The United States Passport Office at Skyline College is excited to bring back the passport photo service, promising greater quality and accessibility for students. The regular cost is $16 for two passport photos. Current SMCCCD students will get free photos after an appointment for study abroad counseling at the SMCCCD Study Abroad Office, in the same suite as the Passport Office.
The Passport Office general operation hours are 9am – 3pm from Monday to Friday.
Skyline College’s journey as an official Passport Acceptance Facility began in November 2017 when it received its designation from the U.S. Department of State. Initially supported by Skyline College President Innovation Fund and positioned within the Global Learning Programs and Services Division, the Passport Office at Skyline College had catered to over 4,600 community members before the pandemic forced a temporary shutdown in April 2020. With COVID-19 numbers on the decline, the office reopened in November 2021. Since its reopening, the Passport Office has processed over 4,200 applications within 21 months, showcasing an unprecedented demand fueled by the aftermath of the pandemic.
The passport office receives and submits completed documentation for a U.S. passport and provides related forms to apply for a U.S. passport. In adhering to COVID-19 safety protocols, the office had previously suspended its photo services. It is now accessible to those who visit through scheduled appointments or during the designated walk-in hours.
Recently, passport processing times have surged to 10-13 weeks for routine applications and 7-9 weeks for expedited ones. Given these unprecedented delays, this office understands the urgency to initiate the passport process promptly. Recognizing the challenges of scheduling appointments, the office continues to offer walk-in hours, regularly updating the availability of these hours on the website. The passport office also provides children’s books for minor applicants to read while waiting for their applications to be executed.
Students at the San Mateo County Community College District (SMCCCD) with plans for overseas study or internships are specially catered to, with dedicated passport appointment slots. To benefit from these services, visit the Skyline Passport Office at Room 412, Building 19. For detailed service hours, please check out our website. Queries? Reach out to skylinepassportservices@smccd.edu.
Article by Mario Acuna and Snow Linxue Guo
