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.

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

1. 
   
   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.
2. 
   
   Get some IELTS sample test Cassettes or CDs, or download some saple tests from internet and practice as much as you can.
3. 
   
   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

1. 
   
   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.
2. 
   
   Speak yourself in English in front of a mirror and try to build your confidence and grip on English speaking.
3. 
   
   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

1. 
   
   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.
2. 
   
   Read the answers first instead of reading of the paragraph.
3. 
   
   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.
4. 
   
   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

1. 
   
   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.
2. 
   
   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

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.

Romania Visa Information

Who requires a visa?
All nationals require a visa to enter Romania, except:
a.) Andorra, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Australia, Bahamas, Barbados, Brazil, Brunei, Canada, Chile, Costa Rica, Croatia, Guatemala, Holy See, Honduras, Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Israel, Japan, Malaysia, Mauritius, Mexico, Monaco, Montenegro, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Panama, Paraguay, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Salvador, San Marino, Serbia (excluding holders of Serbian passports issued by the Serbian Coordination Directorate (in Serbian: Koordinaciona uprava)), Seychelles, Singapore, South Korea, United States of America, Uruguay, Venezuela nationals.
b.) Special administrative regions of the people’s republic of China:
1. Hong Kong SAR(1)
2. Macao SAR(2)
c.) British citizens who are not nationals of the United Kingdom, of Great Britain and Northern Ireland for the purposes of community law: British Nationals (Overseas).
d.) Shengen area members.

What documents will be required?Visit visa – The invitation procedure can be followed by Romanian citizens, or by aliens, holders of a valid Romanian residence permit. Depending on each case, the documents that have to be submitted for this purpose, are the following:
i. the identity card or the passport of the host, namely the Romanian citizen, or alternatively, the residence permit of the alien, both in original and in copy;
ii. the proof of ensuring the guest’s accommodation;
iii. the proof of the possibilities of providing the alien with financial support, in amount of at least EUR 30/day for the entire period of their stay on the territory of Romania;
iv. a copy of the travel document belonging to the guest alien;
v. two photos of 3 x 4 cm in diameter, of the guest alien.
b. Tourism visa – The invitation procedure can be followed by Romanian tourist companies, for each invited alien, individually. The documents that have to be submitted for this purpose, are the following:
i. the registration certificate and the bylaws of the company in original and in copy;
ii. a power of attorney, on behalf of the company, naming the person entitled to make the invitation in the name of the company;
iii. depending on each case, the identity card or the residence permit, of the person entitled to make the invitation;
iv. a copy of the travel document belonging to the invited alien;
v. two photos of 3 x 4 cm in diameter, of the invited alien.
c. Business visa – The invitation procedure can be followed by Romanian companies with headquarters on the territory of Romania, for maximum 3 aliens invited simultaneously. The procedure can be followed on behalf of the guest company, only by people who are entitled to represent the institution in accordance with the provisions of Romanian law, or alternatively, if they are main holders of the company’s corporate funds. The documents that have to be submitted for this purpose, are the following:
i. the registration certificate and the bylaws of the company, both in original and in copy;
ii. the proof of the quality of the person making the invitation on behalf of the company;
iii. depending on each case, the identity card or the residence permit, of the person entitled to make the invitation;
iv. a copy of the travel document belonging to the guest;
v. two photos of 3 x 4 cm in diameter, of the guest;
vi. the proof of the possibilities of providing accommodation for the guest, for the entire period of their stay in Romania.

Time required to issue visa:
Typically, a visa takes anywhere from 2 days to 15 days to process in the Romania Embassy/Consulate depending on the consulate and whether you choose to “rush” your visa application.

How long is the Visa valid for?
– The airport transit visa (identified through the letter A): it allows the access of aliens into the international area of an airport, as well as their pending on the premises of the airport, until their access is allowed on board of the plane heading towards the country of destination;
– The transit visa (identified through the letter B): it allows the access of aliens on the territory of Romania, for the purpose of transit, throughout a period of maximum 5 days;
– The short-stay visa (identified through the letter C): it allows the entry and the short residence of aliens on the territory of Romania for a period of 90 days within an interval of maximum 6 months from the date of entry (in the case of a multiple-entry visa, the period of residence will be taken into account starting with the date of the first entry).
– The long-stay visa (identified through the letter D): it allows the entry and residence of aliens on the territory of Romania, for a period of maximum 90 days.

Embassy contact information: 
Please contact the nearest Romania embassy for information on what documentation you may require to enter Romania. Romanian Embassies Worldwide.

Netherlands Immigration

Whether a prospective visitor requires a visa depends on his nationality and how long he intends to stay in the Netherlands. Nationals of many countries require a visa for an uninterrupted stay of up to three months.

Countries whose nationals need a visa for a stay of under three months:

Afghanistan, Algeria, Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Belarus, Belize, Benin, Bhutan, Bolivia, Botswana, Burma (see Myanmar), Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cambodia, Cameroon, Cape Verde Islands, Central African Fepublic, Chad, China (People’s Republic), Colombia, Comoros, Congo (Democratic Republic), Congo (Brazzaville), Côte d’Ivoire, Cuba, Djibouti, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Egypt, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Federal Republic of Yugoslavia (Serbia and Montenegro), Fiji Islands, Gabon, Gambia, Georgia, Ghana, Grenada, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Guyana, Haiti, India, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Jamaica, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Kyrgystan, Kiribati, Kuwait, Laos, Lebanon, Lesotho, Liberia, Libya, Madagascar, Malawi, Maldives, Mali, Marshall Islands, Mauritania, Micronesia, Moldavia, Mongolia, Morocco, Mozambique, Myanmar (formerly Burma), Namibia, Nauru, Nepal, Niger, Nigeria, Northern Marianas (Islands), North Korea, Oman, Pakistan, Palau,Palestinian Authority, Papua New Guinea, Peru, Philipines, Qatar, Russian Federation, Rwanda, Samoa, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Salomon Islands, São Tomé and Principe, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Somalia, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Suriname, Swaziland, Syria, Tajikistan, Tanzania, Thailand, Togo, Tonga, Trinidad and Tobago, Tunisia, Turkey, Turkmenistan, Tuvalu, Uganda, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, Uzbekistan, Vanuatu, Vietnam, West Samoa, Yemen, Zambia, Zimbabwe.

* The Kingdom of the Netherlands does not recognise Taiwan as a sovereign state and recognises Taiwanese passports as travel documents only.

Countries whose nationals do not require a visa for a stay of three months or less:

Andorra, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Austria, Australia, Bahamas, Barbados, Belgium, Brazil, Brunei, Bulgaria, Canada, Chile, Costa Rica, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, El Salvador, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany (Federal Republic), Greece, Guatemala, Honduras, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, (FYR) Macedonia *, Malaysia, Malta, Mexico, Monaco, Montenegro *, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Norway, Panama, Paraguay, Poland, Portugal, Romania, San Marino, Serbia **, Seychelles, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Korea, Spain, St Kitts and Nevis, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom, United States of America, Uruguay, Vatican City, Venezuela.

* The visa exemption applies only to holders of biometric passports.

** Except for holders of a Serbian passport issued by the Serbian Coordination Directorate (Koordinaciona uprava).

Please see Netherlands Visa regulations for more country specific & detailed information.

I have more than one nationality. Do I require a visa?If you have more than one nationality, whether you require a visa depends on which travel document you intend to travel on. If it is a passport of a country whose nationals require a visa, you will also require a visa even if you have another nationality for which no visa is required. The country in which you are residing is irrelevant to whether you require a visa, although you must be residing legally in the country in which you submit your application.

Do I require a visa with a travel document for a third country?Yes. Persons with travel documents for aliens and refugees issued by third countries always require a visa no matter what their nationality or which country issued these documents. An exception is made for refugees with travel documents issued by 16 European countries: Belgium, Denmark, Finland, Germany, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Malta, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom.

Nationals of certain countries also require an airport transit visa to change aircraft at a Dutch airport, even though they do not actually enter Dutch territory.

Countries whose nationals need an airport transit visa:

Afghanistan, Angola, Bangladesh, Colombia, DR Congo, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Gambia, Ghana**, Guinea *, Guinea Bissau, Iran, Iraq, Nepal, Nigeria**, Pakistan, Sierra Leone, Sudan, Somalia, Sri Lanka, Syria

* Nationals of Guinea do not need an airport transit visa for Belgium provided they are in possession of a valid visa for one of the EER-countries, Andorra, Canada, Japan, Monaco, San Marino, United States of America or Switzerland.

** As from 1 May 2008 nationals of Ghana and Nigeria do not need an airport transit visa for Benelux, Germany, Italy and Spain provided they are in possession of a valid visa for for the United States, Canada, Japan, EER-countries and Switzerland

I want to stay for longer than three months.To stay for an uninterrupted period of more than three months, you will require a special visa called an authorisation for temporary stay (MVV). Such a visa is required by the nationals of all countries except the EU member states and a few other countries.

Countries whose nationals do not need an MVV for a stay of over three months:

Australia, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Canada, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovenia, Slovakia, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom, United States

For which countries is a Schengen visa valid?On 26 March 1995, the Convention applying the Schengen Agreement came into force in seven countries. Since then, more countries have joined the Schengen Area. There are now 24 Schengen countries, with no border controls between them: Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slowakia, Slovenia, Spain, and Sweden, Switzerland.

Visitors to any one of these countries receive a uniform visa valid for travel to all 24 of them. The Schengen countries have also harmonised their conditions for entry and their policy on countries whose nationals require a visa to visit the Schengen Area.

Some visitors are permitted to enter the territory of only one Schengen country or a limited number of them (such as the Netherlands or the Benelux countries). A Schengen country may issue such a visitor with a visa valid only for that country or for a specified number of Schengen countries.

Chinese students need a NESO certificate to apply for an ATR. Please click here for more information.

What documents will be required?
The number and type of supporting documents to be enclosed will depend on the circumstances in the country where you are applying and the nature of the visa application.You can obtain more information from the mission where you submit your application. In some cases you can obtain information about visas in the local language.

The visa-issuing authority will establish whether your visit poses a danger to public order, national security or international relations, and whether you have already been refused entry to the Schengen Area. It will also take account of the purpose of your visit in assessing these risks and the risk that you may remain in the country illegally. You should be able to prove that you have enough financial means at your disposal to cover your travel and accommodation expenses. You need to have a travel medical insurance to cover any expenses for repatriation for medical reasons, urgent medical attention and/or emergency hospital treatment. The insurance must:

1. be valid throughout the Schengen territory
2. have a minimum medical coverage of EUR 30.000
3. cover the entire period of the person’s stay.

The amount of financial means considered “enough” will depend on the purpose of your visit (you may for instance intend to buy goods), your accommodation (whether you intend to stay in hotels or with friends or relatives), and the duration of your visit. Alternatively, you can give the name of a “guarantor” – a person in the Netherlands willing to guarantee payment of any costs the Dutch state may incur as a result of your visit. The applicant should obtain the travel medical insurance in their state of residence. Where this is not possible the applicant can obtain the insurance in another country or the host can obtain the insurance for the applicant in his own place of residence. The travel medical insurance only needs to be taken out after the visa application has been approved. The policy must be shown when collecting the passport.

When submitting your visa application, you should also enclose supporting documents relating to your visit (such as reservation for a return ticket), its purpose (such as an invitation), and your ability to pay all your travel and accommodation expenses (such as traveller’s cheques, bank statements, and payslips) and passport, which must be valid for at least 90 days after the expiry date of the visa.

Time Required to Issue a Visa:It can take a minimum of a few days up to a maxiumum of two months to process a visa application, depending on whether further investigation is necessary in the Netherlands. In exceptional cases, an investigation will take longer than two months. You should therefore apply for a visa as soon as possible to avoid the disappointment of having to postpone your visit.

What is the Cost of a Visa?
When you submit a visa application, you must pay a fee. If your application is refused, the fee will not be refunded but retained to cover the processing costs. The Schengen countries have harmonised visa fees.

As a rule, you must pay the fee in the local currency. In exceptional cases (for instance, if the local currency is not convertible), you must pay in another currency. You may also have to pay other costs incurred in processing your application (such as the cost of sending faxes).

Visa fees:
– an airport transit visa: EUR 60;
– a transit visa valid up to five days: EUR 60;
– a visa valid for up to thirty days: EUR 60;
– a single-entry visa valid for up to ninety days: EUR 60;
– a multiple-entry visa valid for up to ninety days: EUR 60;
– a multiple-entry visa valid for up to one year: EUR 60;
– a multiple-entry visa valid for up to five years: EUR 60;

Visa applicants with the nationality of a country with which the European Union has entered or will enter into a visa facilitation agreement (Albania, Bosnia, Former Yugoslav Republic Macedonia, Moldova, Montenegro, Ukraine, Russia and Serbia) will pay EUR 35,-.

How long is the Visa valid for ?
Visas are normally issued for the duration you specify, with a maximum of three months (90 days) per six months. The visa-issuing authority will want to see your flight ticket to check the dates on which you will be entering and leaving the country.

In the “duration of stay” box on the sticker, you will find the number of days during which you may remain in the Schengen Area. In the “from” box, you will find the date on which your visa becomes valid. You may enter the Schengen Area on that date or afterwards. In the “to” box, you will find the date on which your visa expires.

As soon as you enter the Schengen Area, the days in the “duration of stay” box start to count down. You must leave the Schengen Area no later than the day on which you have reached your maximum number of days or on the date stated in the “to” box.

I want to enter the Netherlands more than once. Can I do so?
A visa can also be “multiple entry”. This will be stated on the visa sticker. The holder may enter and leave the Schengen Area an unlimited number of times during the visa’s period of validity (see the “from” and “to” boxes). But he may stay no longer than the number of days stated in the “duration of stay” box. Nor may he stay longer than three months within a six-month period or six months within a 12-month period, since to do so would amount to settling in the Netherlands, for which an authorisation for temporary stay (MVV) is required.

Other Information: 

Chinese students need a NESO certificate to apply for an ATR. Please click here for more information.

Where can I apply for a visa?
You can apply for a visa at a diplomatic mission (embassy or consulate) of a Schengen country, even if you are not a national of the country where the mission is situated. Under the Schengen Agreement, honorary consuls are not authorised to grant visas.

You should apply for a visa at a mission belonging to the Schengen country that is the main destination of your journey. If you cannot specify your main destination, you should apply at a mission belonging to the Schengen country you will enter first. In places where the diplomatic mission uses the services of a private company to collect visa applications, it is also always possible to apply for a visa directly at the diplomatic mission.

How do I apply for a visa?
The first step is to complete a visa application form. You should then go to the mission, taking the completed and signed application form and one passport photo (also if you are applying for an authorisation for temporary stay).

When submitting your application, you must be able to produce a travel document that will be valid for at least three months after your visa expires.