/03 FAX: (801) 521-0534
Morocco
Do I need a visa to go to the Morocco?
United States citizens do not require visas to enter Morocco as a tourist for up to 90 days. Students going to Al Akhawayn should enter Morocco as a tourist and the University will then help you to get a student visa.
Do I need anything else?
You don't need a visa, but you will need:
- A valid passport. Please see page 1 in the Study Abroad Handbook for information on how to apply for a passport. Apply early for your passport! It may take 6-8 weeks to process your application.
- For more information on travel, study, and work in Morocco, see http://www.wafin.com/index.phtml, http://www.morocco.com or http://www.mincom.gov.ma/english/e_page.html.
ADDRESS: 1601 21st Street, NW, Washington DC 20009
PHONE: (202) 462-7979 FAX: (202) 265-0161
Consulate-General of The Kingdom of Morocco, New York
(Handles visa inquires and applications)
ADDRESS: 10 East 40th Street, New York, NY 10016
PHONE: (212) 758-2625; FAX: (212) 779-7441
WEBSITE: http://www.britain-info.org/consular/
E-MAIL: consumanewyo@prodigy.net
New Zealand
Do I need a visa to go to New Zealand?
You must apply for a Student Visa if you are outside of New Zealand, and are coming to New Zealand to study full time for longer than three months. Your spouse and children may apply for Visitor's or Student visas. An excellent resource for New Zealand visa information is: http://www.immigration.govt.nz. The Student Visa will allow you to enter New Zealand. It shows you have permission to travel to New Zealand and that you may be granted a Student Permit when you arrive.
What do I need to apply for a visa?
You will need the following to apply for your visa:
- Your passport (must be valid 3 months past the date you plan to leave New Zealand). See page 1 in the Study Abroad Handbook for passport application information. Apply early for your passport! It may take 6-8 weeks to process your application.
- Completed, signed "Application to Study in New Zealand" form (NZIS 1020 form). Download it here.
- A recent passport-size photograph with your name printed on the back of it
- Evidence of financial support while in New Zealand. Use the "Financial Undertaking for a Student" form (download from http://www.immigration.govt.nz/forms/index; look under "forms")
- A letter from the host university confirming that you have been accepted as a student
- Evidence you have paid or are exempt from paying course fees (if you are a fee-paying student, a receipt of your payment will be mailed by Massey University to the NZ Embassy in Washington, DC; if you are paying fees to The University of Montana, include a letter which OIP has written on your behalf)
- Evidence of guarantee of accommodation (this is in your letter from Massey)
- A letter from the provider of the program outlining program details (provided by OIP)
- There is no application fee for American citizens.
Attention: This list may not be all-inclusive! Verify this information with the embassy, as the application process can change.
Apply as soon as possible: The procedure for processing an application for a Student Visa requires up to 15 working days to be processed, but any omissions in your application will cause significant delays in receiving your Student Visa.
How do I obtain a visa?
In person
- Take your documents to the New Zealand Embassy if you plan to be in the Washington, DC area. (The New Zealand Embassy also processes visa applications by mail, see below).
- Call the embassy before you visit to verify hours of operation and location.
- Avoid waiting until the last minute to apply for your visa, as omitting one document or failing to complete a form completely may delay the processing of your visa for weeks.
Via mail
If you decide to apply for your visa via mail rather than in person, you should:
- Send all documents, including your passport, in a FedEx, US Overnight Mail, or other express mail service that provides a tracking number for your parcel, to the consulate. Keep a photocopy of all documents, including your passport, for yourself.
- If there is a fee for your visa, send a money order or certified check--consulates will not accept personal checks payable to the embassy (as of October 21, 2002, there is no fee required for American citizens applying to the Washington Embassy for a Student Visa).
- Apply early: missing documents may cause delays in the processing of your application. Allow a minimum of 15 working days for your visa application to be processed.
- Enclose a postage paid FedEx/US Overnight Mail envelope addressed to yourself. The consulate will only return your visa and documents if you provide a return envelope.
- Do not leave the country until you have received your passport and visa.
New Zealand Embassy in the US
New Zealand EmbassyADDRESS: 37 Observatory Circle NW, Washington, DC 20008
PHONE: (202) 328 4800 FAX: (202) 667 5227 or 328 4836
WEBSITE:http://www.nzemb.org
E-MAIL:nz@nzemb.org
HOURS: 9:30 - 4:30 Monday through Friday
Thailand
Do I need a visa to go to Thailand?
A visa is required for persons other than temporary visitors in Thailand, so you (and your dependents, if applicable) will need to obtain a visa for your period of study in Thailand.
What do I need to apply for a visa?
You will need the following documents to apply for your visa:
- A valid passport. Please see page 1 in the Study Abroad Handbook for information on how to apply for a passport. Apply early for your passport! It may take 6-8 weeks to process your application.
- Letter of Acceptance from Thai University
- Depending upon the school you will be attending, you can expect this document to arrive, via The University of Montana's Office of International Programs, in late June to early July.
- A completed visa application form with 2" x 2" photo (the visa application form is available on the Thai embassy's web site).
- A $20 processing fee (if submitting by mail, pay by money order only; if submitting in person, pay in cash or with a money order).
Attention: This list may not be all-inclusive! Verify this information with the consulate, as the application process can change or may even vary by consulate.
You will also find answers to many of your visa-related questions at: http://www.thaiembdc.org/index.htm.
How do I obtain a visa?
In person
- Take the above documents to the Thai consulate that has jurisdiction over your state of residence.
- Call the consulate before you visit to verify hours of operation and location.
- The Thai embassy suggests that it takes 48 hours to process a visa application when you apply in person. However, you should avoid waiting until the last minute, as omitting one document or failing to complete a form completely may delay the processing of your visa for weeks.
Via mail
- Send all documents, including your passport, in a FedEx, US Overnight Mail, or other express mail service that provides a tracking number for your parcel, to the embassy. Keep a photocopy of all documents, including your passport, for yourself.
- If there is a fee for your visa, send a money order--consulates will not accept personal checks.
- Be sure all documents are in order. Missing documents may cause delays in the processing of your application.
- Enclose a postage paid FedEx/US Overnight Mail envelope addressed to yourself. The consulate will only return your visa and documents if you provide a return envelope.
- Consult the consulate about the time it will take to process you application. Apply early, as any errors may delay the processing of your visa for weeks.
- Do not leave the country until you have received your passport and visa.
Thai Consulates in the US
If the appropriate consulate is not listed below, visit http://www.thaiembdc.org for a listing of other Thai Consulates.
Royal Thai Embassy in Washington, D.C.AREA SERVED: Alabama, Arkansas, Colorado, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Maryland, Mississippi, Montana, New Mexico, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, West Virginia, Wyoming
ADDRESS: 1024 Wisconsin Avenue, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20007
PHONE: (202) 944-3600 FAX: (202) 944-3611
WEBSITE: http://www.thaiembdc.org
United Kingdom
Do I need a visa to go to the UK?
United States citizens (and those from Canada, South Africa, Singapore, Malaysia, South Korea, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, and Hong Kong) entering the UK as a students on or after November 13, 2003 who wish to stay for six months or longer, need to apply for Entry Clearance in Britain. The Entry Clearance will be in a form of a vignette or sticker placed in a passport at an Entry Clearance issuing post overseas. Please note that it is not a visa.
If I am staying for less than six months?
You don't need to apply for entry clearance, but you will need to submit the following documents upon your arrival in UK. Plan to have with you:
- A valid passport. Please see page 1 in the Study Abroad Handbook for information on how to apply for a passport. Apply early for your passport! It may take 6-8 weeks to process your application.
- A letter of acceptance from your host institution in the United Kingdom
- Documentation of your ability to financially support yourself during your stay (examples: a letter confirming scholarship monies from your home institution, a bank loan, or parental support.)
- At the discretion of immigration officials, you may be required to undergo an impromptu medical exam at the airport upon arrival in the UK. This exam may include a chest x-ray. The British consulate recommends that you bring a doctor's report with you, but a doctor's report may not be sufficient to waive the airport medical exam.
If I am staying for six months or longer?
You will need to apply for Entry Clearance in the U.S. Go to www.britainusa.com/visas/visas.asp to apply and pay online using the Fastrack Application system. Alternatively, applications can be mailed in with supporting documents to the British Consulate. You are not required to attend in person.
You will need the following to apply for your Entry Clearance.
- A completed VAF1 Application Form
- A valid passport. Please see page 1 in the Study Abroad Handbook for information on how to apply for a passport. Apply early for your passport! It may take 6-8 weeks to process your application.
- An acceptance letter from the host university in United Kingdom.
- Documentation of your ability to financially support yourself during your stay (examples: a letter confirming scholarship monies from your home institution, a bank loan, or parental support.)
- Two photographs (passport size)
- Fee and handling charge. Please check the website for the current fee before submitting your application at www.britainusa.com/visas/guidance/Study_in_the_UK.asp.
Attention: This list may not be all-inclusive! Verify this information with the consulate, as the application process can change or may even vary by consulate.
Apply as soon as possible: The procedure for processing entry clearance may take several weeks.
How do I obtain Entry Clearance in the U.S.?
In person
- You are not required to apply in person for your Entry Clearance. However, if you choose to apply in person, applications made in person are usually dealt with the same day.
- Take the above documents to the British consulate that has jurisdiction over your state of residence (a list of state jurisdictions can be found at www.britainusa.com/visas/visas.asp
- Call the consulate before you visit to verify hours of operation and location.
- Avoid waiting until the last minute to apply for your visa, as omitting one document or failing to complete a form completely may delay the processing of your visa for weeks.
Via mail
- Send all documents, including your passport, in a FedEx, US Overnight Mail, or other express mail service that provides a tracking number for your parcel, to the consulate. Keep a photocopy of all documents, including your passport, for yourself.
- If there is a fee for your visa, send a money order or certified check--consulates will not accept personal checks.
- Be sure all documents are in order. Missing documents may cause delays in the processing of your application.
- Enclose a postage paid FedEx/US Overnight Mail envelope addressed to yourself. The consulate will only return your visa and documents if you provide a return envelope.
- Apply early. It is advisable to apply at least two to three weeks before traveling.
- Do not leave the country until you have received your passport and visa.
British Consulates
In the US, the visa issuing posts are located at the British Consulates General in Chigago, Los Angeles and New York. Please visit www.britainusa.com to find the consulate that serves your state of residency and for contact details. For updates on new regulations, visit www.britishcouncil-usa.org/learning/clearance.shtml.
British Consulate-General, Los AngelesADDRESS: 11766 Wilshire Blvd, Suite 1200, Los Angeles, CA 90025-6538
PHONE: (310) 481-2900 (Visa Information) FAX: (310) 481-2961 (Visa fax)
British Consulate-General, Chigago
ADDRESS: The Wrigley Building, 400 North Michigan Avenue, Suite 1300, Chigago, IL 60611
PHONE: (312) 970-3800 (Visa Information) FAX: (312) 970-3852
British Consulate-General, New York
ADDRESS: 845 Third Avenue, New York, NY 10022
PHONE: (212) 745-0200 FAX: (212) 754-3062
Applying for your student visa: ISEP Students
Please see your ISEP Country Handbook for specific information on getting a visa to your country of destination.
Do I need a visa to do study abroad through ISEP?
In most cases, the answer is yes, although the name of the visa my vary from country to country. In some countries, it is called a "residence permit," and in others "entry clearance." Your ISEP Country Handbook contains a section about visas and will tell you if you need one. You may also look up your host country's embassy or consulate on the web for more information about visas. Most embassies' and consulates' websites are listed at www.embassy.org and www.embassyworld.com
Remember: if you are traveling with a spouse or children, you need to inquire about visas for your dependents as well as for yourself.
What do I need to apply for a visa?
Visa and residence permit regulations vary widely. It is your responsibility to determine what documents you are required to submit to obtain your visa. In general, the following documents are needed to apply for a visa (but consult the appropriate embassy or consulate to obtain a list that is accurate for your situation):
- A valid passport. Please see page 1 in the Study Abroad Handbook for information on how to apply for a passport. Apply early for your passport! It may take 6-8 weeks to process your application.
- Completed application for a visa/residence permit; obtain the application form from the consulate or download one from the consulate's website, if possible.
- Two or more passport-size photos
- The original letter from the host institution confirming that you have been accepted to the exchange program
- Your letter of acceptance from ISEP
- Proof of financial support during your term of exchange (The Letter of Certification that you receive from your University of Montana ISEP Coordinator is normally sufficient)
- Payment of the processing fee, if any, in the form of a money order or certified check.
Attention: Neither this list nor the list in your ISEP Country Handbook is guaranteed to be all-inclusive! Verify this information with the appropriate consulate, as the application process can vary by country, by consulate, and over time.
Where do I apply for a visa?
You must determine which consulate will process your visa application. In general, each consulate is responsible for processing visa applications for residents of specific states. In many cases, this is the consulate that is closest to or in your state of residence. For Montana residents, visa applications are most often processed by consulates in Seattle, San Francisco, Los Angeles and Denver. In many cases, the appropriate consulate will be listed in your ISEP Country Handbook, or you may have to contact the embassy directly to ask.
How do I apply for a visa?
In person
- Take the required documents to the consulate that has jurisdiction over your state of residence. Be sure you have photocopies of everything to keep for your own records.
- Call the consulate before you visit to verify hours of operation and location.
- Avoid waiting until the last minute to apply for your visa, as omitting one document or failing to complete a form completely may delay the processing of your visa for weeks.
Via mail
If you have the option to apply by mail rather than in person, you should:
- Send all documents, including your passport, in a FedEx, US Overnight Mail, or other express mail service that provides a tracking number for your parcel, to the consulate. Keep a photocopy of all documents, including your passport, for yourself.
- If there is a processing fee, pay it with a money order or certified check payable to the consulate (i.e. Consulate-General of France). Consulates will not accept personal checks.
- Enclose a postage paid FedEx/US Overnight Mail envelope addressed to yourself. This will enable the consulate to return your passport and visa to the address that you designate and will avoid loss of your documents. Keep a record of the tracking numbers for the outgoing package and for the return package.
- Apply early: some consulates require up to three months to process a visa.
- Be sure all documents are in order. Missing or incomplete documents may cause delays in the processing of your application.
- Do not, under any circumstances, leave the country until you have received your passport and visa.