Are you thinking about traveling or studying abroad in 2022? Now is the time to order your passport! The U.S. State Department has announced that it now takes an average of 18 weeks (4.5 months) to process a passport.

Given the circumstances, if you want to travel or study abroad in J-Term or Spring 2022, you need to apply for a passport immediately.

If you’re considering studying abroad in the spring, you need to apply for your passport as soon as you’re done reading this message. Many countries require a student visa to study abroad, and you need your passport before you can apply for your visa. 

Important Things to Consider:

1. You must apply for a passport in person if this is your first passport or you are renewing a passport that was issued under age 16.

2. Search for the nearest location to apply for a passport on the U.S. Department of State website.

3. If you have a passport, make sure that it’s valid and doesn’t expire less than 6 months after your program or travels end. Most airlines require that your passport remain valid for a full 6 months after you plan to return.

4. Expedite both the processing time and shipping. You need to expedite every aspect of the passport process. Thousands of students who want to study abroad will be applying their passports, in addition to everyone who wants to travel internationally.

If you have questions, reach out to the Global Engagement Office!

—Karen Williams, Global Engagement