Visas

This guide outlines key information about applying for a visa.

1. Purpose

A visa is a permit given by a country allowing an individual to enter that country. It names the kind of visit and says how long the person can stay. The process of applying and receiving a visa can be tedious and time consuming, and like passports the earlier you can apply the better. If you have any questions, contact your trip director before submitting your application. How to apply for a visa is at the end of this document.

2. Disclaimer

These instructions are mere guidelines that we provide to the best of our ability. Different countries have different requirements. You are fully responsible for all visa processes and customs/immigration requirements. FOCUS is not responsible for you missing a trip or any portion of a trip due to any visa, customs or immigration-related issues. As instructions may change, please double check the process directly with the issuing authority.

3. Before you apply

Research – Talk to your trip director, he or she will be able to notify you if you need a visa for trip if you are a U.S. citizen.
Non-U.S. citizens on a FOCUS mission – If you are a non-U.S. citizen on a FOCUS mission trip, please check the entry requirements to the country of your destination. Though American citizens might not need a visa entering a particular country, other nationalities may need one (and vice-versa). Each participant is responsible for knowing their particular passport, visa, customs, and immigration requirements.
Participants abroad prior to mission – If you are abroad for many months before the mission, it may be very difficult or even impossible to apply for a visa. Please mention this in the interview, ornotify your trip director as soon as possible if you are in this situation.

4. Entry and exit fees

Some countries charge an additional fee upon arrival and departure (e.g.entry tax). These fees may be covered in the cost of your mission trip, but if it is a fee attached to purchasing a visa upon arrival, that cost will be each participant’s responsibility. For greater distinction between an entry fee and a visa on arrival, please talk to your trip director.

5. Important information for your application

Never reference religion in your application. Doing so will increase the likelihood of your application being rejected.
Never write out the full name, “Fellowship of Catholic University Students”, simply put “FOCUS” if asked what organization you are traveling with.
Always apply for a Tourist visa. Missionary visas are meant for those planning to serve long-term, and even our month-long trips do not qualify for long-term missions. Additionally, applying for a missionary visa often results in an individual not receiving a visa and not going on the trip.

6. How to apply

Your trip director will walk you through the best way to apply for your visa. You can research other methods if you would like.

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Host	Retreat Type	Start Date	End Date
Tulane University	Way of the Disciple	09/05/24	09/07/24
University of Nebraska Lincoln	The Sanctifier	09/13/24	09/15/24
Parish Outreach	The Father’s House	09/16/24	09/18/24
Kansas State University	The Father’s House	09/20/24	09/22/24
University of Delaware	Rec	09/20/24	09/22/24
University of South Carolina – Columbia	Rec	09/27/24	09/29/24
St. Francis University	The Father’s House	10/04/24	10/06/24
Nicholls State University	The Father’s House	10/04/24	10/06/24
Northwestern State University	The Father’s House	10/11/24	10/13/24
University of Memphis	The Father’s House	10/11/24	10/13/24
Southern Illinois University – Edwardsville	The Father’s House	10/18/24	10/20/24
Ohio State University	The Father’s House	10/18/24	10/20/24
University of Dallas	The Sanctifier	10/24/24	10/26/24
Central Connecticut State University	The Father’s House	10/25/24	10/27/24
Universidad de Monterrey	The Father’s House	10/25/24	10/27/24
California State University – Fullerton	The Father’s House	10/25/24	10/27/24
Sts. Anne and Joaquim, Fargo, ND	Way of the Disciple	11/01/24	11/03/24
University of Krems	Men’s	11/01/24	11/03/24
University of Mary	The Father’s House	11/08/24	11/10/24
DePauw University	Rec	11/08/24	11/10/24
Philanthropy Engagement	Way of the Disciple	11/15/24	11/17/24
University of Passau	Rec	11/21/24	11/23/24
Texas A&M University	The Sanctifier	02/07/25	02/09/25
FOCUS Greek Southeast	The Father’s House	02/14/25	02/16/25
FOCUS Greek Midwest	The Father’s House	02/14/25	02/16/25
Worcester Polytechnic Institute	The Sanctifier	02/14/25	02/16/25
FOCUS Greek Southwest	The Father’s House	02/21/25	02/23/25
Wayne State University	The Father’s House	02/21/25	02/23/25
University of Illinois-Chicago	The Sanctifier	02/21/25	02/23/25
Queens College of the City University of New York	The Father’s House	03/07/25	03/09/25
Nicholls State University	Way of the Disciple	03/07/25	03/09/25
Grand Valley State University	The Father’s House	03/28/25	03/30/25
University of Northern Iowa	Way of the Disciple	04/03/25	04/05/25
University of Nebraska Lincoln	The Father’s House	04/04/25	04/06/25
Arizona State University	Men’s	02/07/25	02/09/25
University of Nebraska at Kearney	Rec	09/27/24	09/29/24

SEE MORESEE LESS

Missions

Visas

Visas

1. Purpose

2. Disclaimer

3. Before you apply

4. Entry and exit fees

5. Important information for your application

6. How to apply

Visas

1. Purpose

2. Disclaimer

3. Before you apply

4. Entry and exit fees

5. Important information for your application

6. How to apply

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