Call: +923090111980‬
WhatsApp: ‪+923009543808‬
What You'll Need to Prepare for Your Niaz Consultants Program
Once you've been accepted into your Niaz Consultants program, it's time to start planning your trip! Being well-prepared, from obtaining required documents to packing essentials, can help you have a smooth and stress-free trip overseas. Continue reading for our checklist of must-have products and tips to help you prepare for a great vacation!
Pre-Departure Checklist
Prior to arriving at the airport to travel for studying abroad, you should have the following materials and information in a safe, accessible location:
REQUIRED
- A Valid Passport
- Your Student Visa or Acceptance Letter and Documentation (Your advisors will specify what you will need to bring based on your specific program!)
- A Flight Booking Confirmation
- Proof of Return / Onward Travel or Funds (Most countries require proof of how and when you will be leaving the country.)
- Payment Methods (You should always travel with form(s) of payment for incidental or emergency expenses.)
STRONGLY RECOMMENDED
- Printed Copy of Your Flight Confirmation
- Printed Copy of Your Program Details Packet (This will be provided to you by your advisor.)
- Printed Copy of Travel Medical Insurance Card (This will be provided to you by your NiazConsultants.com.pk advisor.)
- Download Useful Apps—We Highly Recommend (WhatsApp, Google Translate, Moovit, Airalo, Your Airline’s App, Uber, Lyft and/or Grab)
How to get a passport
FOR US CITIZENS
If you are a U.S. student going to Niaz Consultants, obtaining a passport is an important step toward your international experience!
The United States Department of State's official website provides detailed information on obtaining a US passport. This resource describes the necessary actions for first-time applicants and those who want to renew an existing passport.
THINGS TO KNOW
- IF YOU ALREADY HAVE A PASSPORT
- Make sure your passport's expiration date is at least 6-12 months after the completion of your Niaz Consultants program. varying countries have varying requirements for passport validity.
- If you need to renew your passport, allow adequate time for processing. You should also consider the deadlines and processing times for your student visa application, if any.
- IF YOU’RE APPLYING FOR A PASSPORT FOR THE FIRST TIME
- You will have to apply in person.
- Please supply the following documentation and materials*:
- Passport Application Form
- Evidence of US citizenship
- A valid photo ID
- A passport photo
- Application fee
- Make sure you apply with adequate time for processing. You should also consider the deadlines and processing times for your student visa application, if any.
- TYPICAL PROCESSING TIMES**
- Routine: 4-6 weeks
- xpedited: 2-3 weeks and an extra $60 USD
- Mailing Time: Applications may take up to two weeks to reach a passport agency or center. It can take up to two weeks to receive a finished passport after it has been printed.
- Processing time plus mailing time equals total time to obtain a passport.
*Documents and materials must be validated on the official United States Department of State website.
**Processing timeframes are approximations and should be confirmed on the official US Department of State website.
OUTSIDE THE US
To learn about passport requirements in your nation, go to the official government website of your passport or immigration department. For the most up-to-date information, travelers should contact their nearest embassy or consulate.
Applying for a passport as a citizen of any country generally follows the same procedure, though precise requirements may differ by country. The following are the standard stages to obtain a passport:
- Determine Eligibility: Most countries require applicants to be citizens or legal residents. Some countries also allow dual or naturalized citizens to apply.
- Gather Required Documents: Commonly required documents include:
- A birth certificate, national ID, or citizenship certificate
- A valid government-issued photo ID
- Passport-sized pictures that match official criteria
- Proof of residency (if applicable)
- Complete the Application Form: Many governments offer both online and physical forms. The application may request personal information, contact information, and trip intentions.
- Pay the Application Fee: Fees vary by nation, passport type (regular, expedited, or emergency), and applicant age. Payments are normally made online, via bank transfer, or at approved government locations.
- Submit the Application: Applications can typically be submitted:
- Online (in some countries)
- Apply in person at a passport office, embassy, or designated application facility.
- By mail (for renewing an existing passport)
- Attend an In-Person Appointment (if required): Some countries require in-person verification, particularly for first-time applicants and minors. This could include supplying biometric information (fingerprints or facial recognition).
- Track Application Status: Governments frequently provide tracking services to verify processing status, either online or through a helpline.
- Receive the Passport: Once approved, the passport is typically mailed to the applicant’s address or made available for pickup at a designated location.
Processing periods vary depending on the country and urgency of the request, ranging from a few days (expedited services) to several weeks. Some countries also provide emergency passport services for anyone who need to travel urgently.
Visa Information
Once you start enrolling in a program, your NiazConsultants.com.pk advisor will inform you about the visa requirements for your destination and individual program. In most circumstances, you will need to apply for a student visa, but not always! Talk to your advisor about the program requirements and application deadlines.
How to Determine If You Need a Student Visa and How to Apply
Confirm Visa Requirements
- Check the Official Government Website – Visit the immigration or foreign affairs website of the country where you plan to study.
- Consult Your Advisor – NiazConsultants.com.pk advisors will provide guidance on where to find student visa requirements.
- Contact the Embassy or Consulate – Reach out to the country’s local embassy or consulate for the most accurate and updated information.
Determine the Type of Student Visa
- Short-Term vs. Long-Term Visas – Some countries offer short-term study visas (for programs under six months) and long-term student visas for degree programs.
- Work and Residency Restrictions – Check if the visa allows part-time work or post-study residency options.
Gather Required Documents
Common documents include:
- A valid passport
- A letter of acceptance from a recognized institution
- Proof of financial support
- Visa application form
- Passport-sized photos meeting country-specific guidelines
- Proof of health insurance (if required)
- Criminal background check (for some countries)
Complete and Submit the Application
- Online or Paper Application – Some countries allow online applications, while others require paper submission at a consulate or embassy.
- Pay the Visa Fee – Fees vary based on country and visa type. Payments are typically made online or at designated centers.
- Schedule a Visa Interview (if required) – Some countries require an interview at the embassy or consulate.
Attend the Interview (if applicable)
- Be prepared to answer questions about your study plans, financial situation, and intent to return home.
- Bring all required documents in original and photocopy form.
Wait for Processing and Track Application
- Processing times vary from a few weeks to several months, depending on the country and application volume.
- Track your visa status online if available.
Receive the Visa and Prepare for Travel
- Check visa details for accuracy (expiration date, entry conditions).
- Arrange travel and comply with entry requirements (such as health screenings or registration upon arrival).
Booking Flights
After you've confirmed your passport and visa requirements, as well as your program dates, your NiazConsultants.com.pk advisor will advise you on when to book your flights. Make sure to check with your adviser before booking your flights!
Tips for Booking Flights for Niaz Consultants
1. Compare Prices Across Multiple Platforms
- Compare flights using websites such as Google Flights, Skyscanner, and Kayak.
- Check the pricing discrepancies on both airline websites and third-party booking services.
2. Look for Student Discounts & Flexible Fares
- Some websites offer student fares with discounts and flexible date changes (e.g., ScholarTrip, StudentUniverse).
3. Choose the Best Route & Layovers Wisely
- Direct flights are more convenient but can be expensive—consider one-stop flights if cost is a priority.
- Make sure your layover is long enough—try to choose layovers that are 90 minutes or more to avoid potentially missing your connecting flight!
- If you have a long layover, check if the airline offers free stopover programs (e.g., Qatar Airways, Turkish Airlines).
4. Be Mindful of Luggage Policies
- Baggage fees can add up if you’re not aware of what’s included in your ticket.
- Weigh your luggage before heading to the airport to avoid extra fees.
5. Check Visa & Entry Requirements Before Booking
- Make sure your student visa is approved before confirming non-refundable flights.
- Some countries require return tickets or proof of onward travel—confirm what’s needed.
6. Consider Trip Cancellation Insurance
- Decide whether you wish to purchase trip cancellation insurance (this is distinct from the Travel Medical Insurance included in your program).
- Pro tip: Many US credit cards provide trip insurance; check with your credit card company for specifics!
Booking Flights
Every NiazConsultants.com.pk program includes a comprehensive Travel Medical Insurance coverage from VolunteerCard that is valid for the duration of the program. During the enrolling procedure, your NiazConsultants.com.pk advisor will book your plan for the duration of your program and provide you with the insurance card and plan details!
For some programs, your Home Institution, Host Institution, or destination may require a special travel medical insurance policy. In these cases, NiazConsultants.com.pk will arrange the appropriate plan on your behalf.
The plan provides comprehensive coverage including accident medical expenses, dental care, illness-related medical expenses, emergency and security evacuation, and repatriation of remains. It also includes accidental death and dismemberment benefits, as well as travel-related protections such as missed connection, trip delay, baggage and personal effects loss, and baggage delay. For complete details and verification of all included benefits, please review your final insurance plan documents.
Travel medical insurance is a type of insurance that provides coverage for medical expenses incurred while traveling outside your home country. It is designed to cover unexpected health emergencies, such as illnesses, injuries, or accidents, that may occur during a trip.
Trip cancellation insurance is a type of travel insurance that reimburses prepaid, non-refundable travel expenses if a trip is canceled for a covered reason before departure. It helps travelers recover costs related to flights, hotels, tours, and other booked activities when unexpected events prevent them from traveling.
StudyAbroad.com does not provide trip cancellation insurance.
NIAZ CONSULTANTS FOR EVERYONE
We're here to make studying abroad more accessible, and we're establishing a community of open-minded, connected, and culturally aware individuals eager to make a genuine difference in our ever-connected world.
CONTACT US
- +923090111980‬
- ‪+923009543808‬
- info@niazconsultants.com.pk
- contact@niazconsultants.com.pk