How long should my passport be valid?

If possible, your passport should be valid for the entire validity of the visa, i.e. for at least 5 years.  If your passport expires during your studies, you will have to apply for a new passport and then always travel with two passports (your new one and the old one with your visa in), as the visa is not transferable. You need to choose an appropriate time to renew your passport and take into account that you will need to be in your home country to renew.

Please check the expiry date of your passport in advance! During busy periods (summer and Christmas) it can take weeks to get a new passport and can delay you getting your visa or returning to college in time for the new semester. 

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