Study Abroad Student Visas & ACCeSS
You are here
Get from here to there, officially.
While this may be the first time you apply for a student visa, this isn't our first rodeo. Every year our team of visa specialists support thousands of IES Abroad students to have the proper documents to enter their host country. More detailed instructions are available in your myIESabroad account once you are accepted to an IES Abroad program.
Depending on your study abroad program and legal citizenship, you may need a student visa to study abroad. Every country has their own process, requirements, and fees for applying for a visa. Some countries may require you to travel to an in-person appointment at a consulate or embassy in select U.S. cities.
We can't wait for you to embark on your adventure abroad. We're here to help—every step of the way.
What is a student visa?
A student visa is a government-issued immigration document granted by a consulate general or embassy which allows you to legally study in a specific country for a specific date range. Typically, a visa is an endorsed sticker or stamp placed on the inside pages of your passport. 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.
You Need a Passport
Before you can apply for a visa, you need a passport that is valid for at least six months after your program end date. Find your program dates in your myIESabroad account and on the webpage for your program.
You Apply to a Consulate
A consulate general or embassy is a government office operated by the country you will be studying in, but located in your home country. Note that visa requirements, processes, and timelines may vary between consulates of the same country.
To find out which consulate(s) you can apply to, identify which one serves the jurisdiction—the geographical region—of your home and/or school address. We've included country-specific visa resources to help you identify your consulate(s).
Visas Cost Money
The cost to apply for a visa varies by country, but typically includes a fee paid directly to the consulate (ranging from $55-$1,000). These fees are set by the consulate, not by IES Abroad, and can fluctuate.
If you submit your application through ACCeSS, there is an additional $125 fee paid to IES Abroad.
Note that you may have additional travel costs if you need to attend an in-person appointment at the consulate.
Visas Require a Specific Timeline
Most consulates accept visa applications 90 to 120 days before your program start date.
When requesting an appointment, account for your program start date, the 90 to 120-day timeframe, and the processing time required for the consulate to issue your visa. Processing times vary and can take up to 8 weeks.
You May Need to Travel to Your Consulate
Visa processing procedures vary by country. In most cases, students are required to appear in person, with a scheduled appointment, at the consulate.
Consular appointments are limited, so plan ahead! Keep in mind that your consulate may be out-of-state requiring you to fly, drive, and/or stay overnight to make your appointment.
IES Abroad ACCeSS Saves You Time
If you are studying abroad in Italy or Spain, you may have the option to skip a visit to the consulate by participating in our ACCeSS service (for an additional fee). With IES Abroad Application Check and Consular Submission Service (ACCeSS), we verify you have all the correct visa application materials and then submit your app to the Italian or Spanish consulate on your behalf.
Individual appointments are very limited for Spanish and Italian consulates. For students who are eligible and meet the deadline, ACCeSS is your best option for securing your visa. Learn more about qualifying for ACCeSS and upcoming deadlines.
IES Abroad staff were resources for everything from visa applications to independent travel. They made my study abroad experience amazing from acceptance into the program to when I arrived home!
Save yourself a trip to the consulate with ACCeSS.
If you are studying abroad in Italy or Spain for a semester or longer, you may be eligible for the IES Abroad Application Check and Consular Submission Service (ACCeSS).
With ACCeSS, we submit your visa application materials to the consulate on your behalf—talk about a game changer!
Do You Need a Student Visa to Study Abroad?
Not every study abroad student needs a visa. You may need a visa depending on where and when you study abroad and your legal citizenship. Once you are accepted to an IES Abroad program, more detailed instructions are available in your myIESabroad account to determine if you need a visa, what type of visa you need, and what the process will be to apply for your visa.
For a general overview of the visa requirements for U.S. citizens, select from the drop down menu by country below.
Not a U.S. citizen? Consult the consulate website of your passport country and contact your IES Abroad Advisor with further questions.
Visa processes and requirements are determined by the government and consulate of each country, not by IES Abroad. While our team of visa specialists regularly updates information on our website, the most up-to-date and official information can be found on government and consulate websites.
Argentina requires U.S. citizens to obtain a student visa while studying abroad for a semester or longer.
Learn more about applying for a student visa for Argentina in your myIESabroad account.
Not a U.S. citizen? Consult the consulate website of your passport country and contact your IES Abroad Advisor with further questions.
Australia requires U.S. citizens to obtain a student visa before studying abroad for a semester or longer or interning abroad.
Learn more about applying for a student visa for Australia.
Not a U.S. citizen? Consult the consulate website of your passport country and contact your IES Abroad Advisor with further questions.
Austria requires U.S. citizens to obtain a student visa before studying abroad for a semester or longer.
Learn more about applying for a student visa for Austria.
Not a U.S. citizen? Consult the consulate website of your passport country and contact your IES Abroad Advisor with further questions.
Chile requires U.S. citizens to obtain a student visa before studying abroad for a semester or longer.
Learn more about applying for a student visa for Chile.
Not a U.S. citizen? Consult the consulate website of your passport country and contact your IES Abroad Advisor with further questions.
China requires U.S. citizens to obtain a student visa before studying abroad.
Learn more about applying for a student visa for China.
Not a U.S. citizen? Consult the consulate website of your passport country and contact your IES Abroad Advisor with further questions.
Lucky you! Ecuador does not require U.S. citizens to obtain a student visa before studying abroad for a semester or longer.
Once you arrive in Ecuador, you will receive a Tourist Visa with an extention for 180 days. Learn more about the process to obtain your student visa for Ecuador.
Not a U.S. citizen? Consult the consulate website of your passport country and contact your IES Abroad Advisor with further questions.
As a U.S. citizen, you may need to apply for a student visa before studying abroad for a semester or longer or interning abroad.
Determine what stamp or visa you will need to enter the UK and learn more about the UK student visa process.
Not a U.S. citizen? Consult the consulate website of your passport country and contact your IES Abroad Advisor with further questions.
France requires U.S. citizens to obtain a student visa before studying abroad for a semester or longer.
Learn more about applying for a student visa for France.
Not a U.S. citizen? Consult the consulate website of your passport country and contact your IES Abroad Advisor with further questions.
Lucky you! Germany does not require U.S. citizens to obtain a student visa before studying abroad for a semester or longer.
Once you arrive in Germany, you'll need to obtain a German Residence Permit. Learn more about the process to get your residence permit.
Not a U.S. citizen? Consult the consulate website of your passport country and contact your IES Abroad Advisor with further questions.
Lucky you! Ireland does not require U.S. citizens to obtain a student visa before studying abroad for a semester or longer.
Once you arrive in Ireland, you'll need to obtain an Irish Residence Permit. Learn more about registering with Irish immigration.
Not a U.S. citizen? Consult the consulate website of your passport country and contact your IES Abroad Advisor with further questions.
Italy requires U.S. citizens to obtain a student visa before studying abroad for a semester or longer.
Learn more about applying for a student visa for Italy and whether or not you are eligible for Italy ACCeSS.
Individual appointments at Italian consulates are very limited! If you are eligible for Italy ACCeSS, we strongly recommend you take advantage of the opportunity for our visa specialists to review your visa application materials and submit them to the Italian consulate on your behalf.
Not a U.S. citizen? Consult the consulate website of your passport country and contact your IES Abroad Advisor with further questions.
Japan requires U.S. citizens to obtain a student visa before studying abroad for a semester or longer.
Learn more about applying for a student visa for Japan.
Not a U.S. citizen? Consult the consulate website of your passport country and contact your IES Abroad Advisor with further questions.
Lucky you! Morocco does not require U.S. citizens to obtain a student visa before studying abroad for a semester or longer.
During your semester in Morocco, you will have to leave and reenter the country to renew your tourist stamp. Learn more about what to expect.
Not a U.S. citizen? Consult the consulate website of your passport country and contact your IES Abroad Advisor with further questions.
Lucky you! The Netherlands does not require U.S. citizens to obtain a student visa before studying abroad for a semester or longer.
Once you arrive in the Netherlands, you will need to apply for a Dutch Residence Permit. Learn more about what to expect.
Not a U.S. citizen? Consult the consulate website of your passport country and contact your IES Abroad Advisor with further questions.
New Zealand requires U.S. citizens to obtain a student visa before studying abroad for a semester or longer.
Learn more about applying for a student visa for New Zealand.
Not a U.S. citizen? Consult the consulate website of your passport country and contact your IES Abroad Advisor with further questions.
South Africa requires U.S. citizens to obtain a student visa before studying abroad for a semester or longer.
Learn more about applying for a student visa for South Africa.
Not a U.S. citizen? Consult the consulate website of your passport country and contact your IES Abroad Advisor with further questions.
Spain requires U.S. citizens to obtain a student visa before studying abroad for a semester or longer.
Learn more about applying for a student visa for Spain and whether or not you are eligible for Spain ACCeSS.
Individual appointments at Spanish consulates are very limited! If you are eligible for Spain ACCeSS, we strongly recommend you take advantage of the opportunity for our visa specialists to review your visa application materials and submit them to the Spanish consulate on your behalf.
Not a U.S. citizen? Consult the consulate website of your passport country and contact your IES Abroad Advisor with further questions.
If you need a visa for Italy or a visa for Spain, you may be eligible to use the IES Abroad ACCeSS program. ACCeSS, or the Application Check and Consular Submission Service, is our visa processing service in which we submit your visa application materials to the consulate for you (for an additional fee).
What makes you eligible?
- Study abroad with us in Spain or Italy for a semester or longer*
- Have a home and/or school address in a consulate jurisdiction that participates in our ACCeSS program. Find your consulate and whether they participate in ACCeSS using our tools for Italy ACCeSS and Spain ACCeSS.
Step-by-step instructions for participating in ACCeSS are available in your myIESabroad account after you are accepted to your program.
If you are not eligible for ACCeSS or choose not to participate, keep in mind that Italian and Spanish consulate appointments are very limited. You will need to be proactive in scheduling and planning your visit to your consulate on your own.
*Full-time semester interns are not eligible for ACCeSS.
Upcoming ACCeSS Deadlines
We set ACCeSS deadlines based on our appointment date with each consulate. Once specific deadlines are available, we'll post them here.
Italy ACCeSS Deadlines
Spring Programs: October-Early November
Fall Programs: Late May-Early June
Spain ACCeSS Deadlines
Spring Programs: Late September-Early November
Fall Programs: Late May-Early June
You Don't Have to Go it Alone
Once you gather and send us your visa application materials, we take it from there! We’ll review everything and then submit your visa application to the consulate on your behalf.
You've Got Experience on Your Side
Don’t worry, we do this all the time! We’re familiar with the consulates, what we need, how to get there, and all the other logistics that may get in the way.
Save Yourself a Trip to the Consulate
For some students, their closest consulate office may be multiple states away. Save yourself the time and the cost of getting to the consulate for your appointment.
Your Passport & Documents Are Safe with Us
We take good care of your most important travel documents while they’re in our possession to ensure they make it back to you safe and sound.
It’s Affordable
The ACCeSS fee is $125, which can be much cheaper than airfare and hotel stay required for some visa appointments!
Our team of visa specialists are here to help. Step-by-step instructions to ensure you have the proper visa and/or entry documents to study abroad are available in your myIESabroad account once you are accepted to a program.
