OUTBOUND IMMIGRATION
NEWSLETTER

Dear Colleagues,

As the new academic year is upon us, OGS Outbound brings you the latest immigration updates. Several countries are introducing Electronic Travel Authorizations and other digitization elements to their visa processes. Hopefully, these changes result in more streamlined and secure immigration entry requirements.

Global Spotlight

United Kingdom

The UK is transitioning to a digital visa and immigration system. Physical documents, such as a visa sticker in the passport or a Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) card will eventually be replaced by an E-visa. Students enrolled at NYU London this Fall will be the last cohort to receive Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) cards expiring on December 31, 2024. All future London bound students will be required to create an online account with UK Visas. The E-visa will be linked to their passport/travel document and will be the electronic record serving as proof of their UK immigration status. Visa stickers for students are scheduled to be completely phased out by Fall 2025 to complete the transition to this E-visa system. E-visas will likely be utilized in other categories in the near future.

ETIAS/EES

The EU is introducing the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS). Travelers from visa exempt countries (such as the USA) will now be required to register for travel authorization prior to traveling to the Schengen region. Travelers will register online at the official website at a cost of roughly US$ 7. The travel authorization will be valid for up to 3 years. ETIAS will go into effect in the first half of 2025 and will be mandatory by late 2025 and does not include Ireland or Cyprus.

The EU is also commencing an Entry & Exit Scheme (EES). This will allow European immigration authorities to track travelers’ entry and exit from the Schengen region. Biometrics (i.e. fingerprints and face scan) will be taken, but passports may no longer be stamped. This initiative is scheduled to come into effect from November 2024. OGS expects that this may impact students’ ability to arrive weeks in advance of a program begging, more to share as information becomes available.

Israel

The Israeli government is introducing an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA-IL) which all visitors from visa exempt countries will be required to complete prior to entering Israel. It is currently in a pilot period, but will be mandatory from January 1, 2025. The authorization will cost approximately $7 and will be valid for stays up to 90 days. The ETA will remain valid for 2 years or until the current passport expires, whichever comes first. Israeli citizens and holders of an Israeli identity number do not need to apply. Students heading to NYU Tel Aviv will apply for the ETA and then once in the country will be able to apply for an extension of stay.

Announcements

Ghana

The Ghanaian Consulate in New York has changed the process for submission of visa applications. Applicants are now required to submit visa applications at the VFS Global - Ghana Premium Center in midtown Manhattan. Applicants may submit to VFS via post or in person for a fee of $60. OGS will still be able to liaise directly with the consulate to facilitate group processing for short term programs. Note, 24hr visa processing has been discontinued. Standard processing is 10 days while express/priority is three to four business days.

Australia

The Australian government has announced a significant increase in student visa fees. Effective July 1, 2024 the application fee increased to AUD$1600 (USD$1085) a 125% increase from the previous fee of AUD $700 (USD $490). The government will also institute a cap on international student enrollments in 2025. OGS will continue to monitor this news and update accordingly.

Schengen Region Expands

Bulgaria and Romania joined the Schengen area on March 31, 2024 and now have open air and maritime borders with the rest of the region. However, land border controls remain in place pending additional negotiations.

Thailand

Thailand has expanded its visa-free entry scheme to 93 countries, a significant increase from the previous 57. Visitors will be able to stay in the country for up to 60 days visa free. Nationals from the USA, most of Europe, the U.K, China and India will benefit from this new scheme.

Apostille

According to the Department of State’s Office of Authentications site, apostille processing times are currently 4 weeks at minimum.

Passports and Global Entry

OGS Passport Drive

The OGS US Passport Drive returns! OGS will host the New York Passport Agency on Tuesday, September 17th, at the Student Link center from 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. For more information please review the Passport Drive Flyer and book an appointment as soon as possible. Please share with your respective departments and any local friends or family as this event is open to the public.

US Passport Updates

Processing times for US Passport applications remain at normal lengths.

Standard processing currently = 6 to 8 weeks from the date the application is received.
Expedited processing currently = 2 to 3 weeks from the date the application is received.

The cost of a passport is $130 with an additional $60 for expedited processing. The Office of Global Services highly recommends choosing the expedited processing option for those who need their passport in a timely manner.

The New York Passport Agency is now booking online passport appointments.
Passport Agencies are providing appointment booking services for Life-or-Death Emergency Service and Urgent Travel Service.
The US State Department has resumed Online Passport Renewal.

US Customs And Border Protection Machine

Global Entry

OGS will notify the NYU community when GlobalEntry returns to campus.

Resources

Keep up with the latest news our office sends to international students at our Immigration Updates and Events page, highlighting immigration announcements, helpful tips and resources for the NYU international student community.

Planning to travel abroad? Check out NYU’s Travel Safety resources for the latest university guidance on travel. You can also access Cultural Adjustment Resources through GoWorldWise, which can be found in the “NYU Life” tab on NYU Home.

Fun Fact

Tiny but Mighty!

In terms of medals per capita won at the Paris 2024 Olympics, the top three countries are all small Caribbean island nations! Dominica and St. Lucia also made history, winning their first Olympic medals, both earning Gold!

Country	Medals	Population	Population per Medal
Grenada	2	112,579	56,289
Dominica	1	67,408	67,408
Saint Lucia	2	184,100	92,050