However, that’s not always the case. The Costa Rica visa policy is divided into four groups:

1. The first group included visa-exempt nationals who are allowed to travel to Costa Rica with just their passport. The passport must be valid for at least one more day from the date of entry into the country.
2. The second group also includes visa-exempt nationals who are allowed to travel to Costa Rica with just their passport. However, in this case, the passport must be valid for at least three months from the date of arrival.
3. The third group includes foreign nationals who need a Costa Rica Consular Visa, which must be applied for at a Costa Rica consulate in their country of residence.
4. The fourth group includes foreign nationals who need a Costa Rica Restricted Visa. This type of visa has to be approved by the Commission of Restricted Visas.

This article will detail the Costa Rica visa policy by country.

Do You Need a Visa for Costa Rica?

You only need a Costa Rica visa if you are from one of the following countries:

Foreign nationals who need a Costa Rica Consular Visa (Third group)

The following countries have to apply for a Costa Rica Consular Visa at a Costa Rica consulate in their country:

Foreign nationals who need a Costa Rica Restricted Visa (Fourth group)

Nationals from the following countries have to apply for a Costa Rica Restricted Visa, which requires authorization form the Commission of Restricted Visas:

Who is Exempt from Costa Rica Visas?

The following nationals are exempt from holding a visa when travelling to Costa Rica:

For stays of up to 90 days

For stays of up to 30 days

Do You Need a Costa Rica Visa if You Already Have a US/Schengen visa?

Visa-required foreign nationals may be exempt from holding a Costa Rica visa if they already have a valid entry visa for one of the following countries:

• An EU member state
• A Schengen country
• USA
• Canada
• South Korea
• Japan

Additionally, foreign nationals on the third and fourth group are exempt from holding a Costa Rica visa if they have a residence permit (not less than six months) for:

• USA
• Canada
• An EU member state

Do US Citizens Need a Visa for Costa Rica?

If you are a US national, and you want to stay in Costa Rica for a period longer than 90 days, you will need a residence permit. You can get a Costa Rica residence permit in two ways:

• By applying for a provisional visa (student visa, work visa) at a Costa Rica consulate before you travel to Costa Rica or
• Enter Costa Rica as a tourist and apply after you arrive in the country at the Costa Rican Department of Immigration (Dirección General de Migración y Extranjería).

This applies to all the foreign nationals included in group 1 and 2 that are allowed visa-free access to Costa Rica.

What if I Need to Apply for a Costa Rica Visa?

If you need to apply for a visa to Costa Rica, you can review the application steps and requirements here.

The post Do I Need a Visa for Costa Rica? appeared first on Visa Consulate - Visa Information For Any Country.

What is a Canada Diplomatic and Official Visa?

The Canada Diplomatic and Official Visa was created by the Canadian Government for these diplomats and officials to go to Canada on official duties and responsibilities. These diplomats and officials must be from a country that requires visas to go to Canada and who have a diplomatic or official passport.

Who Needs a Canada Diplomatic and Official Visa?

Diplomats or officials from foreign countries do not require this visa to enter Canada if they are in one of these following situations:

• They have an old passport which has a diplomatic, consular, or official Acceptance issued by the Canadian Chief of Protocol for Global Affairs on behalf of the Canadian Government.
• They are accredited diplomats, representatives, officers, or officials of a country of the United Nations or similar international agencies or organizations where Canada is a member.

If you are a diplomat or official that is not in these situations, you will need a Diplomatic or Official Canada Visa even if you are from any of the countries that needs an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) to enter Canada for other purposes.

What am I Allowed to Do with a Canadian Offical and Diplomatic Visa?

With the Canadian Offical and Diplomatic Visa, you will be able to enter Canada without going through a customs or immigration check at the Canadian port of entry. You will only have to go through a security check.

After you enter Canada, you may only stay for the time that you have an itinerary of official duties or responsibilities. You are not allowed to overstay your visa or try to take up employment or studies in Canada. You cannot apply for citizenship of Canada, apply to get Canadian issued documents or seek Canadian benefits such as health coverage.

You are only allowed to go through your official duties itinerary. If you want to visit Canada for purposes of tourism or other reasons, you must apply for a Canada Visitor Visa or another visa which fits your reason. Having a diplomatic or official passport does not immediately qualify you to enter Canada with the Diplomatic Visa, but you must have official duties in the country.

What are the requirements of the Canada Diplomatic and Official Visa?

There are multiple requirements to qualify for the Canada Diplomatic and Official Visa. The initial requirements must be your position within your foreign government. Different positions qualify for the Diplomatic Visa and for the Official Visa.

Diplomatic Visa Qualified Positions

You must belong to one of these categories to qualify for a Diplomatic Visa:

• Head of State or a member of an organization with duties of Heads of State. If you are a Head of State, then your family members qualify to accompany you to Canada with the Diplomatic Visa;
• Head of Government or a minister of a Government Cabinet from a foreign country. If you are a Head of Government, your family members also qualify to accompany you to Canada;
• Diplomatic agent travelling to or from your diplomatic mission or you are starting a temporary diplomatic mission in Canada;
• Career consular officer travelling to or from your consular post or you are starting a temporary mission in Canada;
• Delegate of an international organization listed in the Temporary Foreign Worker Guidelines which includes delegates attending conferences of these international organization, not including clerical staff;
• Senior official such as a Secretary General, Assistant Secretary General, or similar positions of an international organization listed in the Temporary Foreign Worker Guidelines;
• Senior officer at a P-4 level and above of the Secretariat of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO);
• Foreign diplomatic courier;
• Special case authorized from the Headquarters of the Diplomatic Corps Services (XDC)
• Member of the family or household of a diplomatic agent or a senior officer of the Secretariat of ICAO.

Official Visa Qualified Positions

Official Visas are given to persons who fall under one of these categories:

• Member of an administrative and technical staff of a diplomatic mission or international organization; a consular staff of consular posts; or a service staff of a diplomatic mission or consular post in Canada;
• You hold a diplomatic or official passport and you have been invited by the Government of Canada or a provincial/territorial government to attend a meeting in Canada;
• Official or expert on a mission who is acting on behalf of an international organization listed on the Temporary Foreign Worker Guidelines or you are a contractual employee such as a translator hired by the United Nations or the International Civil Aviation Organization for one of their organized assemblies;
• Private servant of a member of a diplomatic mission or consular post with a valid Household Domestic Worker Employment Agreement form which has been submitted by your employer who is a member of a diplomatic mission, consular post, or GAC Protocol.
• Person who is a member of the family of any of the officials.

If you do not fulfill these requirements, then you will have to apply for either a Courtesy Visa or a different type of Temporary Canada Visa.

Qualifying rules for US Government officals

If you are a US government official, then there are other rules which apply. Usually, US government employees get work permits under the R204 rule. However, there are some categories of US government employees who do not qualify at all for a Canada Diplomatic and Official Visa, such as:

• Officers of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
• Officers of US Customs.
• Employees of the International Joint Commission.
• Inspectors of the Federal Grain Inspection Service of the US Department of Agriculture or other US government officials who have a US official passport and have an assigned temporary posting in Canada.

Required Documents for Canada Offical and Diplomatic Visa

You must submit the following supporting documents for a Canada Diplomatic and Official Visa:

• The mandatory documents required for any Canadian visa.
• One of the following statements:
  • A written requires from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the state to which the head of mission or post is accredited, or for which the diplomatic mission or consular post has jurisdiction in visa matters.
  • A written request from a diplomatic mission or consular post of your government;
  • A written request from an international organization listed in the Temporary Worker Guidelines.
  • A letter from the Secretariat of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) for which the diplomat or official will work with, signed by or on behalf of the Secretary General.
• A Declaration Letter from you to the Government of Canada where you explain why they should give you a Diplomatic and Official visa.
• Two Canadian visa photographs.

How to apply for the Canada Diplomatic and Official Visa?

The application process for a Canadian Diplomatic and Official Visa is different from other Temporary Resident Visa applications. If you fulfill one of the requirements above, then you may submit a direct visa application to the Canadian Consulate or Embassy in your home country.

You must also pay the application fees. When you submit the documents to the Embassy, the official at the Canadian Embassy might ask you a few questions about the purpose of your visit to Canada and your official duties. However, you will not be asked to go through a medical examination or submit your biometric information.

The Consulate might take a few days or weeks to process the application depending on their workload or they will immediately respond to your visa application. They will either grant you the visa and stamp it on your passport, or they will deny it and let you know about the reasons for the denial.

What are the Canada Diplomatic and Official Visa fees?

To apply for the Canada Diplomatic and Official Visa you will only have to pay for the application. The application fee is CAD$100. Since you are exempt from biometrics, you will not have to pay the fee and you are also exempt from the passport processing fee.

How long is the Canada Diplomatic and Official Visa valid?

This visa is usually given for the time period that the person has official duties in Canada. However, in general, the Diplomatic and Official Visa is valid for 3 months once you enter Canada.

Can I bring my dependents to Canada with a Diplomatic and Official Visa?

If you have a Canada Diplomatic and Official Visa, you are allowed to bring your dependents with you to the country to accompany you for the trip.

You are allowed to bring your spouse or common law partner and your children who are under 22 years old. If your children are over 22 years old, then they may accompany you only if they are full-time students. However, if your child is over 25 years old, they cannot accompany you with your status, but must apply for a Canada Visitor Visa.

In addition to your family members, some service staff are also allowed to accompany you, if they belong in any of these categories:

• Private Servants of diplomats or officials.
• Live-in Caregivers of the diplomats or officials or their family members.

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What Is an Australia Training Visa 407?

A 407 visa is a temporary visa issued to individuals who are attending a work training course.

The training course can be focused on improving your skills for your current occupation or field of study in higher education, or a professional training program.

Australia Training Visa Eligibility Criteria

In order to be eligible for this type of training visa in Australia you must be:

• Sponsored.
• Nominated by an approved sponsor.
• Invited (if your sponsor is a Commonwealth Government institution).

Your nomination and sponsorship have to be attached to your visa application.

Requirements for Australia Training Visa 407

If you want to receive a training visa 407 for Australia, you must submit these documents:

• Passport and IDs. You have to provide an up-to-date passport and identification documents. These include birth certificates, national ID card, driver’s license, marriage certificates, divorce certificate, adoption papers, etc. You may be required to submit a photograph and your fingerprints.
• Invitation Letter. If you are being supported by an Australian Commonwealth Government institution, then you have to provide a copy of your invitation letter.
• Sponsorship Proof. Individuals who apply for an Australia training visa have to provide:
  • A letter of approval from your sponsor or a receipt proving the submission of the sponsorship application.
  • A letter of approval from your sponsor’s nomination or a receipt proving the submission of the nomination application.
  • A written statement from your sponsor that they will meet all the obligations towards you and all the family members included in your application.
• Volunteer Forms. If the training is a volunteer position, then your sponsor has to attach forms 1283 and 1284 with the nomination form.
• Qualification Documents. You have to submit a copy of your resume and qualifications including copies of registration or licenses (if applicable). This includes a letter on company letterhead from your current employer detailing your position and responsibilities.
• Financial Funds Documents. You have to provide proof that you can financially support yourself and your family members (if any):
  • Bank statements.
  • A letter from your bank stating your financial situation.
  • Employment contracts.
  • Evidence of allowance, stipends, accommodation from your sponsor.
  • A letter of support from the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (if you were a supported student or receiver of AusAid).
• Health Insurance. It’s important for you and any other family member that is coming with you, to have health insurance for Australia. You should purchase insurance from a reliable provider.
• Evidence of English Language Proficiency. You have to prove that you have enough language skills if your first language isn’t English. You can submit certificates from primary or secondary school from an English-speaking institution. Also, you can provide a certificate from one of the acceptable test in Australia for language proficiency:
  • IELTS.
  • TOEFL.
  • Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE).
  • Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE).
• Proof of Good Character. It’s important to prove that you meet the character requirements for Australia.
• Occupational Training Requirements. You have to submit a letter from the competent institution of your occupation in your country naming you as the receiver of the training. The letter must also include that the training is necessary for you in order to get a license, registration, or membership to continue working within your occupation.
• A letter stating you have conditional registration for the training from the appropriate authority or a regulatory body. This is required if you are a healthcare professional who is treating patients during the training.
• Australian Values Statement. You have to sign a declaration that confirms you will uphold all Australian laws and regulations and respect Australian values.
• Assistance Documents. If you need help with your visa application, then provide the following:
  • Authorised Recipient Form 956a.
  • Migration Agent Help Form 956.
  • A written explanation uploaded to your ImmiAccount.

Extra Documents for Family Members

In case you are bringing your dependents with you, then you must include the following in your visa application:

• Your partner’s identification.
• Evidence of a registered relationship by an Australian State or Territory.
• Documents to prove that you have been in a de-facto relationship for at least a year before your application.
• Form 1229 for parental consent if you are traveling with a minor.
• A statutory declaration for travel consent if the form is not filled in.
• An Australian court order allowing the child to travel to Australia.
• Proof that the laws in your country allow the minor to travel.

For children over 18

• Identity documents.
• Character requirements.
• Evidence of relationship (if applicable).
• Form 47a, if the child is over 18 and dependent on you.
• Proof of the relationship between you and the dependent child.
• Evidence of financial dependence.
• A medical form stating that the child is unable to support themselves and is dependent on you or your partner.

You can bring a child over 23 if they are unable to provide for themselves due to cognitive limitation or similar circumstances, and they are dependent on you or your partner.

How to Apply for a Training Visa for Australia?

For a training visa 407 you have to apply online through an ImmiAccount:

1. Open an ImmiAccount.
2. Submit the visa form.
3. Assemble the required documents.
4. Submit the application fee.

Open an ImmiAccount

An online application has to be submitted through an ImmiAccount. If you don’t have one, you have to open a new account. The ImmiAccount is free- all you have to do is open one through your email and set up a password.

Submit the Visa Form

In your ImmiAccount, you can select the visa form for a training visa 407 and then fill it in. It’s important to fill in the form with up-to-date personal details. Once you complete the form you have to sign it and submit it. Afterward, you can continue with the rest of the application.

Assemble the Required Documents

For your online application, you have to attach scanned copies of your documents. The copies have to be coloured-the same as the original versions. Your documents must follow the specifications of the Immigration Office. Moreover, your documents have to be in English and not in another language. Make sure that you have them translated as required.

Once you have prepared your documents then you can begin to attach them to your ImmiAccount. Keep copies of your documents.

Submit the Application Fee

In order to get your visa processed, you have to pay the application fee. You can pay through your ImmiAccount with a credit card, PayPal, union pay, or Bpay.

How Much Does a Training Visa for Australia Cost?

A training visa 407 for Australia costs AUD 315. The visa charge for a training visa can change depending on your circumstances.

Occupational Types for an Australia Training Visa

There are three types of occupational training visas depending on the purpose of your training:

• Occupational training required for registration.
• Occupational training to improve your skills in an eligible occupation.
• Occupational training for capacity building overseas.

Occupational Training Required for Registration

In order to receive occupational registration, membership, or licensing, applicants have to follow workplace-based training. The registration, membership, or licensing is obligatory for those who want to exercise their occupation in Australia or their home country.

Occupational Training to Improve Your Skills in an Eligible Occupation

This type of training is applicable to visa applicants that want to attend programs that are:

• Tailored specifically for the training needs of the applicant.
• Related to the specific eligible occupations listed by the Immigration Office
• Featuring a nominee that has recent experience (a year of full-time experience in the related field or an experience that happened 24 months immediately preceding the nomination).

Occupational Training for Capacity Building Overseas

This training includes:

• Overseas Qualifications. These are workplace-based training in Australia that last up to six months for students who are currently enrolled in a foreign education program and must complete practical training, research, or observation. This type of training must be fashioned according to the needs of the applicant.
• Government Support. Includes structured workplace-based training that is supported by a government agency in Australia or the government of the applicant’s home country. Both must be supported at the national state or territory level.
• Professional Development. Professional development is made up of face-to-face training or teachings in a classroom setting. This training program is suitable for overseas employers who want to send their employees for professional development.

Who Can Sponsor Me for an Australia Training Visa 407?

Your sponsor can be anyone who is an approved temporary activities sponsor:

• An Australian organisation operating legally in Australia (company, non-profit organisation, partnership, and so on).
• An Australian Commonwealth institution, or government agency operating in Australia.
• An international organisation recognized by Australia.
• An organisation that operates a superyacht or a captain of a superyacht.
• A sports organisation operating in Australia.
• A religious organisation or institution operating in Australia.

For a training visa 407, your sponsor must also be able to directly train you.

Can I Change My Sponsor of an Australia Training Visa?

You can change your sponsor if you want to do so. Your new sponsor has to nominate you, and as soon as the new nomination is approved you can continue your training for the remainder of your visa. You do not need to apply for a new visa if you change your sponsor as long as the training program is the same.

If you change your training program, then you have to apply for a new visa. Applying for a new visa means that you must have continuous sponsorship.

How Long Can I Stay in Australia With a Training Visa?

An Australian training visa is temporary and is usually valid for up to 2 years. Depending on your circumstances your visa may be issued for less than that.

Can I Extend an Australia Training Visa?

A training visa 407 can’t be extended. If you want to stay longer after your visa has expired, then you have to apply for another visa, otherwise, you have to leave Australia as soon as your visa is over.

Can I Travel Outside of Australia With a Training Visa?

You can freely travel with a training visa provided that your visa is still valid.

Can I Work With a Training Visa?

You are allowed to work only if the work is related to your training or the course you are taking, and you won’t work over 40 hours for a two-week period.

Australia Training Visa Processing Time

The majority of training visa applications are processed in 14 months. The processing time is delayed if you are missing something from your visa application.

Can I Bring My Family Members to Australia With a Training Visa?

You can bring your family members with you when you apply for a training visa. All of your family members have to be covered by health insurance and must meet the character and health requirements.

Subsequent Entrants

Your family members can join you in Australia even after you’ve received your training visa. For their visa application, they must submit the visa form for temporary work and activity (subsequent entrant, 403, 407, 498).

Your family members should be listed on the nomination form if they are not sponsored by a Commonwealth Government institution. They may also provide a letter from your sponsor, as the main applicant, stating that your sponsor has agreed to support your family members.

Does a Training Visa 407 Lead to Permanent Residency in Australia?

You can’t gain permanent residency in Australia with a training visa 407. This visa is only temporary and it’s only for training purposes. As soon as your training visa is over you must return to your home country. If you want Australian permanent residency, then you have to apply for a permanent skilled worker visa.

Australia Training Visa Cancellation

Your training visa 407 may be cancelled by the Immigration Office if you don’t meet the conditions attached to your visa:

• Limited Work: Holders of a training visa are allowed to work only if the work deals with their training and don’t pass over 40 hours of work in a two-week period. If you were nominated for a specific activity you are only allowed to work within that activity.
• Have Valid Travel Insurance. It’s important to have valid health insurance during the entire time your visa is valid.
• Enter Australia on Time. If you are applying as a family member to join a primary visa holder you cannot enter Australia before the visa holder.
• Leave Australia on Time. Training visa holders must leave Australia in the specified date on their visa grant letter. If you are a family member accompanying the primary applicant your must leave Australia with your family member or before your family member.
• Have a Valid Address. You have to let the Immigration Office know 7 days after you enter Australia about your address. You have to submit this form to the Central Office of Immigration in Australia Capital Territory.
• Not Be Disruptive. You shouldn’t take part in activities that might result in violence, conflict, or harm towards the Australian community or yourself.
• No Further Stay. You can’t stay in Australia after your training visa expires.
• Meet the Criteria for the Visa. You must continue to meet the initial criteria upon which your visa is granted.
• Meet Outstanding Public Interests.

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