OUTBOUND IMMIGRATION
NEWSLETTER

Dear Colleagues,

Greetings from the OGS Outbound team! This year we expect the continued integration of technology into immigration processes as more and more countries transition from paper-based manual methods to digital and automated systems. OGS Outbound wishes to highlight important information as digital entry-exit systems, E-visas, and electronic travel authorizations become the norm and revolutionize the way we travel.

Global Spotlight

The UK Transitions to the Electronic Visa (eVisa)

UK Visas & Immigration has fully transitioned to a digital immigration process, extending eVisas to all visa categories. Physical visa vignettes will no longer be placed in passports. Applicants for student and visitor visas will apply online, attend an in-person biometrics appointment, and receive their visa decision by email. Approved applicants must create an online UKVI eVisa account, which will serve as the sole official record of immigration status.

Additionally, Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) requirements for non-visa required nationals will be strictly enforced for nationals of 85 countries starting February 25, 2026. Airlines may deny boarding if an ETA is not obtained prior to departure.

EES Roll-Out Continues; ETIAS Timeline Clarified

The EU’s Entry/Exit System (EES) has been rolling out across the Schengen region since October 2025, with phased implementation at major external borders. Some travelers are already experiencing biometric enrollment and slightly longer processing times. EES is expected to be fully operational at all external border crossings by April 10, 2026.

EES will operate alongside the European Travel Information and Authorisation System - ETIAS, which will apply to visa-exempt travelers visiting 30 European countries for short stays (up to 90 days in a 180-day period). ETIAS is now expected to launch in late 2026, following full EES implementation. Once in effect, ETIAS authorization will be mandatory prior to travel and will carry a fee of €20. Travelers should expect additional pre-travel compliance steps as these systems become fully integrated.

Opportunity to Live and Work in the UK

OGS looks forward to welcoming representatives from the British Consulate later this spring (late February or early March) to host an information session on the UK High Potential Individual (HPI) visa scheme. Students from any of NYU’s three degree-granting campuses are eligible to apply for this unique visa pathway, which permits NYU graduates to live and work in the UK for up to two years without an employer/sponsor at time of application. Details for registration will be announced soon.

China Launches Updated Online Visa Application (COVA) System

The China Online Visa Application (COVA) system was updated in September 2025. Applicants must now complete the online form and upload required documents for review and approval before submitting visa materials at the relevant consulate. OGS has observed longer processing times, requests for additional documentation, and some in-person appearances.

Ghana: Group Visa Processing through OGS

For short-term programs traveling to Ghana, OGS continues to offer group visa processing support. While individual applications can be submitted through VFS Global, there are additional costs and longer processing times. Alternatively, OGS liaises directly with the Ghanaian Consulate in New York to coordinate group submissions. Programs and participants planning travel to Ghana are encouraged to contact our office early to discuss eligibility and timelines.

Resources

Supporting our Global Community

In anticipation of continuing changes in international mobility policy, OGS wishes to highlight the Supporting our Global Community webpage as a helpful resource for both administrators and students. This page is continually updated and contains information regarding US Government announcements on immigration such as the social media vetting policy. Additionally, there is helpful information on world-wide immigration policy changes that may impact the NYU community.

Passports and Global Entry

NYU OGS US Passport Drive

OGS will host the New York Passport Agency on Friday, February 20th at the Washington Square Campus Student Link center from 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. The Passport Drive is open to all members of the NYU community, including friends and family. Please share with your department!

For details, review the Passport Drive Information Page and book an appointment as soon as possible. If you have travel plans during the NYU Spring Break period, sign up now! Reminder both US Passport Books and Passport Cards are Real ID Compliant.

US Passport processing times remain steady, yet always subject to change.

Standard processing currently = 4 to 6 weeks from the date the application is received.
Expedited processing currently = 2 to 3 weeks from the date the application is received.
Online Passport Renewal: The US State Department offers Online Passport Renewal option for those who meet eligibility requirements.

The cost of a passport is $130 with an additional $60 for expedited processing. The Office of Global Services recommends choosing the expedited processing option for those who need their passport in a timely manner as passport processing times change without notice.

The New York Passport Agency still has online passport appointments.
Passport Agencies are providing appointment booking services for Life-or-Death Emergency Service and Urgent Travel Service.

Apostilles

According to the US Department of State's Office of Authentications' website the apostille processing time for mail-in requests is five weeks at minimum. In-person apostille requests are now accepted only for urgent travel:

Traveling in 5+ weeks: Submit by mail; processing takes about five weeks from receipt.
Traveling in 2–3 weeks: Walk-in to drop-off and pick-up; processing takes seven business days.
Traveling in less than 2 weeks (life-or-death emergency): Appointment may be available for same-day processing.

Fun Fact

This country is home to NYU’s 4th most popular study away site (740 students chose to study away here in 2025) and their football team is widely held as the favorite to win the FIFA World Cup this summer:

Argentina
France
United Arab Emirates
Spain
Italy

Hint: This country is also the world’s largest olive oil producer. Check your answer!