How to Get Your Passport/U.K. Visa
Passport Requirements
To enter the United Kingdom, you will need a valid passport that will not expire within six months of the program's start date. For example, if your official program start date is August 5, 2013, then your passport must be valid until February 5, 2014. If this is not the case, you must apply for a new passport. Students who are U.S. citizens and need to obtain a new or renewed passport should visit the U.S. State Department website.
First-time passport holders need to apply at one of the official Passport Acceptance Facilities. In Iowa City, this office is located at the U.S. Post Office at 400 S. Clinton St., Iowa City (319-354-1560).
Students can arrange for expedited service for the processing of their application. This service allows students to receive their passport in two weeks. Expedited service has additional costs.
United Kingdom Visa Requirements
A Tier 5 Visa is required for participation in the London Internship Program. The program fee includes visa sponsorship, but not the student visa fee. Student visa fees are paid to the UKBA (UK Border Agency). For U.S. citizens, these fees will cost approximately $300 USD. In addition to the fees, participants are required by the UKBA to submit documents of support funds ranging from $2,500-$2,600 USD.
IMPORTANT Note to interested International Students:
All F1 visa students* need to go through an additional screening process with Dream Careers, the U.K. government, as well as your home country. Visa processing times can vary by home country and may involve you returning to your home country to interview at the U.K. embassy as part of your visa process. Therefore, the overall process (visa, placement, etc.) is significantly longer for students from countries not noted below* and could possibly result in a significant delay in your program arrival. The TCOB program in Hong Kong may be an easier visa process; however, if you are still interested in considering London, please email Beth Rydstrom Knudson prior to applying.
* All citizens of the United States, European Union, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand are eligible for the required U.K. visas; additional visa processing is required for students holding passports from other countries.
