As of September 2007, there is a new requirement for students who apply to study abroad.  Students must now show proof that they have a passport, or that they have applied for one, at the time they apply to go abroad. 

In the past, students could apply to go abroad and then wait until learning of their acceptance before getting a passport.  This is no longer possible,  because a recent increase in the number of US citizens applying for passports has doubled or tripled the amount of time it takes to get one.   

This increase in applications has come about because in the last year, the US government has begun implementing a requirement for people traveling to and from Canada and other nearby countries to present more official documentation at border crossings.  (This is called the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative, or WHTI). 

Students who are even thinking of going abroad are strongly encouraged to apply for a passport as soon as possible!

You can read about the application process and the materials required here. 

 

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