International Relocation Guide
Visas and Documents When Moving Overseas
One of the first things you need to a check upon when planning to move overseas is a Passport. Do you possess one? How do you obtain one? What are the passport issuing requirements? As incredible as it may sound, you will be surprised at the big amount of US citizens who do not have a passport ready up until the last minute of their traveling plans. This kind of situation will only lead to much stress and delays in your traveling/relocation arrangements so read on and prepare yourself for your trip.
Passports are the international ID and unmistakable proof of nationality worldwide, without them you will be not allowed to enter a different country; neither will you be issued any sort of visa. Therefore, when planning to relocate abroad to have in your hands a valid passport should be your very first concern. In the US, passports are issued by the Department of State and generally processed through the US Postal Service, and any American born citizen has the right to claim one. In order to have an American passport issued all you need is a set of 2 identical passport-size photographs, a picture ID (such as your driving license), a proof of US citizenship (a previously issued passport, a certified US Birth Certificate, or a Certificate of Citizenship), a completed application form, and the total of the application fee to be paid.
Take under consideration that in certain cases you will have to apply in person in order to be eligible for a US passport. If you are applying for a passport for the very first time in your life, if your last passport was issued more than 12 years ago, if you were as minor (under 18 years of age), or if your previous passport has been lost or stolen, you will have to submit an application in person.
The standard time for a passport to be ready for pickup after your application has been handed in are three working weeks, thought in some rare occasions it may take longer. Once more, remember that a passport confirms the bearer’s nationality and identity and that it corresponds to the quintessential, indispensable documentation recognized worldwide, so do not leave it to the last moment to take care of it.
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