Visa guidance for university travelers

Understanding visa requirements is an essential part of preparing for international travel. Visa rules vary by citizenship, destination, length of stay, and purpose of travel. This page will help you identify the appropriate office, resource, or next step based on your travel situation.

Start with the embassy and consulate

The embassy or consulate of your destination country is the official authority on visa requirements. All travelers should verify visa requirements directly with the appropriate embassy or consulate, as requirements and processing timelines can change without notice. Many visas must be obtained by applying directly through the consulate’s website or official application portal.

Travelers to the United States (inbound)

If you are coming to the United States for study, research, teaching, or employment, please contact the appropriate campus office below.

International students and visiting scholars

International students and visiting scholars should contact International Student & Scholar Services (ISSS) for guidance on immigration status, visa documents, and travel to the U.S. 

Faculty, staff, and other employees

Faculty, staff, and other employees should contact Faculty and Staff Immigration Services (FSIS) for employment-based immigration and visa support.

If your college or unit works with a local HR representative on immigration matters, you should consult them as well.

Travel outside of the United States (outbound)

If you are traveling outside the United States, your next steps depend on the purpose of travel and how it is organized.

UI Study Abroad students

If you are enrolled in a UI Study Abroad–approved study or internship program, your program provider or study abroad program coordinator will supply visa instructions and guidance specific to your program and destination. Contact your study abroad advisor with questions.

Many embassies and consulates require proof of international travel insurance as part of the visa application process. For Study Abroad–approved programs, your program provider typically enrolls you in a primary insurance policy for the program and can provide documentation if required for visa purposes. Coverage and documentation vary by program.

In addition, all Study Abroad students are enrolled in the mandatory Iowa Regents CISI international insurance policy.

Your program provider or program coordinator can advise on program-specific visa requirements and appropriate visa processing. If you need written verification of insurance before receiving confirmation from an insurance company, contact your program provider directly. See the Study Abroad Pre-Departure page for more details.

Students traveling outside of the U.S. for other educational purposes

If your international travel is university-related but not arranged through the Study Abroad office (e.g., competitions, conferences, research, team travel, or departmental programs), consult the organizing or funding department for visa expectations and required documentation.

Some embassies and consulates require proof of international travel insurance as part of the visa application process. Students traveling abroad for university-related educational purposes outside of Study Abroad must: 

• Register their trip through International Programs Travel Registration to activate international insurance enrollment.
• Receive a welcome email from CISI International Insurance several weeks before departure confirming enrollment. 

If you need written verification of insurance before receiving the CISI welcome email, contact safety-abroad@uiowa.edu after registering your travel.

If you need assistance navigating a consulate’s visa requirements or prefer professional support, CIBT Visas is a Big Ten Academic Alliance–approved vendor that offers fee-based visa and passport processing services for university travelers.

Faculty, staff, and other university employees traveling outside the U.S. 

Some consulates require proof of international travel insurance as part of the visa application process.

Most faculty, staff, and other university travelers can meet visa requirements by following guidance from the appropriate embassy or consulate.

Some embassies and consulates may require proof of international travel insurance as part of the visa application process. All university faculty, staff, postdoctoral researchers, medical residents, or graduate assistants traveling due to their position as an employee of the university must:

• Have their trip approved in ProTrav to activate international insurance enrollment.

Travelers will receive a welcome email from CISI International Insurance approximately three weeks before departure confirming enrollment.

If you need written verification of insurance before receiving the CISI welcome email, ensure your trip has been approved in ProTrav and then contact safety-abroad@uiowa.edu.

If you need assistance navigating visa requirements or prefer professional support, CIBT Visas is a Big Ten Academic Alliance–approved vendor that offers fee-based visa and passport processing services for university travelers. See the CIBT Travel Document Support page for more details.