Student Visas: Staying Ahead of the Game!

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1 Student Visas: Staying Ahead of the Game! NAFSA Collegial Conversation August 19, 2010

2 Today s Presenters Joe Sevigny AVP of Enrollment Management IES Abroad Libby Lauze Manager of Enrollment CIEE: Council on International Educational Exchange

3 The State of Visas Today Driven by current political climate Driven by state of relationships between nations Visa regulations are an easy political target The guiding principle in determining visa regulations between nations: RECIPROCITY! AKA: TIT FOR TAT

4 RECIPROCITY In international relations and treaties the principle of reciprocity states that favors, benefits, or penalties that are granted by one state to the citizens or legal entities of another, should be returned in kind. RECIPROCITY IN ACTION: Visa fees Required documents Required financial support amounts Requirement to appear at embassy/consulate Processing time Length of visa validity

5 Processing Visa Applications Three Methods For Processing Visa Applications: Direct Application Batch Processed Obtain Required Document After Arrival

6 Processing Visa Applications DIRECT APPLICATION Student applies directly to consulate Important Considerations: Personal appearance (travel) Dealing directly with consular officers Understanding of which documents to bring Relinquishing passport Timing

7 Processing Visa Applications BATCH PROCESSED APPLICATIONS School/Office collects and delivers batches of visa applications to consulate Important Considerations: Sufficient Staffing Establishing relationship with consulate Deadlines Required Documents Time required to process/follow up Maintaining security of documents Travel to consulate Liability issues

8 Processing Visa Applications APPLY FOR REQUIRED STATUS ONSITE Student applies for required non-immigration document after arrival Important Considerations: Must bring required documents Pre-program travel within country

9 How can advisors prepare students for the visa process? Familiarize students with the basics early in the advising process Apply for a passport! Expedited processing is worth the extra money. Visas are official permission for students to attend university in a foreign country. Students entering a country without a visa are breaking the law and the consequences can be severe. The visa process is long and can be difficult. It is important to start working on the visa as soon as possible. Patience and persistence are required during every step of the process. Details matter!! Students should research the documents required to complete their visa application and pay close attention when assembling the materials to be presented at the consulate. Non-U.S. citizens often face additional challenges during the visa application process and in some cases must apply in their home country to obtain a visa. These students should allow extra time to complete the visa process and should plan on expending extra efforts to meet the consulate s requirements.

10 How can advisors prepare students for the visa process? Familiarize students with the basics early in the advising process Apply for a passport! Expedited processing is worth the extra money. Visas are official permission for students to attend university in a foreign country. Students entering a country without a visa are breaking the law and the consequences can be severe. The visa process is long and can be difficult. It is important to start working on the visa as soon as possible. Patience and persistence are required during every step of the process. Details matter!! Students should research the documents required to complete their visa application and pay close attention when assembling the materials to be presented at the consulate. Non-U.S. citizens often face additional challenges during the visa application process and in some cases must apply in their home country to obtain a visa. These students should allow extra time to complete the visa process and should plan on expending extra efforts to meet the consulate s requirements.

11 Common Road Blocks in the Visa Process Independent Travel Prior to the Start of the Program Investigate visa rules and processing times before planning any personal travel! Even two different study abroad programs in the same country through different organizations can complicate the visa process. Do not expect the consulate to make an exception to their policies based on personal travel plans. However, a polite inquiry regarding the possibility of an alternate method of applying (i.e. with a photocopy of your passport, or have a parent submit the application on your behalf) may be worthwhile. Studying Abroad in Two Different Countries Plan early and research the visa process for each country in detail. Timing is of the essence. Students should be prepared with alternate program choices or open to switching the semester of their study (i.e. Spain in the fall semester, and spring in Argentina instead of Argentina in the fall semester and Spain in the spring)

12 Common Road Blocks in the Visa Process Most Important (and Misunderstood) Documents for the Visa Process Pay close attention to which document is required in the consulate s visa application instructions. Criminal Background Check This document can be obtained from a local police department. Processing time is generally 2-3 weeks. Each local authority has their own application procedure, processing time, and costs. FBI Background Check Requests for this document are made through the FBI. Submission of fingerprints is required. Processing time is weeks and the cost is around $20. Consulates often request the FBI check because it covers the entire United States, not just one city or state. If your consulate requires an apostille on this document, it must be requested at the time of application and will require additional steps and processing time (usually 2-3 weeks) after the background check is received. Notarization A notary public is an official designated by a state to officiate paperwork transactions. Most often notaries will witness signatures to documents or verify that a document is original and true. Each state has its own requirements and processes for the notarization of documents. Apostille of the Hague Convention An apostille is authentication that a notarization is official, real and true. The apostille makes a notarized document acceptable to other states and foreign countries. Expect to see a gold foil sticker or a ribbon on a document with an apostille. Documents requiring an apostille must first be NOTARIZED. Each state has its own requirements and procedures to obtain an apostille. Visit the website of a state s Office of the Secretary of State for detailed instructions.