You Likely Need a Visa to Study Abroad. We're Here to Help!

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IES Abroad
March 23, 2023
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Ready to Stamp Your Passport? Read This First!

Study abroad is going to be even more amazing than you can imagine—but it's not just a quick vacation. Living in another country for an extended amount of time requires serious planning (and legal documents)!

You’ll need a passport that's valid for at least 6 months after your program dates to go abroad. With processing times taking longer than usual, consider this a gentle reminder to not procrastinate on getting or renewing your passport. It lasts 10 years and never hurts to have ready to go!

Which brings us to something you should be considering: how and when to get your student visa.

Don't fret, but do know that time is of the essence. We've been guiding students (like you!) through their visa applications for nearly 70 years, and we're here to be a resource from beginning to end.

The best thing you can do is apply to your study or internship program ASAP so you can be connected with an IES Abroad program advisor who will guide you through your destination's unique visa process. Want more info now? Keep reading for some visa basics.

A student's passport laying on a map

What You Need to Know About Visas

Most study abroad destinations require a visa or formal entry document to stay in the country for the duration of your program. Your student visa is as important as your passport; without it you will not be able to study abroad if your program requires a student visa. See a full list of IES Abroad locations and visa requirements on our Student Visa pages.

Several countries have more complex visa application processes (so applying early is always better), such as: 

A student's passport laying on a pile of documents

ACCeSS Makes it Easier

Our visa processing service (ACCeSS) makes it easier for you to get a visa if you're studying or interning abroad in Spain or Italy. ACCeSS is simple, saves you time and money, and was created solely to make it easier for our students to get their visas.  Check out your options with this handy tool for Spain and the tool for Italy to see if you're eligible to have us process your visa for you through ACCeSS. Your ACCeSS deadline might be close to your program's deadline, so plan ahead.  

So, what do you need to do now? Apply to study or intern abroad today so you can connect with your personal IES Abroad Advisor who will be your guide for all things visa. 

Apply Now

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