How Do I Get a Passport and Visa?

Click here to learn how to get your passport through Boise State.

In most cases, you will need a visa for your study abroad program. What is a visa? A visa is an official permission from a government to enter a country. It is usually a stamp in your passport from the Consulate General or Embassy of the country you plan to enter. It can take a significant amount of time to obtain a visa, depending on the country you wish to enter. You may have to send your passport to the Consulate General or Embassy to receive the Visa.

Visa requirements vary.  However, typically you will need the following to apply for a student visa.  Please read everything the consulate requires and send them exactly, what they request.  This is only an example of what the consulate might ask for; some may require more documents.

• Visa application (usually at the consulate’s website)

• Photos

• Visa application fee (money order)

• Program acceptance letter

• Proof of financial support (i.e. financial aid award letter)

• Proof of insurance

• Proof of housing (usually written in the acceptance letter)

• Passport

You can usually apply by mail for your visa, you will most often express mail all of the documents and your passport to the consulate and you will enclose a pre-paid self-addressed express envelope.  This allows the consulate to return your documents.  In certain cases, you may be required to apply in person to apply for a visa; China, Spain, France and Brazil are examples.