The Office of International Programs

Passports
Visas
Documents for Non-U.S. Citizens
ISIC International Student Identity Card
Rail Passes
Youth Hostel Cards

Apply immediately if you don't have a passport and plan on studying abroad in Fall 2008, Academic Year 2008-09, Winter 2009, Spring 2009, or Summer 2009.

Passport Facts:
- Currently, it is taking about 4-6 weeks (February 2008) to receive your passport after you submit your completed application.
- You can check the status of your passport application online after you apply for it.
- To obtain a passport for the first time, you need to go in person to one of over 8,000 passport acceptance facilities located throughout the United States. You need to bring with you:
  - two passport photographs of yourself
  - proof of U.S. citizenship (Original birth certificate or previous US passport)
  - a valid form of photo identification such as a driver’s license
- You need to apply for your passport in person if you meet any of the following situations:
  - You are applying for a U.S. passport for the first time
  - Your previous U.S. passport was lost, stolen, or damaged
  - Your previous U.S. passport has expired & was issued more than 15 years ago
  - Your previous passport has expired and it was issued when you were under 16
  - Your name has changed since your passport was issued and you do not have a legal document formally changing your name
- You must complete the Form DS-11 Passport Application
  - To download an application form, please click here.
- The passport application fee is $75. The execution fee is $25. The total is $100. Make sure to bring your check book since you will have to write out more than one check.
- Your passport MUST be valid for six (6) months after you return home from your program.
- Passports are valid for ten (10) years if you are over the age of 16.

For more information about passport policies, fees, timelines, and updates please visit the US Department of State web page.

Places in Ann Arbor, MI to submit your passport application:

Directions	Washtenaw County Clerks Office 200 N. Main Street Ann Arbor, MI 48104 Phone: (734) 222- 6720 Hours: Monday through Friday 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Direction s	Green Road Station Post Office 3000 Green Road Ann Arbor, MI 48105 Phone: (734) 662-2005 Hours:Monday through Friday 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Direction s	Ann Arbor Liberty Station -- Postal 200 E. Liberty Station Ann Arbor, MI 48107 Phone: (734) 662-2009 Hours: Monday through Friday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Direction s	Ann Arbor, MI Post Office 2075 W Stadium Boulevard Ann Arbor, MI 48106 Phone: (734) 662-0223 Hours: Monday through Friday 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Visas

The requirements for student visas vary from program to program, country to country, consulate to consulate, and term to term. Visas are stamped inside a passport and, in the case of student visas, usually obtained in the U.S. before departure.

If students are participating on an OIP program where a visa is required - OIP staff will provide instructions on how to obtain the visa.
If students are participating on a non-OIP program and a visa is needed - students should consult program staff and the visa information provided on the U.S. State Department website.

Documents for Non-U.S. Citizens

Non-U.S. citizens should immediately contact the consulate of the country where they wish to study and follow their instructions. Obtaining a visa for non-U.S. citizens can be a lengthy process.

ISIC International Student ID Cards

In addition to the health care benefits mentioned, these internationally recognized identification cards entitle students to a variety of benefits and discounts. The card gives proof of student status, which often entitles students to discounts on travel, entry to museums, movies, international phone calls, wiring money, etc. The card has a picture ID with the student name, date of birth, nationality, and the name of their home institution. The cards are valid from September of the current year through December of the following year. The card is available through STA Travel in the Michigan Union. Visit ISIC website to find out more information.

Rail Passes

Students studying in Europe will undoubtedly be taking the train. Trains go virtually everywhere in Europe and are the most economical means of travel. Students should therefore consider buying a discount train pass, such as a Railpass. These passes must be purchased before students leave the United States. Detailed information on these types of passes is available at the Overseas Opportunities Office. Other sources of information on rail passes can be found on the following websites:

Passes can be purchased at local STA Travel centers or by calling 1-800-226-8624. Eurail passes must be validated within three months of purchase. To do so, students must present the pass and their passport at the ticket window of any train station before boarding the first train.

Youth Hostel Cards

While traveling, many students elect to stay in youth hostels. Hostels provide decent accommodations at a reasonable rate, are usually centrally located, may be equipped with kitchens, and allow the opportunity to meet travelers from around the world.

Those students who will be doing a considerable amount of traveling and/or know that you will be staying in hostels, may consider joining Hosteling International USA. This membership gives members discounted rates at over 5000 hostels in 77 countries. Members also receive discounts on airfares, train fares, museums, etc. The Overseas Opportunities Office sells hostel memberships, hostel books, and sleep sacks.

Travel Documents	Intercultural Communications
What to Bring	Racial and Ethnic Issues Abroad
When You Arrive	Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Students
Health Insurance	Keeping a Journal
Health and Safety	Converting Measurements
Culture Shock	Communicating with Home
Host Families	Coming Home

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Last updated: Monday August 04 2008 Monday, August 4, 2008 4:46 PM
Questions? oip@umich.edu