Obtaining a visa is your responsibility. It is important that you know what is required of you before attempting to enter a country. Failing to obtain a visa (or the correct visa) could result in a denial of entry into a country, and even criminal charges.

If you are enrolled in a Texas Tech International Experience program, you will receive more information from your program manager or from your program provider.

Each country has different visa application requirements. All visas require that you have a valid passport in order to apply for your visa. Because of this, it is crucial that you apply early for your passport. As part of your visa application, you may be required to gather the following materials: student verification, proof of economic solvency, letter of invitation from your host university/country, passport photos, travel information and itinerary, visa fee, and more. You may also be required to apply for your visa at an in-person appointment at the consular office. In some cases, you may need to visit the nearest consular office, which could be Houston, Texas or elsewhere in the U.S.

You can find the most up-to-date visa information by contacting the consulate or embassy of your host country. US Citizens can also find current visa information at the US Department of State's Study Abroad— Visa. Additionally, should the process become too overwhelming, many visa-processing agencies exist to help research and submit visa applications.

Immigration law in the United States is rapidly changing, and if you have concerns about your country of citizenship or that your U.S. immigration status may be problematic for travel purposes, you should contact the Texas Tech University Office of International Affairs or 1. or set up a consultation with Texas Tech Student Legal Services.

It is your responsibility to research the entry requirements and complete the visa application for citizens of your home country traveling to your study abroad country. Navigate to Visa Resources on this page to check basic entry requirements and research visa processing services.

The Texas Tech International Engineering Program (IEP) can usually provide you with a verification letter, proof of enrollment, and some other supplemental visa application materials, upon request. Requests need to be made at least five business days in advance.

Be aware that it may take non-US Citizens longer to obtain a visa, so research this information early on in your planning.

Please visit the Texas Tech Office of International Affairs International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) website for more information. International students must contact ISSS prior to going abroad.

It is your responsibility to research the entry requirements and complete the visa application for citizens of your home country traveling to your study abroad country. Navigate to Visa Resources on this page to check basic entry requirements and research visa processing services.

The Texas Tech International Engineering Program (IEP) can usually provide you with a verification letter, proof of enrollment, and some other supplemental visa application materials, upon request. Requests need to be made at least five business days in advance.

USCIS International Travel as a Permanent Resident: Information from US Citizenship and Immigration Services

Reentry permit or refugee travel document (I-131) application: Application for Travel Document

• Permanent residents (Green Card holders): You must travel with the passport of your country of citizenship, or obtain a reentry permit or refugee travel document (form I-131). You cannot travel abroad on a "green card" alone.
• To determine your education abroad visa requirements, check the requirements per your passport/citizenship.
• Your "green card" must be presented for re-entry into the US. 

Be aware that it may take non-US Citizens longer to obtain a visa, so research this information early on in your planning.

• The Texas Tech International Engineering Program recommends that you consult both the Texas Tech DREAM Resource Center. Set up a consultation with Texas Tech Student Legal Services before participating in a program abroad.
• The National Immigration Law Center has detailed information for those with DACA status.

The Texas Tech International Engineering Program recommends that you seek legal counsel to discuss resources.

Please see the Texas Tech Student Legal Services website for more information and consultation.

The Texas Tech International Engineering Program recommends that you seek legal counsel to discuss resources.

Please see the Texas Tech Student Legal Services website for more information and consultation.

National Association of Foreign Student Affairs (NAFSA) Visas for Education Abroad

• Student visa information for common study abroad destinations

U.S. Department of State Travel

• Entry requirements for U.S. Citizens (tourism)

CIBT, Travisa, Visa HQ, Perry International

• Examples of visa processing services
• Prices vary. Most allow for expedited service at an extra fee.
• Student visa category is typically available only for US students.
• These sites are very useful for quickly determining whether you are required to obtain a visa and whether an in-person appointment is required. This is especially useful when researching non-US student situations. 

Consulate web pages

• Always check information in multiple places from service providers with what is listed on the Consulate website for the country you are going to
• Each consulate location may have its own website and requirements may vary from location to location, so be sure to check the website for the consulate in the location representing the correct jurisdiction (usually Houston for Texas Tech students/Texas residents).

As the IEP program managers are not visa advisors, they are unable to assist with visas.

• Money orders can be purchased at the U.S. Post Office or at most banks. The only payment types accepted are cash and debit.
• Some visas require money orders from the USPS. Please check with your visa agency or consulate website.

• Must be an official ID photo. Scans or copies are not accepted.
• Photos can be taken and purchased at the Texas Tech Passport Office.

University Student Legal Services can provide notary services free of charge.

• US Department of State Schengen FAQs
• NAFSA's Schengen Borders Information

You will need to check with the specific consulate for the country you are going to regarding travel before or after your study abroad program. Whether or not you will be able to travel before or after will depend on your study abroad country, type of visa, and your citizenship.

You will need to ensure that you have a multiple entry visa that allows you to depart your study abroad country and re-enter throughout your program dates. Check with the specific consulate for the country you are going to for further details.

If you submitted your passport as part of your visa application, you will need to wait to receive your passport before you travel internationally. In rare cases, you may be able to apply for a second passport.

Please note, some visa processes are entirely online and do not require you to physically mail in your passport.

No. You should never be separated from your passport while you are abroad. If you are a U.S. Citizen and not currently in the U.S. it may be extremely difficult (or impossible in some cases) to obtain a visa while abroad.