student visa and work visa information: July 2012

Saturday 28 July 2012

student visa for italy

Every foreign student intending to study in Italy must obtain an Italian student visa prior to entry into Italy.

To ensure timely processing of visas, the students should (or his parents on their child in the name) to begin the visa application as early as possible but not earlier than three months before the start of the program. We strongly recommend that students do not have to wait until the holiday season, go to the consulate. Not only can the wait be long, but it also makes the processing time for issuing visas for longer than usual.

Students should contact their nearest Italian consulate and follow the instructions for obtaining a visa.

The visa will not be issued on the same day, the process can take up to 60 days.

Italian institutions are required to complete the Letter of Acceptance, Letter of Enrollment, Insurance Letter and dates on your visa application materials.

Student visas are enrolled only for the length of time you will be issued in the program.

Only a visa is issued for study purposes is valid for the final registration at H.Ed. Institution in Italy.

No other type of visa is accepted. Therefore you have to contact the competent Italian diplomatic authority and ask for a student visa in your name. The competent Italian Embassy / Consulate is responsible for taking your pre-application and verify that you meet the requirements for the visa.

Remember

The student visa is issued only upon proof that you:

1. Do you have a suitable accommodation in Italy.

2. May have enough financial means to support himself.

3. Entitled to health care in Italy.

4. Do you have the amount of money necessary to travel back to your country or have already purchased a valid ticket with return flight.

Stay Permits (non-EU citizens)

First Edition

Within 8 days of your arrival, all non-EU citizens who apply for a student visa for Italy to study request for a stay.

The applicant is resident in Italy on presentation - The residence permit is from the local police station (Ufficio Stranieri Questura) issued

    A valid passport with a visa to study in Italy.
    Proof of sufficient financial means to support himself / herself.
    A document proving that his right to medical care in Italy.

Remember

If candidates enrollment decide to move, even if temporarily to another Italian city (for example, programs in Italian language), within 15 days they will contact the relevant police force (Questura), the change of address report.Students who may enter and leave the Italian territory again when they already have to allow a stay.

Renewals

After graduation and at least 30 days before the end of their stay permits, all non-EU foreign students must apply to the Questura for such extended permits for the whole year. On the occasion, each student must demonstrate, have the necessary financial resources to support / herself, a certificate of registration by an Italian H.Ed. issued institution to make and requires all other conditions for granting a residence permit.

Both study visas and residence permits, the students who have passed a test are, in the first year of their degrees, and at least two tests in the following years, renewed for the profitability of a credit rating as determined by the institutions.

The residence permit can also be a student who is only a trial, on proof of a state of very poor health or other serious reasons existed to be extended. All that notwithstanding the provisions regarding the global number of possible extensions, yes, residence permits does not affect more than 3 years after the legal duration of studies (Article 46, § 4 of Presidential Decree No. 394 issued on 31 August 1999)

Sustenance (non-EU citizens living outside Italy)

To get a student visa for Italy, non-EU citizens must show that they have sufficient means to support themselves there. Such proof can be economic guarantees given by:

Italian creditworthy institutions and organizations, or foreign governments or foreign institutions and bodies shall be regarded as reliable by the competent Italian diplomatic authority.

Currently, the minimum amount of money is regarded as indispensable € 350.57 per month for every month of the academic year.

Remember

The mere nomination of a grant from the Italian government not as a valid proof of your ability to support in Italy.

Sunday 22 July 2012

ielts writing tips

Most of the IELTS Students major problem is Writing Task and finishing both tasks on time.If you don't finish either one, you lost a whole band point. This never has to happen to you.

The best way to make sure that your report and essay qualify as finished is that they have a clear conclusion paragraph. That paragraph can be one sentence long, if necessary.And the best news of all is, you have already written that sentence.

In Paragraph 1 when you reached at the end of the Introduction in Writing Task 1 report, you have written a summary of the information. Similarly at the end of the first paragraph in Writing Task 2, you have written your Thesis Statement. Simply be repeating both of those sentences at the beginning of a Conclusion paragraph, you have made your writing qualify as finished , even if there is more you wanted to write and you don't lose a whole band point needlessly.

Main Tips for IELTS Writing:

Make sure that in Writing Task 1 you have written a good summary and thesis Statement in Writing Task 2. (Your report and essay won't work without them anyway.)
Keeping Watching your watch because no one is going to inform you on track as far as elapsed time is concerned. It's up to you to monitor your own progress in time.
If you have passed 18 minutes in Writing Task 1 and you are still writing Body Paragraph sentences then finish the sentence you are writing, quickly. Now, start a new paragraph and make sure it looks like a new paragraph and begin it with the words, "In conclusion,..." then rewrite the summary. If you can, change a word or two (but not the meaning). If not, just write it exactly the way you did at the end of the Introduction.
In Writing Task 2, if 38 minutes have passed and you're still writing Body Paragraph sentences, finish the sentence you're writing, quickly. Then, start a new paragraph (and make sure it looks like a new paragraph), and begin it with the words, "In conclusion,..." Then rewrite the Thesis Statement. (This needs to be done in any case. It is an essential part of the essay.)
In Writing Task 2,the ideal situation is that you should write the Restatement in reverse order of the Thesis Statement. For example, if it is an opinion essay, and you wrote your opinion and three reasons in the Thesis Statement, write the three reasons first, and then the opinion, in the Restatement. Again, if you have time and can, change a word or two (but not the meaning). If not, just write it exactly the way you did at the end of the Introduction.
Make sure you finish these "In conclusion,..." sentences on time. The task ends at exactly 60 minutes.

Obviously, this will not save you any lost points if all you have is a few sentences and your essay is far too short in the first place. But if you have written most of the essay, and followed the format, it's essential that you not lost a whole band point just because it isn't finished. So make it look finished.

IELTS WRITING FOR ACADEMIC IELTS,IELTS WRITING,IELTS WRITING TIPS,IELTS WRITING MATERIAL

IELTS WRITING FOR

ACADEMIC IELTS

The purpose of the IELTS Writing Module is to:

Establish your ability to answer perform a task correctly using facts and figures.

Establish your ability to answer questions where facts and figures are not given and where your opinions, thoughts, and views need to be expressed.

The Writing Module always has the same format:

The test is 60 minutes long, there are always two sections (or 'Tasks'):

Task One

In Task One you are asked to write approximately 150 words in 20 minutes. It is important to remember that you are not stopped after 20 minutes and told to go on to Task Two. It is your job to manage timing the test yourself.

In Task One you are given a 'Visual Representation' of some information. This could be given in a number of formats:

Table

Graph

Pie chart

Diagram

illustration

You are usually asked to write some form of report to a teacher or a university lecturer using the information given. Less frequently you are asked to describe a process based on a diagram or an illustration.

Task Two

In Task Two you are asked to write approximately 250 words in 40 minutes. You will be asked to write a short essay that expresses your opinion on a issue, or shows how to solve a problem, or requires you to speculate about future trends. Again, like the Reading Module, the topics you are given are 'General Interest' meaning that even if the question is related to a specific area of knowledge (e.g. science) you do not need specialist scientific knowledge to write about it.

Task Two is more important than Task One in that there is more 'weighting' towards Task Two. If your performance in Task One is not as good as it is in Task Two, you can still receive a good writing score.

Assessment

Your writing is marked by a native English speaker who trained in assessment of IELTS writing tasks. Traditionally, scores were full bands only (i.e. Writing Band 6, etc.), but recently, half bands were introduced. It is now therefore possible to get a score of 5.5, 6.5, etc. for your writing score.

Monday 16 July 2012

Medical Test requirement for Canada Immigration

In order to get the Canada Visa, you have to pass a medical examination to enter in Canada as a permanent residence. Directions on how to take the medical examination will usually be sent to you after you put forward your application to the Canada visa office.

CIC do not allow your family doctor to do your medical examination for Canadian Immigration. You must see a medical doctor on Canada’s list of Designated Medical Practitioners at http://www.cic.gc.ca/dmp-md/medical.aspx

Your final medical reports and x-rays for the medical examination turn into the possessions of the Canadian Immigration Medical Authorities and will not be returned to you.

Some important points to be noted for medical test of Canadian Immigration:

1. The medical doctor will not inform about the results of the medical examination to you. Although, the doctor may let you know if you have any health-related problem.

2. The nominated medical practitioner does not give the final conclusion. Citizenship and Immigration Canada will give the final decision on whether or not your medical test is accepted for immigration purposes.

3. The Canada visa office will let you know in writing if there is a problem with your medical examination.

Canada wants more foreign students

The honorable Canadian Minister of Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism Minister Jason Kenney has publicized that Canada will significantly boost its targets of overseas student in 2009.

Canada greeted almost 82 thousand overseas students in the year 2008 which is the highest number of incoming foreign students entered on Canada Student Visa in the past 10 years. Though, it is not much sufficient for Minister Kenney, when monitored Canada against Australia which brings in 10 times more undergraduate and graduate students from India. Minister Kenney added that Canada is looking towards Asia in addition to India for prospective students.

He has not up till now defined exact targets of incoming foreign students, but has been noting down the significance of foreign students and the explanation why enhancement of incoming foreign students is justified. So the people who apply for student visa of Canada have the option, during their studies inside Canada, to get familiar with Canada's labor market along with putting themselves on a quicker path to immigrate to Canada in the course of the recently started “Canadian Experienced Class”.

Minister Kenney also stated “We like the Canada Student Visa applications which later on become Canadian Experience Class for the reason that we can get youth who have done qualification in Canada, have enhanced language skills, have previously done the majority of the difficult tasks towards economic integration, and don't have any foreign degree obstacles to prevail over. These are ideal applicants for Permanent Residence and economic emigrants to Canada."

During past years, Canada became a more attractive target for persons looking to study abroad. This is because of improved sponsorship efforts abroad by Canadian educational institutions together with changes in immigration system over some past years.

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 application 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.

How to get better score in IELTS?

IELTS stands for the International English Language Testing System. This is an internationally recognized test which is used to measure English ability in four major areas i.e. listening, reading, speaking, and writing.

There are two different types of IELTS test – IELTS Academic and IELTS General Training, and the reason behind taking the IELTS exam will describe which paper you need to take.

IELTS (Academic):

If you want to attend a university or college in Canada, then you will require taking the IELTS academic. And as every university or college may perhaps vary in IELTS requirements, so it is important to make sure what score you require before beginning studying for IELTS. The minimum band score for all Canadian Universities for IELTS (Academic only) is 6.5 overall. Canadian Universities or Colleges do not accept IELTS (General Training) as it is specifically designed for Immigration or work purposes.

The following articles are very useful for those who want to go to Canada as a student. The primary work is to find out which IELTS paper you require to take, and what IELTS score you need to attain.

The listening and the speaking modules of IELTS are the same for both the IELTS General Training and IELTS Academic papers, but the reading and the writing modules of every IELTS paper are somewhat different so it is essential to center your IELTS paper studies and practice on the right type of paper. Once you have worked this out you will be able to start the study appropriately.

Cambridge IELTS 7 Self-study Pack (Student's Book with Answers and Audio CDs (2)): Examination Papers from University of Cambridge ESOL Examinations (Cambridge Books for Cambridge Exams)

Tips and Techniques for preparation of IELTS

Break your IELTS lessons down into sections - don't think that it is single big difficult test, however four smaller ones. Try to identify which sections of the IELTS test are your strong ones and which are sections are weak, after that you can center more study time on the areas you find more hard. But ensure that you do not ignore any areas so continue to do lesser practice even on your stronger sections.

IELTS Listening test:

This test contains three sections and total 40 questions. In this test you have to hear conversation of one to four persons and quickly pick and reproduce the correct word.

Some useful tips for IELTS listening test

See English news, talk shows and most importantly English films of your interest and try to understand the conversation. At first you will feel irritation but with the passage of time you will be comfortable hearing English.
Get some IELTS sample test Cassettes or CDs, or download some saple tests from internet and practice as much as you can.
During test, if you missed hearing some answer during, leave it and listen more carefully the next conversation. The fact is that if you start thinking on previous word, you will probably miss the next answer. Try to guess the missing answer at the end.

IELTS Speaking test:

This is in the form of a polite interview, and usually lasts about 12-15 minutes. The first section is casual questions about your introduction, where you live, hobbies etc. In the second section you have to talk on a given topic, you have to talk about two minute on this topic. After you finish your talk, the examiner will ask you some questions relevant to same topic. The second section is more difficult and normally focuses on answering questions about hot issues in society and everyday life.

Some Useful tips for IELTS speaking test

Try to speak in English with your family and friends and during everyday talk. Try to improve your pronunciation and accent by watching English news and movies. Current articles from newspapers are also helpful for the second section of the test.
Speak yourself in English in front of a mirror and try to build your confidence and grip on English speaking.
In front of examiner, speak self-confidently and clearly even if you think you are not right. Examiners will score for your confidence.

IELTS Reading test:

This section is different for the IELTS General Training and IELTS Academic papers. The IELTS Academic reading test has harder reading paragraphs and questions so it is essential to prepare with the correct paper.

Some useful tips for the preparation of IELTS Reading test

Time limitation is a major problem in this test so try to manage your time in this test. Get hold of the test by doing as many practice tests as you can. Many practice tests are available on internet as well. Search for ‘free IELTS reading tests’ and you will find a lot of results.
Read the answers first instead of reading of the paragraph.
Don’t read a paragraph thoroughly except the sentences which relate to questions, just take a fast look on paragraph, try to get the main idea of paragraph and always underline the important relevant sentences in the paragraph which are close to the questions.
Answer the easier questions first.

IELTS Writing test:

This is the most difficult test among all IELTS tests. Both IELTS (General Training) and IELTS Academic contains two sections. For General Training it is an essay and a letter and for Academic it is an essay and a report on a geographical chart. You only have one hour to do both. The essay contains more marks and comes on second, always choose the essay first. You should spend forty minutes on it, and the remaining twenty on the letter or report.

The letter or report should be 150 words, and the essay requirement is minimum250 words.

Useful tips to score better in IELTS writing paper

For the letter or report learn some stock phrases that you can use in any letter or report of a certain type. Practice rapidity writing with dissimilar past IELTS questions that you can obtain grip of. Use a stopwatch for practice as well as test. Continue practicing till you attain the target of 150 words in twenty minutes.
The essay is generally somehow difficult topic. Do brainstorming for 2 minutes (Brainstorming is a procedure when you place a storm in your brain and whatever irrespective of essay subject come in your brain put it on paper). After brainstorming find the relevant words from the words or ideas which you put on the paper, also try to relate the irrelevant words to the topic of essay. Practice for essay writing as much as you can. Writing 250 words is not a long task.

As practice makes a man perfect so practice so practice again and again befor appearing in test so that you know accurately what to expect, which type of questions will come and how to tackle them, how long it must take you to answer them, and cover a lot if different topics so that you find yourself relax in the examination hall.

Best of Luck!

Latest Changes in IELTS score for Canadian Immigration

Canada is very keen to welcome immigrants from all over the world. Canadian government also knows about the difficulties of future applicants which they are facing due to a high IELTS band requirement for additional points of Canadian Immigration.

Due to these difficulties faced by the majority of the people over the world, Canadian government has very kindly reduced the IELTS score requirement for Canadian Immigration Points. CIC has now decrease the IELTS band requirement criteria for Canada Skilled worker Immigration points.

Congratulations to all!!!

Canada has reduced minimum IELTS score requirement for 4 points of Immigration

As CIC has decreased the minimum IELTS band score from 7 band to 6.5 band to obtain four points for Immigrate to Canada in Skilled Worker Category. Now you can obtain 4 points for one module of IELTS if you score 6.5 band as compared to old system which required at lease 7 Band in IELTS to obtain four points in a specific module of IELTS. Only listening module gained the IELST score instead of reduction. i.e. 7.5, which was 7 previously.

Now you can get 16 points for immigration by having the following minimum band in IELTS

Writing: 6.5 Band

Reading: 6.5 Band

Speaking: 6.5 Band

Listening: 7.5 Band

Following table give the full details:

Enjoy your Canadian Immigration.

One thing to remember that that the correct ancronym of International Language Testing System is IELTS but sometimes people mispell it ielets, ilts, iltes, ilets, elts, eilts, iltis or ielst. So please remember the correct acncronym i.e. IELTS

Sunday 15 July 2012

Switzerland Visa Information

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

Poland Visa Information

Who requires a visa?
All countries and territories that are members of the Schengen acquis, of the EU or of EFTA. Positive visa list of countries (also known as White Schengen List) from whose citizens no visa is required to enter the territory of the EU member states for a period of maximum 90 days.

Albania*****, Andorra***, Antigua and Barbuda , Argentina, Austria*, Australia (including the Cocos Islands, Norfolk Island, Christmas Island)**, Bahamas, Barbados, Belgium*, Bermuda, Bosnia and Herzegovina*****, Brazil***, Brunei, Bulgaria*, Canada**, Chile, Costa Rica, Croatia, Cyprus*, Czech Republic*, Denmark*, El Salvador, Estonia*, Finland*, France*(including French Guyane, French Polynesia, Guadeloupe, Martinique, New Caledonia, Réunion, St Pierre and Miquelon), Germany, Greece*, Guatemala, Honduras***, Hungary*, Iceland**, Ireland*, Israel**, Italy*, Japan**, Korea (South)**, Latvia*, Liechtenstein**, Lithuania*, Luxembourg*, Macao, Macedonia*****, Malaysia, Malta*, Mauritius, Mexico, Monaco***, Montenegro*****, Netherlands*, New Zealand (including the Cook Islands, Niue, Tokelau)**, Nicaragua, Norway*, Panama, Paraguay, Poland*, Portugal*, Romania*, Saint Christopher and Nevis, San Marino***, Serbia******, Seychelles, Singapore, Slovak Republic*, Slovenia*, Spain* (including Spanish territories in North Africa with Ceuta and Melilla), Sweden*, Switzerland**, Taiwan, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland (including the Channel Islands, the Isle of Man and Bermuda)*****, United States of America (including Virgin Islands of the United States, American Samoa, Guam, Puerto Rico)**, Uruguay, Vatican City, Venezuela. Without a visa, however, citizens of the above countries may not stay longer than three months every half-year or take up gainful employment requiring a work permit. Excepted are the following.

* Citizens of European Union member states.
** If required, citizens of member states of the European Economic Area and some other countries may obtain a residence and/or work permit after entry.
*** Provided that they do not intend to enter into employment, citizens of Honduras, Monaco, San Marino may obtain any residence permit required after entry.
***** British Nationals (Overseas) with corresponding BN(O) passports are also exempt from the visa requirement.
***** The visa waiver applies only to holders of biometric passports.
****** The visa waiver applies only to holders of biometric passports (excluding holders of Serbian passports issued by the Serbian Coordination Directorate (in Serbian: Koordinaciona uprava)

Visa is not required also for: holders of United Nations “laissez-passer”;

Citizens of all other countries must obtain a visa in order to enter and stay in Poland legally.
Visa approval to access Poland gives right of stay on the territory of the Republic of Poland only.

Schengen uniform visa does not give the right to enter Poland, with exception for transit of citizens of Belarus, Russia and Ukraine according to conditions indicated in bilateral agreements.

Holders of travel documents issued based on Geneva Convention of 28th of July 1951 on status of refugees and New York Convention of 28th of September 1951 on status of stateless persons are not entitled to enter Poland without a visa. Exceptions below:

Since Poland is a member of the Schengen Agreement there are no border controls between countries that belong to the Schengen area: Austria, Belgium, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland.

What documents will be required?
Passport valid for at least 6 months beyond date of arrival required by all.
Application to: Consulate (or Consular section at Embassy); see Contact Addresses section for details.

Application requirements:
(a) Passport (3 months from the date of intended departure from Poland, with at least two blank visa pages ).
(b) Completed and signed application form.
(c) Two passport-size photo.
(d) Evidence of immigration status in country of residence, endorsed in current or previous passport (if applicable).
e) Fee, payable by cash/postal order.
Short-stay: (a)-(e) and, (f) Confirmation of travel itinerary, accommodation booking or invitation from friends or family in Poland. The invitation should be entered in the register of invitations in a Regional Office.
Long-validity: (a)–(e) and, (f) Letter from applicant’s company or organisation and original of a ‘Work Promise’. Self employed persons should produce an invitation from the business partner from Poland. If studying in Poland, an official letter from a college or university.
Transit: (a)–(e) and, (f) The visa for country of destination.
(g) Transport documentation, such as a rail or aeroplane ticket.

Note: Applications submitted without these requirements will not be considered by the Consular offices and will be returned to the applicant. Holders of Polish visa are still subject to immigration control at the Polish border and are not guaranteed entry. All visitors must possess sufficient funds to cover the cost of their stay.

Time required to issue a visa:
Visa processing can take up to 15 days. In the individual cases visa processing can be extend up to 30 days.
Please note that there are additional Entry requirements that apply to all travelers regardless whether they travel to Poland with or without a visa.
Express visas can be processed within 24 hours. Postal applications may take up to 2 weeks (no express service available).

What is the cost of a visa?
Airport visa (A) $ 74
Uniform short stay visa for the purpose of transit $ 74
Uniform short-stay visa (C) $ 74
National long-stay visa (D) $ 74

Visa fee for citizens of Belarus

Uniform visa for the purpose of transit $ 74
Uniform visa $ 74
National long-stay visa (D) $ 24 (No fees for children age of six and below the age of 12).

Visa fee ror citizens of Russian Federation

Uniform visa for purpose of transit $ 44
Uniform short-stay visa (C) $ 44
National visa $ 74 (No fees for children age of six and below the age of 12).

Visa fee for citizens of Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Macedonia, Moldavia, Montenegro, Serbia
Uniform visa for purpose of transit $ 44
Uniform short-stay visa (C) $ 44
National long-stay visa (D) $ 74

25% discount applies to minors and students under 26 years of age (student ID required)

No fees for foreigners who are members of EU citizen’s family (including the citizens of Poland).

NOTICE:
Visas for Moldavian Citizens and Ukrainian Citizens are free of charge
In some cases we are able to expedite our processing (next business day service). Additional charge in the amount of $ 39 will apply. For more information, please contact the Polish Consulate serving the state of your residence.

Contact Consulate (or Consular section at Embassy) for further details.

How long is the visa valid for?
Airport transit visa (A) – valid only for airport transit, does not entitle the holder to leave the transit zone of the airport
Short-stay visa (C) – valid for stays of no more than 90 days per period of 180 days. Extensions can be arranged in Poland through the district passport office.
Work visas are valid for a maximum of 1 year.
Apart from uniform visas, Schengen States issue national long-stay visas (D) and residence permits. Holders of residence permits and national long-stay visas (D) issued by one of the Schengen States are allowed to travel within the Schengen area during a maximum three months in any half year.

Other information:
Temporary residence: Apply to Consulate.

Embassy contact information:
Please contact the nearest Polish embassy for information on what documentation you may require to enter Poland.

student visa and work visa information