Becoming a university student is a path full of effort, but also of fun and growth. Crossing the main entrance of the university as a first-year student brings with it a special energy: the beginning of adulthood.
In Puerto Rico, students can enjoy university residences or nearby accommodations, facilitating integration into social life and the opportunity to meet people with diverse personalities. In addition, the bilingual environment allows communication in both Spanish and English, enriching the cultural experience.
Puerto Rican students stand out for their kindness, making foreigners feel welcome at all times, whether in the classroom or in activities off campus. The island offers a wide range of experiences on and off campus, ideal for those who want to explore its wonders while studying.
Puerto Rico is a territory belonging to the United States, so it follows the same immigration rules and laws as the United States. It is essential to make sure you meet the visa requirements for your case.
The passport is the only document with international validity. Before processing any university procedures, you must obtain or renew your passport so that it is valid. Consult the corresponding office in your country to carry out this process.
A visa is required by some countries to enter their territory. A visa is an understanding between countries that validates the legal entry or stay, for a defined purpose, of a person who is a foreign national or does not have free transit in a country. The authorities attach the visas to passports to indicate that the document has been examined and deemed valid for persons entering or leaving a country.
Since Puerto Rico belongs to the jurisdiction of the United States, U.S. citizens do not require a visa to enter or leave the island. Visitors from Australia, France, Germany, Italy, Spain and the United Kingdom are granted a 90-day visa upon arrival. On the other hand, before traveling, citizens of certain countries will need to apply for a certain type of visa, depending on their purpose, at the U.S. embassy closest to their place of residence.
There are two categories of visas required by the United States: Immigrant and Nonimmigrant visas, depending on the duration and purpose of the travel.
Administered by the U.S. Department of State, this program fosters mutual understanding between U.S. citizens and foreigners. The J-1 Visa is exclusively for participants in approved academic and cultural programs.
Since 1964, the Puerto Rico Department of State, through the Secretariat of International Affairs, has been a certified sponsor for the student and teacher categories. Candidates are evaluated according to the Code of Federal Regulations (22 CFR 62). If they meet the requirements, they are granted a Certificate of Eligibility to participate in the program.
After the authorized period, participants must return to their country of origin to apply the knowledge acquired. Puerto Rico has received high evaluations for offering quality exchange programs and a favorable environment for international visitors.
