Study Abroad Programs Office Now Accepting Passport Applications

The Texas A&M University Study Abroad Programs Office is now accepting passport applications as an official Passport Acceptance Facility on behalf of the U.S. Department of State. This process will make it easier for faculty, staff and students and is available for the local community as well, officials note.

Jane Flaherty, director of Study Abroad Programs, said the new passport service was added after a review of services the office currently offers.

“Anyone on campus or in the community can come here to get passport photos and submit forms for processing,” Flaherty said. “Already we have processed 32 passport applications for Aggies.”

Passport assistance is available for U.S. citizens Tuesday through Thursday, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. in Room 151 of the Study Abroad Programs Office. The office is located in Bizzell Hall West at the corner of Lamar and Houston Streets near the MSC and across from O.R. Simpson Drill Field.

“The costs established by the State Department vary depending on what you need and how old you are,” Flaherty said. “The Study Abroad Office only charges the government required fees set by the State Department for this service.”

In addition to passport applications, the office also can provide passport photos, assist international students and scholars who need to secure photos for visas and assist anyone who needs photos for the optional practical training (OPT) applications and identifications. Two-by-two inch passport size photos cost $10.

The office only accepts check and money orders for payment.

For application forms, information or documentation required, fees and a wealth of other passport and international travel information, visit the official website for passport information at http://travel.state.gov or at the Study Abroad programs website at http://studyabroad.tamu.edu.