Student Visa

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Student Visa

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Hundreds of thousands of students apply for student visas to go to other countries from around the world. Recent changes in visa issuance policies and procedures have made it more difficult to get a visa in a timely manner.

Students should apply for their visa as soon as the necessary documents are obtained. In some countries, getting an appointment for the visa interview itself may take more than a month, so students should always plan ahead and leave themselves more time than they think they need.

The U.S. government implemented many changes in various procedures after September 11 to make sure that both U.S. citizens and visitors were safe. Two new measures allow the U.S. government to know that the students are following its education program.

Registration after arrival in the country is the starting point for the student tracking system. Students should always contact their chosen university's international officer with any questions about obtaining a visa. After a student is granted admission to a university, he or she will receive some forms that denotes that the student is admitted and eligible to apply for a student visa.

Here in this section you will find a complete guide for the students to apply for the student visa.

How do I qualify to travel to the UK as a student?

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How do I qualify to travel to the UK as a student?

You must be able to show that you have been accepted on a course of study at an educational establishment that is on the UK's Department for Education and Skills (DfES) Register of Education and Training Providers. Contact details are under 'More advice and information' at the end of this guidance, or you can search the register on the DfES website at: www.dfes.gov.uk/providersregister
You must be able to show that you are going to follow:

A recognised full-time degree course, or

a course run during the week involving at least

15 hours of organised daytime study each week, or

A full-time course at an independent fee-paying school

You must also:

Be able to pay for your course and support yourself and any dependants, and live in the UK without working or needing any help from public funds, and

intend to leave the UK when you complete your studies.

If you are a degree student and you successfully complete your studies, you may be able to take work permit employment if you meet the requirements.

If you graduate in an approved science or engineering subject you can apply to stay in the UK, to look for or to take work, for an additional year after your degree course finishes without getting a work permit.

Under the ‘Fresh Talent: Working in Scotland’ scheme, if you successfully complete a degree level course or above, and it was awarded by a Scottish institution, you may be able to apply to live and work in Scotland for up to two years after achieving your qualification.

What is a visa?

A visa is a certificate that is put into your passport or travel document by an Entry Clearance Officer at a British mission overseas. The visa gives you permission to enter the UK.

If you have a valid UK visa, we will not normally refuse you entry to the UK unless your circumstances have changed, or you gave false information or did not tell us important facts when you applied for your visa.

When you arrive in the UK, an Immigration Officer may ask you questions, so take all relevant documents in your hand luggage.

Do I need a visa to study in the UK?

You will need a visa if you:

are a national of one of the countries listed at the end of this guidance

are stateless (you don't have a nationality)

hold a non-national travel document, or

hold a passport issued by an authority that is not recognised in the UK

If you are not an EEA national and you intend to stay in the UK for more than six months, you will need to get an entry clearance before you travel. More information will be available on this website or from your nearest British mission overseas where there is a visa section.

If you do not need an entry clearance, you will have to satisfy the Immigration Officer that you qualify for entry when you arrive in the UK. They will then give you permission to stay in the UK for up to six months. You will not be allowed to extend your stay in the UK as a student unless you arrived with a student or prospective student visa, or you are studying on a course at degree level or higher.

To extend your stay you will need to apply for a residence permit at the Immigration and Nationality Directorate. (Contact details are under 'More advice and information' at the end of this guidance.) They will charge you a fee for this.

If you have any doubts about whether you qualify for entry, you should apply for a visa before you travel to the UK.

How do I apply for a visa?

You will need to fill in a visa application form (VAF 1 – Non-settlement). You can download the form from this website, or get one free of charge from your nearest British mission overseas where there is a visa section.

You must apply for your visa in the country of which you are a national or where you legally live.

You can apply in a number of ways, for example by post, by courier, in person and online. The visa section will tell you about the ways in which you can apply.

In some countries, if you are applying for a visa to stay in the UK for more than six months, you may need to be tested for active tuberculosis before we will accept your application. You can find out if you need to be tested by using the Do I need a UK visa? on this website, or by contacting your nearest British mission overseas where there is a visa section.

What will I need to make my application?

You will need the following.

Application form VAF1 - non-settlement(PDF, 175K)which you have filled in correctly

Your passport or travel document

A recent passport-sized (45mm x 35mm), colour photograph of yourself

This should be:

Taken against a light coloured background

clear and of good quality, and not framed or backed

printed on normal photographic paper, and
full face and without sunglasses, hat or other head covering unless you wear this for cultural or religious reasons

The visa fee. This cannot be refunded and you must normally pay it in the local currency of the country where you are applying

Supporting documents relevant to your application

What supporting documents should I include with my application?

You should include all the documents you can to show that you qualify for entry to the UK as a student. If you do not, we may refuse your application.

As a guide, you should include:

Any relevant diplomas or educational certificates that you have

A letter from the university, college or school confirming that you have been accepted on a course of study in the UK, and a statement of charges for the course

Evidence of government sponsorship (if appropriate)
bank statements, payslips or other evidence to show that you can pay for your stay and your course of studies in the UK

If you are being privately sponsored (for example, by a college in the UK) you should provide a letter from your sponsor giving details of how they will support you during your studies, and evidence that they can do so

Application will be refuse if they find that any documents are forged

What will happen when I make my application?

The Entry Clearance Officer will try to make a decision using your application form and the supporting documents you have provided. If this is not possible, they will need to interview you.

Please check your visa when you get it. You should make sure that:

your personal details are correct it correctly states the purpose for which you want to come to the UK

It is valid for the date on which you want to travel. (You can ask for it to be post-dated for up to three months if you do not plan to travel immediately.)

If you think there is anything wrong with your visa, contact the visa section immediately

What are public funds?

Under the Immigration Rules, if you want to travel to the UK to study, you must be able to support yourself and live without claiming certain state benefits. Use this link to see a list of them:

Public funds

You can find more information about public funds in the Immigration Directorate Instructions (IDIs) and Immigration Rules on the Immigration and Nationality Directorate’s website.

Immigration and Nationality Directorate

Can I extend my stay as a student?

If you enter the UK with a student visa or prospective student visa, or if you want to study on a course at degree level or higher, you can apply to the Immigration and Nationality Directorate, which is part of the Home Office. (Contact details are at end of this guidance.) The Immigration and Nationality Directorate will charge you a fee for any extension of your stay.

The maximum period of time that a student can stay in the UK on short courses one after the other, below degree level, is two years.

If you do not enter the UK with a student or prospective student visa, or you are not studying on a course at degree level course or higher, you will not be allowed to extend your stay.

Can I work?

You can take part-time or holiday work, but you must not:

Work for more than 20 hours a week during term time unless your placement is part of your studies, has been agreed with your educational institution and leads to a degree or qualification awarded by a nationally recognised examining body

Do business, be self-employed or provide services as a professional sportsperson or entertainer

Work full-time in a permanent job

If you are coming to the UK as a student for six months or less, you must ask the Entry Clearance Officer (or the Immigration Officer if you do not need an entry clearance) for permission to work

Can I switch to work permit employment whilst I am in the UK?

You may be able to switch if:

you have completed a recognised degree course at either a UK publicly-funded institution of further or higher education or an approved private education

Institution that has satisfactory records of enrolment and attendance

you hold a valid work permit for employment

you have the written permission of any government or agency that is sponsoring you, and

you have not broken immigration law

Can I bring my husband or wife and children with me?

Your husband or wife and any of your children under 18 can come to the UK with you during your studies, as long as you can support them and live without needing any help from public funds.

Will my husband or wife be allowed to work?

Your husband or wife will be allowed to work in the UK if we give you permission to stay in the country for 12 months or more.

Can I go to the UK to arrange my studies?

You can travel to the UK as a prospective student for up to six months to arrange your studies. You will need to show that:

You intend to enrol on a course of study within six months of arriving in the UK

You can pay for your course, support yourself and your dependants, and live without working or needing any help from public funds

You intend to leave the UK when you finish your studies or when your permission to stay ends if you do not qualify to stay in the UK as a student

Note:You should not buy a ticket, or pay all or part of the cost of a study course if your visa application being delayed or refused would mean that you lost your money.

When should I apply?

You should apply in good time for your entry clearance so that you are not delayed in getting into the UK. It can get very busy in visa sections, especially over the summer when lots of students are applying.

Can I get medical treatment?

If you come from a country with a health-care agreement with the United Kingdom, or you are enrolled on a course for six months or more, you may be able to get medical treatment on the National Health Service (NHS)

Short-term students who are here for less than six months and visitors are not entitled to free medical treatment, and you will be charged for any treatment you receive. Please make sure you have enough health insurance to cover your stay.

You can get more information from the Department of Health:

Website: http://www.dh.gov.uk

Do I have to register with the police?

If you have to register with the police, we will stamp this requirement in your passport. You must register within seven days of arriving in the United Kingdom.

To register, you will need your passport. Non-nationals will need to bring to passport photos of themselves. If you are staying in the Metropolitan Police Area, you should take these to the Overseas Visitors Records Office, Ground Floor, Brandon House, 180 Borough High Street, SE1 1LH between 9am and 4.00pm, Monday to Friday. If you are not staying in the Metropolitan Area, you should contact your local police force for the address and opening hours of other police registration offices. You will have to pay a fee for registering with the police.

INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS - PREPARING FOR YOUR INTERVIEW

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The five primary questions that will be asked during the visa interview

Getting a student visa is not an automatic guarantee as some prospective students might think, so therefore it helps to have knowledgeable staff to help guide you through the process which is why Aunt Elsie’s Homestay program is an ideal candidate to help you understand some of the questions that you will be asked in the interview that could be used to determine whether or not you are granted a student visa.

Purpose of travel - Is the primary purpose of your travel to pursue a program of study?
Do you have the capability and intention to be a full-time student living in
the United States?
Do you possess adequate funds to cover all your tuition and living
expenses without taking unauthorized employment?
Do you have sufficiently strong social, economic, and other “ties” to your home country to compel your departure from the United States upon completion of your planned program of study?.
Are you telling the truth and answering all the questions truthfully?

In order for you to get the student visa, the Visa Officer needs to be able to say “Yes” to all these five questions to provide you a student visa. It is your job is to convince the officer to say “Yes”, to grant you that student visa.

What you should do to prepare for the Visa Interview

Acquire knowledge of the student visa process. You can get free, accurate information from the U.S. Embassy website in your country. It will give you the specifics of what they will require and expect you to know. For example, you must know when to apply. Visas should be applied for no more than 90 days prior to the expected date of arrival at the University as listed on the I-20 form.

Be prepared. Bring the following to the visa interview: the I-20 form, all school documents, test scores, acceptance letter from the University that you plan to attend, evidence of funding, bank statements, proof of real estate holdings if you have any, your mother and father’s position at home, business card if you work, letters of recommendation for your educational plan, letters from future employers in your home country, and any documents that you feel would help you prove your ties to your home country and intent to return home. Be completely familiar with all information on the
I-20 form, especially the finance information.

Answer the questions the officer asks. Avoid the temptation to memorize and read from a prepared speech. Stick to the facts and know your personal plan or story so that when you speak to the officer it does not come off as being totally rehearsed. Develop your own personal career plan, your story of why you are going to the USA, what you plan to study and why you selected this particular university or college, and what you plan to do in your home country after graduation. Your sincerity and the reasonableness of your plan will be most persuasive to the officer, allowing him or her to see that you are genuinely looking to study and return home to your country after obtaining your degree. The officer is looking for evidence that you have given serious thought to your plans. Do you have ambition with clearly defined goals, and is it believable in the context of your country?

Tell the truth. If the visa officer thinks you are lying, you won’t get a visa. If you don’t know an answer, tell the officer you don’t know. Tell him or her if you don’t understand the question and ask him/her to rephrase it. Language barrier is an issue and they are trained to understand this so don’t be intimidated and afraid to ask. This is not a test; it is an interview. They know that English is your second language and you may be nervous; stumbling over one question is not going to be that disastrous, but one dishonest or faked answer could result in not getting your visa.

Practicing for the Visa Interview. The questions asked by the visa officer will seek to answer the five key questions above. Some may be designed to directly answer those issues, while others are indirect ways of getting an answer.

Look at the five questions and think carefully about how you address them, then write a few paragraphs which answers each of these five questions: sincerely, truthfully, completely, concisely and persuasively. Read the letter out loud to a friend or relative and make corrections where necessary. Read it again until you are satisfied that it makes sense and is sincere. This is your story and if it does not convince them, then it certainly won’t convince the visa officer.

You may or may not have the opportunity to tell some of your story at the interview, depending on the questions being asked. The most important part of the interview is that you respond to the questions asked, and not that you tell your entire life story. Having developed your story, however, you will naturally be able to tell if a question relating to it comes up, which is likely.

Below are some sample questions that are often asked of applicants,

How did you learn about the University?
How many other universities did you apply to?
Why did you choose this particular college or University?
Which school did you graduate from?
Tell me why you want to go to America?
Where do you work now?
How much do you earn now?
What is your academic background and why do your want to pursue this degree?
What is this program?
How is it structured academically and financially?
What is meant by "Internship" on the I-20?
Do you want to work in the U.S.?
What are your resources to pay your university charges?
Why didn't you apply for a graduate program directly after your bachelor’s degree?
Why don't you study for this degree in your home country?
What arrangements have you made for your wife (and children) during your absence?
What will you do after you go back to your home country?
Have you taken GRE, GMAT or ESL? If not, why not?

Have a friend or relative ask you these questions and provide responses.

IMPORTANT: Many international students do not receive their visa after their first interview. So don’t be discouraged if you don’t immediately get the result you desire. You can always try again for another entry date. Best of luck.

Documents to take to your visa interview

International Students

Ten Points to Remember The following ten points are from Gerald A. Wunsch and Martha Wailes and are reprinted from the website of NAFSA: Association of International Educators
http://nafsa.org/resourcelibrary/default.aspx?id=9546

Carefully read all of these points before applying for your student visa.

1. TIES TO YOUR HOME COUNTRY: Under U.S. law, all applicants for nonimmigrant visas, such as student visas, are viewed as intending immigrants until they can convince the consular officer that they are not. You must therefore be able to show that you have reasons for returning to your home country that are stronger than those for remaining in the United States. “Ties” to your home countries are the things that bind you to your hometown, homeland, or current place of residence: job, family, financial prospects that you own or will inherit, investments, etc. If you are a prospective undergraduate, the interviewing officer may ask about your specific intentions or promise of future employment, family or other relationships, educational objectives, grades, long-range plans and career prospects in your home country. Each person’s situation is different and there is no magic explanation or single document, certificate, or letter that will guarantee visa issuance.

2. DOCUMENTATION: Evidence of sufficient funds to cover expenses as well as evidence of scholastic preparation may be requested. Make sure to include your letter of acceptance from Denison University along with your I-20. If you have immediate family members (parents, siblings) in the U.S., be prepared to explain why they are here and what they are doing in the U.S. It should be immediately clear to the consular officer what written documents you are presenting and what they signify. Lengthy written explanations cannot be read quickly or evaluated. Remember that the interview time is typically less than ten minutes. For additional information, please see the web sites listed on next page.

3. LANGUAGE: Anticipate that the interview will be conducted in English and not in your native language. One suggestion is to practice English conversation with a native speaker before the interview, but do not prepare speeches. Americans generally use direct eye contact when communicating so it is advisable to do the same.

4. SPEAK FOR YOURSELF: Do not bring parents or family members with you to the interview. The consular officer wants to interview you, not your family. A negative impression is created if you are not prepared to speak on your own behalf. If you are a minor (under age 18) and need your parents there in case there are questions, for example about funding, they should wait in the waiting room.

5. KNOW THE PROGRAM AND HOW IT FITS YOUR CAREER PLANS: If you are not able to articulate the reasons you will study in a particular program in the United Sates, you may not succeed in convincing the consular officer that you are indeed planning to study, rather than to immigrate. You should also be able to explain how studying in the U. S. relates to your future professional career when you return home. Lastly, be prepared to answer the following question: What will you do if your visa application is denied?

6. BE BRIEF: Because of the volume of applications received, all consular officers are under considerable time pressure to conduct a quick and efficient interview. They must make a decision, for the most part, on the impressions they form during the first minute of the interview. Consequently, what you say first and the initial impression you create are critical to your success. Keep your answers to the officer’s questions short and to the point and remember to speak clearly.

7. NOT ALL COUNTRIES ARE EQUAL: Applicants from countries with a history of terrorist activities may encounter additional scrutiny. Countries suffering economic problems or applicants from countries where students have remained in the U.S. as immigrants may have more difficulty obtaining visas – statistically, applicants from those countries are more likely to be intending to immigrate. If you are from such a country, you may be asked about job opportunities at home after your study in the U.S.

8. EMPLOYMENT: Your main purpose in coming to the United States should be to study, not for the chance to work after graduation. While a number of students do work over the course of their studies, such employment requires authorization and is incidental to the main purpose of completing their U.S. education. You must be able to clearly articulate your plan to return home at the end of your program.

9. APPLY IN YOUR HOME COUNTRY: Applicants for student visas should generally apply at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate with jurisdiction over their place of permanent residence. Although visa applicants may apply at any U.S. consular office abroad, it may be more difficult to qualify for the visa outside the country of permanent residence.

10. MAINTAIN A POSITIVE ATTITUDE: Do not engage the consular officer in an argument. If you are denied a student visa, request the reason you were denied in writing and ask the officer for a list of documents to bring in order to overcome the denial.

Things to keep in mind while applying for student visa

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As the student visa season approaches, applicants are likely to stress about getting a visa. The good news is that there is no need to panic because a 'genuine' student will have no problem in getting a visa.

Another area of concern is the availability of appointments. While the US Consulate has confirmed that they will have ample slots open for students, students applying to countries such as Australia and Canada may not even need an appointment.

Instead, they will have to first submit all their papers through the visa facilitation centres. For the UK visa, you may not need an interview but you would still need an appointment to visit the visa centre to provide biometrics.

A common misconception is that getting student visas for particular universities or majors is impossible. This is not true as consulates are not concerned with the colleges you have chosen but are instead interested to know why you have chosen a particular college or programme.

Students sometimes tell consular officers what they think they want to hear rather than the truth. Confidants or internet friends may advice you to memorise answers and write 'standard' responses in your application.

This is not a good idea and can lead to refusal of your visa. You must be honest, clear and concise in your reasons to have chosen a particular school as well as have your funding plan clearly explained.

The interview

Students applying for a US visa need to go for an interview. Also, some students may be selected for an interview while applying for a visa to the UK, Canada or Australia.

The most important thing that you can carry with you for an interview is your self-confidence. Applicants who are well-prepared and are confident in their answers are almost always successful in getting a student visa.

Know what your reasons to study abroad are and why you have chosen a particular university and what your career goals are.

An answer such as, "I chose The University of Texas at Austin because it is a well-ranked school" is not convincing and can create doubts in the officer's mind that you don't know why you have chosen this university.

However, an answer such as, "The University of Texas at Austin has a strong business programme with electives in international finance, international marketing and entrepreneurship. The university has a trading room and I will get practical experience while I am studying" shows that you have done your homework.

Similarly, saying, "My career goals are to set up my own company" is not enough.

"My career goals are to return to my country and set up my own business dealing in plastics. My business will cater to the needs of Southeast Asian countries and will be global in nature" sounds like a more well-thought business plan.

Top 5 visa interview questions:

1) Why have you chosen this university?

2) What do you plan to do after you graduate?

3) Who is paying for your education and what is his/ her income?

4) How do I know you will come back after your education?

5) Why don't you do this course in India?

General documents:

1) Admission letter or I-20

2) Original passport, photographs and fees

3) SEVIS fee receipt (US only)

4) Visa application forms duly filled out

5) Proof of funding including income tax papers

6) Past marksheets and degrees

7) Standardised test score sheets (if applicable)

8) Any other document showing your financial stability

Study Visa Canada

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Student/Study Visa Canada

Canada continues to be recognized as a provider of world-class education to its more than 130,000 foreign students who come to study in Canada each year with additional students who come to learn English or French within Canada's bilingual borders. The Student visa allows foreigners to engage in further studies in Canada either in an academic or vocational sector, thus bringing their rich culture, expansive knowledge and varied skills to Canada's already diverse classrooms and schools.
Foreign applicants must show their intention to study, provide proof of acceptance and enrolment at an accredited institution, proof of sufficient funds and sufficient ties to return to their home country once they have completed their studies. Once granted, a student visa will allow applicants to experience Canada's high-quality education system, state of the art research facilities, and broad post-graduate employment opportunities.

Student/Study Visa Basic Requirements

The Canadian Student visa allows foreign students to take advantage of Canada's world-class education system. The specific requirements for the Student visa will vary depending on the selected level of study, the applicant's educational background, and their country of citizenship.
Applicants will generally require:

Proof of acceptance and enrolment to an accredited academic institution in Canada;
Possess a valid passport/travel document, and provide proof of financial support;
Ties to their home country and evidence of their intention to leave Canada at the end of their studies.

In addition, applicants must ensure that they are criminally and medically admissible to enter Canada and be willing to undergo a medical examination, as required.

Student/Study Visa Entitlements

Many educational institutions offer awards, scholarships, and bursaries to international students on a competitive basis. An applicant who is granted a student visa is eligible to work on-campus throughout the school year, allowing them to earn money towards tuition, explore Canada's diverse landscape, and gain valuable Canadian work experience. In addition, they may be entitled to apply for Off-Campus Work visa after 6 months. In most cases, foreign students are entitled to apply for a Post-Graduation Work visa, enabling them to remain in Canada for up to three years in some cases. It may also be possible have their permanent residence application processed in tandem, allowing them to work and live in Canada permanently.

A guide to study visa of Canada

Obtaining a study permit of Canada is a quick and easy method to get Canadian Immigration. If you are thinking to apply for a study permit for Canada, you have to read following steps for submission of appication for study permit in Canada.

First of all you have to obtain study permit forms in your country of origin at the Canadian Embassy, High Commission or Canadian Education Centre. The application for a student visa is also available online at cic website

http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/information/applications/student.asp

Necessary documentation for student visas canada:

It is critical that students submit all necessary documentation along with their applications of study permit to Canada. Missing documentation will cause delay the approval process of canadian student visa.

The documents listed below are generally needed bearing your application, local requirements may also apply for study permit in Canada.

1. Proof of identity:

This includes photocopies of a valid passport two recent passport-size photos (2" x 2.5") for each family member, with the date of birth and full name written on the backside of each photo.

2. Proof of financial support:

You have to prove that you have enough funds to fulfill your tuition and living costs in Canada. The living costs in Canada are approx $10,000 CDN (extra funds are required if there are other family members going with you).
You can prove your financial position by showing your own bank statements for the past four to six months, a Canadian bank account or a bank draft in convertible currency, or proof of payment of tuition and residence fees. (Tip: $10,000 CDN in addition to tuition fees per academic year are normally viewed as enough)

3. Medical examination:

Medical exams are necessary if your stay in Canada as a student is longer than six months and you come from a country with far above the ground health risks. The processing of medical will add quite a few weeks to the time essential to obtain a study permit. In rare cases, you may require a medical examination although your course is less than six months in duration.

4. Acceptance letter by an approved educational institution:

You have to add a proof of an acceptance letter from a recognized institute of Canada. The following information ought to be included in letter of acceptance:
· Name of the student.
· Date of Birth of the student.
· Mailing address of student.
· The course in which the student has been enrolled.
· The estimated duration of the course.
· Date on which the course begins.
· Last date on which the student must register for the course.
· The academic year which the student will be entering.
· Whether the course is full or part-time.
· Tuition fee.
· Any conditions of acceptance.
· Clear classification of the educational institution.
· Licensing information (In case private institutions)

This letter has to be signed by an official representative of the institution.

5. A proof of custodianship in Canada:

If you are a minor (less than 18 years of age), you must provide a notarized statement signed by your parents or legal guardian in the country of your origin in addition to a notarized statement signed by the guardian in Canada stating that sufficient preparations have been made for the guardian in Canada to act on behalf of a parent in times of urgent situation, for instance when medical attention is required.

Once you have finished the application forms and have collected the necessary documentation for student visa canada, go on to the visa office nearby you and submit the required information along with a fee of student visa canada.

After evaluation of your study visa application, a visa officer must be convince that you meet the requirements of the Canadian Immigration Act and Regulations and that your intension to get a student visa canada is just for study and live in Canada temporarily.

Once the visa officer is contented that you are a genuine student and all legal requirements are met, you will be issued a document which is required to be shown to an immigration officer at the port of entry in Canada in order to get a study permit there.

As your study permit will usually be valid for the period of your course, please make sure that your passport is also valid for that same period of time.

Student/Study Visa Processing Time and Costs

Our Fees
Personalised Study Guide**	US$99
Premium Migration Service***	US$1499

Government Fees and Processing Times
Application Fee	C$125 - C$226
Partner Application Fee	C$125 - C$226
Dependents Application Fee	C$125 - C$226
Processing Time	1 to 105 Days

Australian Study Visa

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Student visa requirements

To be granted a student visa you must satisfy the visa requirements and comply with a number of visa conditions for attendance and academic performance which come into effect after you have entered Australia. Your student visa will list the conditions that apply specifically to you. It is important to comply with your visa conditions to avoid visa cancellation.
Student visa information on this website is an outline only and subject to change. For more detailed, accurate and up-to-date information on student visas and visa requirements please check the Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC) website.
The student visa has seven separate sub-classes for each education sector. You should apply under the visa sub-class for your principal course of study. Please note from 1 July 2004 there will be changes to some of these subclasses.

Student visa sub-classes
Subclass 570	Independent ELICOS
for international students undertaking ELICOS (English Language Intensive Courses for Overseas Students) as a stand-alone course, and not as a prerequisite to commencing another course (for example, a degree course).
Subclass 571	Schools
for international students undertaking a course of study at a primary school or a secondary school, including both junior and senior secondary school, and an approved secondary exchange program.
Subclass 572	Vocational education and Training (VET) sector
covers Certificate I, II, III and IV, Diploma and Advanced Diploma.
Subclass 573	Higher education
covers a Bachelor degree, Associate Degree, Graduate Certificate, Graduate Diploma and masters by coure work.
Subclass 574	Postgraduate Research
covers a Masters degree by research and Doctoral degrees.
Subclass 575	Non-award.
covers foundation, bridging or other courses that do not lead to the award of a degree, diploma or other formal award.
Subclass 576	AusAID or Defence sponsored
covers full-time study undertaken by AusAID or Defence students sponsored by the Australian Government.

General requirements
(Check 'Applying for a Student Visa' - pdf 110kb)
you are of good character
you are of sound health
you have acceptable health insurance through the Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for yourself and members of your family unit accompanying you to Australia
you have no outstanding debts to the Commonwealth of Australia, or have made arrangements acceptable to the Minister to repay such a debt
where you are under 18 years of age, acceptable arrangements for your accommodation, support and general welfare are in place

Offer of a place in a course and confirmation of enrolment
(Check 'Applying for a Student Visa' - pdf 110kb)
If you are applying outside Australia and your visa application will be assessed at Assessment Level 3, 4 or 5, you should provide:
an ‘offer of a place in a course’ letter from your Australian education provider at the time you lodge your application; and an electronic confirmation of enrolment certificate issued by your education provider after you lodge your application if you are requested by the Australian overseas mission to do so.
This process allows a preliminary or Pre-Visa Assessment to be made on your application to see if you are genuinely seeking to enter Australia for the purpose of study. If you are applying outside Australia in Assessment Level 1 or 2, or in Australia in any Assessment Level, an electronic confirmation of enrolment certificate (CoE) is required before you lodge your application and a copy is to be provided with your application. Note: A letter of offer is acceptable where a client lodges an application within Australia, but they must have a CoE for grant of a student visa application.

Student visa conditions
you must satisfy attendance and course requirements and maintain a valid enrolment for your course
you must not work unless you have been granted permission to do so
you must maintain your Overseas Student Health (OSHC) cover while in Australia
you must leave Australia before your visa expires
you must remain with the education provider you originally enrolled with for the first six months of your course or, if the course is less than six months, for the duration of your course
you must advise your education provider of your residential address within seven days of your arrival in Australia and must advise any changes of address within seven days
if you change education provider you must inform your current education provider within seven days of issue of an eCoE
if you are an unaccompanied student applicant under 18 years of age you must obtain written approval of your education provider before you change your address, support and welfare arrangements in Australia. More detail about visa conditions can be found on the DIAC website.

Visa application forms
Application for a student (temporary) visa	Form 157A (pdf 536kb)
Application for an electronic student (temporary) visa	Form 157E
eligibility restricted to US Study Abroad, Norwegian and Swedish students over 18 years of age
Application for a student visa with permission to work	Form 157P (pdf 198kb)
only to be lodged after you have arrived in Australia and commenced study in a registered course in Australia
Short Term Visitor/Tourist Visas - Electronic Travel Authority (ETA)	ETA

Visa information forms
Applying for a student visa	'Applying for a student visa' (pdf 110kb)
Country Assessment Levels - Student Visa Processing (you should read this document together with 'Applying for a student visa')
Charges (fees)	Form 990i
Student Dependant Nomination	Form 919 (pdf 165kb)
Guradian Visa forms	Form 157G (pdf 354kb) Form 157N (pdf 174kb)
Health requirements for temporary entrants	Form 1163i (pdf 62kb)
Making and processing visa applications	Form 1025i (pdf 73kb)
Bridging visas	Form 1024i (pdf 65kb)
Short Term Visitor/Tourist Visas - Electronic Travel Authority (ETA)	ETA

Assessment levels for student visas

Each student visa application is assessed according to an assessment level. The assessment level is determined by the passport held and visa subclass applied for.
The assessment levels relate generally to how likely students are to comply with their visa conditions, based on previous students’ behaviour. Assessment level 1 represents the lowest assessment level and assessment level 5 the highest.
The higher the assessment level, the more evidence you will need to provide to demonstrate your financial capacity, understanding of the English language and other relevant matters.
You can find out your assessment level by looking up your nationality and visa subclass applied for in 'Overseas Student Program - Assessment Levels' or by visiting the DIAC website.

Overseas Student Program - Assessment Levels (pdf 127kb)

Important: if you have an assessment level 2, 3, 4 or 5, then you must make your first student visa application while you are outside Australia.

Evidentiary requirements
your capacity to cover the cost of air fares, course fees and living costs for the duration of your stay in Australia
your capacity to cover the costs of air fares, living costs and school tuition costs for your family unit members for the duration of your stay in Australia.
your level of English Language Proficiency in relation to that required for your assessment level and education sector of study
the situation in your home country e.g. personal or financial commitments that may prompt you to return to your home country
your academic record and history in the context of the course you intend to study
your immigration history e.g. previous compliance with immigration laws and whether you have previously applied for entry to Australia
whether your proposed course of study is what you might reasonably have chosen given your circumstances
whether your proposed course is consistent with, and appropriate to, your current level of education More information on evidentiary requirements can be found on the DIAC website.

Preliminary Assessment

A preliminary assessment will determine your eligibility for a student visa and is necessary if your country is at Assessment Level 3, 4 or 5. You will need to provide an ‘Offer of a place in a course’ letter from your education provider to the visa processing office. This letter should indicate your proposed entry level, name of course, CRICOS course and provider codes, proposed start and end dates and the full tuition fees for the course. When your application is received, the visa processing office will undertake a preliminary assessment of your ability to meet the student visa requirements applicable to you. If the assessment is favourable, the office will issue you a letter to give to your education provider authorising them to issue you with an eCoE certificate. You will be also advised to pay the tuition fees and OSHC premium, and undergo medical tests. The student visa will be granted when the Electronic Confirmation of Enrolment (eCoE) and all other requirements are satisfied.

Electronic Confirmation of Enrolment

An Electronic Confirmation of Enrolment (eCoE) is issued by your Australian education provider and is the only accepted evidence of enrolment for processing student visa applications. Depending on your country of nationality and your principal course of study you may have to undergo a preliminary assessment (see above) before an institution issues an eCoE. The institution will advise you of its requirements but generally it will require payment of at least one semester of course fees before issuing an eCoE. A copy of your eCoE must be submitted to your local DIAC office before a student visa can be issued.
Information collected through the eCoE process includes the student visa application, visa grant and visa compliance data from a student's arrival in Australia and course commencement through to their departure from Australia.

Australian Higher Education Student Visa

International students who have been accepted to study in a registered bachelor degree, associate degree, graduate certificate, graduate diploma or masters by coursework are required to hold an Australian Higher Education Student visa.
The Australian higher education system offers a wide range of highly regarded and internationally recognised graduate and post-graduate courses. With 38 public (government funded) universities and 2 private universities, Australia is a popular destination for international students seeking a quality education.

Australian Higher Education Student Visa Basic Requirements

To be eligible to apply for a Higher Education Student visa, applicants are required to:

be enrolled in a registered higher education course;
have adequate English language ability;
have financial means to support themselves; and
obtain overseas student health insurance cover for the duration of their stay in Australia.

Australian Higher Education Student Visa Entitlements

An Australian Higher Education Student visa is a temporary visa valid for the duration of the higher education course. Successful applicants and holders of an Australian Higher Education Student visa are permitted to work up to 20 hours per week during term and unlimitedly during term breaks.

Australian English Language Study Visa

International students who have been accepted to study in a registered English language course in Australia are required to hold an Australian English Language Study (ELICOS) visa.

Australian English Language Study Visa Basic Requirements

To be eligible to apply for an English Language Study (ELICOS) visa, applicants are required to:

be enrolled in a registered English language course as their main course of study;
have adequate English language ability;
have financial means to support themselves; and
obtain overseas student health insurance cover for the duration of their stay in Australia.

Australian English Language Study Visa Entitlements

An Australian English Language Study (ELICOS) visa is a temporary visa valid for the duration of the English language course. Successful applicants and holders of an Australian English Language Study (ELICOS) visa are permitted to work a maximum of 20 hours per week during term and unlimitedly during term breaks.

Australian School Student Visa

International primary and secondary school aged students who have been accepted to study in a primary school course, a secondary school course or an approved secondary school exchange program are required to hold an Australian School Student visa.
The Australian school system comprises both public (government funded) and private schools. Schooling in Australia begins with a preparatory year followed by six years of primary school and six years of secondary school.

Australian School Student Visa Basic Requirements

To be eligible to apply for an Australian School Student visa, applicants are required to:

be enrolled in a registered Primary or Secondary school course or exchange program;
have adequate English language ability;
have financial means to support themselves; and
have overseas student health insurance cover for the duration of their stay in Australia.

Applicants under the age of 18, must also demonstrate that they have:

parental permission to study in Australia; and
suitable arrangements for their accommodation, support and general welfare.

Australian School Student Visa Entitlements

An Australian School Student visa is a temporary visa valid for the duration of the school course. Successful applicants and holders of an Australian School Student visa who meet the minimum age for employment (which differs in each State and Territory) may also be permitted to work in Australia.

Australian Vocational Training Student Visa

International students who have been accepted to study in a registered Certificate I-IV (except ELICOS) course, diploma, advanced diploma, vocational graduate certificate or a vocational graduate diploma are required to hold an Australian Vocational Training Student visa.
Australia's Vocational Education and Training (VET) system provides training to students that is both practical and career-oriented. Students studying in Australia can develop their own career path through a mix of study and practical work.

Australian Vocational Training Student Visa Basic Requirements

To be eligible to apply for a Vocational Training Student visa, applicants are required to:

be enrolled in a registered Vocational Education and Training (VET) course;
have adequate English language ability;
have financial means to support themselves; and
obtain overseas student health insurance cover for the duration of their stay in Australia.

Australian Vocational Training Student Visa Entitlements

An Australian Vocational Training Student visa is a temporary visa valid for the duration of the Vocational Education and Training (VET) course. Successful applicants and holders of an Australian Vocational Training Student visa are permitted to work up to 20 hours per week during term and unlimitedly during term breaks.

Australian Postgraduate Research Student Visa

International students who have been accepted to study in a registered master degree by research or a doctoral degree are required to hold an Australian Postgraduate Research Student visa.

Australian Postgraduate Research Student Visa Basic Requirements

To be eligible to apply for an Australian Postgraduate Research Student visa, applicants are required to:

be enrolled in a registered postgraduate research course;
have adequate English language ability;
have financial means to support themselves; and
obtain overseas student health insurance cover for the duration of their stay in Australia.

Australian Postgraduate Research Student Visa Entitlements

An Australian Postgraduate Research Student visa is a temporary visa valid for the duration of the postgraduate research course. Successful applicants and holders of an Australian Postgraduate Research Student visa are permitted to work up to 20 hours per week during term and unlimitedly during term breaks.

Australian Postgraduate Research Student Visa

International students who have been accepted to study in a registered master degree by research or a doctoral degree are required to hold an Australian Postgraduate Research Student visa.

Australian Postgraduate Research Student Visa Basic Requirements

To be eligible to apply for an Australian Postgraduate Research Student visa, applicants are required to:

be enrolled in a registered postgraduate research course;
have adequate English language ability;
have financial means to support themselves; and
obtain overseas student health insurance cover for the duration of their stay in Australia.

Australian Postgraduate Research Student Visa Entitlements

Studying in the UK

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Studying in the UK

This section describes the immigration categories for people from outside Europe who want to study in the UK. It describes the requirements for each category, and explains how you can apply for a visa or permission to remain in the UK as a student.
The category you choose will depend on your age, and on the length and level of the course that you want to study.
Our quick guide describes the different categories, and can help you to choose the correct category for you.
If you think you know which category is suitable for you, select it from the list below for more information about the requirements and how to apply.
The British council has produced 2 brochures 'creating confidence - make sure that your time in the UK is safe and enjoyable'(861KB, opens in a new window) and 'Safety first - making sure your visit to the UK is safe and enjoyable' (2MB, opens in a new window) for people interested in studying in the UK.

Tier 4 (General)

For adults who want to come to the UK for their post-16 education.

Tier 4 (Child)

For children aged between 4 and 17 years old on a long course of study.

Student visitor

For adults who want to study a short course in the UK and will not work while they are here.

Child visitor

For children who want to study a short course in the UK and will not work while they are here.

Prospective student

For people who need to finalise their arrangements for their Tier 4 course of study in the UK.

Students under the old Immigration Rules

Information for students who are currently in the UK under the Rules that were in place before 31 March 2009.

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Immigration & visas

If you live outside of the European Economic Area and want to study in the UK, you will need to apply for permission from the UK government. You should apply to the UK authorities in your home country before making any travel arrangements.

You will either need to apply for a Visa, if you meet the UK Border Agency restrictions, or for Entry Clearance via the Points Based System, if you live outside the EEA but don't need a Visa. If you are coming from inside the EU / EEA you don't need any type of entry clearance - you are entitled to enter the UK freely.

Although it is possible to enter the UK without Entry Clearance if your course lasts less than six months, we strongly recommend that you apply for permission to enter the country regardless of how long your course lasts, as you may experience difficulties with the immigration authorities otherwise.

When you enter the UK, airport officials will validate your visa. You are likely to be asked to show supporting documents so keep your offer letter, evidence of qualifications, English language ability and financial documents in your carry-on luggage.

IMPORTANT: Do NOT enter the UK via Dublin as this is not part of the UK and therefore you will not pass through border control to have your visa validated. This means that you are not legally permitted to be in the UK, and will cause problems when you leave the UK and try to re-enter.
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How long can I stay?

If you are allowed to enter the UK for study, you should receive permission to remain in the UK for the length of your course of study, plus extra time depending on the length of your course:

Seven days if your course lasts less than 6 months.
Two months if your course lasts more than 6 months but less than 12 months
Four months if your course lasts 12 months or more

You will be allowed to travel in and out of the UK as you wish, and you will also be permitted to work part-time or as an intern. After you have completed your studies, you can remain in the UK for up to four months. If you are offered a graduate-level job, with an annual salary of £20,000 or more, you may apply for a UK work visa. Many businesses can sponsor work visa applications. Alternatively, if you wish to start your own businesses in the UK after graduating, you can apply for a student entrepreneur’s visa.

Postgraduate students on courses longer than 12 months and government-sponsored students taking courses longer than six months are permitted to bring family members with you to Scotland. Family members are permitted to work and have unrestricted access to the UK labour market.

If you would like to visit Edinburgh Napier to see what the University is like before you accept a place, you can apply for entry as a prospective student if you meet the requirements of the Immigration Rules (paragraphs 82-87).

How to apply to enter the UK

You can make a Visa or Entry Clearance application at your nearest British High Commission / Consulate.

You will pay a £3,000 deposit to secure your place at Edinburgh Napier University. Once you have done this, we will send you a Certificate of Acceptance for Study (CAS) number. You must submit this along with your application and other supporting documents in order to obtain permission to enter the UK. If your visa application is denied, you will receive a full refund of your deposit.

You should allow at least a month for your application to be processed, so ensure that you pay the deposit and get your letter in time.

It is extremely important that you:

read and understand the UKBA Tier 4 policy guidance
check that you meet all the requirements before you apply
provide evidence in the format required by the UKBA (this is explained in the guidance and on the application form)
complete all sections of the form correctly
allow plenty of time to gather documents and make your application.

If you do not meet all of the requirements, or if you can't provide the exact evidence that the UKBA ask for, it is likely that your application will be refused.

Otherwise, we will be very happy to speak to you if you can't find what you're looking for.
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Quick guide to student immigration categories

Studying in the UK

This page describes the different UK immigration categories for students, to help you decide which is the most appropriate for you. It also explains how a Tier 4 applicant should apply to study a 'pre-sessional course'.

Student categories

Category	Who can apply?
Tier 4 (Child) student	You can apply as a child student under Tier 4 of our points-based system if you are between 4 and 17 years old. If you are between 4 and 15 years old, you must be coming to the UK to be educated at an independent fee-paying school.
Child visitor	You can apply as a child visitor if you are under 18 years old and you want to come and study in the UK for up to 6 months. While you are in the UK as a child visitor, you cannot 'switch' and apply to extend your stay as a Tier 4 (Child) student. If you want to study here under Tier 4 (Child), you must leave the UK and apply from the country where you live.
Tier 4 (General) student	You can apply as an adult student under Tier 4 (General) of our points-based system if you are coming to the UK for your post-16 education.
Student visitor	You can apply as a student visitor if you are at least 18 years old, you want to come and study in the UK for up to 6 months, and you do not want to work while you are here. While you are in the UK as a student visitor, you cannot 'switch' and apply to extend your stay as a Tier 4 (General) student. If you want to study here under Tier 4 (General) , you must leave the UK and apply from the country where you live.
Prospective student	You can apply as a prospective student if you want to come to the UK to help you finalise the arrangements for your Tier 4 course of study (by attending an interview at a university which has made you a conditional offer, for example). You will be able to switch and apply for a Tier 4 (General) or Tier 4 (Child) student visa while you are in the UK.

16- and 17-year-old students who want to study here for more than 6 months

If you are 16 or 17 years old, you and your approved education provider (also known as your sponsor) should agree whether you should apply under Tier 4 (General) or Tier 4 (Child) of the points-based system.
If you will be studying a course below National Qualification Framework level 3, you must apply under Tier 4 (Child).
If your course is at National Qualification Framework level 3 (or equivalent) or above and is longer than 2 years, we recommend that you apply under Tier 4 (General).
If you want to study for an English Language qualification at or above level A2 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR), you must apply under Tier 4 (General).
If you are applying to study in the UK under Tier 4 of the points, based system, you can also apply to study an intensive English language course, or any other course, to prepare you for your main course of study here.

Pre-sessional courses

A pre-sessional course is a short course (such as an intensive English language course) to prepare a Tier 4 student for their main course of study. If you want to study a pre-sessional course before your main Tier 4 course, you must apply for permission to study the pre-sessional course.
If you have an unconditional offer of a place on your main course of study, we may grant you a visa or permission to remain which covers both your pre-sessional course and your main course. We will only do this if your pre-sessional course will be:

with the same education provider as your main course; or
with a partner institution named on your education provider's sponsor licence.

Your education provider will need to assign you a single confirmation of acceptance for studies that covers both the pre-sessional course and the main course. The pre-sessional course must end no more than 2 months before the main course starts.
If you only have a conditional offer of a place on your main course of study, or if your pre-sessional course provider is separate from your main course provider, you must first apply to us for permission to take the pre-sessional course. If you successfully complete the pre-sessional course, you can apply from inside the UK to extend your stay under Tier 4 and study your main course.

Tier 1 Visa - UK Points Based System (PBS)

The Tier 1 Visa replaced the previous Highly Skilled Migrant Programme (HSMP), International Graduates Scheme (IGS), innovator visa and entrepreneur visa.

Tier 1 Visa Extension Points Calculator
Points calculator for extending your Tier 1 General or HSMP Visa (UK General Highly Skilled), with a free assessment from a SkillClear Consultant.
Tier 1 Visa Post Study Work (PSW) Points Calculator
Use the Tier 1 PSW Visa points calculator if you have been a student within the UK within the most recent 12 months and have achieved the qualification for which your student visa in the UK was awarded.
Same-Day Visa Processing
If you need your application decided urgently and you are able to apply within the UK then we can offer a same-day service. An appointment is usually available for the next week, although places are limited, and the decision is usually granted on the day of the appointment. A Qualified Immigration Consultant will take your application to the Home Office and return with the decision - we do not use couriers to do this. If you use our document check service or engage us for full representation of your case then a discount is offered on the fee for this additional service. Please either contact us by clicking the link above or call us on the number in the footer of this website.

The Tier 1 Visa has 4 distinct sub-categories:

Tier 1 Visa - UK General Highly Skilled (HSMP)
For highly skilled individuals without a job offer who can score sufficient points based on age, earning power, education and UK experience. This replaces the previous Highly Skilled Migrant Programme (HSMP). This visa was closed to all new applicants on 5 April 2011 and is now only available to those extensing their current HSMP or Tier 1 General Visa.
Tier 1 Visa - Post Study Work (PSW)
This allows those who have been in the UK on Student Visa status the right to work in the UK for an initial period of 2 years if they have achieved a certain level of educational qualification. This replaces the previous International Graduates Scheme (IGS).
Tier 1 Visa - Investors
This sub-category of the Tier 1 Visa allows those investing significant funds in the UK to live and work in the UK.
Tier 1 Visa - Entrepreneurs
This Tier 1 Visa sub-category is for those setting up or taking over a business in the UK and being actively involved in the running of that b

Tier 2 Work Permits and Visas for Skilled Workers

Tier 2 of the Points Based System has replaced the previous employer-sponsored work permit system, including intra-company transfers, sportspersons and ministers of religion categories.
The process for Tier 2 work permit applications differs from the previous work permit system, with distinct stages as described below.

Tier 2 - Employer Registration as a Sponsor

Before the individual can apply for the Tier 2 Work Permit, the employer must first register as a sponsor for Tier 2.

Employers wishing to Register as a Sponsor should contact us now for assistance.

Tier 2 - Certificate of Sponsorship

Once the employer has registered as a sponsor a certificate of sponsorship can be issued. It is vital that this is done correctly and that suitable evidence is retained by the employer. If this is not done correctly then there can be serious consequences in the future, with the potential for financial penalties and work permits being revoked.
This has understandably concerned many employers. We can help you to ensure that you meet the Home Office requirements.

Tier 2 Work Permit Applications

Once the individual has been provided with a certificate of sponsorship by the employer then he or she can make a Tier 2 application. This requires points to be claimed and evidenced in order to be issued with the Tier 2 Work Permit.
Points are awarded for qualifications, the type of job for which the certificate of sponsorship has been issued, the salary offered, age, English language skills and available funds to support yourself in the UK (the employer can support this requirement).

If your application is urgent and you will be applying in the UK then we can offer Same Day Visa Processing at the Croydon PEO. Contact us for further information.

Tier 2 Work Permits would usually be issued for a maximum of 3 years. Towards the end of this period an extension application would usually be made. Time spent in the UK under Tier 2 of the points based system counts towards Indefinite Leave to Remain.

Tier 2 Categories

The general skilled worker category (Tier 2 General) is for people coming to the United Kingdom with a skilled job offer to fill a gap in the workforce that cannot be filled by a settled worker.
The intra-company transfer category is for employees of multi-national companies who are being transferred by an overseas employer to a skilled job in a United Kingdom based branch of the organisation.
The sportsperson category is for elite sports people and coaches who are internationally established at the highest level, and will make a significant contribution to the development of their sport.
The minister of religion category is for people coming to the United Kingdom as a religious worker within a religious organisation for more than two years. If you want to come to the United Kingdom as a religious worker for a shorter time, you should apply under the religious worker category of tier 5.

Where to apply for Tier 2

If the individual is in the UK and holds a work or study-related visa then there is a good chance that he or she can switch to Tier 2 without leaving the UK. If the individual is in the UK as a visitor or dependant then he or she would usually need to apply for Tier 2 from outside the UK.

Tier 4 Student Visa - Study in the UK

Studying in the UK offers International Students the opportunity to gain internationally recognised qualifications from recognised UK Educational institutions and establishments.

If your application is urgent and you will be applying in the UK then we can offer Same Day Visa Processing at the Croydon PEO. Contact us for further information.

Tier 4 Student Visa Overview

If the course is for a period greater than 6 months then you will be able to work part-time during the course of your studies (full-time during vacations), with the potential (if you meet the points requirements) to switch into a Tier 2 work permit or a Tier 1 visa once you have obtained your qualification.
If your course is for a period less than 6 months then you may be able to enter as a student visitor. Time spent in the UK on a Tier 4 Student Visa or as a student visitor will not count towards Indefinite Leave to Remain.
The Student Visa will be granted for the duration of your course, up to a maximum of 4 years if you are studying for a degree level qualification or a maximum of 3 years if you are studying for a qualification below degree level. An extension can be applied for towards the end of the period if this is required to complete your studies.

Qualifying for a Tier 4 Student Visa

You must score 40 points to qualify for a Tier 4 Student Visa. Acceptance on a suitable course will provide 30 points and you must score a further 10 Points by demonstrating that you have enough money to cover your course fees and monthly living costs (also known as Maintenance). The amount required will depend upon the length of the course and the location in which you will study.

Family and Dependants

You are allowed to bring your dependant partner and children with you if your course is for a period greater than 6 months. Your dependant will be able to work full-time.

USA Student Visa

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USA Student Visa is dedicated to assisting international students with all their immigration needs. Whether you want to learn English at a ESL school or obtain a degree from a U.S. university, you will need a F-1 student visa.

We can help you locate a school in the United States that can issue a Form I-20 ( sample). Obtaining the form I-20 is the first step in the student visa application process. We have an extensive database of schools located throughout the United States, including ESL (English as a Second Language) schools, vocational schools, colleges and universities.

Almost anyone regardless of age or educational background can apply for a F-1 Student Visa to live and study in the United States.

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	How to apply for a Student Visa:
	Download the F-1 Student Visa Application Guide.
	Select where in the Unites States of America you would like to live and study.
	Choose the type of school you would like like to attend, such as: University, College, Graduate School, ESL (English as Second Language) or Vocational School.
	Contact the school and start the admission process.
	Upon acceptance by school, the school will issue you an I-20 form (the required document you need to apply for F-1 student visa).
	With the I-20 form and the F-1 Visa Application Guide you can apply for a student visa at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate. If you are already in the Unites States you may be allowed change your immigration status to student.
	You may be legally authorized to work in the United States while on a F-1 student visa.

F1 Visa for Academic Students

An F1 visa is a temporary student visa that allows international students to study full-time at an accredited high school, college, university, or other academic institution. International students wishing to participate in an English language course in the US may also be eligible for an F1 visa.

F1 Visa Requirements

To qualify for an F1 visa, the applicant must be enrolled full-time in an academic or language education program at an approved school or academic institution in the US. Full-time study is defined as a minimum of 18 hours of study per week. Applicants are required to demonstrate they have sufficient funds to support themselves for the duration of their course and that they intend to return to their home country upon completion of their studies.
F1 visa applicants may also be required to meet certain health and character requirements.

F1 Visa Entitlements

An F1 visa entitles the holder to study in the US at an accredited educational institution. An F1 visa is usually granted for the duration of the course and F1 visa holders are entitled to remain in the US as long as they continue to meet their visa requirements. An F1 visa also entitles the holder to engage in limited authorized employment while in the US subject to certain restrictions.
Spouses and unmarried children under 21 years of age may apply for the applicable derivative visa (F2 visa) to join their spouse or parent in the US. An accompanying spouse cannot accept employment or engage in study without obtaining an appropriate work or student visa, but accompanying children are entitled to attend primary and secondary school in the US.

M1 Visa for Vocational Students

An M1 visa is a temporary student visa that allows international students to attend an accredited vocational or non-academic school, such as a trade school or practical training school.
International students wishing to enroll in academic study or English language studies may be able to apply for an F1 Visa.

M1 Visa Requirements

To qualify for an M1 visa, the applicant must be enrolled full-time in a vocational or non-academic education program at an approved institution in the US. Full-time study is defined as a minimum of 18 hours of study per week. Applicants are required to demonstrate that they have sufficient funds to support themselves for the duration of their course and that they intend to return to their home country upon completion of their studies.
M1 visa applicants may also be required to meet certain health and character requirements.

M1 Visa Entitlements

An M1 visa entitles the holder to undertake vocational study in the US at an accredited educational institution. An M1 visa is usually granted for the duration of the course to a maximum of one year and extensions may be granted. An M1 visa also entitles the holder to engage in practical training or related temporary employment upon completion of their course.
Spouses and unmarried children under 21 years of age may apply for the applicable derivative visa (M2 visa) to join their spouse or parent in the US. An accompanying spouse cannot accept employment or engage in study without obtaining an appropriate work or student visa, but accompanying children are entitled to attend primary and secondary school in the US.

1 Visa for University and College Students

A J1 visa is a temporary student visa that allows foreign post-secondary students to study in the US through an approved, government-sponsored exchange program. Students on a J1 visa may undertake study of a degree until completion, non-degree programs or an internship that will provide credit for a degree course in their home country.

J1 Visa Requirements for University Students

To qualify for a J1 visa as a University student, the applicant must be accepted and sponsored by an organization, usually a University or College, to study a course or undertake an internship at an accredited, post-secondary academic institution in the US. To be sponsored, applicants may need to meet additional requirements, as determined by their program sponsor. Applicants are required to demonstrate that they have sufficient funds to support themselves for the duration of their course and that they intend to return to their home country upon completion of their studies.
J1 visa applicants may also be required to meet certain health and character requirements.

J1 Visa Entitlements for University Students

A J1 visa entitles the holder to participate in a University student exchange program in the US. A J1 visa for University students is usually granted for the duration of the degree program or a maximum of 2 years for non-degree programs. A J1 visa also entitles the holder to engage in part-time employment under certain conditions, including good academic standing at their school, as determined by their sponsor.
Spouses and unmarried children under 21 years of age may apply for the applicable derivative visa (J2 visa) to join their spouse or parent in the US. Accompanying spouses and children are entitled to study in the US and may undertake employment with an approved employment authorization.

J1 Visa for Secondary Students

A J1 visa is a temporary student visa that allows foreign secondary school students to study in the US while living with an American host family or boarding school through an accredited sponsoring organization.

J1 Visa Requirements for Secondary Students

To qualify for a J1 visa as a secondary school student, the applicant must be accepted to participate in a certified secondary school exchange program in the US. Applicants are required to demonstrate that they have sufficient funds to support themselves for the duration of their exchange and that they intend to return to their home country upon completion of their studies.
To participate in a secondary school exchange program, the applicant must be aged between 15 and 18 1/2 and have not completed more than 11 years of primary and secondary education (excluding kindergarten). Applicants may also be required to meet the sponsoring organization's specific program requirements. Applicants who have previously participated in an exchange program to the US or studied in the US are not eligible to re-apply.
J1 visa applicants may also be required to meet certain health and character requirements.

J1 Visa Entitlements for Secondary Students

A J1 visa entitles the holder to participate in a Secondary school student exchange program in the US while living with an American host family or boarding school. A J1 visa for Secondary school students is usually granted for a maximum of 1 year and extensions cannot be granted. A J1 visa for secondary students does not entitle the holder to engage in any employment, with the exception of occasional work such as baby-sitting.

Russian Student Visa

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Student Visa
Note: Short-Term Student visa is issued by RST only for students enrolled to a course at EducaCentre language school------ www.educacentre.net
If you are planning to study in Russia longer than one month, you will need a student visa. There are two types of student visa: for a period of up to 90 days (3 months) and for a period of up to one year. Therefore, you should first decide how long you may stay in Russia overall, and then choose the type of visa accordingly.

Short-term Student Visa (three months)
entry-exit visa, effective May 1, 2001 You are eligible for this type of visa if your stay in Russia will not exceed three months. Since this is a short term visa, the application process is easier and fewer additional papers are required to support your application (below you will find a list of all documents that are required for a three month student visa).
According to the Russian immigration law the type of this visa is "Entry-Exit", therefore, there is no need to make a special "Exit visa" when you leave the country. However, it is usually impossible to extend this visa without leaving the country once you are in Russia. Thus, if you intend to stay in Russia for a longer period, you should apply for a long-term student visa that can be extended for a period of up to one year.
To obtain a three month student visa, the following documents are required:

A completed Russian visa application form (one per person) - either for US citizens or for the rest of the world countries
National passport (original) valid for at least 6 months after the intended date of departure from Russia.
Three identical professional passport sized (3x4 cm) photos on a white background. Pictures can be black-and-white or color, preferably on matt paper. Please write your name in capital letters on the back of the photos. One photo should be stapled to the specially marked place of the application form.
A letter of invitation from the Russian Foreign Ministry, or its Regional Representative Offices.
Visa application charge.

The Consulate reserves the right to request the original or copy of a cover letter from the Russian host organization with information about the yourself, destinations, terms and purpose of visit.

Long-term Student Visa (one year)
entry visa, effective May 1, 2001
Note: Long-term student visa invitation can be obtained from third-parties educational institutions only, RST doesn't issue such invitations
You are eligible for this type of visa if you are planning to undertake a long-term course of studies (from three months to one year) in Russia. This is an "Entry" visa that gives you permission to enter Russian Federation within a one month period that is stated on your visa. Once you enter Russia and register your visa, it can be extended for the overall duration of your stay. Please, note that you will not be able to enter the country after the date that is stated on your visa.
When you are leaving the country, you will need an "Exit" visa (we provide). There is no need to stay for the whole year with this type visa, simply let is know when you wish to leave the country and we will prepare the "Exit" visa.
To obtain a long-term student visa, the following documents are required:

A completed visa application form (one per person).
National passport (original) valid for at least 6 months after the intended date of departure from Russia.
Three identical professional passport sized (3x4 cm) photos on a white background. Pictures can be black-and-white or color, preferably on matt paper. Please write your name in capital letters on the back of the photos. One photo should be stapled to the specially marked place of the application form.
A letter of invitation from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs or its Regional Office.
Copy of your current diploma or educational certificate, certified by the State or Federal authorities.
General health certificate and a copy of HIV test certificate, if you are going to stay more than 3 months in Russia.
A confirmation of the payment arrangement directly from the University, Institute or College you are going to study at.
Visa application charge.

Type	Cost	Price includes
For up to 3 months	€ 15	- Invitation

In both cases your invitation for a student visa will need to be arranged through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) or its regional office.
Above there is a standard list of requirements for this type of Russian visa. Some additional rules may apply in your country of residence. Please, contact your nearest Russian Consulate for complete information.
Special note: According to the Russian laws, all foreigners going to Russia need to have valid visas and registration of their stay. RST provides visas and registration service for travellers going to St. Petersburg and Moscow.

Russian Visa Requirements

Tourist Visa

Russian Tourist visas are issued for a period of up to 30 days. They can be single entry or double entry. To order a visa, you must submit in person or send in the following documents to a Russian Consulate in your country (any Russian Consulate can be used in the US regardless of where you live in the US). You may also apply for a visa through a third party acting on your behalf:
A cover letter with the following information:

Applicant's name as it appears on their passport;
Dates of arrival and departure in and from Russia;
A list of up to 5 cities that will be visited in Russia;
Index and reference number of the receiving organization.

A tourist visa invitation and voucher, from an inviting organization registered with the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and a voucher from your or travel agency in Russia. The confirmation must contain the agency's reference number and registration number.

Your original passport with at least 2 clean, side by side pages to attach the visa to. The passport must be valid for up to 3 months AFTER you planned departure from Russia.
2 signed and dated Visa Application Forms (click to download form for US Citizens, click here to download form for non-US. The forms require Adobe Acrobat Reader Version 4.0 or higher, you can download this free if you do not have it installed on your computer.
Two identical passport size (on white background) photos. Please, write your name on the back of the photos.
Your payment by money order or cashier's check made out to the Russian Consulate in accordance with your local Consulate's fees (see Consulates Website or call them). Do not send cash or personal checks.
Pre-paid self-addressed return envelope from a reliable delivery company (FED EX, DHL, UPS).

Business Visa

Single-entry and double-entry Business Visas are issued for no longer than 90 days. Multiple entry business visas are issued for a period of either 6 or 12 months and must be approved by either the Interior Ministry of the Russian Federation or the Ministry of Foreign Affairs:

A letter of invitation from the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs or its Regional Representative Offices, or from the Ministry of the Interior or its local offices including a travel itinerary, the dates of stay, full names and dates of birth of the persons invited, workplace of the person invited.
Your original passport with at least 2 clean, side by side pages to attach the visa to. The passport must be valid for up to 6 months AFTER you planned departure from Russia.
2 signed and dated Visa Application Forms (click to download form for US Citizens, click here to download form for non-US. The forms require Adobe Acrobat Reader Version 4.0 or higher, you can download this free if you do not have it installed on your computer.
Two identical passport size (on white background) photos. Please, write your name on the back of the photos.
Your payment by money order or cashier's check made out to the Russian Consulate in accordance with your local Consulate's fees (see Consulates Website or call them). Do not send cash or personal checks.
Pre-paid self-addressed return envelope from a reliable delivery company (FED EX, DHL, UPS).
HIV test results. An HIV test is usually required to receive a business visa.

Transit Visa

Transit Visa permits to travel through the Russian territory without stay.
In accordance to your tickets, it is issued for up to 72 hours, if you travel by air, or for up to 10 days, if using other means of transportation. For a Transit Visa, please, submit:

The visa of the country of destination and a copy of the air, railway or other ticket with "OK" status (required).
Your original passport with at least 2 clean, side by side pages to attach the visa to. The passport must be valid for up to 6 months AFTER you planned departure from Russia.
2 signed and dated Visa Application Forms (click to download form for US Citizens, click here to download form for non-US. The forms require Adobe Acrobat Reader Version 4.0 or higher, you can download this free if you do not have it installed on your computer.
Two identical passport size (on white background) photos. Please, write your name on the back of the photos.
Your payment by money order or cashier's check made out to the Russian Consulate in accordance with your local Consulate's fees (see Consulates Website or call them). Do not send cash or personal checks.
Pre-paid self-addressed return envelope from a reliable delivery company (FED EX, DHL, UPS).

Student Visa

A letter of Invitation from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs or its Regional Office (if the Region you are going to study in does not have Regional Office of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the invitation is issued by the University, Institute or College on its official letterhead signed by the rector and certified either by the Office for International Affairs of the local administration or by the local office of the Ministry of Interior).
Your current diploma or educational certificate, certified by the State or Federal authorities
General health certificate on your current health condition (must be certified by Apostil at the local office of the Secretary of your State and translated into Russian, then certified by the Consulate)
A copy of HIV test certificate (must be certified by Apostil at the local office of the Secretary of your State and translated into Russian, then certified by the Consulate)
A confirmation of the payment arrangement directly from the University, Institute or College you are going to study at.
Your original passport with at least 2 clean, side by side pages to attach the visa to. The passport must be valid for up to 6 months AFTER you planned departure from Russia.
2 signed and dated Visa Application Forms (click to download form for US Citizens, click here to download form for non-US. The forms require Adobe Acrobat Reader Version 4.0 or higher, you can download this free if you do not have it installed on your computer.
Two identical passport size (on white background) photos. Please, write your name on the back of the photos.
Your payment by money order or cashier's check made out to the Russian Consulate in accordance with your local Consulate's fees (see Consulates Website or call them). Do not send cash or personal checks.
Pre-paid self-addressed return envelope from a reliable delivery company (FED EX, DHL, UPS).

Private Visa

Private Visa is issued for no longer than 90 days and is valid for single entry only. For a Private Visa, please submit:

The original invitation called "Izveschenie" (notification) which can be obtained by any Russian citizen from a local OVIR (Russian Immigration Service) Office.
Your original passport with at least 2 clean, side by side pages to attach the visa to. The passport must be valid for up to 6 months AFTER you planned departure from Russia.
2 signed and dated Visa Application Forms (click to download form for US Citizens, click here to download form for non-US. The forms require Adobe Acrobat Reader Version 4.0 or higher, you can download this free if you do not have it installed on your computer.
Two identical passport size (on white background) photos. Please, write your name on the back of the photos.
Your payment by money order or cashier's check made out to the Russian Consulate in accordance with your local Consulate's fees (see Consulates Website or call them). Do not send cash or personal checks.
Pre-paid self-addressed return envelope from a reliable delivery company (FED EX, DHL, UPS).

Important! Please be advised that one can not have two valid visas in one passport; in this case the first visa will be cancelled.

Additional Information

On the basis of reciprocity, German citizens may apply for Visa to Russia at the Russian Consular Missions in the US only if they have a US Permanent Resident or US Resident Alien status (green card). In all other cases they have to apply for Russian Visa at the Russian Consular Missions in Germany.
Citizens of Israel, Finland and Shengen Agreement States (Austria, Belgium, Germany, Greece, Spain, Italy, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Portugal and France) should submit national medical coverage certificate valid for Russia or guarantee of medical coverage from a Russian hosting organization for all period of stay.
Citizens of Estonia must submit to the Russian Consulate medical insurance certificate valid for Russia and covering all period of stay.
Applicants who used to be citizens of the USSR or of the Russian Federation and then emigrated from the USSR or from Russia must submit one of the documents which confirms that they are no longer citizens of the Russian Federation (so called "Visa to Israel" or stamp in their passport saying that they left for "permanent residence abroad" before the 6th of February, 1992 or official document certifying that their Russian citizenship was abrogated), otherwise the applications will not be accepted.
The Russian Consulate reserves the right to call the applicants for an interview and ask questions on personal, financial, business, corporate related issues as well as on applicant's Russian contacts and relatives.

Switzerland Study Visa

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Switzerland Visa Information

Learn4good provides general information on study, travel, work visa and business visa requirements and the addresses of embassies worldwide. You should contact your local embassy or consulate for the most up-to-date information or visa forms.
For Hotels, Hostels, Car Hire, Jobs and Schools in this country, see the menu options above. See our Travel Forum to create a travel topic and ask questions to fellow travelers.

Who requires a Visa?
What documents will be required?
Time required to issue a Visa
What is the cost of a Visa?
How long is the Visa valid for?
Other information
Embassy contact information
Study French Abroad
Travel Guide

Who requires a visa?
Switzerland has joined Schengen zone and became 25-th country – the participant of visa-free moving agreement. Under the Schengen agreement, transiting from one country to another within the Schengen area is done without border controls. The current Schengen area is composed of the following countries – Austria, Belgium, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Norway, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland.
Visa required for the airport transit
Citizens of the following states are required to hold an airport visa:
• Afghanistan
• Angola
• Bangladesh
• Cameroon
• Congo (dem. Republic)
• Eritrea
• Ethiopia
• Ghana
• Guinea
• India
• Iran
• Iraq
• Lebanon
• Nigeria
• Pakistan
• Sierra Leone
• Somalia
• Sri Lanka
• Turkey
Visa is required for stays up to 3 months (90 days) by the nationals of the following countries:

Afghanian
Algeria
Angola
Armenia
Azerbaijan
Bahrain
Bangladesh
Belarus
Belize
Benin
Bhutan
Bolivia
Botswana
Burkina Faso
Burundi
Cambodia
Cameroon
Cape Verde
Central African Republic
Chad
China
Colombia
Comoros
Congo (Brazzaville)
Congo (Democratic Republic)
Côte d’Ivoire
Cuba
Djibouti
Dominica
Dominican Republic
Ecuador
Egypt
Equatorial Guinea
Eritrea
Ethiopia
Fiji
Gabon
Gambia
Georgia
Ghana
Grenada
Guinea
Guinea-Bissau
Guyana

Haiti
Hong Kong*
India
Indonesia
Iran
Iraq
Jamaika
Jordan
Kazakhan
Kenya
Kiribati
Kosovo
Kuwait
Kyrgyzan
Laos
Lebanon
Lesotho
Liberia
Libya
Macao
Madagascar
Malawi
Maldives
Mali
Marshall Islands
Mauretania
Micronesia
Moldova
Mongolia
Morocco
Mozambique
Myanmar (Burma)
Namibia
Nauru
Nepal
Niger
Nigeria
Northern Mariana Islands
North Korea
Oman
Pakistan

Palau
Palestine
Papua New Guinea
Peru
Philippines
Qatar
Russia
Rwanda
Saint Lucia
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
Salomon Islands
Sambia
Samoa (West)
Sao Tomé and Principe
Saudi Arabia
Senegal
Sierra Leone
Somalia
South Africa
South Korea
Sri Lanka
Sudan
Surinam
Swaziland
Syria
Tadjikian
Tansania
Thailand
Timor-Leste
Togo
Tonga
Trinad and Tobago
Tunesia
Turkey
Turkmenian
Tuvalu
Uganda
Ukraine
United Arab Emirates
Uzekistan
Vanuatu (New Hebres)
Vietnam Yemen
Zimbabwe

* The following documents are valid for entry into Switzerland:
• Hong Kong Special Administrative Region People’s Republic of China Passport (HKSAR Passport); visa exemption – V1
• Hong Kong British National Overseas Passport (BNO Passport); visa exemption – V1
• Hong Kong Certificate of Identity; obligation to hold a visa – V
• Document of Identity for visa purposes containing under the heading “nationality” the entry “Chinese.” In this case, the document is a Chinese passport. (If holder’s nationality is not mentioned, the document is not valid for entry into Switzerland.); obligation to hold a visa – V
(The “Hong Kong British Dependent Territories Citizens Passport” is not valid anymore for entry into Switzerland.)
What documents will be required?
For student visas, the following documents are required:
1. 3 copies of completed application form.
2. 4 passport-size photographs (undamaged and of recent date).
3. Passport or travel document valid for at least 3 months after intended visit.
4. 3 copies of the passport including the signature page.
5. Return/onward ticket and visa for next country of destination if required.
6. Proof of sufficient funds in the form of a recent bank statement.
Note:
1. The visa application must be submitted to the Swiss Embassy/Consulate covering your place of residence.
2. You must be in possession of sufficient financial means to cover your cost of living in Switzerland.
3. The Swiss Embassy/Consulate may demand a declaration of guarantee.
4. You may not take up employment during your stay in Switzerland without the required permit nor take up studies exceeding a period of three months.
5. A student permit is valid for the length of the study period.
Residence permits are awarded to students who wish to study in Switzerland under the following conditions:
a. The applicant is coming to Switzerland alone
b. The applicant wants to attend a university or some other institution of higher learning
c. The program of studies is fixed
d. The institution attests in writing that the applicant has been accepted for studies
e. The applicant proves necessary financial means
f. The applicant guarantees departure from Switzerland at the end of studies.
Formalities to complete in Switzerland for all foreign students:
1. You must present yourself within ten days of arrival to the appropriate in the town where you will be living with the following documents:
i. Passport (with student visa, if required)
ii. Statement of arrival provided by the bureau of foreigners
iii. Student questionnaire provided by the bureau of foreigners
iv. Proof of acceptance from the school
v. 1 recent passport-style photo
vi. Proof of financial means for the duration of studies, or
vii. Proof of Swiss or foreign financial aid, with the amount indicated, or
viii. Guarantee from parents (form available from the bureau of foreigners). This must be completed by the father or mother, certified by local authorities, and accompanied by a permanent wire transfer order, or
ix. Guarantee from a third party (form available from the bureau of foreigners). The guarantor must live in Switzerland and prove sufficient financial means for the student’s upkeep. The guarantor’s signature must be notarized by the local authorities.
x. The request for a residence permit will not be processed until all documents are submitted. Cost of residence permit is for 1 semester 15 to 22 ($US), for 2 semesters 18 to 25 ($US)
2. After matriculating in the university, you must pay fees for the first semester. You will not be definitively registered until you have done this and received the receipt by post. With this receipt, you must visit the town authorities a second time to prove that you are officially registered in the university.
Time required to issue a visa:
The procedure usually takes between 6–8 weeks, sometimes longer, depending on the season. We therefore recommend you submit your application as early as possible.
What is the cost of a visa?
Visa application fee in cash or postal orders:
£50.00, adults
£30.00, children aged 6-12
£30.00, nationals of Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina
There is no visa fee for the following applicants:
– minors under the age of 6 years
– school pupils, students and accompanying teachers on study or educational trips
– Researchers
– spouses and children of EU nationals
Proof of relationship is required (original passport of EU spouse or children and original birth certificate/s of child/ren or marriage certificate). Documents not in English, German, French or Italian require a certified translation. Photocopies of documents are also required. All fees are non-refundable and will not be refunded if your visa application is not successful.
How long is the visa valid for?
A student permit is valid for the length of the study period.
Visitor visa is valid for up to 3 months.
Transit and airport transit visas are issued to nationals wishing to pass through Switzerland or continuing on a connecting flight to another country.Holders of transit visas must leave Switzerland within 24 hours of arrival and holders of airport transit visas must continue their journey within 48 hours.
Other information:
I would like to extend my visa. What must I do?
Based on the prevailing division of competence between the Federal Government and the cantons, the cantonal authorities are responsible for the extension of visas or the granting of aliens police residence permits. For this reason, we ask you to address your enquiry directly to the cantonal migration authorities responsible for your place of residence.
Please note that, in general, you are only permitted to stay in Switzerland for a maximum of 3 months within any 6 month period.
I have to send a letter of invitation. What format should I use, is there an official form?
You do not need a special form for the letter of invitation. However, the letter should contain the reason for, and the length of, the stay as well as details about who is financing the stay in Switzerland.
I have to submit a sponsorship declaration. Where can I find the form?
You will be given the sponsorship declaration form (formerly declaration of guarantee) at the Swiss representation when you present your visa application (provided a guarantee is considered necessary).
What documents must I present when applying for a visa?
Please contact the Swiss representation abroad responsible for your place of residence for detailed information.
I recently visited Switzerland on a visa. When may I return, what is the maximum length of time I can stay in Switzerland as a visitor?
The duration of visits is limited to a maximum of 90 days within a six-month period, i.e. a total of 180 days within the course of a year. There must be an interruption of at least one month between two stays of 90 days. Shorter stays also marked in the visa remain reserved. There is, however, no automatic right to a visa.
My passport soon expires. Can I still use it to enter / leave Switzerland?
Please check the visa regulations for your nationality. If no specific information is indicated, your passport must simply be valid for the duration of your stay.
I would like to extend my visa. What must I do?
Based on the prevailing division of competence between the Federal Government and the cantons, the cantonal authorities are responsible for the extension of visas or the granting of aliens police residence permits. For this reason, we ask you to address your enquiry directly to the cantonal migration authorities responsible for your place of residence.
I have a Schengen visa. Do I also need a visa for Switzerland?
Before the entry into force of the Agreement between Switzerland and the EU Member States (probably not until December 2008 at the earliest), a Schengen visa does not entitle you to enter Switzerland. Thus you will need a visa for entry to Switzerland.
Exceptions: Holders of a valid passport and a valid Schengen visa from the following countries may enter Switzerland without a separate visa: Taiwan, Thailand, Bahrain, Qatar, Kuwait, Oman, Saudi-Arabia, United Arab Emirates.
Persons with a valid residence permit from Great Britain, Ireland, Canada or a Green Card from the USA require a visa for Switzerland.
I am travelling in Europe and would like to go on a trip to Switzerland. How can I get a visa?
As a rule, visa applications have to be filed at the Swiss representation responsible for your place of residence. Should this be impossible, please contact the nearest Swiss representation. There is, however, no automatic right to a visa.
I would like to travel through Switzerland during my journey by car. Do I need a visa?
There are no exceptional provisions for transit through Switzerland by car. The usual visa regulations apply.
Work Visa
If your employer has applied for your work permit in Switzerland and it has been granted, you still must apply for a visa to enter Switzerland with the competent Swiss representation abroad.
To apply for the visa, you must submit the following documents to the competent Swiss representation:
One national (type D) visa application form, fully completed and signed by the applicant. For stays up to 3 months or authorisations for a 120 day visa, the regular Schengen visa application form should be used. Applications which are not duly completed, dated and signed will not be accepted. Please also indicate your e-mail address and a contact phone number in case additional information is required.
Two passport photos per applicant (very strict requirements, please consult the details on the webpage)
Applicant’s valid original passport, plus a copy
Visa fee (only money order or cash)
If applying by mail: one prepaid, self-addressed, return envelope with a tracking number
Embassy contact information:
Please contact the nearest Swiss embassy for information on what documentation you may require to enter Switzerland.
French Schools in Switzerland, Business & Hotel Management School, Culinary School, MBA

Disclaimer: The contents of these pages are provided as an information guide only, in good faith. The use of this website is at the viewer/user’s sole risk. While every effort is made in presenting up-to-date and accurate information, no responsibility or liability is accepted by the owners to this website for any errors, omissions, outdated or misleading information on these pages or any site to which these pages connect or are linked.
Source & Copyright: The source of the above visa and immigration information and copyright owner/s is the:
– Swiss Visa VFS Global – URL: http://ch.vfsglobal.co.uk
– Federal Office for Migration, Switzerland – URL: www.bfm.admin.ch
– Varsity Admission – URL: www.varsityadmission.com
The viewer/user of this web page should use the above information as a guideline only, and should always contact the above sources or the user’s own government representatives for the most up-to-date information at that moment in time, before making a final decision to travel to that country or destination.

France Student Visa

2011-11-02T15:43:00.000-07:00

Student Visa Requirements for Study in France

Student Visa France, Students Visa Requirements for Study in France: Application Form, Process Procedure for Study in France Visa-
There are three kinds of student visas available, depending upon the length of studies in France as indicated in the letter of enrollment:-

A Schengen visa, multiple entries, for a stay up to 3 months: the student should use the short stay visa application form.
The temporary long stay visa (from 3 to 6 months), multiple entries, is valid for the whole stay. The student does not need a residency card. The student uses the long term visa application form.
One year-visa (stay over 6 months): the visa is valid 3 months, 1 entry. The student should use the long term visa application form. Within this delay, and after the arrival in France, the students must complete the proper documentation with the French school or university; have to go for a medical check-up to a doctor from the National Immigration Office ( Office des Migrations Internationales). Then they should contact the Police Department (Prefecture de police) in order to obtain the student residency card (carte de sejour) and present there the visa, the original documents previously required for the visa, a birth certificate and the medical results.

Requirements for a student visa:-

Passport signed and valid for a period of three months beyond the applicant's last day of stay in France.
The visa application forms signed and legibly filled out (consult your consulate for the number of copies received, and do note that you cannot make a copy of your application. Each application received must be filled out individually). Indicate your phone numbers and e-mail. Indicate the dates of stay. The form has to be filled with BLACK ink.
A passport size photograph glued on each form.
Prepaid self-addressed envelope if you apply by mail. Only Express mail, Priority mail, certified mail (a registered mail) will be accepted, if not the personal appearance will be required. Note that the personal appearance is the basic rule. (Assume you will need to make a personal appearance!)
"Student" visa fee: payment by credit card (Visa, Mastercard) (especially for files sent by mail) or money-order made out to "Consulate general of France" or certified checks. Cash is accepted only if you apply in person. Do not assume you can pay by check.

STUDENTS VISAS FOR SPAIN

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Student Visas

STUDENTS VISAS

Who is considered a student?

Foreigners coming to Spain with the only purpose of studying or undertaking research, training or a non-lucrative job in any Spanish educational or scientific, public or private, officially recognized centre.

VISA NECESSITY

Foreign students who want to carry out studies in Spain, must apply for the corresponding visa at the Diplomatic or Consular Offices before their arrival. Evidence of previous studies must be supplied. Nationalities that do not need a visa for stays of less than 90 days, do not need a student's visa if their stay does not exceed this time.
NEED FOR STUDENT VISA

Once they are in Spain, foreign students must apply for an authorization
to stay during the specified time, at the Foreign Office or Police Station.
WHERE TO APPLY
At the local Foreign Office or Police Station.
What are the requirements to obtain a Student Visa?
The following requirements must be met:

- All documents for entry and stay in Spain are in order, including
the visa to undertake or extend studies.
- The student has been regularly accepted in any private/public educational or scientific centre to undertake/extend studies or undertake non-lucrative jobs in research or educational centres.
- The study plan implies attending for no less than 3 months, including the approved studies, research or educational itinerary.
- Should the student be under-aged and is not accompanied by his parents, they
will need to provide written authorization for the student's trip, as well as for
his studies. This authorization must include the details of the school and the duration of the stay.
- Students must prove and guarantee that they have the financial means to live, support their studies, their stay and return to their country, as well as, if necessary, that of their relatives.

HOW LONG DOES THE STUDENT VISA LAST?

It is granted for the whole duration of the course
IS THE STUDENT VISA RENEWABLE ?

Yes, the Student Visa is renewable.
WHEN DOES THE STUDENT VISA VALIDITY EXTINGUISH?
- When the activity for which it was granted comes to an end.
- When the period for which it was granted is over.
CAN FOREIGN STUDENTS WORK IN SPAIN?

Basically, foreign students cannot carry out any profitable activity, but it will be allowed if it does not limit the studying aims.

CAN FOREIGN STUDENTS'RELATIVES COME TO SPAIN?

Students who have obtained a visa for studying can apply for the corresponding stay visas for their relatives to enter and stay in Spain, during the period of their studies or research. They do not need a staying period prior to the foreign student.

Services and Formalities at Spain-Visas.com.

- ON-LINE ENQUIRIES (When you ask one of our lawyers who are specialists in foreign law) We inform you step by step of all necessary formalities to obtain a visa that may interest you, of all the documents you need to submit at your Consulate. This may show you new opportunities depending on your case. We may also write the documents you need to submit. See a sample case of our service

- INFORMATION SERVICE. We inform you of the progress of your file and of any law enforced which may concern your case (positively or negatively).

- CHECK-UP OF DOCUMENTS. Our company operates from Spain and the documents for the visa must be submitted at the Consulate. However, to make sure that you are submitting the right documents, you may send us a photocopy or fax of all the documents you are planning to submit at the consulate, to spare yourself problems in the future.

- LEGAL ASSISTANCE before the government (formalities for documents) and at the Courts. All our lawyers are members of a professional association and have many years of experience.

Validation

VALIDATION OF QUALIFICATIONS (REVALIDATION-RATIFICATION)

New service: Once your degree has been validated, we collect the authorisation of the Ministry of Education and we send it to your home by means of urgent courier. Request this service. If you have a University degree and want it to be valid in Spain, you will have to validate it with the Spanish equivalent.
The validation of a higher education degree obtained or given abroad by Spanish authorities, involves the official validity of the document in Spain. Validation means complete equality of academic effects between the foreign and the Spanish degree.
University degrees, master degrees and doctorates can all be validated.
In Spain the Ministry of Education, Culture and Sports grants or denies validation of foreign higher education degrees.
The process starts by submitting, on an official form, the documents and a petition. These documents can eventually be complemented with the applicant's academic or scientific curriculum as well as with the corresponding subjects programs. Such programs will have to show the contents of each subject, as well as to which extent they were studied. A further complement would consist of supplying the academic documentation showing that the student passed all the previous studies required to complete the degree.
Regarding validation procedures, once the petition with all the required documentation has been submitted, the Ministry of Education, Culture and Sports, must submit the file to the University Board Academic Committee, which has up to three months to grant validation. Should there be an international agreement or treaty to which Spain belongs, the last step is unnecessary.
The resolution of a validation grant for foreign higher education degrees is legalized by means of a credential issued by the Ministry of Education, Sports and Culture, after the corresponding tax payment.
Sometimes full homologation requires passing complementary examinations.
All documents supplied must be legalized. The legalization process is different according to the country that issued the degree. It is also possible to homologate (convalidate) unfinished University studies (loose courses or examinations) if you wish to finish your studies in Spain, thus obtaining a Spanish degree.
For a more detailed study of your own needs, contact us and tell us about your situation.

Services and Formalities at Spain-Visas.com.

- ON-LINE ENQUIRIES (When you ask one of our lawyers who are specialists in foreign law) We inform you step by step of all necessary formalities to obtain a visa that may interest you, of all the documents you need to submit at your Consulate. This may show you new opportunities depending on your case. We may also write the documents you need to submit. See a sample case of our service

- INFORMATION SERVICE. We inform you of the progress of your file and of any law enforced which may concern your case (positively or negatively).

- CHECK-UP OF DOCUMENTS. Our company operates from Spain and the documents for the visa must be submitted at the Consulate. However, to make sure that you are submitting the right documents, you may send us a photocopy or fax of all the documents you are planning to submit at the consulate, to spare yourself problems in the future.

- LEGAL ASSISTANCE before the government (formalities for documents) and at the Courts. All our lawyers are members of a professional association and have many years of experience.

Work permits in Spain for Workers from outside the E.C.M.

- Working for others (a company or a person) UPDATED 11.2.2002 - Governed by a quota Foreigners who are not citizens of the E.C.M. and want to undertake some kind of lucrative activity, on their own or for others, have to apply both for a Work; and a Residence permit. The kind of permit to be applied for depends on the type of lucrative activity which is going to be undertaken. If the work is for others, the following permits must be applied for in the following order: - Type B (initial): For a determined activity and geographic area .- Type B (updated): Permit allowing to carry out any activity in the whole country. - Type C : Permit allowing to carry out any activity in the whole country. If working for others on a temporary job basis, the following permits must be applied for: - Type A: Issued for limited time jobs, such as building, industrial or electric plants, building of infrastructures, setting up of equipments,etc. - Type T: Issued to carry out temporary or campaing activities or services. It can be limited to a defined activity and geographical area. If, on the contrary, you want to set up your own business, or work on your own, the following work permits must be applied for: - Type D: (initial) Issued to underake a specific activity in a determined area of the country. - Type D (renewed) To undertake out any activity in the whole country. - Type E: To undertake any activity in the whole country. Furthermore, there is a special regime for the following Work Permits. - Type F: For people who live in border areas of neighbouring countries, to which they return every day, undertaking work or professional lucrative activities on their own or for others in neighbouring areas of the Spanish territory. Such people will be limited to their geographical area. - Type G: This permit authorizes a lucrative activity should there be a change in the job's conditions and company on which he depends should this be a non-E.C.M. or does not belong to the European Economic area when: - The change is on behalf of and directed by the company, to execute a contract between the company and the person established in Spain who receives the service. - The change is to another job in the same company in Spain or to another company belonging to the same group. WHO CAN APPLY FOR A WORK PERMIT The employer if the work activities are on behalf of others or if they are performed in the State border areas (TypeG) - The representative firm, if the firm is not in Spanish territory. - The foreigner himself, if the job is on his own behalf, or in the case of a permit renewal. TO WHOM MUST WORK PERMITS BE SUBMITTED? In Spain: to the Register of the corresponding Government Office, to the Foreign Office, if the output of a work permit depends on them. They can also be submitted to the Register of any Administration Office if such office belongs to the State Administration as well as to any Administration of the Autonomous Communities or local Administration Offices if the latter have signed the necessary agreement. They can also be submitted to Post Offices. Abroad: before the Diplomatic or Consular Authorities in the foreigner's residence country Services and Formalities at Spain-visas.com. - ON-LINE ENQUIRIES (When you ask one of our lawyers who are specialists in foreign law) We inform you step by step of all necessary formalities to obtain a visa that may interest you, of all the documents you need to submit at your Consulate. This may show you new opportunities depending on your case. We may also write the documents you need to submit. See a sample case of our service - INFORMATION SERVICE. We inform you of the progress of your file and of any law enforced which may concern your case (positively or negatively). - CHECK-UP OF DOCUMENTS. Our company operates from Spain and the documents for the visa must be submitted at the Consulate. However, to make sure that you are submitting the right documents, you may send us a photocopy or fax of all the documents you are planning to submit at the consulate, to spare yourself problems in the future. - LEGAL ASSISTANCE before the government (formalities for documents) and at the Courts. All our lawyers are members of a professional association and have many years of experience.

Immigrant quota

Last December 27, the Government Council has passed the new contingent 2003 for foreign workers, which came into force last January 2003. By means of this Contingent, the Organic Law 4/2000 reformed by Law 8/2000 (which establishes the possibility of granting work permits to foreigners by means of various procedures, taking into account the personal circumstances, characteristics of the position and the current national employment situation in Spain) will be executed. The Contingent of immigrant workers who are not in Spain proposed by the government for year 2003 is of 10.575 steady jobs, a number which may vary during the year, or according to the companies' needs and of the agreements with trade unions. Outside the Contingent, there is a plan of granting 13.762 permits to temporary workers. The number of steady jobs is very similar to the one proposed by the government for year 2002, 11.000 positions proposed, but there are fewer temporary offers. After the faults and negligence found in Contingent 2002, it has been realised the need to give the mechanism procedure of flexibility, with the purpose of meeting the companies' real needs in faster and more efficient manner. Contingent 2003 has to take into account not only the offers performed by means of the quota system but also other forms of hiring foreign workers allowed by Foreign Law and that up the moment had not been taken into account. Those that have authorisation to work in Spain and are not limited by the Contingent, that is to say those that with only a pre-contract of employment may come to Spain are, among others: Foreigners born in Spain, the children or grandchildren of Spaniards, those who have under their charge ascendants or descendants of Spanish nationality, spouses of Spaniards, communitarians or legal residents, foreigners with authorisation to stay due to studies, those enrolled in Spanish ships or those performing educational professional practices. The hiring procedures for the Contingent are carried out in three stages, a first stage of analysis of the needs of the trade market according to its activities and sectors, a second stage of distribution of the Contingent at a provincial level, and lastly, the selection and hiring of foreign workers in their countries of origin at the corresponding Spanish consulates, through companies or Businessmen Associations presenting more than five offers. Furthermore, it is a mandatory requisite that the worker be present at the moment of signing the contract. Once the employment contract has been signed in the countries of origin at the corresponding Spanish consulates, the worker is granted a residence visa, which allows him to immediately incorporate himself to the trade market. He/she also obtains his/her enrolment and membership in the social security system. The granting of the residence visa, after the signing of the contract in the country of origin, will be valid as a work permit. In a period not superior to 30 days from entry in Spain, the foreign worker must apply for the corresponding resident permit at the corresponding Government Subsidiary Office We will soon inform on our web page of the content of the definite document and specific procedures to follow. For specific information about your personal case, documents required to workers or companies ask our lawyers. Services and Formalities at Spain-Visas.com. - ON-LINE ENQUIRIES (When you ask one of our lawyers who are specialists in foreign law) We inform you step by step of all necessary formalities to obtain a visa that may interest you, of all the documents you need to submit at your Consulate. This may show you new opportunities depending on your case. We may also write the documents you need to submit. See a sample case of our service - INFORMATION SERVICE. We inform you of the progress of your file and of any law enforced which may concern your case (positively or negatively). - CHECK-UP OF DOCUMENTS. Our company operates from Spain and the documents for the visa must be submitted at the Consulate. However, to make sure that you are submitting the right documents, you may send us a photocopy or fax of all the documents you are planning to submit at the consulate, to spare yourself problems in the future. - LEGAL ASSISTANCE before the government (formalities for documents) and at the Courts. All our lawyers are members of a professional association and have many years of experience.

Residence permits. Stay permits

Any foreigner who is not the holder of a residence permit and is authorized to stay in Spain for no longer than 3 months within a six-month's period, is on a stay situation. TEMPORARY RESIDENCE PERMIT If a foreigner is granted a temporary residence he/she is authorized to stay in Spain for a period superior to ninety days and inferior to five years. There are several cases in which, to apply for this permit, it is necessary to express, for the first time, intentions of making Spain one's place of residence. This permit can also be applied for by foreigners who having previously lived in Spain, do not need to meet the requirements needed to obtain a permanent permit. PERMANENT RESIDENCE PERMIT Permanent residence implies living and working in Spain with the same rights as Spaniards. Permanent Residence Permits are granted to foreigners who can prove a five (5) year legal and continuous residence in Spain, provided that there were no irregular exits from the country. Continuity will not be interrupted by: . Period of absence on holidays outside Spain. . Absences for up to six (6) months, provided that such absences do not exceed the sum of one year. . Justified absences for family or health reasons. As an exception, the law establishes some criteria by which the said 5 years' residence period is not required to obtain permanent residence. They refer to foreigners who are specially linked to Spain. Among these cases, a permanent Residence Permit will be granted to foreigners who were originally Spanish and lost their Spanish nationality. These foreigners will not have to first apply for a temporary residence Permit. The foreigners' law contemplates other cases for you, as a foreigner, to obtain a residence permit in Spain. Have you been in Spain for several years without a residence permit? It is possible to regularize your situation by proving you have roots in the country, or even without any proofs. Exceptional circumstances can grant a temporary residence permit to: . Shifted people . People in the Internal Affaires Ministry are authorized to stay in Spain once their request to obtain refugee status has been denied or their formalities have not been accepted. . People with humanitarian reasons. . People who co-operate with Administrative and Judicial Authorities against organized crime. A way to obtain residence is co-operation by supplying data as the victim of, a witness to, or are suffering damages as a consequence of organized crime, or by denouncing any of the authors or accomplices of those who do "Illicit trafficking of Human Beings". EXEMPTION FROM A RESIDENCE VISA When a foreigner wishes to apply for the initial grant of a residence permit and has not got the necessary visa, the foreigners' law exceptionally allows him/her to apply for an exemption from a Residence Visa. . Are you married to a Spanish citizen? . Have you got a Spanish underaged dependant children? . Are you a Spanish citizen who lost your Spanish nationality? . Do you come from an area where there are wars, political, ethnical or other kinds of conflicts'? . And several other cases. There are specific cases in which neither a Residence Visa, nor a Visa exemption is necessary to obtain a residence permit. For related Legislation go to (link) Foreigners' law You can make your enquiries to Spain-Visas.com lawyers. Services and Formalities at Spain-Visas.com. - ON-LINE ENQUIRIES (When you ask one of our lawyers who are specialists in foreign law) We inform you step by step of all necessary formalities to obtain a visa that may interest you, of all the documents you need to submit at your Consulate. This may show you new opportunities depending on your case. We may also write the documents you need to submit. See a sample case of our service - INFORMATION SERVICE. We inform you of the progress of your file and of any law enforced which may concern your case (positively or negatively). - CHECK-UP OF DOCUMENTS. Our company operates from Spain and the documents for the visa must be submitted at the Consulate. However, to make sure that you are submitting the right documents, you may send us a photocopy or fax of all the documents you are planning to submit at the consulate, to spare yourself problems in the future. - LEGAL ASSISTANCE before the government (formalities for documents) and at the Courts. All our lawyers are members of a professional association and have many years of experience.

Spanish Citizenship and Spanish Nationality

Spanish nationality can be obtained by means of one's origin, by choice or residence. WHO ARE SPANISH BY MEANS OF ORIGIN? 1. People born of a Spanish mother or father 2.People born in Spain of foreign parents, if at least one parent was also born in Spain (Children of Diplomats and Consuls accredited in Spain are not included) 3. People born in Spain of foreign parents if neither of them has Spanish nationality or if neither of the parents' legislations confer a nationality to their children 4. People born in Spain and whose filiation is not determined. Regarding this point, underaged whose first known residence place is in Spain, are considered as born in the country. 5. Foreigners under 18 adopted by Spaniards acquire Spanish nationality by means of origin, that begins with the date of the adoption. ACQUISITION OF SPANISH NATIONALITY BY MEANS OF RESIDENCE IN SPAIN Who can obtain Spanish nationality by means of residence in Spain? According to Spanish legislation any foreigner legally established as a resident in Spain, can apply for Spanish nationality. The required periods of time are different according to the nationality, or other personal circumstances. ACQUISITION OF SPANISH NATIONALITY BY MEANS OF CONSOLIDATION: WHAT DOES IT MEAN? It means that those who have held a Spanish Nationality for a number of years, and have used it correctly and in good faith, pursuant to a Rule inscribed in the Register, are allowed to remain a Spanish National, even if the Law that granted him the nationality changes. People concerned must have maintained an active attitude in the possession and use of Spanish Nationality, meaning that they have behaved considering themselves Spanish, both benefiting of their rights and doing their duty towards the Spanish State. A person who finds him/herself in these circumstances has to enrol at the Register providing proof to nationality or how it was acquired given the circumstances valid at the time it was granted. ACQUISITION OF SPANISH NATIONALITY BY CHOICE WHO CAN CHOOSE TO BE SPANISH? - People whose relationship or birth in Spain has been determined after the age of 18. The period for this option is of two (2) years beginning from the coming of age. - People who are or have been under the custody of a Spaniard. - People whose father or mother was a Spaniard by origin and born in Spain - People over 18, adopted by a Spaniard, have an option to Spanish nationality by means of origins as long as this is requested within the next two years following adoption.. LOSS OF SPANISH NATIONALITY HOW IS SPANISH NATIONALITY LOST? Spanish nationality is lost by emancipated people who while habitually living abroad: - Voluntarily acquire another nationality - Exclusively use the foreign nationality they had before emancipation. Loss of nationality will be effective after a period of three years, counting from the moment of acquisition of a foreign nationality or emancipation of the Spanish one. According to the above-mentioned, the acquisition of Latin American nationalities does not cause the loss of the Spanish nationality by origin. A standing act of renounce to Spanish nationality will have to be put forward by the person concerned. Emancipated Spaniards who specifically renounce to their nationality, if they have another nationality and habitually live abroad. Spanish nationality is not lost if Spain is on War. People who are not Spanish by means of origins, also lose their nationality when: - Final judgment convicted them to lose it, according to what is established in criminal laws. - When they voluntarily join armies or have political posts in a foreign country against the expressed prohibition of the Government. - When, for a period of 3 years they make use of the nationality to which they had said to have renounced when they acquired the Spanish nationality. RECOVERY OF SPANISH NATIONALITY Can Spanish nationality be recovered? Yes, if the following requirements are met: Being a legal resident in Spain. This requirement is not applicable to emigrants, their children, and Spanish women who lost their Spanish nationality by means of marriage, before establishment of the Law 14/1974. (In the rest of the cases, the Minister of Justice and Internal Affairs, under exceptional circumstances, may grant exemption from this requirement. Declaring before the person in charge at the Register the person's wish to recover Spanish nationality. Registering the recovery of the nationality in the Civil Register. WHEN IS A PREVIOUS AUTHORIZATION FROM THE GOVERNMENT NECESSARY TO RECOVER SPANISH NATIONALITY? Previous authorization from the government is necessary both to recover and to acquire, as the case may be, the Spanish nationality, for: People, who, for a period of three years, make use of the nationality they had declared to have renounced when they acquired the Spanish nationality. People who voluntarily join the army or hold political positions in a foreign country against the government's specific prohibition. When the final decision states that the person concerned has incurred in falseness, concealment or fraud in the acquisition of the Spanish nationality causes the annulment of said acquisition. Services and Formalities at Spain-Visas.com. - ON-LINE ENQUIRIES (When you ask one of our lawyers who are specialists in foreign law) We inform you step by step of all necessary formalities to obtain a visa that may interest you, of all the documents you need to submit at your Consulate. This may show you new opportunities depending on your case. We may also write the documents you need to submit. See a sample case of our service - INFORMATION SERVICE. We inform you of the progress of your file and of any law enforced which may concern your case (positively or negatively). - CHECK-UP OF DOCUMENTS. Our company operates from Spain and the documents for the visa must be submitted at the Consulate. However, to make sure that you are submitting the right documents, you may send us a photocopy or fax of all the documents you are planning to submit at the consulate, to spare yourself problems in the future. - LEGAL ASSISTANCE before the government (formalities for documents) and at the Courts. All our lawyers are members of a professional association and have many years of experience.

Returned Emigrants

RETURNED EMIGRANTS The state will take special care of the economic and social safeguard of Spanish workers abroad, and will aim its politics to their return (*Spanish Constitution article 42 - 1978) Based on this article of the Spanish Constitution, the Spanish Government has encouraged protection policies for Spanish workers residing abroad as a consequence of emigration. Such policies are in the benefit not only of emigrants, but also of their children, and establish performance programs in the benefit of returned emigrants. THERE IS ALSO A RETURN GUIDE. THESE AIDS CAN BE:* CARE AIDS Aids aiming to social/labour integration, professional guidance and employment promotion. Promotion aids: educational, cultural and social. RETURN GUIDE Formalities prior to return: - Recovery of Spanish nationality - The obtaining of documents proving labour activity - Discount on return journeys - Exemption regime to import furniture - Cars - Passport Formalities after return: - Identity Card - Enrolment - Validation of foreign driving license - Birth, Marriage and Death Certificates - Certificates of different surnames - Bank accounts abroad - Returned emigrant certificate - Unemployment - Medical Assistance - Education Special agreements with the Social Security: Pensions Other kinds of social protection Education Services and Formalities at Spain-Visas.com. - ON-LINE ENQUIRIES (When you ask one of our lawyers who are specialists in foreign law) We inform you step by step of all necessary formalities to obtain a visa that may interest you, of all the documents you need to submit at your Consulate. This may show you new opportunities depending on your case. We may also write the documents you need to submit. See a sample case of our service - INFORMATION SERVICE. We inform you of the progress of your file and of any law enforced which may concern your case (positively or negatively). - CHECK-UP OF DOCUMENTS. Our company operates from Spain and the documents for the visa must be submitted at the Consulate. However, to make sure that you are submitting the right documents, you may send us a photocopy or fax of all the documents you are planning to submit at the consulate, to spare yourself problems in the future. - LEGAL ASSISTANCE before the government (formalities for documents) and at the Courts. All our lawyers are members of a professional association and have many years of experience.

Student Visas for Germany

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If you wish to take up studies in Germany, you will need a visa for entry (residence permit in the form of a visa). A visa is absolutely necessary under the immigration laws there; the only exceptions are for applicants from European Union countries and from states with which special agreements have been made: Honduras, Iceland, Monaco, Norway, San Marino, Switzerland, Liechtenstein and the USA.

It is not permissible to enter the country on a tourist visa for the purpose of studying here. Those wishing to enter the country to study may apply for a visa for purposes of study, or for a study applicant visa.
The visa must be issued before you can enter the country; you should therefore apply for it in good time. The responsible body is the German Embassy or Consulate General in your country, which can also provide you with further information.
The visa for purposes of study will be issued if you have already been accepted to study in Germany. The study applicant visa (Studienbewerber-Visum) permits you to enter the country before the admission decision by the university or college, in order to obtain information on the spot. The university applicant visa is particularly important for applicants to the Hochschule für Musik and Theater (College of Music and Drama), so that you can enter the country for the entrance examination. And this type of visa may also be useful to applicants who wish to improve their language skills in Germany before starting their studies. The study applicant visa is limited to three months, but it can be converted to a visa for study purposes if you receive your admission from the university or college during this period.
For both types of visas it is necessary to hold a valid passport, to provide proof of financial means for your period of study in Germany, and to have either university admission (visa for purposes of study) or at least a confirmation of your status as an applicant (study applicant visa).
Those who intend to study and enter the country on a study applicant visa should also note that they must provide evidence of a university or college place in Germany within the prescribed period of three months, in order to obtain a residence permit for study purposes.

Applying for Visas for Academic Studies or Language Courses in Germany

In order to receive your visa in good time, please note the following three points:

1. Submit your application with all accompanying documents at least eight weeks before your planned trip to Germany;
2. Fill in the application form and bring it with the complete set of documents to the Embassy;
3. Should you have any queries, please contact the Cultural Section at the Embassy in Singapore, which is responsible for your area.

You may be issued with one of three types of visa:
1) student applicant visa (if you do not yet have a certificate of admission to higher education or of confirmation of application);
2) student visa (if you have a certificate of admission to higher education or of confirmation of application);
3) visa for participation in a language course (if you only wish to attend a language course in Germany).
N.B.: If you intend to begin studies in Germany immediately after your language course ends, you must apply for either a student visa or a student applicant visa before arrival in Germany, otherwise you will have to leave Germany at the end of the course and reapply from Singapore. The visa for a language course cannot be converted into a student visa or a student applicant visa in Germany!
1) For the student applicant visa you will need the following basic documents:

a valid passport and 2 passport photographs;
proof of possession of a school leaving certificate, i.e. A-level certificate, entitling you to study in both Singapore and Germany (or to visit a preparatory course in Germany)

as well as, where necessary

proof of previous studies;
proof that you already possess German-language skills or that you plan to attend an intensive language course (at least 20 hours per week) in Germany;
proof of sufficient funds to finance your period of study.

You may either
a) finance yourself or
b) nominate one or more persons who will assume the full costs.
You must supply evidence that sufficient funds per months or a sum covering at least one year's study are available (e.g. own funds) equal to the highest German student loan level (BaföG), i.e. currently about DM 1,000 per month.
N.B.: As a student in Germany you may as a rule work for a maximum of 3 months and, depending on where you study, only during recess periods (e.g. semester holidays).
(1) If you are financed by a sponsor in your home country, that person must declare his/her willingness to cover all your costs during the standard period of study (proof of a minimum monthly income of 4,000 S$ (by means of local documents such as tax receipts, bank statements, certificates of employment, pay slips, Commercial Register excerpts).
(2) If you are financed by a sponsor in Germany, that person must submit a binding declaration that he/she is willing to cover all your costs during the standard period of study.
(3) If you receive a scholarship you must produce a letter of confirmation to this effect.
In all cases it must be certain that you will have a monthly sum available to you directly in Germany.
2) For the student visa you will in principle need all documents listed under 1) above, except that
- instead of the school leaving certificate, i.e. A-level certificate, you must enclose the certificate of admission to higher education or of confirmation of application.
N.B.: You may normally only send for your family later to live with you in Germany in exceptional cases, e.g. if you are scholarship holder or on a postgraduate course. In these cases you must be able at least to support yourself and your family, have sufficient accomodation for your family, and already be registered at a German higher education institution.
Please take your time and do not hesitate to contact the Cultural and Consular Sections of your local Embassy for further detailed advice on any questions you may have regarding your planned studies in Germany.
3) For the visa for participation in a language course you will basically need the following documents:

a valid passport and 2 passport photographs
proof that you have registered for a language course (e.g. certificate of registration, receipt of course fees)
proof that you will be covered by health insurance for the duration of your stay in Germany
proof that you are able to finance your stay and the course (using your own funds or via third parties).

N.B.:
1. During the language course you are normally not allowed to take up employment.
2. If you intend to study in Germany after your course ends, please state this fact in your application, so that you can be issued with a student applicant visa or student visa, provided you fulfil the conditions for issue. These visas entitle the holder to attend language courses and to study in Germany (see above!). If you only apply for the language course visa, you will have to leave Germany at the end of the course. It is not possible to exchange this visa for another form of residence permit in Germany.
3. Examination of your application will normally require approximately 6 - 8 weeks. If the language course is longer than three months, processing of your application will require about 8 - 10 weeks. Therefore please send your application to the Consular Section in good time, i.e. at least eight weeks before you plan to travel!
Should you intend to travel to Germany with your family, please contact the Cultural or Consular Section of your local Embassy.

There is no legal right to a visa, even if all documents are submitted. The ultimate decision rests with the Legal and Consular Sections of the Embassy. You may be asked to supply further documentation.

Studying in New Zealand

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If you want to study in New Zealand at school or tertiary level, you may need a student visa.

Our requirements

Find out what you need to do to meet our requirements. You can also find out about what your student visa means for your family.

New Zealand study opportunities

Find out about the study opportunities – where you can study and the qualifications you can gain.

How to apply

Find out how to start the application process – apply for a new visa, apply for a further visa, or change the conditions of your visa.

After you are accepted

Find out more about what you need to do after your application for a student visa has been accepted.

Can I study in New Zealand?

Everyone who comes to study in New Zealand from overseas must meet certain rules and requirements. If you are coming to New Zealand to study for more than three months, you will need a student visa. In this section you can find out whether you need a visa, whether you'll qualify, and what a student visa will allow you to do.

People who do not need a student visa

You don’t need a visa if you are a citizen of New Zealand or Australia, you hold a New Zealand residence class visa, or you are the holder of a current Australian permanent residence visa including a current Australian resident return visa. If there are conditions on your Australian permanent residence visa or resident return visa, then you will need to apply for a student visa.

People undertaking short courses

If you want to undertake one or more short courses which are approved or exempted by New Zealand Qualifications Authority, for no more than three calendar months duration in total, you do not need a student visa or a variation of conditions.

If you hold a temporary visa that is valid for 24 months or more, you can study one or more courses for up to three months in total in each 12-month period.

School-age children

School-age visitor visa holders can attend a primary, intermediate, or secondary school for a single period of study of up to three months per calendar year provided the study finishes within the calendar year. School-age visitor visa holders are not permitted to study in term one of a school year if they undertook a single period of study in term four of the previous year while on a visitor visa.

If you are planning to attend for more than two weeks or are paying fees, you must attend a school that is a signatory to the Ministry of Education's Code of Practice for the Pastoral Care of International Students.

Working Holiday Schemes

Participants of the Canada, Germany, Japan, Taiwan and the United Kingdom Working Holiday Schemes may undertake one or more courses of study as long as the total duration of all of the courses undertaken does not exceed six months.

If you hold a working holiday visa from any other scheme you are entitled to undertake one or more short courses as long as the total duration of all the courses undertaken does not exceed three months.

Exchange students

If you have been offered a place in an approved exchange scheme you may apply for a student visa for the duration of your exchange, provided you meet our health and character requirements and are a genuine exchange participant.

You must also provide evidence that you:

have been accepted into an approved student exchange scheme (from the scheme organiser), and
have onward travel arrangements for when your exchange scheme has finished.

You must apply for a student exchange visa before you travel to New Zealand. Only in very special circumstances (as determined by Immigration New Zealand) will a student exchange visa be granted if you are already in New Zealand.

The requirements for a student visa

Before you apply, ensure that you understand the requirements that you need to meet, and the requirements that your course must meet.

Also see our examples to make sure you will be eligible for a visa to study in New Zealand.

What a student visa allows

Find out how long you can stay, whether you can work while studying, who we will refuse entry to, and answers to other questions about student visas.

Partners and children of residence and temporary entry class visa holders

If your partner or parent is in New Zealand and you want to join them here and study, the type of visa you may apply for may depend on factors such as your partner or parent's immigration status.

Apply

If you're sure you need a student visa, and you meet the requirements, find out how to apply.

Children unlawfully in New Zealand accessing compulsory education

If your child is unlawfully in New Zealand and you wish to access education for them under the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCROC) you may wish to view Department of Labour's FAQs on this subject

Applying for a student visa

The application process below is for people who want to apply for a student visa. This may include people who want to travel to New Zealand to study, people who want to stay temporarily in New Zealand to study, and people already here on other types of temporary entry class visas who want to study in New Zealand full time.

The application steps

Complete the form

Print and complete the form Student Visa Application (INZ 1012) PDF. Also available is the Student Visa Guide (INZ 1013) PDF, which will assist you in applying. If you cannot print the form and guide, they are available from your nearest Immigration New Zealand branch.

Make sure you submit everything we require, including the fee

Along with your completed (and signed) application form you will also need to provide all the information listed at the back of the application form and the correct fee. If you do not submit the required information with your application we cannot accept it for processing.

Make sure you meet our health requirements

What you have to provide us with depends on how long you will be staying in New Zealand.

Studying in New Zealand for between six months and one year?

You may also need to provide a completed Temporary Entry X-ray Certificate (INZ 1096) PDF to show you have been screened for tuberculosis (TB).

Studying in New Zealand for more than one year?

You will need to complete a medical examination and a medical and x-ray certificate.

Pregnant women and children under the age of 11 years are not required to submit x-ray certificates unless a special report is required.

For full details on our health requirements, see the Health Requirements Leaflet (INZ 1121) PDF.

Make sure your meet our character requirements

If you are studying in New Zealand for more than two years you will also have to provide a police certificate, less than six months old, from your country of citizenship and from any country in which you have lived for five or more years since reaching 17 years of age.

Lodge your application

If you are applying from outside of New Zealand, your application must be made and approved before you are able to travel to New Zealand. Find out where to send your application.

If you are in New Zealand, please send your student application direct to:

Student Processing Unit
Immigration New Zealand
P O Box 1049
Palmerston North 4440

Student applications may also be placed in the branch student drop box (Auckland Branches only) and will be forwarded to the Student Processing Unit in Palmerston North.

If your education provider is certified with Students Online you can make your application at your nearest certified educational institute.

See our checklist for help to make sure you have everything you need to apply for your visa.

Already here?

If you need to apply for a further student visa to complete your course of study, you will still need to go through the application process. However, if your education institution is on our Students Online list of certified educators, they will be able to process your student visa on campus. Find out which institutes are with Students Online.

Or you may want to change the conditions of your visa if you:

are on another visa type and wish to study part time
are on a student visa and want to change courses and/or course providers, or
want to work while studying.

I’m accepted – tell me more

Before you leave home you can prepare for your trip to New Zealand by finding out about our currency, what you can and can’t bring into the country, driving in New Zealand, and other useful information.

It’s useful to know about Customs regulations when you arrive, what you can buy duty free, and how to get from the airport to your first night’s destination.

We’ve given you some useful tips that will help make your stay easier and more enjoyable. And also included some practical information about settling in to New Zealand in the longer term.

How did it go? We'd really like to know how good our service has been for you. Please send us an email with your feedback.

Indonesia Visa

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Welcome to Global Visas, the worldwide immigration consultancy with the highest rate of success for visa approvals. Every year four million people visit Global Visas for advice during their immigration process. Whether you’re an individual or a large corporation, staff at Global Visas have the knowledge and experience to deal with your application and offer you solutions.
Our consultants are qualified to advise you on all the different types of Indonesia visa. The best way to contact us for advice is to take our free assessment. Just click on the link below to start applying for a visa to Indonesia today.

Take the assessment for free and reliable advice on how to get the Indonesian visa you require. One of our advisers will review your details and contact you within 24 hours to discuss your ideal visa for Indonesia.
Below is an index of the Indonesia visa pages written by Global Visas. Whether you plan to visit Indonesia for work, study or leisure purposes, Global Visas can offer you the expert Indonesia immigration advice you need.

Indonesia Visa Requirements

The Indonesia Visa Requirements section covers all the different types of Indonesian visa. These range from the seven-day transit visa, to the 12-month temporary resident visa (also known as a stay permit). Visit the Indonesia Visa Requirements page for more details, or save yourself time by taking the Global Visas free assessment now.

Indonesia Immigration

The Indonesia Immigration page explains the options for visitors, students and workers seeking immigration Indonesia, with a view to staying permanently. We recommend taking our free assessment as a first step to answering your questions about living in Indonesia.

Student Visa Indonesia

This page explains what you will need to do to study in Indonesia. Visit the page to find out more about what’s involved, or click on the link below to begin your free Global Visas assessment.

Indonesian Work Permit

This section is for those planning to work in Indonesia. As well as the employment visa for those earning a salary, Indonesia has different visa categories for visitors attending conferences or undertaking journalistic assignments.

Contact Global Visas for Indonesia visa advice

Global Visas has offices around the world with staff fully qualified to handle your immigration requirements. Take the free assessment now and our consultants can save you time and help you identify the correct visa for your needs.

Immigrating to South Africa

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Considering immigrating to and settling in South Africa? Here's information on immigration categories, requirements and application procedures, and the answers to some frequently asked questions.

Please take note: This information is meant to serve as a guide only. Requirements for immigration to South Africa are subject to change, and each application is treated as an individual case. Always make inquiries before travelling to South Africa.

Where can I make inquiries about immigration/permanent residence?
You should make inquiries at your nearest Department of Home Affairs office if you're in South Africa, at your nearest SA Embassy, High Commission or Consulate if you're abroad (see 'SA OFFICES ABROAD" in the box on the right), or directly to:

Postal address:

Physical address:

It will also be worth reading the Immigrations Act, 2002. You call call the department's hotlines for inquiries about the Act.
Info & inquiries on the Internet

General information on immigration/permanent residence

Information on immigration/permanent residence by category

Online questions and comments feedback form (select "Directorate: Permanent Residence").

Access/download the relevant application forms online (PDF files requiring Adobe Acrobat Reader, free download available) Who can immigrate to SA?
South African immigration law aims to protect the health and security of South Africans, as well as their rights to employment opportunities in the country.
Protecting & creating job opportunities
South Africa has a vast reserve of unskilled and semi-skilled workers. Generally, a prospective immigrant to South Africa should not follow an occupation for which there are already sufficient people available to meet the country's needs. Unskilled and semi-skilled workers, in particular, will not usually be accepted as immigrant workers in South Africa.
Conversely, immigrants who are in a position to contribute to the broadening of South Africa's economic base will be welcomed. Applications by skilled workers in occupations for which there is a shortage in the country are encouraged - particularly applications by industrialists and other entrepreneurs who wish to relocate their existing businesses or establish new concerns in South Africa.
Commitment to the country
Because of the need to create job opportunities for South African workers, prospective immigrants should be seriously committed to investing their assets, skills and experience for the benefit of themselves and the people of South Africa.
Basic requirements
All applications for permanent residence are considered individually on merit by an autonomous statutory body, the Immigrants Selection Board. If you wish to immigrate permanently to South Africa, you should:

Be of good character.
Be a desirable inhabitant.
Not be likely to be harmful to the welfare of the country.
Not follow an occupation in which there are already sufficient people available to meet the country's needs.

Where to apply for immigration
In general, you should apply for immigration to South Africa while in your country of residence, and await the outcome of your application before proceeding to South Africa. In this case, you should apply at your nearest SA office abroad (see the box on the right above).
However, you may apply for immigration while in South Africa - at your nearest Home Affairs office - if:

You are in the country on a valid work permit; or
You are married to, or the child of, a South African citizen or permanent resident, and are in South Africa on a valid temporary residence permit; or
You are being sponsored for immigration purposes by a blood family member who is permanently and lawfully resident in South Africa (see "sponsored persons" under "categories of immigration" above), and are in South Africa on a valid temporary residence permit; or
You have been exempted from the requirement to hold a temporary residence permit.

Special arrangements for Chinese citizens
If you're a citizen of the People's Republic of China, and you wish to come to South Africa for business negotiations, feasibility studies, to establish a business, or to take up employment with a South African company which has been financed with foreign capital from Mainland China, you should first approach the Chinese Ministry of Trade and Economic Co-operation. Only after the approval of the Ministry has been obtained and the relevant applications have been lodged with the South African Embassy in Beijing, will the Immigrants Selection Board be able to consider your admission to South Africa.