As you apply for study abroad, check to make sure you have a valid passport. (Expiration date at least 6 months beyond your planned return date.)

For US citizens, if you need to apply for a passport, please note the processing times indicated by the U.S. Department of State.

• Routine service can take up to 18 weeks or 4.5 months from the day an application is submitted to the day a new passport is received. The 18-week timeframe includes up to 12 weeks or 3 months for processing and up to 6 weeks for mailing times on the front and back end. 

• Expedite service (for an additional $60) can take up to 12 weeks or 3 months from the day an application is submitted to the day a new passport is received. The 12-week timeframe includes up to 6 weeks for processing and up to 6 weeks for mailing times on the front and back end. 

 
All official updates can be found here: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports.html/.

For support, consult VT's Passport Acceptance Facility, which offers products and services needed for first-time and renewal US passport applications.