How to Get a VISA For Study Abroad
What is a VISA? A Visa is an endorsement on a passport indicating that the holder is allowed to enter, leave, or stay for a specified period of time in a country. Visas are immigration papers, and are often required to remain legally in a country.
What does it look like? Typically, a visa is an adhesive document that is adhered to a page in your passport. As such, in many cases, you will have to present or mail your actual passport in order to have the visa affixed to it. Sometimes, the visa will have your photo on it as well. If you are asked to submit a passport-sized photo, this is why!
How do I know if I need one? Typically, if you are spending a semester or more abroad YOU WILL NEED A VISA Many countries do allow American citizens to visit a country for 90 days or less WITHOUT A VISA but each country is different so check your specific destination. To find out your SPECIFIC requirements, CHECK WITH THE CONSULATE or EMBASSY
What is a Consulate or Embassy? A consulate is a country s small official office located in another country. The main office is called an Embassy, and is in the capital city. Consulates are in other large towns and cities and usually do not do all of the jobs of the embassy. Consulates usually deal with questions about passports for their own citizens, visas for foreigners wanting to visit the consulate's home country and licenses for import and export. Some larger and more important countries might also have Consulates General. These are simply bigger consulates which might do more than a smaller consulate. Consulates often have specific territories, meaning they only serve people living in certain US states. Depending on your state of residence, you may use a different consulate than another student.
Researching Your Visa Search for [destination country] + consulate + U.S.A. You might also try [destination country] + embassy + U.S.A. Make sure you are looking at an official site. Often it will be in both English and the destination county s language, have information about the destination country s government, and have a URL with the destination country s abbreviations. Some countries do outsource visa processing to companies. Just make sure to start from an official website, and follow their links. Find a link that refers to Visas, Visiting the country, Immigration, or something similar. There should be information about several types of visitors. You will want to look for the STUDENT visa information. Remember, you are not a tourist if you are registering for classes for a semester! **In some countries, you may be considered a tourist if you stay for less than 90 days.
Travisa You can also use VISA Service Companies as resources to review visa requirements. Visit: www.travisa.com
Visa Application Requirements Each country s requirements are different. Some common requirements are: Passport must presented or mail in Visa Application or online registration COE Certificate of Enrollment or other notification of acceptance and sponsorship from your host institution Proof of Financial Support this is evidence that you can support yourself in the country. Could include your or your guardian s bank statements, scholarship letters, etc. Photos similar to passport photos Fee dependent on the country. Can be up to a few hundred dollars! Proof of insurance your GEO Blue can work for this.
Things to Look Out For Do you have to apply in person? Some countries make all visa applicants visit a consulate to apply (like the US!). You may have to travel domestically to get your visa! What is the visa processing time? Securing a visa may take anywhere from a few days to several weeks! Make sure to plan ahead. Is there a fee? Some countries are much more expensive than others factor this into your budget? Do documents need to be notarized? If you are asked to provide anything that is notarized, you must have the documents stamped and certified by a Notary. GEO has a few in the office, and your bank or insurance company may as well. Are you a non-us citizen? There may be different restrictions based on your country of citizenship!!
What Can GEO Do? Securing a Visa is YOUR Responsibility. We can help you find the correct resources and answer general questions, but you should communicate DIRECTLY with the consulate for specific visa questions. There are a FEW countries where consulates have given us permission to assist you. These include: Japan, Spain, Czech Republic, and in some cases, France. In these cases, we may be able to either mail your applications, or submit them in person on your behalf. You will need to complete a WAIVER allowing us to do so, and in some cases, pay GEO a fee. Visa acceptance or denial remains your responsibility we are just the carriers!!
Next Steps Find your destination country s consulate website. Review the Visa Questionnaire in your application. You should be able to answer all the questions listed! Once you have all of the required documents (remember, you need the COE from your host institution!), apply for your visa! Contact the consulate with questions!!