Getting a U.S. passport can take anywhere from 5–11 weeks (processing and mailing times), so early planning is key! Please visit the U.S. Department of State website for more information on this process. 

Important: If your last passport was issued when you were under the age of 16, you are required to apply for your passport in person. 

For reference, most passport application/renewal fees total $130, with an extra $60 if you choose to expedite. You’ll also want to factor in the cost of a passport photo, which on average costs $15 and the passport facility acceptance fee, which is $35. Please visit the U.S. Department of State website for the most current information on processing times, instructions, fees, and materials needed to apply for or renew a U.S. passport. 

A visa is an official travel authorization placed in your passport that grants you permission to enter and stay in a country for a specified time period. Many countries require that visiting students obtain a visa (or a residency permit, in some cases) in order to study abroad. Most visas can be secured by appointment at your host country’s local U.S. consulate that has jurisdiction over your home school and/or permanent residence. Processing times can range from same-day to over three months. If you’re unsure if you need a visa, please contact your program provider. It’s your responsibility to obtain a visa, if one is needed, and to verify the visa requirements of your host country. For many students, working with a foreign consulate can be a new learning experience and their first introduction into the host culture. Think of this as practice for studying abroad!

Be mindful that it is common practice for passports to be turned in with visa applications at your host country’s consulate. You should be prepared to be without your passport for a designated amount of time, as determined by the consulate, and you will not be able to travel internationally during this time period.

Note: If you plan to travel to other countries as part of your program, or en route to/returning from your program, you should be aware of immigration regulations and any additional visas you may need to obtain to travel to or through these countries. Immigration requirements vary by country and by citizenship, so please do your research prior to traveling.  

If you’re studying on a Brown/CASA program, a Brown Global programs staff member may assist with batch visa processing and visit the local consulate on your behalf, if this is allowed by the consulate. While the Brown Global Programs team will provide visa guidance in certain cases, the Global programs team is not responsible for visa complications, delays, or denials. Granting visas is at the sole discretion of the consulate of your host country, and Brown does not have any control over this process. Please be sure to understand and adhere to all consular requirements and to pay close attention to any updates on entry/exit procedures for your host country.