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Countries, description and visa categories

Visas - United Kingdom
United Kingdom

To apply for a student visa in the UK, which is also known as a British visa for foreign students, you need to submit the required documents at the visa application center. The first step involves submitting your documents, and then you will be asked to wait for a few minutes while your fingerprints (biometric information) are taken. It is important for the applicant to be physically present during this process. Even children under 5 years old are exempt from providing biometrics, but their presence is still required. Children aged 5 to 15 years must go through this procedure while accompanied by an adult.

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Visas - USA
USA

A student visa in the United States grants citizens of other countries the opportunity to study in schools, colleges, universities, or improve their English language skills. However, before applying for a student visa in the US, it is necessary to obtain an official invitation from the school and possess official documentation confirming the purpose of the trip to America.

It's important to note that the law prohibits citizens of other countries from studying in primary schools, including pre-school institutions and those schools funded by the state. Therefore, the US visa (F-1) is not issued for these particular cases.

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Visas - Switzerland
Switzerland

Depending on your country of residence, there are several options for submitting your visa application to Switzerland (including the study visa to Switzerland or the short-term visa to Liechtenstein):

  1. Apply directly at a Swiss embassy or consulate in your home country.
  2. Fill out the visa application online, if available.
  3. Submit your application through an external visa service provider, if applicable.
  4. Visit the embassy or consulate of another Schengen State, which may represent Switzerland for visa processing.
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Visas - Canada
Canada

Documents Submission Requirements for Student, Study, and Tourism Visas to Canada

When planning a visit to Canada for private, business, educational, or tourism purposes, individuals are required to obtain a Temporary Resident Visa. If the visit exceeds six months and is specifically for studying, a Study Permit (student visa to Canada) is necessary.

It is important to note that the embassy's regulations have become stricter, and now all submitted documents must be translated into either French or English.

The experts at SMAPSE are prepared to assist in determining the appropriate visa type for studying in Canada that aligns with the trip's duration and purpose.

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Visas - Spain
Spain

Filing Requirements

For individuals seeking a tourist visa to Spain, the application should be made at the visa center. However, if you require a long-term student visa for Spain, it is necessary to contact the embassy in your home country.

Non-EU citizens who plan to stay in Spain for more than 90 days within a six-month period must apply for a D-category visa. This visa allows for a stay of more than 3 months and is specifically designed for studying in accredited educational institutions. Students enrolled in educational programs that require completion of a certificate or diploma at the end of their studies will need a D-type visa for studying in Spain.

A long-term D-category visa, including a study visa for Spain (D-type), permits residence in the country for up to 180 days. One advantage of this visa is that students are exempt from the requirement of submitting a certificate of no criminal record and a medical certificate, which simplifies the document processing at the consulate.

If a student wishes to obtain a residence permit, a long-term visa is issued with permission to stay in the country for up to one year. The benefit of this visa is that it can be extended without having to leave the country.

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Visas - Austria
Austria

For a tourist trip to Austria lasting less than 90 days, you will require a Schengen visa (category C) unless your country is exempt from visa requirements. It's important to note that a Schengen visa does not grant permission to work. If you plan to study in Austria, you will need a specific D-type visa for studying in the country.

When applying for a visa (whether it's a tourist visa or a student visa for Austria), you should submit your application to the Austrian Embassy. Austria should either be the sole destination of your trip or the country where you plan to spend the majority of your days. If you plan to spend an equal number of days in multiple countries, you can apply for a visa at the embassy of any of those countries. It is recommended to obtain a visa from the country that you will visit first, as the entry stamp will only be placed in the passport by the first country of arrival.

Submission of Documents

Please take note of the following guidelines:

  • Group applications are not accepted.
  • Documents certified by a notary or corporate attorney will not be accepted.
  • Documents can be submitted either in person or through a representative (with a declaration of kinship). Submission by a representative is only possible if the applicant already holds a minimum of one Schengen visa, regardless of the country.
  • The package of documents should be submitted with a fully completed questionnaire, filled out clearly and legibly.
  • Before submitting your documents (including a student visa for Austria), you must provide consent for the processing of personal data on your public passport. If you are sponsoring another person's trip, a sponsorship letter on the official form is mandatory (including a copy of your passport).

If you intend to travel by car, it is advisable to prepare a detailed itinerary and include it with the rest of the submitted documents, regardless of the purpose of your trip.

Visa Fees:

Please be aware of the following details:

  • Only cash payments are accepted; credit cards are not accepted.
  • The visa fee may be subject to change at any time.
  • The fee is non-refundable.
  • The fee must be paid at the time of application submission.
  • The fee is payable in the local currency, and it is advisable to have the exact amount without requiring change. The fee is calculated based on the official exchange rate of the current day.
  • The consular and service fees already include VAT.
  • Children under 6 years old, disabled individuals (any group), and their attendants are exempted from paying both the consular and service fees.

Document Preparation:

When preparing your documents (e.g., for a student visa to Austria), ensure that you have all the original documents along with high-quality, legible copies. The visa center will accept copies of the documents only after verifying the originals. Failure to provide certain documents may result in visa refusal or significant delays in processing and issuance.

Translation of Documents:

All documents must be translated into English or German. If the applicant fails to provide translated documents, the embassy may refuse to issue a visa (including a student visa for Austria) or experience significant processing delays. It is recommended to seek assistance from a professional translation service or translator's office. While applicants can personally translate documents, they are responsible for the quality and accuracy, which can impact the processing time of the visa.

Each translated document should include:

  • Contact information of the translator or translation company, along with the translator's name and signature.
  • Date of translation.
  • Confirmation that the translation is an accurate representation of the original document.

To ensure a successful visa application, it is important to provide a comprehensive and detailed package of documents. The embassy reserves the right to request additional documents if the information provided is deemed insufficient. Any comments or requests will be recorded in a special check-list and considered when making a decision. If an applicant is missing any required document, they should provide a detailed explanation for its absence. It is strictly advised not to provide false information or falsify documents, as the embassy may refuse to issue a visa, including a D-type student visa for studying in Austria, under such circumstances.

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Visas - Netherlands
Netherlands

To obtain a tourist visa (short-term, with a stay of up to 90 days in half a year) for the Netherlands, you should reach out to the VFS Global Visa Center. If you require a long-term student visa, you should contact the Dutch Embassy in Moscow to apply for a visa. Before doing so, make sure to gather the necessary documents in collaboration with your educational institution. The long-term visa (MVV) is issued exclusively by appointment at the Embassy.

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Visas - Germany
Germany

For travel, sightseeing, or personal visits in Germany, a Schengen visa is necessary.

The opportunity to study in Germany is granted through two types of visas. The Schengen visa allows one to study in the country for up to 90 days. However, if the program extends beyond this duration, a national visa - often referred to as a student visa to Germany, or an educational visa to Germany - is required. These terms refer to the necessary documentation required to pursue longer-term studies, essentially a visa to study in Germany.

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Visas - Ireland
Ireland

It's important to understand that Northern Ireland is part of the United Kingdom, and can be accessed with a standard UK visa. The Republic of Ireland, on the other hand, is a separate entity occupying most of the island of the same name.

Bear in mind that a Schengen visa doesn't apply to Ireland as the country isn't included in the Schengen zone.

There are different categories of visas you can apply for, depending on the purpose of your visit:

  • A tourism visa to Ireland is issued to those making regular tourist trips or pursuing short-term studies of up to three months.
  • A guest visa is meant for people who plan to visit friends or relatives, or for those who intend to study in Ireland for a short period. The duration of such a visa is also three months.
  • A student visa to Ireland, or an Educational visa to Ireland, is available for those who have been accepted into Irish universities and plan to study there for a prolonged period.
  • A business visa is designed for business trips, and requires an invitation from business partners within Ireland.
  • A transit visa is for travellers passing through the country.

Working visas are provided to individuals who have secured employment within the country.

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Visas - United Arab Emirates
United Arab Emirates

If you're planning to study at a private school or university in the UAE, it's necessary to obtain a student visa to UAE.

The visa application is managed by visa authorities, specifically the relevant Directorate General for Residence and Foreigners in each Emirate.

An important aspect to note when obtaining a visa is that a student visa to UAE can be issued directly to the applicant, their parents, or a sponsor. The sponsor in this case could be a university or a private school. Only those universities, colleges, and schools in the UAE that have accreditation can procure a visa for their students. This applies to both international students and those students who already reside in the Emirates but are on a different type of visa.

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Visas - France
France

Visa Application Process Timeframe

For a student visa or a tourism visa to France, the processing of an applicant's documents typically takes about 14 days. The application must be presented in person at the embassy by the student or schoolchild applying for the educational visa to France, accompanied by their parents. It's important to note that attendance at the pre-scheduled interview is compulsory and no delays will be entertained.

Visa Approval Assurance

Obtaining a visa, such as a study visa to France or a type D visa, is influenced by many objective factors. Even if you've provided a complete set of documents and accurately filled in the questionnaire, there's no guarantee of successful visa processing.

Where to Submit the Documents

Documents for any visa, including a student visa to France, must be submitted to the French Embassy. To do this, you will need to schedule an appointment.

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Visas - Italy
Italy

Nuances of visa processing

When it comes to visa processing, there are certain specifics to consider. The visa center for individuals, whether they're applying for a tourism visa to Italy, a study visa to Italy, or any other type of visa, operates strictly by appointment.

When scheduling an appointment at the visa center, the applicant needs to list all those who will be traveling with them, including children. In the case of group applications, one collective appointment is made, and the consular fee is paid for the entire group with one single receipt. An applicant who hasn't pre-registered will unfortunately be denied service.

If the applicant is planning other international trips prior to their departure to Italy, it is advisable to include hotel reservations and flight tickets in their application. This is crucial as no additional documents can be submitted after the initial application for the visa to study in Italy or any other type of visa has been made.

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Visas - Portugal
Portugal

Documents are submitted in person at the Visa Application Center in Moscow or at regional centers. A complete list is available on the VFS Global website.

It is possible to apply for the applicant with a close relative or representative by notarized power of attorney if the applicant has already undergone biometrics over the past 5 years to obtain a Schengen visa.

 

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Visas - Malta
Malta

Regardless of the purpose of visiting the country, you must have a visa, since the state enters the Schengen zone. Accordingly, the current Schengen visa gives the right to stay in the territory of Malta for a certain period.

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Visas - Czech Republic
Czech Republic

Obtaining a visa to visit or study in the Czech Republic is a process that starts with submitting your application. For those wishing to acquire a tourism visa to the Czech Republic, the application process is conducted through the visa centers of the Czech Republic. However, if you're planning to pursue an education in this country, and hence are seeking a long-term student visa to Czech Republic or an educational visa to Czech Republic, your application should be directed to the country's consulate.

Beginning from September 14, 2015, it became a requirement for all applicants to make a personal appearance at the Visa Centers when applying for a Czech Republic visa, including a study visa to Czech Republic. This is to facilitate the collection of biometric data. The only exemption to this rule applies to children who are below 12 years of age. After turning 12, however, children too must present themselves in person when applying for a visa to study or tour in the Czech Republic.

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Visas - Australia
Australia

The specifics of visa application

The Department of Immigration and Visa of the Australian Embassy accepts documents for issuing visas from residents and citizens of the specific countries.

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Visas - Sweden
Sweden

Sweden, like many other European countries, has specific requirements when it comes to obtaining a visa. This includes the C visa for a short-term stay, which you can apply for through an accredited visa center, and the D visa and residence permit for extended stays in the country.

If you're planning to study in Sweden for more than three months and are not an EU citizen, you'll need to secure a residence permit.

Applying for a student residence permit is most efficiently done online. These online applications are sent directly to the Swedish Migration Agency and are given precedence. This makes the process of obtaining your study visa to Sweden more straightforward, ensuring you can focus on your educational journey in Sweden.

 

 

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Visas - Belgium
Belgium

Applicants must submit their documents through the official BLS Visa Application Center, and appointments must be booked no more than six months ahead of the planned trip.

The Schengen visa, including a visa to Belgium, is granted by the consulate of the country where the majority of your time will be spent. If you're visiting several Schengen area countries, apply at the consulate of the country where you'll spend the most days. If the number of days in each country is equal, apply at the consulate of the first country you'll visit.

Visa fees, which are 35 euros for a Schengen visa C and 180 euros for a long-term visa, are paid at the Visa Application Center.

For a long-term student visa to Belgium, or visa D, you must visit the Belgian Consulate in person the day after submitting your documents to fill out the application form. An application form for a short-term tourism visa to Belgium or study visa to Belgium is completed online via the BLS website and then printed for submission.

Please note that the Belgian Consulate reserves the right to request any additional documents deemed necessary for making a decision on your visa to study in Belgium or educational visa to Belgium application.

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Visas - New Zealand
New Zealand

Applying for a visa to New Zealand comes with two convenient options, each offering its own unique advantages.

The first method allows you to complete all the necessary embassy forms online and upload scans of your documents right within the application. You'll also pay the consular fee online. With this option, your passport stays with you throughout the application process. Once the embassy has reviewed your application, they'll invite you to bring your original passport to the Visa Application Center, where they'll affix the visa.

The second approach requires you to submit your application through a visa center, providing all original documents, including your passport, for review.

If you're seeking a visitor visa, the quickest and easiest way is to apply online.

Whether you're applying for a student visa to New Zealand, an educational visa to New Zealand, a study visa to New Zealand, or a tourism visa to New Zealand, it's advisable to submit your applications before November or after March. These periods are considered off-peak, resulting in a smoother process as the winter season tends to be quite busy due to a high volume of applications.

Remember, all documents submitted should be in English, regardless of the type of visa you're applying for.

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Visas - China
China

* Documents are submitted without attendance

The cost of the visa (Tourist single "L" (no more than 30 days of stay):

Proseccing services: is about 64 dollars
Consular and service fees: is about 40 dollars
Total: 105 dollars
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Visas - Malaysia
Malaysia

Applying for a visa to Malaysia isn't a cumbersome process, whether you're seeking a student visa to Malaysia, an educational visa to Malaysia, a study visa to Malaysia, or a tourism visa to Malaysia. Here's everything you need to know about the process:

Visa-Free Entry

 Malaysia's popularity as a tourist destination is partly due to its visa-free policy that allows tourists to stay in the country for up to a month. All you need for entry is a passport valid for at least six months beyond your intended stay, and a biometric scan of your fingerprints at customs. Sometimes, you may also be asked to present your return flight ticket and proof of financial stability - typically at least $500. Upon arrival, you fill out an immigration card in English, and your passport is stamped with the entry date and the date you must leave the country.

Visa-Run

If you wish to extend your stay beyond a month, you can opt for a "visa-run". This involves travelling to a neighboring country for a short period (a day or more) and then returning to Malaysia, which allows you another month's stay. Thailand, particularly its nearby city of Hyattay, is a popular choice for visa-runs. However, bear in mind that this tactic should be used sparingly to avoid attention from the authorities.

Extending Your Visa at the Immigration Office: For longer stays, you can apply for a visa extension at the immigration office before your visa-free period ends. If your reasons for wanting to stay longer are deemed valid, you will be granted a Special pass. However, this is not easily granted and is typically only offered once.

Overstaying

 If you overstay your visa-free period, immediate contact with the immigration center is essential. Each day of delay attracts a fine of around $10, and overstaying by more than a month is considered illegal, attracting a hefty fine of $1000. You will need to present your return tickets at the center.

Entry Denials

Entry to Malaysia is rarely denied, but reasons for refusal could include pregnancy beyond 6 months (unless you're in transit and staying for less than 3 days), absence of an official stamp from the departing country, or if you have two foreign passports and the one you present at the Malaysian border lacks an exit stamp from your departure country.

Applying for a Visa to Malaysia: If you're planning on staying in Malaysia for more than a month, you need to apply for a visa to Malaysia at the Malaysian embassy. The documents required are:

  1. Valid passport
  2. Visa application form filled out in English
  3. Copy of the passport
  4. Round-trip plane tickets
  5. Two color photos
  6. Confirmation of accommodation

For students seeking a student visa to Malaysia, you need an invitation from a Malaysian university and evidence of your financial stability. You will also need to provide a range of documents, including your passport, photos, the university's invitation to study, return tickets, educational certificates, and permission to enter Malaysia from the authorities.

For those seeking work visas, you can enter Malaysia visa-free and then apply for a work permit and appropriate visa. Your employer will handle all paperwork, and will also cover any costs associated with your visa application.

It's always best to prepare your documentation well in advance of your trip. Processing and issuing a visa can take anywhere from three to 14 business days. Regardless of the type of visa you seek, remember that working in Malaysia without the proper visa is a serious offense, and could land you in significant trouble with the authorities.

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Visas - Turkey
Turkey

Features of visa for study in Turkey:

  • All foreign students who do not have Turkish citizenship or a residence permit in a given country must obtain a student visa to Turkey before starting their studies.
  • The main requirement of the consular department of the Embassy of Turkey is the availability of an invitation from the university, a contract and payment for education- only after that the Turkish study visa can be issued.
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Egor Eremeev
Current material has been prepared by Egor Eremeev
Education: Westminster University (Business & Management), London.
Egor studied and lived in the UK for 8 years and graduated from the university of Westminster. He is currently the co-founder and the director of business development at Smapse Education and personally visits foreign schools and universities, interviews students studying in those institutions.
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