{"id":339,"date":"2025-07-14T23:27:39","date_gmt":"2025-07-15T03:27:39","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.clarku.edu\/studyabroad\/?page_id=339"},"modified":"2025-07-22T12:37:54","modified_gmt":"2025-07-22T16:37:54","slug":"passports-visas-and-residency","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.clarku.edu\/study-abroad\/plan-your-journey\/passports-visas-and-residency\/","title":{"rendered":"Passports, visas, and residency"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns sidebar is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-28f84493 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:66.66%\">\n<h1 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Passports, visas, and residency<\/h1>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"intro\">How to move around the world smoothly<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Going abroad means you\u2019ll need a passport and possibly a visa. Applying for each can be a lengthy process, so be sure to understand the requirements for your host country before you start planning your travel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Passports<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"intro\">If you\u2019re studying outside the United States, you\u2019ll need a passport that\u2019s valid for <strong>six months<\/strong> beyond your intended date of return. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>A passport is a legal document, issued by governments worldwide to certify proof of identity and citizenship. It is meant to confirm your identity when you visit another country that is not governed by your own. The passport includes your photo and several blank pages for official documentation when you arrive in another country. If you have dual-citizenship, think about which passport you want to use for travel.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:33.33%\"><?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><nav class=\"is-vertical wp-block-navigation is-content-justification-stretch is-layout-flex wp-container-core-navigation-is-layout-353c4f5a wp-block-navigation-is-layout-flex\" aria-label=\"Navigation 2\"><ul class=\"wp-block-navigation__container  is-vertical wp-block-navigation\"><li class=\" wp-block-navigation-item wp-block-navigation-link\"><a class=\"wp-block-navigation-item__content\" href=\"https:\/\/www.clarku.edu\/study-abroad\/plan-your-journey\/\"><span class=\"wp-block-navigation-item__label\">Plan<\/span><\/a><\/li><li class=\" wp-block-navigation-item wp-block-navigation-link\"><a class=\"wp-block-navigation-item__content\" href=\"https:\/\/www.clarku.edu\/study-abroad\/plan-your-journey\/passports-visas-and-residency\/\"><span class=\"wp-block-navigation-item__label\">Passports, visas, and residency<\/span><\/a><\/li><li class=\" wp-block-navigation-item wp-block-navigation-link\"><a class=\"wp-block-navigation-item__content\" href=\"https:\/\/www.clarku.edu\/study-abroad\/plan-your-journey\/academics\/\"><span class=\"wp-block-navigation-item__label\">Academics<\/span><\/a><\/li><li class=\" wp-block-navigation-item wp-block-navigation-link\"><a class=\"wp-block-navigation-item__content\" href=\"https:\/\/www.clarku.edu\/study-abroad\/plan-your-journey\/health-and-safety\/\"><span class=\"wp-block-navigation-item__label\">Health and safety<\/span><\/a><\/li><li class=\" wp-block-navigation-item wp-block-navigation-link\"><a class=\"wp-block-navigation-item__content\" href=\"https:\/\/www.clarku.edu\/study-abroad\/plan-your-journey\/culture-and-identity\/\"><span class=\"wp-block-navigation-item__label\">Culture and identity<\/span><\/a><\/li><li class=\" wp-block-navigation-item wp-block-navigation-link\"><a class=\"wp-block-navigation-item__content\" href=\"https:\/\/www.clarku.edu\/study-abroad\/plan-your-journey\/travel\/\"><span class=\"wp-block-navigation-item__label\">Travel<\/span><\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav>\n\n\n    <a\n        class=\"clarku-block-card \"\n        href=\"https:\/\/www.clarku.edu\/study-abroad\/finance-study-abroad\/banking-and-budgeting\/\"\n    >\n                            <div\n                class=\"clarku-block-card-content\"\n            >\n                \n<div style=\"color:inherit\" class=\"eyebrow  has-text-align-left\">Related information<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Banking while abroad<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Get practical advice on budgeting, banking, and everyday costs in your host country under finance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"arrow-link\">Money matters<\/p>\n\n            <\/div>\n            <\/a>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group alignfull padded has-gray-100-background-color has-background is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Visas<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns sidebar is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-28f84493 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:66.66%\">\n<p class=\"intro\">Most programs, though not all, require a visa \u2013 which is like an entry ticket \u2013 to enter the host country.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The visa process is often one of the most frustrating and complicated parts of the study abroad process for students. Simply put, getting a visa is a privilege and not a right that we can guarantee. Students must abide by all regulations set forth by the embassy or consulate of the host country.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What is a visa for?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>A visa is an official document provided by the country you wish to visit, granting you temporary permission to enter the country for a certain amount of time. Visas vary depending on the length of stay and the purpose of your visit. They can be paper documents or just a stamp in your passport, depending on the country.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Important to know<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>If your host country requires it, your host program will provide you with student visa application information after you are admitted. You will need supporting documents from both your host institution and Clark.&nbsp;Follow the directions precisely and in a timely fashion.&nbsp; Visa timelines may be tight and it is best to schedule an appointment as soon as possible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You may need additional visas if you choose to travel outside your host country. Before traveling, check and understand the rules and regulations of each country you intend to visit as well as how you\u2019ll re-enter your host country.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It is your responsibility to learn the requirements and timetables for obtaining a visa from your intended host country and submit the application to the consulate or embassy. While Clark Study Abroad cannot advise on the visa process for every country,&nbsp;we will provide resources and general guidance.&nbsp; As visa regulations can change often and without notice, your best source of information will always be your program and the consulate itself.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Frequently asked questions<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<details class=\"wp-block-details is-layout-flow wp-block-details-is-layout-flow\"><summary>My visa application requires a \u201cLetter of Enrollment\u201d or \u201cLetter of Support\u201d from my University, where do I get that?<\/summary>\n<p>Email the&nbsp;<a href=\"mailto:akramer@clarku.edu\">director of Study Abroad<\/a>&nbsp;and she will provide you with the letter you need.<\/p>\n<\/details>\n\n\n\n<details class=\"wp-block-details is-layout-flow wp-block-details-is-layout-flow\"><summary>I need an FBI background check, fingerprints, or some other criminal background check from the police! What do I do? Where can I get a background check?<\/summary>\n<p>First, contact your program and the consulate that you\u2019ll be working with to ensure that you are getting the correct check.&nbsp;University Police is able to do some fingerprints and background checks. Be sure you are specific in what you are asking for \u2013 you are not asking them for a visa, but simply for the print or the check.&nbsp; If you need a \u201cLiveScan,\u201d you should be able to go to the University Police.&nbsp; If you are not in Worcester, you may be able to find additional locations via these resources:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.certifixlivescan.com\/category\/fingerprinting-service-locations\/massachusetts\/worcester-county-live-scan-fingerprinting-massachusetts\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">LiveScan Location Search<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.identogo.com\/services\/live-scan-fingerprinting\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Identogo<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/details>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:33.33%\">\n<aside class=\"wp-block-group boxout has-light-warm-gray-background-color has-background is-content-justification-left is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-12dd3699 wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<aside class=\"wp-block-group boxout has-blue-background-color has-background is-content-justification-left is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-12dd3699 wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-9d157308cbc8917b9ca367ef4b90acc1\">Visas vary in format<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-69999f6c801a267b5d4dd01b0d29a63b\">\n<li>Some require you to send your passport to a U.S.-based consulate to have a physical stamp placed in your passport<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Some are issued at the point of entry<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Some are issued electronically<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<\/aside>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns sidebar is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-28f84493 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:66.66%\">\n<div style=\"height:2rem\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Residency permits<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>A few countries require residency permits. The host program will advise you on this process and help with obtaining a permit once you arrive on campus.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:2rem\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:33.33%\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Study abroad glossary<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<details class=\"wp-block-details is-layout-flow wp-block-details-is-layout-flow\"><summary>Letter of enrollment \/ nomination<\/summary>\n<p>An official document sent by Clark or the host institution confirming a student\u2019s participation, often required for visa applications or housing arrangements.<\/p>\n<\/details>\n\n\n\n<details class=\"wp-block-details is-layout-flow wp-block-details-is-layout-flow\"><summary>Passport<\/summary>\n<p>An official government-issued document required for international travel.<\/p>\n<\/details>\n\n\n\n<details class=\"wp-block-details is-layout-flow wp-block-details-is-layout-flow\"><summary>Residency Permit<\/summary>\n<p>A legal document required for extended stays in certain countries, typically issued after arrival.<\/p>\n<\/details>\n\n\n\n<details class=\"wp-block-details is-layout-flow wp-block-details-is-layout-flow\"><summary>Visa<\/summary>\n<p>A permit issued by a foreign country that allows a student to study there legally for a set period.<\/p>\n<\/details>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Passports, visas, and residency How to move around the world smoothly Going abroad means you\u2019ll need a passport and possibly a visa. Applying for each can be a lengthy process, so be sure to understand the requirements for your host country before you start planning your travel. Passports If you\u2019re studying outside the United States, [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":14,"featured_media":0,"parent":12,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"page-no-title","meta":{"footnotes":"","_links_to":"","_links_to_target":""},"class_list":["post-339","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v27.2 (Yoast SEO v27.3) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-premium-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Passports, visas, and residency | Study Abroad | Clark University<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.clarku.edu\/study-abroad\/plan-your-journey\/passports-visas-and-residency\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Passports, visas, and residency\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Passports, visas, and residency How to move around the world smoothly Going abroad means you\u2019ll need a passport and possibly a visa. Applying for each can be a lengthy process, so be sure to understand the requirements for your host country before you start planning your travel. Passports If you\u2019re studying outside the United States, [&hellip;]\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/www.clarku.edu\/study-abroad\/plan-your-journey\/passports-visas-and-residency\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"Study Abroad\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:publisher\" content=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/ClarkUniversityWorcester\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2025-07-22T16:37:54+00:00\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:site\" content=\"@clarkuniversity\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Est. reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"7 minutes\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\\\/\\\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"WebPage\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.clarku.edu\\\/study-abroad\\\/plan-your-journey\\\/passports-visas-and-residency\\\/\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.clarku.edu\\\/study-abroad\\\/plan-your-journey\\\/passports-visas-and-residency\\\/\",\"name\":\"Passports, visas, and residency | Study Abroad | Clark University\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.clarku.edu\\\/study-abroad\\\/#website\"},\"datePublished\":\"2025-07-15T03:27:39+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2025-07-22T16:37:54+00:00\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"ReadAction\",\"target\":[\"https:\\\/\\\/www.clarku.edu\\\/study-abroad\\\/plan-your-journey\\\/passports-visas-and-residency\\\/\"]}]},{\"@type\":\"BreadcrumbList\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.clarku.edu\\\/study-abroad\\\/wp-json\\\/wp\\\/v2\\\/pages\\\/339#breadcrumbs\",\"itemListElement\":[{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":0,\"name\":\"ClarkU\",\"item\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.clarku.edu\\\/\"},{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":1,\"name\":\"Study Abroad\",\"item\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.clarku.edu\\\/study-abroad\"}]},{\"@type\":\"WebSite\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.clarku.edu\\\/study-abroad\\\/#website\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.clarku.edu\\\/study-abroad\\\/\",\"name\":\"Study Abroad\",\"description\":\"\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"SearchAction\",\"target\":{\"@type\":\"EntryPoint\",\"urlTemplate\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.clarku.edu\\\/study-abroad\\\/?s={search_term_string}\"},\"query-input\":{\"@type\":\"PropertyValueSpecification\",\"valueRequired\":true,\"valueName\":\"search_term_string\"}}],\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"}]}<\/script>\n<!-- \/ Yoast SEO Premium plugin. -->","yoast_head_json":{"title":"Passports, visas, and residency | Study Abroad | Clark University","robots":{"index":"index","follow":"follow","max-snippet":"max-snippet:-1","max-image-preview":"max-image-preview:large","max-video-preview":"max-video-preview:-1"},"canonical":"https:\/\/www.clarku.edu\/study-abroad\/plan-your-journey\/passports-visas-and-residency\/","og_locale":"en_US","og_type":"article","og_title":"Passports, visas, and residency","og_description":"Passports, visas, and residency How to move around the world smoothly Going abroad means you\u2019ll need a passport and possibly a visa. 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