Passports

Prior to receiving detailed information in April 2026, please work on securing a valid passport as soon as possible. You must have a passport valid through at least July 1, 2027, or six months after the end of your N.U.in program. We recommend applying for or renewing your passport as soon as possible if you do not already have a passport or if it will expire before July 1, 2027. Please note that if you are a visa-required national you will need to surrender your passport to the relevant consular authority as part of the visa application process, which could impact your personal summer travel.

N.U.in Semester Visa

It is your responsibility to obtain an appropriate visa, if necessary, prior to your arrival in Scotland. Please check with your local United Kingdom consular authority for the most updated visa requirements and processes. Students can also use the “Check if you need a UK visa” tool to determine if you qualify for a visa-free entry. 

Detailed information about your N.U.in location’s visa process will be provided in the spring preceding your fall program entry. If applicable, Northeastern or the host partner institution will provide the documentation needed. Please note that such information is intended as informational guidance only and does not constitute legal advice. Global Experience Office staff cannot advise students or families concerning visa requirements and/or application processes.

The 2026 N.U.in Scotland Visa Guide will become available on this webpage in April 2026.

General guidelines for the visa process:

Please read and ensure that you understand the following points regarding the visa process of your N.U.in location:

Non-visa nationals

Please note that U.S. citizens and other non-visa nationals will be required to complete the Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) process before traveling to the United Kingdom.

Visa nationals

International students may be required to apply for a visa depending on their nationality. Students can also use the “Check if you need a UK visa” tool to determine if they need to apply for a UK visa.

‘Visa nationals’ hold a passport issued by a country listed in the Visa Nationals list of the UK Immigration Rules. Visa nationals must apply for and receive their visa prior to traveling to the UK. The visa nationals list can be found here.

For visa required nationals, because you are studying in the UK for less than six months you can apply for a Standard Visitor Visa for Study, which allows you to study in the UK for a maximum period of six months. This visa does not permit you to undertake any work during your time in the UK and it cannot be extended to allow you to stay in the UK after the expiry of your visa.

Applying for a UK visa requires time, effort, and multiple steps. While we will provide you guidance on the process, it is ultimately your responsibility to secure your visa in a timely manner. Processing times can vary from several weeks to months, depending on the consular authority and your specific situation. Please note that you may need to submit your passport for visa processing, which could impact any summer travel plans requiring your passport. Please be aware that you will also be responsible for any fees associated with the application, including consular fees, travel expenses, and additional documentation (e.g., background checks or medical certificates). Please stay proactive and check your Northeastern email regularly for updates. It is imperative not to wait until the last minute to begin the visa application process.

If you cannot obtain a valid visa in time for the program start date, please refer to the N.U.in Payment and Withdrawal Policy in your Application Status Check (posted in late spring) and contact the Global Experience Office to discuss next steps.

Non-US Students F-1 Visa Process

Please note, enrolling students who anticipate needing an F-1 Visa for the duration of their time at Northeastern on the Boston campus are eligible to begin the application process as soon as possible once an enrollment deposit has been received. Students will need to first request for and receive a Form I-20 from Northeastern prior to applying for an F-1 visa. Additional information about the F-1 visa process can be found in the OGS Self-Service Portal and will be updated as guidance evolves (Note: You must be logged in with your Northeastern credentials to access this article).

If you will require a UK Standard Visitor visa to participate in N.U.in Scotland and an F-1 visa for your time at Northeastern’s Boston campus, please plan carefully to ensure you have access to your passport when needed. Should you have questions about completing your N.U.in visa requirements and F-1 obligations over the summer, please contact us at [email protected].