UAlbany & IIE American Passport Project

Obtain your first U.S. passport for free

UAlbany has partnered with the Institute of International Education (IIE) to launch an American Passport Project initiative on campus.

The grant will fully fund the fees for up to 25 UAlbany students obtaining their first U.S. passport, opening new pathways to study abroad. Apply now!

Students attend a study abroad fair at UAlbany. Flags from around the world adorn the area surrounding tables where international education professionals speak with students.

Grant Eligibility

To qualify for a grant, students must:

Be U.S. citizens
Be 18 years or older
Have never had an adult passport
Be currently enrolled at UAlbany in either their first year of study as a first-year student (freshman) or their first semester of study as a transfer student

Pell Grant recipients, EOP students and first-generation college students will receive priority consideration.

Apply for a Grant

The final deadline is September 15, 2026.

However, we recommend completing the grant application as soon as possible. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis — meaning first come, first served.

Apply for a Grant

Passport Application Process

If you are selected to receive a grant, UAlbany’s Education Abroad team will guide you through the process of obtaining your passport.

apply

Step 1: Gather supporting documents

Proof of U.S. citizenship (original documents only), such as:
- A U.S. birth certificate issued by a state or county (not a church or hospital)
- A full validity U.S. passport from when you were 16 years old or younger
- A consular report of birth abroad
- A certificate of naturalization or citizenship
A state-issued ID, such as a driver license
Photocopies of your proof of citizenship and state-issued ID (the Education Abroad team can make photocopies for you)

Step 2: Get your photo taken

You can get U.S. passport photos at select businesses, such as a U.S. Post Office, CVS or Staples. To avoid photo rejection:

Review the U.S. Department of State’s photo tool
Avoid white or light-colored shirts that blend into the background, busy patterns or camouflage, and accessories that obscure your face or cause a glare
Remove glasses, hats and headphones

Step 3: Complete a passport application

Use the Form Filler Tool to complete all sections of the U.S. passport application. Next, print your application but do not sign it until the Education Abroad team tells you to.

Bring your printed application, original documents and photos to the Education Abroad office (Science Library G40, Uptown Campus) for review and support with next steps!