The information and links provided here are applicable to students holding a U.S. passport. International students should check visa requirements pertinent to the passport they hold. The UHM Study Abroad Center highly recommends that students attend our scheduled informational meetings. Check the Calendar for informational meetings and/or socialize with us on Facebook for updates and tips.
SUMMER PROGRAMS
Student visas are not required for any Summer programs shorter than 90 days, except for the Summer in Shanghai, China program. All students participating in the Summer in Shanghai program must obtain a student visa prior to entering China. Residents of Hawai’i, Arizona, New Mexico, Southern California and U.S. Pacific territories (Guam, American Samoa, Northern Marianas) are required to submit an in-person application at the Chinese Consulate in Los Angeles. In lieu of applying in person in Los Angeles, students may apply through Travisa, a visa processing service (https://www.travisa.com/).
Students may stay in any of the Schengen states for up to 90 days within a six-month period. They must then remain outside of the Schengen area for the remaining three months before they are allowed to re-enter without a student visa for another 90-day period. Students who wish to study abroad in the Schengen area in consecutive Summer and Fall terms should consult a Study Abroad advisor before submitting an application.
SEMESTER/YEAR PROGRAMS
ADELAIDE, AUSTRALIA – After receiving a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) issued by the Australian government, students must apply for a student visa online. Visit the Australian Government Department of Immigration and Citizenship for more details.
SHANGHAI, CHINA – All students participating in the Semester in Shanghai program must obtain a student visa prior to entering China. Residents of Hawai‘i, Arizona, New Mexico Southern California and U.S. Pacific territories (Guam, American Samoa, Northern Marianas) are required to submit an in-person application at the Chinese Consulate in Los Angeles.
Students are strongly recommended to obtain a Hawai‘i State Identification Card or Hawai‘i Driver’s License as soon as possible. Apply for a Hawai‘i State Identification Card with the city and county of Honolulu:
- How to get a Hawaii State ID?
Go to a City Driver Licensing Office with a completed application and documents that prove:
- Social Security Number (Social Security Card, W-2, 1099 Form)
- legal name (birth certificate, US passport, marriage certificate)
- date of birth (birth certificate, US passport, driver license)
- that you are legally in the US (birth certificate, passport)
- resident address (2 documents required: voter registration card, pay statement, utility bill, bank statement)
(The documents listed are the most commonly available. Go here for more.)
For assistance with identifying acceptable supporting documents required to obtain a state identification card, please consult our interactive Document Guide
LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM– U.S. citizens who are studying in the United Kingdom for fewer than six months may enter with a valid passport as a STUDENT VISITOR. However, students who are considering working or staying longer than six months need to apply for a student visa. Students will need their passport, a letter of support from University of Roehampton, and fingerprinting done (appointment must be scheduled on Infopass website) to apply for a visa. For more information please visit the UK Border Agency website.
PARIS, FRANCE – After completing an online application with CampusFrance, students studying for a semester or longer in France must apply for a student visa in person at one of the VSF Global-France Centers located in New Orleans, Houston, Boston, Chicago, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Miami, Atlanta and New York.
KŌBE / MACHIDA, JAPAN – Students participating in a semester or year program in Japan will apply for the visa with a Certificate of Eligibility, a document provided by Kōnan University or J. F. Oberlin University, approximately 1-2 months before departure. The Consulate General of Japan in Honolulu has jurisdiction covering Hawai‘i and American Samoa. Visa applicants who reside outside these areas should contact the list of Japanese Consulates and Embassies in the U.S.
SEVILLE, SPAIN– The UHM Study Abroad Center will act as a legal representative for the Spring in Seville program participants and apply for student visas on their behalf; participants may also apply for the student visa on their own. Students participating in the Fall semester in Seville do not need a visa, as the program is under 90 days.
Students interested in applying for a year-long program in Seville: please see additional requirements.