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Applying for Kinds of Visas to Philippines 9(f) Student Visa is issued to a foreigner having means sufficient for his education and support in the Philippines, who is at least eighteen years of age and who seeks to enter the Philippines temporarily and solely for the purpose of taking up a course of study higher than secondary high school at a university, seminary, academy, college or school, approved for such alien students by the Commisioner of Immigration. A foreigner who seeks entry into the Philippines for the purpose of study or training in a non-degree course is not qualified for a student visa and must apply for a temporary visitors visa. PROCEDURE & REQUIREMENTS IN APPLYING FOR A STUDENT VISA
a. Transcript of Records, duly notarized by a Notary Public, and authenticated by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Philippine Embassy in the applicant's country of origin. b. Affidavit of Financial Support c. Personal History Statement A list of accredited Philippine schools may be obtained from the Consular Section of the Philippine Embassy.
. Two (2) accomplished student visa application forms. Please obtain the application form from the Consular Section of the Philippine Embassy. a. Original passport valid for at least six (6) months beyond the authorized period of stay in the Philippines. b. Two (2) 4.5 cm x 3.5 cm colored ID photographs with white background taken during the last six (6) months of the student's quarter profile either earlobe. c. Personal appearance of the foreign student at the Philippine Embassy. d. Original copy of the school's Notice of Acceptance (NOA) containing a clear impression of the school's dry seal and addressed to the student. e. Original copy of the Certificate of Eligibility of Admission (CEA) issued by the Commission of Higher Education (CHED), if enrolled in courses or programs where restrictions may exist due to shortage of facilities, as in Medicine or Dentistry. f. Police clearance issued by the police authorities in the student's country of origin or legal residence and authenticated by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Philippine Embassy in the applicant's country of origin. g. Medical health certificate issued by an authorized physician including standard size chest x-rays. h. Student Visa fee of SEK 2,875.00. Payment from within Sweden may be made to the bank with Bank Giro No. 5217 1303. Payment from outside Sweden may be made by bank transfer to Skandinaviska Enskilda Banken (SEB), Sergels Torg 2, 106 40 Stockholm, Sweden with Account No. 5277 10 199 49. In sending payment through bank transfer, please include SEK 60.00 to serve as bank receiving fee. Cash payment is accepted in Swedish Kronor. No cheque payment is accepted. Fees are not refundable for processed visa applications. Processing of visa applications normally takes five (5) working days from receipt of complete requirements. i. For applications sent by post/mail within Sweden, please provide the postage fee of SEK 100.00 and a self-addressed envelope. For applications sent by post/mail from outside of Sweden, please include ten (10) international coupons purchased from the post office in lieu of the SEK 100.00 postage fee. Note: On arrival in Manila, the student should seek guidance regarding registration with the Bureau of Immigration from the school's Foreign Students Section. Who are exempted from getting visas to the Philippines? Case 1: US passport holders visiting the Philippines as a tourist for 21 days at most. Nationals of countries which have diplomatic relations with the Philippines are generally allowed entry into the country without visas for a stay of twenty-one (21) days or less, provided, the nature of the trip is for tourism only and are holders of a roundtrip or onward travel airline ticket. Case 2: Former Filipinos. Former Filipinos who are now naturalized citizens of the United States who wish to visit the Philippines for tourism purposes can avail of the "Balikbayan" status. As a "balikbayan", the former Filipino can enter the Philippines without a visa provided he shows any proof of former Philippine citizenship (e.g. old Philippine passport , birth certificate or naturalization papers) and stay for a year or less in the country. Foreign spouses and children traveling with the former Filipino citizen may avail of this privilege by presenting legal documents establishing their relationship with the former Filipino citizen upon arrival in the Philippines (e.g. marriage certificate in case of husband or wife or birth certificate in case of children). What are the requirements for a business visa? The applicant must fill up the application form and submit a passport-sized photo, a passport whose validity is at least six months beyond the length of proposed stay in the Philippines, proof of financial capacity (or a letter from the employer) and a photocopy of the applicant's airline ticket or travel itinerary. All applications not filed personally by the applicant at the consulate must be notarized. Click here for more information. Are business visas issued only to US passport holders? No, business visas can also be issued to other nationals provided that they can show proof of legal residency in the US. What are the requirements for a tourist visa? Basically, the applicant must fill up the application form and submit a passport sized photo, a passport whose validity is at least six months beyond the length of proposed stay in the Philippines, proof of financial capacity and a photocopy of the applicant's airline ticket or travel itinerary. Click here for more information. Are these requirements the same for minors? All foreign nationals aged below fifteen years (15) and traveling with their parents to the Philippines for tourism purposes are required to submit the same requirements for tourist visas. Only when they are not traveling with their parents are they required to file for a waiver of exclusion ground (WEG). What is the waiver of exclusion ground (WEG) and how do I get it? The waiver of exclusion ground (WEG) is a document issued by the Bureau of Immigration (BI) in Manila which allows the child to travel to the Philippines unaccompanied by a parent. Under the current regulations, the minor's passport and documents for WEG will be submitted to the immigration officials upon arrival. Please prepare to pay for the following fees: application fee P2, 000.00; WEG fee P600.00 and service fee (P500.00). The Bureau of Immigration will process the application for a WEG and the minor's passport will be returned when the minor exits from the Philippines. The Philippine Consulate General will issue a visa to the minor on the understanding that the minor will submit all requirements needed by the BI for a WEG. These documents are needed at the Consulate:
Bureau of Immigration is located at Magallanes Drive, Port Area, Manila and the telephone numbers are (632) 527-3279 and (632) 527-3314. Who can Apply for Student Visas? (c/o E.O. No. 285, Sept. 4, 2000) Foreigners, at least 18 years old at the time of enrolment and have sufficient means for their education and support for study for the purpose of taking up a course higher than high school at an educational institution duly authorized to admit foreign students. What are the steps taken in applying for a student visa? Step 1. Application with the Preferred School - Communicate directly with the school of choice and comply with their requirements which includes:
Step 2. Acceptance by School - School upon satisfaction of compliance of requirements issues Notice of Acceptance (NOA) to student and submits the duplicate copy to the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), together with the certified true copy of CHED-CEA when necessary. For quota courses such as medicine and dentistry, a certificate of eligibility for admission (CEA) is also issued by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED). Step 3. Department of Foreign Affairs indorses documents to the foreign service post (FSP) located in the student's country of origin/place of legal residence for the issuance of the student visa. Step 4. The Philippine Embassy or Consulate notifies the student in writing to appear in person and bring all the required documents. Step 5. Upon receiving the letter from the Philippine Embassy/Consulate, the student makes an appointment to appear for an interview at the consulate or embassy. Please bring the following documents:
FOREIGNERS WHO ARE ALREADY IN THE PHILIPPINES UNDER ANY VALID VISA ARRANGEMENT MAY APPLY FOR THE CONVERSION OF THEIR VISA STATUS TO 9(F) STUDENT VISA PROVIDED THEY SUBMIT THE FOLLOWING:
Yes, provided that the applicants comply with these requirements: passport valid for at least six months, three original and two copies of the application form and 2" x 2" pictures, original and two copies of any documentary evidence of Philippine citizenship, original and two copies of the medical examination report duly accomplished by physician, original and two copies of police clearance and original and two copies of evidence of sound financial status or notarized affidavit of support and supporting documents of a relative in the Philippines. The applicant may have to submit other documents as may be required by the visa officer. Before any visa is issued, the applicant must be interviewed. All schedules for interview must be coursed through the visa section. Fee is $150.00 per applicant.
Applying for Student Visas to USA Visa Types It is important to understand the differences between the types of visas available to students before you apply for yours. The F-1 visa category is the most common student visa type and is designated for undergraduate and graduate students in academic and language study programs. The J-1 category is for graduate or exchange students, teachers, scholars, and researchers who come to the United States under educational exchange programs such as the Fulbright Program. J-1 students must be financed, at least partially, either by the U.S. government or their home government, or by the U.S. institution that they will attend. They may also be part of an exchange program. One advantage of the J-1 visa for married students is that it allows spouses (J-2 dependents) to apply for work authorization after they arrive in the United States. The F-1 does not allow F-2 dependents to work. F-2 or J-2 dependents may study full-time or part-time. Procedures for Your Country Procedures and requirements for applying for a student visa vary from country to country, and they are more complex and demanding in some countries than in others. There are a number of places where you can obtain more information on the visa application process in general and the specific requirements for your country. There are several things you can do to increase your chances of a favorable visa decision: · start the process at least two months in advance of your departure date · assemble all the documentation that can help make your case · make sure you are well-prepared if you are required to attend an interview To apply for a student visa, you must have a valid Certificate of Eligibility: Form I-20 for an F-1 visa, Form IAP-66 for a J-1 visa. Your U.S. university will send you the appropriate form after you have been admitted and after you have certified your available finances. When your form arrives, check the following: · Is your name spelled correctly and in the same form as it appears on your passport? · Is the other information — date and country of birth, degree program, reporting date, completion date, and financial information — correct? · Is the form signed by a university official? · Has the reporting date passed? If so, the form has expired. It cannot be used after the reporting date. · If your I-20 or IAP-66/DS-2019 is valid, you are ready to apply for the visa. If you are required to attend a visa interview, be aware that they usually last an average of three minutes; therefore, you must be prepared to be brief yet convincing. Be confident, do not hide the truth or lie — U.S. consular section staff have a lot of experience and can easily identify when people are not being truthful about their visa application. To issue your visa, the consular officer must be satisfied on three counts: First, are you a bona fide student? The officer will look at your educational background and plans to assess how likely you are to enroll and remain in the program. If you are required to have an interview, be prepared to discuss the reasons you chose a particular university, your subject, and your career Plans. Bring your transcripts, degree certificate, standardized test scores, and anything else that demonstrates your academic commitment. Second, are you capable of financing your education, your living expenses, and the expenses of any dependents who may be traveling with you? The U.S. government needs assurances that you will not drop out of school or take a job illegally. Your I-20 or IAP-66/DS-2019 form will list how you have shown the university you will cover your expenses (and those of any family members who will accompany you), at least for the first year. Provide solid evidence of any scholarships, grants, or loans you have been awarded, and of your sponsor’s finances, especially sources and amounts of income. Third, are your ties to home so strong that you will not want to remain permanently in the United States? Under U.S. law, all applicants for nonimmigrant visas are viewed as intending immigrants until they can convince the consular officer that they are not. Note that if you are traveling on a J-1 visa, a two-year rule usually applies, whereby after you have finished your studies in the United States you cannot apply for an immigrant visa for the United States until you have spent two years back in your home country. Overall, you must be able to show that your reasons for returning home are stronger than those for remaining in the United States. The law states that you must demonstrate sufficient economic, family, and social ties to your place of residence to ensure that your stay in the United States will be temporary. Economic ties include your family’s economic position, property you may own or stand to inherit, and your own economic potential when you come home with a U.S. education. The consular officer will be impressed to see evidence of your career planning and your knowledge of the local employment scene. For family and social ties, the consular officer may ask how many close family members live in your home country, compared to how many live in the United States. What community activities have you participated in that demonstrate a sincere connection to your town or country? What leadership, sports, work, or academic experience indicates that you are someone who wants to come home and contribute your part? Visa Refusals If your application is refused, the consular officer is required to give you an explanation in writing. However, this is often a standardized reply and is unlikely to go into the details of your specific case. You do have the right to apply a second time, but if you reapply, make sure to prepare much more carefully; the consular officer will need to see fresh evidence sufficient to overcome the reasons for the first denial. If you have given careful thought to your educational goals, and if you have realistic career plans, you will find the visa application an opportunity to prove you are ready to take the next big step in your education and your life Applying for Student Visas to Australia You need a student visa if you wish to study in Australia for over 3 months. If your intended stay in Australia is 3 months or less you may apply for a short stay visa. For periods of study greater than 3 months a Student (Temporary) Visa is required by non-Australian residents and is granted only if they enroll in a registered, full-time course in Australia. All courses for international students, and the Australian education and training institutions that offer them, must be registered with the Australian Government. To be granted a student visa you will need to:1. complete relevant parts of the visa application form and lodge it along with
2. satisfy the student visa requirements Depending on your country of nationality and your principal course of study you may have to undergo a Pre-Visa Assessment (PVA) before an Electronic Confirmation of Enrolment (eCoE) is issued by your Australian education provider. Student applications from India, Pakistan, the People's Republic of China (PRC), and Vietnam may be assess through the streamlined Pre-Qualified Institutions (PQI) scheme Major changes to Australia's student visa assessment procedures came into effect on 1 July 2001 to streamline visa processing. The restructured student visa program replaces the gazetted/non-gazetted country arrangement and the Special Entry Arrangements for PRC students. The Student (Temporary) Visa now has: · visa sub-classes for each education sector You should apply under the visa sub-class for your principal course of study. · country assessment levels (CAL) Each education sector in each country is ranked according to four assessment levels. · evidentiary standards These visa requirements include English language proficiency and are increasingly stringent from CAL 1 through to CAL 4. · electronic confirmation of enrolment (eCoE) The only accepted evidence of enrolment for processing student visa applications. Generally, an international student is issued with a multiple entry visa for the duration of their study course in Australia. This allows you to travel backwards and forwards to Australia within the period for which it has been granted. Members of your immediate family (spouse and unmarried dependent children under 18 years of age) may accompany you to Australia and will be considered in the same visa class as yourself. If you wish to extend your stay in Australia for further study you will need to lodge an application for a further visa. 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 Multicultural Affairs (DIMA) website. Australian Quarantine Regulations Australian quarantine is needed to keep out exotic pests and diseases that could affect native plants and animals, human health, agricultural industries and our environment. This role is undertaken by the Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service (AQIS). Visit the AQIS website for information in a range of foreign languages on what you cannot bring into Australia and what your family and friends at home cannot send to you through the mail. *** For acquiring more useful information you can visit the site: http://studyinaustralia.gov.au/Sia/en/WhatToStudy/howtoapply/visarequirements.htm Applying for Student Visas to Canada
Depending on your country of
origin and the type and length of study, you may require: • A student authorization • Both a student authorization and visa • Or, none of the above The type of documentation required depends on your country of origin, the program you are taking, and the length of your study: • Language studies of under three months: • No student authorization is required • All other programs require a student authorization Step by Step Guide A step-by-step guide to obtaining a student authorization: 1. Pick up student authorization forms You may obtain student authorization forms in your country of origin at the Canadian Embassy, High Commission or Canadian Education Centre. Applications and documentation must then be submitted to the nearest visa office. A person may apply for a student authorization at a Canadian port of entry only if that person is a national of the United States; a permanent resident of the United States; a resident of St. Pierre and Miquelon; or a dependent of a person who is in Canada on an employment or student authorization. 2. Gather the necessary documents It is crucial that students submit ALL documentation requested with their applications. Missing documentation will delay the authorization process. The following documentation must be included in student authorization applications: I. Proof of identity. This includes photocopies of a valid passport or travel document or identity document that guarantees re-entry to the country that issued it; and four recent passport-size photos (2" x 2.5") for each family member, with the full name and date of birth recorded on the back of each photo. Visa officers may also wish to see the actual passport or travel document and will inform you if this is the case. II. Proof of financial support that shows you will have enough money during your stay in Canada to cover tuition fees, return transportation and $10,000 CDN per annum for living expenses. Documentation for this requirement could be proof of a Canadian bank account or a bank draft in convertible currency, bank statements for the past four to six months, or proof of payment of tuition and residence fees. (As a guideline, $10,000 CDN plus to tuition fees per academic year is generally viewed as sufficient.) III. A medical examination in your country of origin. Medical exams are required if your stay is longer than six months. Please note that medical processing will add several weeks to the time necessary to obtain a student authorization. In some cases, you may need a medical examination even though your course is less than six months in duration. In these instances, a visa officer will determine whether you will require a medical examination and will send you the appropriate medical forms and instructions. IV. Proof of acceptance by an approved educational institution. The following information must be included in letters of acceptance: name, date of birth, mailing address of student; the course for which the student has been accepted; the estimated duration or date of completion of the course; the date on which the course begins; the 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; the tuition fee; any conditions related to acceptance; clear identification of the educational institution; and licensing information for private institutions. This letter must be signed by an authorized representative of the institution. V. If you are a minor (typically less than 18 years but this can vary from province to province), proof of custodianship in Canada is required. You must provide a notarized declaration signed by your parent or legal guardian in the country of origin AND a notarized declaration signed by the custodian in Canada stating that adequate arrangements have been made for the custodian in Canada to act in place of a parent in times of emergency, such as when medical attention or intervention is required. For younger children, a broader declaration may be required. Broad declarations must state that the custodian is not only responsible in times of emergency but also for day-to-day care and supervision. 3. Visit the Visa Office Once you have completed the application forms and have gathered the necessary documentation, proceed to the visa office nearest to you and submit the forms and required information along with a student authorization fee. When reviewing your student authorization application, a visa officer must be satisfied that you meet the requirements of the Canadian Immigration Act and Regulations and that you will only be in Canada temporarily. Once the visa officer is satisfied that you are a "bona fide" student and all statutory requirements are met, you will be issued a document which must be shown to an immigration officer at the port of entry in Canada in order to obtain a student authorization. As your student authorization will normally be valid for the duration of your course, please ensure that your travel document (passport) is also valid for that same period of time. Will I need to attend an interview? After reviewing your application, a visa officer will decide if an interview is necessary. If so, the officer will contact you directly to set up a time and place for an appointment. What happens when I arrive in Canada? When you arrive in Canada, you must inform officials at the port of entry that you are an international student picking up your student authorization. At that point, you will show the letter issued by the Canadian visa office in your country of origin to an immigration officer, who will issue your student authorization. Please note that authorizations are not issued by customs officers. The immigration officer at the port of entry will determine whether you may enter Canada and how long you may stay. You must either leave Canada on or before the date set by the immigration officer or have your status extended by an immigration office in Canada. May I change schools? You may change institutions and/or program of study to others at the same level. Applications for changing schools can be obtained from the nearest Canada Immigration Centre. However, if the terms and conditions on your student authorization state that you are required to attend a specific school, then if you wish to change schools, you must apply for a new student authorization and provide the appropriate documentation. This may be done while you are in Canada. May I work during my stay in Canada? You may work on the campus of any publicly-funded, degree-granting institution that you are attending. If you are a full-time student at a post-secondary institution, you may also require an employment authorization for the following circumstances: if the intended employment is an essential and integral part of your course of study (this does not apply to accounting students, medical interns or medical residents); if the intended employment is related to an approved research or training program; or if you have successfully completed a community college or university program in Canada and wish to work for a maximum of one year in employment related to your course of study. May I leave Canada and return? Yes. However, should your student authorization expire while you are out of Canada, you may not be allowed to return to study. If you initially required a visitor visa in addition to a student authorization, you will be able to return to Canada providing your visa, passport and student authorization are valid. How do I obtain an extension of my student authorization? If you wish to extend your student authorization, you can do so within Canada. Contact the nearest Canada Immigration Centre at least two months before the expiry of your authorizations, and ask for an application to be mailed to you. All applications for student authorizations from within Canada must be mailed to and processed by Citizenship and Immigration Canada's central processing centre in Vegreville, Alberta (Tel:+650-361-0553 / Fax: (403) 632-8165). Applying for Student Visas to Germany Applying for a Student Visa Any international student who intends to undertake full-time study in a course at a registered institution of higher education in Germany needs to obtain a Student Visa. The visa, which is granted initially for a period of up to three months by the German Embassy/Consulates General, permits the holder to enter Germany. However, it will be extended by the competent Foreigners’ Registration Office (‘Ausländerbehörde’) when the student duly registers himself/herself within the first three months of his/her stay in Germany. The extension is done for one year at a time, up to the duration of the course. A Student Visa is valid for multiple entries. International students must leave Germany on completion of their course of study. With the student Visa, you can o to several other European countries such as Austria, Belgium, Denmark, France, Italy and many more. Procedures for Your Country The VISA procedure may differ from country to country. If you belong to a country outside the European Union and are applying to study in Germany, you need a visa. However, if you are from Australia, Japan, Canada, Israel, New Zealand, USA, Switzerland, Honduras, Monaco and San Marino, you are exempted from this rule. Be careful: all visas are not the same. A “tourist visa” cannot be converted into a “student visa” and as a tourist, you are not eligible to study in Germany. So it’s essential to pay attention to the word preceding “visa”. Three types of visa exist for international students: - a language course visa, which cannot be subsequently converted into a student visa. It is valid only for the duration of the course. - a three-month study applicant’s visa, which is valid if you have not yet obtained university admission. After admission, it must be converted as quickly as possible into a resident permit for student purposes at the office for foreigners’ affairs. - the visa for study purposes, valid for one year. In order to obtain this visa, you must provide proof of admission and financial support for the duration of study. In order to apply for a student visa, the following documents are generally required: § a valid passport § passport photos § entitlement to university admission, as recognized in Germany (usually a high school diploma or graduation examination certificate) § evidence of previous academic performance
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proof
that complete financial support for one year is guaranteed The notification of admission from the university is also required for the application for a visa for study purposes. Generally, a confirmation from the university, certifying that the application documents are available to them , suffices. The visa application is submitted at the German Embassy or the German Consulate in your country of residence – preferably as early as possible. German Embassy or Consulate personnel can provide further information. Contact the German Embassy in your country for details. Applicants To be considered for a Student Visa, the applicant must first complete an application form for a ‘longer stay visa’ (white form) in duplicate. The application forms are available free of charge from the Consular Section of the German Embassy in New Delhi and the Consulates General of the Federal Republic of Germany in Mumbai, Chennai and Calcutta. The current application fee for a Student Visa is DM 50 (currently approx. Rs 1100). The fee is subject to change without notice. The fee is a visa service charge and is non-refundable, irrespective of the outcome of the visa application. An application will not be accepted unless it is made in the prescribed form and with the correct fee. A valid passport and 2 passport size photos are needed for the application. Visa Assessment Applications will be assessed on the basis of the following criteria: Evidence of Enrolment One of the essential requirements for a student visa application is that the applicant has been accepted for enrolment by a registered institution of higher education in Germany. This is proved by the admission letter (‘Zulassungsbescheid’) from the German institution. Bona Fides Assessment The bona fides assessment determines whether an applicant is a genuine student who intends to undertake studies in Germany, abide by visa conditions and depart on completion of the course. This involves amongst other criteria examining the following:
Adequate Financial Resources This involves an assessment of the applicant’s or his/her sponsor’s ability to finance all expenses pertaining to the applicant’s education in Germany including cost of living and a German medical insurance. The approximate cost of living for a single person in Germany is Euro 665.-- a month. Students should not expect to be able to fund their studies and living costs in Germany through part-time-employment. Special conditions for student jobs apply. Health Certificate It is essential that the applicant meets the German health requirements. This involves the proof of a recent medical check-up and a chest x-ray. The medical certificate should clearly identify the person examined.
Further Processing Once the visa application form and documentation as listed above are completed, they will be sent by the visa section to the competent German authority (‘Ausländerbehörde’) for final approval. Obtaining this final approval may take up to eight weeks. Only after completion of this procedure can the Student Visa be issued. Registration As soon as you have received your notification of admission and passed the language test, you have to register at your chosen university/college. You need to inquire at the Registrar’s Office (Studentensekretariat) well in advance as to which documents you should have with you. Usually, you are required to register in person. Some of the vital documents you need o carry are: · Your notification of admission. · Proof that you have passed the DSH or Test DaF or any other language test that is acceptable to t he university. · Your higher education entrance qualification · Your passport · Several passport-sized photographs · A statement confirming that you have statutory health insurance cover in Germany or proof that you do not require insurance cover because your insurance cover at home is recognized in Germany. As a rule, you will also have to register in writing with your concerned department. Finally, you have to enroll at your respective courses. University Life While some German higher education institutes are quite small, others have a vast network, and getting to know your fellow students might not be easy! Orientation programs at the beginning of each semester might provide one opportunity for making friends and acquaintances. Other than that, the Akademisches Aulandsamt arranges special programs and activities for foreign students. Some departments meet regularly for get-togethers, and these are great opportunities forgetting useful advise on studies and leisure activities.
The University Sports Office
(Akademisches Sportsamt) and the AstA offer many sports courses which regular
students can avail of and which are free of cost. Life in Germany The Federal Republic of Germany is situated in the heart of Europe. It is surrounded by a total of nine neighboring countries. It is the third largest nation of the European Union. In terms of population, though, it is the largest. It also one of the most influential countries of the European Union. Germany has a moderate climate. In summer the temperature is about 18-20°C, although in some places it can be as high as 30°C. In winter the mean temperature is about 1.5°C in the planes and can be as low as -6°C in the mountains. Rain falls all the year round. Standard German or “High German” is Germany’s official language. However, many dialects are spoken across the country. Among the minority languages are Serbian, Danish, and Frisian. Germany has an astounding 99% literacy rate! Education has always been an important aspect of Germany, and people place a lot of value on it. Germany’s sound education system is well renowned throughout the world.
Applying for Student Visas to Cyprus THE PROCESS OF ISSUING RESIDENCE PERMIT TO FOREIGN STUDENTS STUDYING IN GREEK INSTITUTIONS OF HIGHER EDUCATION The process of obtaining a student's permit to live in Greece has two stages. The first (A) is obtaining a VISA to enter Greece from the local Greek Embassy or Consulate. The second stage (B) is getting a residence permit issued by the local authorities, after the student enters Greece. A. Before any foreign student comes to Greece to study, he/she has to obtain a special entrance permit (VISA) from the Greek Embassy or Consulate located in to his/her country. In order to get this VISA the student needs: 1. A certificate from A.C.T., certified by the appropriate Greek Country office, that the student has been admitted for studying at A.C.T. 2. Valid passport. 3. A signed statement (Law 105 form available at kiosks in Greece) verifying that the student has the financial means to support himself/herself if during his/her studying period in Greece. 4. A certificate issued by the appropriate local authorities, indicating that the student has no criminal record in his/her own country. The Greek Embassy or Consulate will then issue a VISA for the purpose stated in the student's application (i.e. studying at A.C.T.) B. Upon arrival in Greece the student has to submit to the municipal offices of his/her residence the following documents, in order to obtain a permit to reside in Greece for the period of his/her studies: 1. Application requesting the issue of residence permit. 2. Copy of valid passport, showing the VISA obtained at the country of origin. 3. Two color photographs. 4. A fee (value of fee is not yet known) 5. Certification of enrollment at A.C.T. 6. Evidence of ability to support himself while studying in Greece, such as bank account, bank checks, parents' certification - verified by the Greek Embassy of Consulate of the country of origin - that they are able to cover the expenses of their child, payroll receipts (part time employment is allowed to legally admitted foreign student). 7. Public or private health insurance coverage, or an application to receive insurance. 8. A simple statement indicating the local address of the applicant. 9. Health certificate issued by Greek public health institutions (hospitals, health centers, IKA health centers)certifying that the student does not suffer from any disease that may be detrimental to the public health, according to world standards and the World Health Organization The residence permit is valid for one year. To renew it the foreign student has to apply for renewal at the municipality of his/her residence, two months before the old permit expires. The following are needed for the renewal of the permit: 10. Copy of passport. 11. Two Color photographs. 12. Fee. 13. Certified copy of the current residence permit.
· EVERY TIME A VISA IS REQUESTED, IT IS PROVIDED ONLY FOR THE SPECIFIC REASON INDICATED BY THE APPLICANT. · WHEN A NON-GREEK DOCUMENT IS NECESSARY, IT HAS TO BE VALIDATED ACCORDING TO THE HAGUE AGREEMENT, WHENEVER THIS IS REQUIRED. ALL OTHER DUCUMENTS HAVE TO BE VALIDATED FOR AUTHENTICITY BY THE GREEK EMBASSY/CUNSULATE OR THE GREEK FOREIGN MINISTRY. · IN EVERY CASE THE FOREIGN APPLICANT IS CALLED INTO AN INTERVIEW WITH THE GREEK EMMIGRATION AUTHORITIES. INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS IMPORTANT DATES TO NOTE · International students are advised to submit their application by July 4, 2003. · |