Student Handbook - Visa/Residence Permit

Nearly every country in the world requires that foreign visitors obtain a visa before entering the country. A visa is often a stamp on a passport page that signifies an agreement on conditions of entry. In some cases, stays of more than 3 months require that you obtain a residence permit.

As a student, it is your responsibility to find out what documents you are required to submit to the embassy or consulate and to follow all necessary steps to obtain the appropriate visa or residence permit. Allow adequate time to obtain a visa to travel abroad. Depending on your country of citizenship, you may need to allow a number of weeks or even months for your host embassy or consulate to process all the required documents. If you delay in submitting the necessary materials, ISEP can do little to assist in obtaining these documents. Therefore, please begin the process as soon as you know your ISEP placement site has been confirmed.

Be sure you understand the type of visa you are receiving. The visa may require you to leave the country after a specified period of time or to maintain a full-time student status. It may also deny you permission to work for money. If you violate the terms of the visa, you may be subject to legal action or deportation.

Check your online Country Handbook for more specific information regarding visas and residence permits.

ISEP STUDENTS GOING TO THE UNITED STATES: You should only enter the United States as a J-1 exchange visitor using the DS-2019 issued by ISEP. For visa purposes, ISEP students are sponsored by ISEP, NOT by their host institution. DO NOT enter as a tourist (with a B-2 visa or no visa), as an F-1 student, or as a J-1 exchange visitor under another program.

If you must enter the United States on any other J-1 visa (i.e., J-1 camp counselor or J-1 Summer Work and Travel [SWAT])?before beginning the ISEP program, be sure your J-1 visa covers both programs. If you enter the United States on a visa other than ISEP’s J-1/DS-2019, you must leave the United States and re-enter on ISEP’s J-1 visa/DS-2019. If you have difficulty obtaining your visa, contact ISEP-Central before you depart for the United States.

ISEP STUDENTS GOING TO ALL OTHER HOST COUNTRIES: Visa and residence permit requirements vary widely among countries. For current and specific requirements, you should contact your host country’s embassy or consulate. US students should note that many foreign consulates in the United States have regional locations and require you to apply to a specific consulate in your jurisdiction. An in-person interview or application submission may be required.