USA Study and Exchange Visa Types

If you want to study in the US or participate in an educational exchange program, there are several types of visas you can apply for depending on what program you’re leaning towards:

• F-1 visa. To get this visa, you must first be enrolled in an approved school in the United States as listed in SEVP (Student and Exchange Visitor Program). If your university application is completed successfully, you will be registered in SEVIS (Student and Exchange Visitor Information System). It’s important to receive the I-20 form from SEVIS, or you cannot apply for this visa.
• M-1 visa. You can apply for this study visa if you are interested in vocational studies that include, cooking, technical courses, flight training, cosmetology, and similar fields. Even for this visa, you also need to be enrolled at an eligible institution in SEVP, so you can be registered in SEVIS and get your I-20 form.
• J-1 visa. This is a two-year exchange visa you can apply for only if you’ve applied for one of the acceptable programs in this category. Additionally, you can apply for a J-1 visa if you are going to do short-term work, such as au pair, work and holiday, or temporary scholar work. There are several categories of J-1 visas you can apply for depending on the program- make sure you choose the correct visa category for you.
• Q-1 visa. A Q-1 visa is a cultural exchange visa, that allows you to work in the US and share your culture and traditions with other people in the US. To get a Q-1 visa you have to apply for a program managed by the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).

• Which US Study Visa You Should Apply for?

What is the reason for your visit to the United States?*Select one of the options belowStudy full-time at a collegeAttend elementary schoolAttend high schoolAttend graduate schoolAttend a cooking classAttend flight schoolAttend cosmetology classesAttend mechanical classesAu-pairBecome a camp counselorVisit as a government visitorTake an internshipWork as a physicianWork as a professor or research scholarWorking holiday programsWork in teachingAttend a student exchange programAttend a cultural exchange program 

Select one of the options below

How to Apply for a US Study and Exchange Visa?

To apply for a US study and exchange visa you need to follow these steps:

1. Apply for a study or exchange program. Before you can apply for a study and exchange visa for the US, you must first be enrolled either in a university or be a participant in an exchange program. So, first, apply for the program you are interested in and then apply for your visa.
2. Fill in the visa application. For your study visa application, you have to fill in the online application form DS-160 and have the confirmation page printed as you need it for your documents.
3. Make an interview appointment. After you apply for the visa, make an appointment at your nearest embassy or consular office, for a visa interview.
4. Get your documents ready. When you attend the interview, you have to submit some required documents, i.e., your application confirmation page, a valid passport, a visa photograph, and so on.
5. Pay the visa fee. Usually, you have to pay the fee when you attend the interview, but sometimes you may be required to pay before the interview, if so, then bring the fee receipt with you.
6. Attend your interview. Finally, you can attend the interview and submit your fingerprints. After the interview, you have to wait until a decision is made on your visa application. Here are the questions that may be asked during a student visa interview.

USA Study and Exchange Visa Cost

A US study and exchange visa costs around $160. However, not all study visas will cost the same. In addition to this, you have to pay several fees during the application process, i.e., you have to pay for your visa application, the SEVIS fee, and you may also be required to pay an issuance fee when your visa is granted. You can find the full US visa fees here. 

How Long Can I Stay In the USA With a Study and Exchange Visa?

With a study and exchange visa, you can usually stay in the US for one up to three years. However, the validity of your study visa is always dependent on how long your program lasts- which means most of the time your visa is valid for the duration of your training or program.

Keep in mind that an F-1 visa is mostly issued for a year even if your program lasts for two or three years, in those cases you have to apply for a visa renewal or extend your F-1 visa.

Bringing Family Members Under a USA Study and Exchange Visa

You can bring your family members to the US if you have a study and exchange visa. However, you can usually only bring your spouse and children- they have to apply separately for one of the following visas:

• J-2 visa for dependents.
• M-2 Visa.
• F-2 dependent visa.

Visa Q-1 does not allow you to bring family members, if your spouse or children want to visit you while you have a Q-1 visa, they have to apply separately for a visitor’s visa.

Am I Allowed to Work With a US Study and Exchange Visa?

Usually, you can work only on campus and during school part-time- you can work full time during holidays. However, for some study visas, you have to get a special form that allows you to work, but even then you can only work with restrictions.

Can I Get a Permanent Residence With a Study and Exchange Visa?

One of the easiest ways to get a permanent residence visa from a study and exchange visa is if you marry a US citizen, this is also one of the most common ways. Usually, you have to apply for a fiance visa, and afterward, you can apply for your Green Card.

You can also get permanent residence if you invest at least $500,000 in the US economy or you’ve proven yourself to have exceptional skills that America needs, or you have a job offer and your sponsor can support you for a work visa.

However, getting a permanent residence may be more difficult depending on what type of study and exchange visa you have. For example, getting a permanent residence may be easier from an F-1 visa than from a Q-1 visa.

Read: How to get a green card from an F-1 visa?

What if My Study and Exchange Visa Is Denied?

In case your study and exchange visa is denied because you are considered ineligible for a visa, then you may apply for a waiver of the denial decision. If your ineligibility is temporary you may even re-apply for the visa after you overcome your reason for the visa denial in the first place.

If your visa was denied due to permanent reasons of ineligibility, then you have to apply for the waiver.

The post US Study and Exchange Visas appeared first on Visa Consulate - Visa Information For Any Country.

Following Brexit, the previous Tier 4 (General) Student Visa has undergone a “rebranding”, which is mostly related to the fact that students from the EU and EEA will now also be required to apply for a visa if they want to study in the UK.

Changes to UK Tier 4 Student Visa

As of October 4, 2020, the previous Tier 4 (General) Student Visa has been replaced with the so-called “Student Route”. The Student Route is the UK’s new Student Visa, which will be available to EEA nationals as well, who, before Brexit, did not need a visa to study in the UK.

According to the British Government, under the new Student Visa program, the number of students who can receive a visa is unlimited.

Some of the main changes to the UK Student Visa that came into effect after 5 October 2020 are:

• It is divided into the Student Route (for adult students aged 18+) and Child Student Route (for students aged 4-17, which has replaced the Tier 4 Child Student Visa).
• EU/EEA nationals are also to apply for a visa if they will enter the country after January 1, 2021.
• You can now apply for a Student Visa up to six months before courses start, as opposed to three.
• Whether you are eligible for a visa depends on a Point-Based System. You need to collect 70 points.
• Those graduating from a British educational institution by and after Summer 2021 will be able to apply for the post-graduate visa, allowing them to work/look for work in the UK for up to 2 years.

Other requirements, such as English proficiency and Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) remain the same as under the Tier 4 Student Visa.

Do EU/EEA Students Need a UK Student Visa?

If you will enter the UK after January 1, 2021, then you have to apply for a Student Visa. If you are already in the UK before January 1, 2021, then you have to apply for the EU Settlement Scheme.

Who Can Apply for a UK Student Visa?

EU/EEA and non-EU/EEA nationals can apply for the new UK Student Visa if they reach 70 points on the Point Based System. The system measures whether you meet the requirements to study in the UK, such as:

• Have you been accepted into an approved institution? The institution issues the Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) as proof.
• Do you have the financial resources to fund your stay? In addition to the money required to pay for the course, you also need £1,265 per month if studying in London or £1,015 per month if studying outside London. If you have dependents, you need approximately £800 per month for each of them.
• Are you proficient in English? When applying for the visa, you need to pass an English Proficiency Test from an approved provider.
  • B2 for Degree-level courses or above.
  • B1 for below Degree-level courses.
• Does your course meet the set-out course requirements? See below.

UK Student Visa Course Requirements

You can get a Student Visa for the UK if you have been accepted into one of the following courses:

• A full-time, below degree-level course (more than 15 hours per week of study). Referred to as the RQF level 3, 4, or 5, this includes A levels (basically the last two years of high school), apprenticeships, or the first two years of a Bachelor degree.
• A full-time course leading to a degree level or above degree-level qualification. Includes RQF level 6, 7, and 8 (Bachelor, Postgraduate, Masters, or Doctorate degree).
• A part-time course at a degree level above RQF 7 (Postgraduate, Masters, or Doctorate degree).
• An approved program for postgraduate doctors or dentists.
• An English language course (level B2 or above) in the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages.

How to Apply for a UK Student Visa?

You can apply for a UK Student Visa as early as six months before your courses start, if you are outside the UK. You must start the online application on the UK Government website before appearing at a Visa Application Center in your country to submit your biometrics.

Once they’ve offered you a place on the course, your education provider will send you a reference number called a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies. You must enter this number during your registration online. After you apply online, you will receive instructions on how to proceed, depending on your country of residence.

Child Student Visa applicants will need the consent of a parent or a guardian.

Can I Switch to a UK Student Visa?

If you are already in the UK, you can switch to a Student Visa as long as your current visa is not one of the following:

• Visit visa
• Short-term student visa
• Parent of a Child Student visa
• Seasonal worker visa
• Domestic worker in a private household visa
• Leave outside the immigration rules

You can apply to switch to the UK Student Route up to three months before your classes are scheduled to begin. You must be accepted into one of the approved institutions and your current visa must still be valid.

UK Student Visa Processing Time

If you apply from outside the UK, it will take approximately 3 weeks to receive a decision on your Student Visa application. If you apply from inside the UK (switch to Student Visa), it will take approximately 8 weeks to reach a decision on your application.

UK Student Visa Fees and Costs

The fees for a UK Student Visa are:

• £348 if applying from outside the UK.
• £475 if you apply to extend or switch to a Student Visa from inside the UK.

You must pay a separate fee for yourself and each family member that joins you.

In addition to the visa fee, you also have to prove that you have enough money to finance your stay:

• At least £1,265 per month if studying in London (for up to nine months).
• At least £1,015 per month if studying outside London (for up to nine months).

Documents Required for a UK Student Visa Application

When applying for a UK Student Visa, you need the following documents:

• Your valid passport.
• The Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) from your school.
• Proof you have enough financial resources to support yourself and ant family members.
• An Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) certificate if applicable.
• Criminal record certificate.
• Proof of English Language proficiency.
• Tuberculosis test results.
• For students under 18:
  • Proof of parental consent
  • Proof of your relationship to your parent or legal guardian
• Any additional documents required during the application process.

How Long Is the UK Student Visa Valid?

The UK Student Visa is granted for e period of time corresponding to the course you have started. If you are an adult, enrolled in a degree-level course, the visa can be granted for up to five years. If you are pursuing a below degree-level course, the visa will be granted for two years.

Can I Extend a UK Student Visa?

Yes, you can extend a UK Student Visa provided that you are accepted into a different course in the UK. The course must be at a higher level than the one you have completed. You can also extend your student visa if you have a Tier 4 (General) Student Visa. You can apply no earlier than three months before your new classes start.

Can I Stay in the UK After My Studies?

Yes, starting from Summer 2021, international students in the UK who have successfully completed a degree at an undergraduate level will be able to apply for the Graduate Visa. The Graduate Visa allows you to stay in the UK for up to two years after graduating as you work or look for work. PhD graduates can stay for up to three years.

If you find a suitable job during that time, you will be able to switch into a different immigration category, such as a UK Work Visa.

Can I Work With a UK Student Visa?

Yes, international students in the UK can work under certain conditions. For example, you can work as a student union sabbatical officer, but you will not be able to claim public benefits and pensions. What type of work you can do in the UK while on a Student Visa will depend on what you are studying and if you will be working during the term-time or during breaks.

Some jobs are also off-limits, such as working as a professional sportsperson or sports coach or being self-employed.

Can I Have Dependents With a UK Student Visa?

Yes, you can bring your dependent family members to the UK with you as you pursue your studies. This includes:

• Your spouse, civil partner, or unmarried partner.
• Your dependent children under the age of 18.

You and your family must prove each of you has enough money to sustain your stay in the UK. In addition to the financial requirements of yourself (the student), each family member must also have the following funds:

• £845 per month (for up to 9 months) for courses in London
• £680 per month (for up to 9 months) for courses outside London

The post UK Student Visa appeared first on Visa Consulate - Visa Information For Any Country.

Mexico is the largest of the Spanish-speaking countries, with a rich and diverse culture and countless historical heritages, many of which are protected UNESCO World Heritage Sites. It is one of the most-visited places in the world, attracting millions of tourists every year, who are looking to enjoy Mexico’s vibrant way of life. However, it also attracts foreigners who are looking to work for a Mexican employer or to pursue their studies in a Mexican educational institution.

Foreigners who want to relocate to Mexico for a period that’s longer than 180 days have to apply for a Mexico Temporary Resident Visa.

Who Needs a Mexico Student Visa?

Every foreigner who intends to study in Mexico for longer than 180 days must apply for a Mexico Student Visa. there are two types of Mexico Student Visas:

• The Temporary Resident Student Visa, which is for students who will take a course that’s longer than 180 days.
• The Visitor Student Visa, which is for students who will take a course that’s shorter than 180 days.

However, if you are from one of the following countries and your study course is shorter than 180 days, you do not need a visa to study in Mexico:

What are the Requirements for a Mexico Student Visa?

When you apply for a Mexico Student Visa, you must submit the following documents (in original and copy) at the Mexico embassy:

• Completed and signed Mexico Visa Application Form
• Your passport along with photocopies of the relevant pages (first and last page, any visas and stamps you have received)
• Passport-size picture with a white background and taken in the last six months.
• A booked flight ticket (not necessarily purchased)
• Letter of acceptance from your educational institution, addressed to the Mexico embassy, containing the following:
  • Your full name
  • The level, degree, and area of the study you will take
  • The name of the course in which you have been accepted
  • The duration of the course, including start and end dates
  • The cost of the tuition fee, along with specification on whether you have received a scholarship
  • The school’s contact information
• Bank statements or investments from the last three months
• Proof of sufficient financial means to cover your stay, such as:
  • Proof you have a steady income of at least US$400 per month
  • Proof you have savings or investments
  • Proof you have received a scholarship
• If you are a minor: Include your birth certificate and the IDs of your parents or legal guardians.
• If you are not a national of the country you are currently living in: Include proof of legal residence there, such as a residence permit.
• Student Visa processing fee

Keep in mind:

All the documents you submit have to be in English or Spanish. If they are not, translate them and include both the original and the translation.

All the official documents you submit (birth certificates, school diplomas/transcripts, etc) have to be legalized before submission, such as through an Apostille or the Mexican embassy.

This is not an exhaustive list of requirements. The Mexico embassy mayr request any additional documents as they see fit.

How to Apply for a Mexico Student Visa?

The application process for a Mexico Student Visa consists of two parts:

• Applying for a Mexico Student Visa at a Mexican embassy in your country
• Turning the visa into a Mexico Temporary Resident Card upon arrival (for stays of over 180 days)

Applying for a Mexico Student Visa

The application process for a Mexico Student Visa is as follows:

1. Contact a Mexico embassy to set up an appointment. You can find a list of Mexican embassies here.
2. Complete the Mexico Student Visa Application Form. You can find the application form on the website of the Mexico embassy where you will apply or at the embassy itself.
3. Collect the required documents. See the requirements for a Mexico Student Visa above.
4. Submit the application and pay the visa fee. On the date of your appointment, you may also have to enter an interview.
5. Wait for the visa to be processed
6. Pick up your passport. If the application is approved, the visa will be affixed to your passport.
7. Travel to Mexico and exchange your Student Visa into a Temporary Residence Card

Keep in mind: Different embassy offices may have their own different requirements when it comes to the visa application process. This is why it is important to always contact them or visit their website to learn about the specific requirements, opening hours, etc.

Turning the visa into a Mexico Temporary Resident Card

If your study course will take longer than 180 days, then within 30 days of arriving in Mexico, you have to apply to get your Temporary Residence Card at an office of the National Immigration Institute in Mexico (Instituto Nacional de Migracion (INM)). When you apply, you should have the following with you:

• The Resident Card request form, which you can download from the website of the Immigration Offices.
• Your passport with the Temporary Resident Visa (Student Visa) affixed
• The Forma Migratoria Múltiple (FMM) which you received at the airport
• Payment of the Resident Card
• A cover/request letter for the Temporary Resident Card addressed to the Instituto Nacional de Migración
• Proof of enrollment into the Mexican educational institution

What is the Mexico Student Visa fee?

The fee for a Mexico Student Visa is around $36, but it may change depending on the country in which you submit your application. The payment method also differs since some embassies may ask you to pay the fee upfront via bank transfer while others ask you to pay in cash.

Additionally, you also have to pay a fee for the Mexico Temporary Resident Card at the INM along with a processing fee.The fee for the Temporary Resident Card depends on the number of years it is issued for, and ranges from 3,000 to 7,000 Mexican Pesos.

How Long Does it Take to Process a Mexico Student Visa?

The processing time for any type of Mexico visa depends on the embassy in which you apply. You can expect to wait anywhere from one week to a month. This is why it is advisable that you apply for a visa at least one months before you intend to travel.

What is the Duration of a Mexico Student Visa?

A Mexico Student Visa by itself is only valid for a maximum of 180 days and for a single entry. However, if you intend to stay for longer than 180 days, you must apply for the Temporary Residence Card. The Temporary Residence Card allows you to stay in Mexico long for one year initially and then it can be renewed for the duration of your studies. It also allows you to enter and leave the country multiple times.

How Can I Renew a Mexico Student Visa?

You cannot renew a Mexico Student Visa itself, but you can renew the Mexico Temporary Resident Card. You can apply for renewal at an office of the National Immigration Institute in Mexico at least 30 days before your current resident card expires.

Can I Work With a Mexico Student Visa?

No, a Mexico Student Visa does not allow the holder to work. If you have a job offer, then your employer must apply for a Mexico Work Permit on your behalf at the National Immigration Institute. They must submit the following documents when applying for your work permit:

• The Mexico Work Permit Request Form
• The original job offer/contract, stating the full details of the job: your salary, the duration of your work, your position, the company’s address, etc. The letter must be written on the company’s letterhead.
• A full photocopy of your passport
• Your original diplomas, transcripts, and other certifications (legalized)
• Your CV
• Documents related to the company that’s hiring you
• Any additional documents related to your job, studies, etc.

Although employment might not be a good idea, students who want financial sources of income while studying in Mexico, should give freelancing a try, and apply for a digital nomad visa instead.

What if I Lose or Damage my Mexican Resident Card?

If you lose or damage your Mexican Resident Card, you must visit the local immigration office and apply for a replacement. You must have the following documents with you:

• Your passport (original and a photocopy)
• Residence card replacement fee
• Three pictures, two showing you face-front and one from your left side profile
• If your resident card was damaged: Submit the Tourist Card (FMM) and your Student Visa along with the residence card
• If your resident card was stolen/lost: Submit the the Tourist Card (FMM) and your entrance Visa
• Form to request immigration procedure stay (here)
• Any additional documents the immigration office may request

If you lose or damage your Mexican Resident Card while you are abroad, you must approach a Mexican embassy to request a replacement.

The post Mexico Student Visa appeared first on Visa Consulate - Visa Information For Any Country.

Costa Rica has a high level of education, with the country’s literacy rate being upwards of 94%. Its educational system was ranked 20th in the “Global Competitiveness Report 2013 – 14.

There are five public universities in Costa Rica, with several private ones as well. Studying in Costa Rica means getting a good education while enjoying what’s known as the “pura vida”  – Costa Rica’s way of life.

This article is a guide to a foreign national’s path to studying in Costa Rica and the Costa Rica student visa.

Do You Need a Visa to Study in Costa Rica?

Yes, you do. Every foreign national who wants to study in Costa Rica has to obtain a Costa Rica student visa, regardless of their nationality.

Additionally, you also have to be already accepted into a Costa Rican educational institution.

Everyone who wants to stay in Costa Rica for longer than 90 days has to obtain a residence permit. The Costa Rica residence permits are divided based on the purpose you want to remain in Costa Rica for.

The type of Costa Rica residence permit you need for studying in Costa Rica is a student permit, which falls under the “Special Category” of immigration, along with work permits. You can obtain a student permit from the Dirección General de Migración y Extranjería (Costa Rica’s Immigration Department).

What are the Requirements for a Costa Rica Student Visa?

The documents you need when applying for a Costa Rica student visa include:

When applying for the provisional visa

• Request letter for a Special Category provisional visa, legalized by a notary public or signed by the Consul. The letter must contain the following information:
  • Your full name, birthday, place of birth, and nationality
  • Passport number
  • Place of residence
  • Occupation/profession
  • The exact address of where you will stay in Costa Rica
  • Contact information
  • The date and your signature
• Letter of acceptance from your school
• Your birth certificate
• Certificate of police clearance
• Your valid passport and copies of all the pages on your passport. The passport must be valid for another 6 months from the date of entry
• Proof of sufficient financial means

When applying for the student permit

The documents you must submit for the Costa Rica student permit application at the Immigration Department include:

• Completed and signed application form
• A letter, directed to the Immigration Department, stating the reason you’re requesting the “Special Category” residence permit (student permit). The letter has to be signed either in front of the immigration official or authenticated by a lawyer. It must contain the following information:
  • Your full name and nationality
  • Your age
  • Your occupation
  • Exact address in Costa Rica
  • Contact information
• A certification issued by your educational institution, confirming your enrollment. The document has to be signed by a legal representative or head of the institution.
• Receipt of application payment fee
• Two recent passport-size pictures
• Proof of fingerprint registration, issued by the Ministry of Public Security
• Proof you have registered with the Costa Rican consulate
• Birth certificate
• Proof of financial means:
  • Through a certificate issued by an authorized public accountant of economic solvency indicating the money’s origin; or
  • Through proof of a scholarship, if you’re a scholarship student.
• Photocopies of all the pages in your passport, notarized by a public notary in Costa Rica

Keep in mind:

Obtain all the required documents before you travel to Costa Rica.

All the documents you submit have to be translated to Spanish by an official translator. You must have the translations notarized.

All the documents you submit from your country have to be legalized. You can legalize them at the Costa Rica consulate or through the Apostille stamp, if you are from a country included in the Apostille convention.

The Costa Rica Consulate and Immigration department have the right to request any additional documents as they see fit.

How to Apply for a Costa Rica Student Visa?

The process of getting a Costa Rica student visa is divided into two parts: the provisional student visa and the student permit.

Before you can apply for a student permit from the Immigration Department, you need to have authorization to enter the country as a student – ie. a provisional student visa, which you can get from the Costa Rica consulate in your country.

Applying for a provisional visa

You must apply for a provisional student visa at the Costa Rica consulate in your country, or one nearest to you. You need a provisional student visa to enter Costa Rica even if you are exempt from Costa Rica tourist visas. You must also register with the consulate.

The application process is as follows:

• Contact the Costa Rica consulate to make an appointment
• Collect the required documents (see below)
• Submit the documents on the date of your appointment
• Enter a visa interview, if the Consul requires it

The Costa Rica visa application processing time is 30 days.

Once the application is processed, you generally have 60 days to enter the country, where you must apply for a student permit from the Immigration Department.

Applying for the Costa Rica student permit

Both you and your educational institution are in charge of obtaining a student permit. In most cases, it is the school who applies for the Costa Rica student permit at the Dirección General de Migración y Extranjería. You must supply them with the required documents (see below).

However, before you apply at the Immigration Department, you must register your fingerprints with the Ministerio Seguridad Pública (Ministry of Public Security) in San Jose.

Can You Work with a Costa Rica Student Visa?

No, a Costa Rica student visa does not allow the holder to work. Only Costa Rican citizens and Permanent Residence Permit holders are allowed to legally work in Costa Rica.

In order to work in Costa Rica as a Temporary Residence Permit holder, a foreign national has to be very skilled in a position that’s in shortage and cannot possibly be filled by a Costa Rican citizen. Additionally, the process of obtaining a Costa Rica work visa is a long process which is not guaranteed to be successful, so many Costa Rica employers avoid hiring foreigners.

Costa Rica has very strict rules regarding employing foreign nationals. That’s because they try to prevent foreigners taking up positions which can be filled by a native.

However, one option which many expats follow is working remotely (or telecommuting). This involves working for a non-Costa Rican company or freelancing as a writes, graphic designer etc. As long as your income comes from abroad, this is completely legal.

The post Costa Rica Student Visa appeared first on Visa Consulate - Visa Information For Any Country.

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.

To start studying in a Canadian university, you must first get a student visa which consists of a visitor visa and a study permit. You must also enroll in a program that is longer than 6 months and start studying in a Designated Learning Institution (DLI). A DLI is an institution which has been approved to accept international students by the Canadian Government.

The student visa is valid for the time that you are enrolled in university and it expires after you graduate. However, many students want to stay in Canada to get work experience after they graduate. To be able to do that they must enroll in the Post Graduate Work Program.

This article will go through this program, what it is, how to apply, and other relevant details.

Can I stay in Canada to work after I graduate?

After graduation, a lot of students want to get some work experience and Canada and ask whether they can find a job and stay for some time. The Canadian Government allows this if the student who just graduated is eligible and approved for a Post Graduate Work Permit (PGWP) in Canada.

The PGWP allows the graduated student to stay in Canada and work for a Canadian company depending on the duration of their studies and their eligibility.

What are the requirements for the Post Graduate Work Permit in Canada?

The PGWP will essentially give you temporary residence in Canada and therefore has many requirements. To be eligible for the PGWP, you must fulfill the following requirements:

• You must be at least 18 years old;
• You must have studied in Canada as a full-time student for at least 8 months;
• You must have proof that you have completed your study program;
• You must have graduated from one of the following institution:
  • Public college or university in any Canadian province or a vocational education program from Quebec;
  • Private college or university which abides to the same rules as a public university or college in Quebec;
  • Private secondary or post-secondary school in Quebec which offers programs of 900 hours or longer and leads to a professional diploma;
  • Canadian private school which can award degrees such as a Bachelors, Masters, or PhD;
• You must apply for a work permit within 90 days of your graduation;
• You must have a valid study permit at the time of your application for the work permit.

However, there are also some special cases which can make you qualify for a PGWP even if you do not fulfill the requirements above:

• You were enrolled in an accelerated program which was supposed to last for 8 months, but you finished it in 6 months;
• You transferred from one DLI to another and the combined length of your studies in the two institutions was more than 8 months;
• You transferred from an institution that was not a DLI to one that is a DLI and studied for 8 months or more in the DLI (the time you spent at the school that was not a DLI does not qualify you for a PGWP);
• You studied part time during your last semester due to a lighter course load;
• You are a flight instructor who:
  • Has completed a course for flight training at a Canadian training center and now you have a Canadian commercial pilot license, or
  • You are in the process of getting the instructor rating and a job offer in the position of a flight instructor from a flight training center ;
• If you are graduating from a Quebec vocational or professional training program you must fulfill these criteria:
  • You must have graduated from a public or private secondary school or from a private post-secondary school;
  • Your diploma must be a Diploma in Vocational Studies (DEP), Attestation of Vocational Specialization (ASP), Diploma in College Studies (DEC), or Attestation of College Studies (AEC);
  • Your program must have been full time for 8 months or more.

You must fulfill these requirements to be eligible for the PGWP or you cannot stay in Canada after you graduate and must return to your home country 90 days after graduation.

You cannot get a PGWP if you are in one of these situations:

• You have been in a study program that is less than 8 months long;
• You have studied for more than 8 months but the time has not been continuous;
• You were part of the Canadian Commonwealth Scholarship Program which is funded by the Global Affairs Canada (GAC);
• You were part of the Government of Canada Awards Program funded by the GAC;
• You had funding from the GAC;
• You had an Equal Opportunity Scholarship of Canada – Chile;
• You were part of the Canada – China Scholars Exchanges Program;
• You were part of the Organization of American States Fellowships Program;
• You completed your study program as a distance learning student from abroad or from within Canada;
• You have already had a PGWP.

How to apply for the PGWP?

The application procedure for the Post Graduation Work Permit is not very complicated and can be completed either online using your Government of Canada login (GCKey or bank details) or in person by submitting a paper application.

Since the processing time for online applications is shorter than paper applications, we recommend trying to apply online if you are eligible. To start application, go to the Government of Canada website and fill out the following forms:

• IMM 5710 – Application to Change Condition, Extend my Stay, or Remain in Canada as a Worker;
• IMM 5409 – Statutory Declaration of Common-Law Union (if you have a common-law partner);
• IMM 5476 – Use of Representative (if you are giving permission to someone to apply for you);
• IMM 5475 – Authority to release personal information to a designated individual (if you are using a representative);

In addition to the forms, you must also submit other documents such as:

• A copy of your valid passport;
• A copy of your current valid immigration documents such as study permit, work permit, visitor visa, etc.;
• Your final university transcript;
• A letter from your school confirming that you have graduated ;
• A letter from your school confirming the length of your study program (in hours or in months) and the program code if you have studied in Quebec;

Once you have submitted all the necessary documents, you will be directed to pay the fees for the PGWP application. Afterwards, you have to wait for processing and then the Government of Canada will notify you via mail or email on their decision. If your PGWP is approved, you may start working immediately for the time that has been allowed for you.

How long is the processing time for the PGWP?

After you submit the application for the Post Grad Work Permit, the Government of Canada has to process it. If you have applied through their online system, you will have to wait around 51 days for the PGWP application to be processed. If you have submitted a paper application, then you will have to wait 107 days for processing.

What are the fees for the PGWP?

To submit your application for the PGWP, you will have to pay the application fees. The PGWP is considered an open work permit so it is slightly more expensive than the student work permit.

More specifically, you will have to pay the standard work permit application fee of CAD$155 and an additional CAD$100 for the open work permit to get the PGWP. So, in total, your PGWP application will cost CAD$255.

How long is the PGWP valid?

The validity of the PGWP depends on how long your study program was.

• If your study program was less than 8 months long, you are not eligible for a PGWP;
• If your study program was between 8 months and 2 years, your PGWP may be valid for the whole length of your study program (so if your program was 10 months, your PGWP will be valid for 10 months);
• If your study program was 2 years or longer, your PGWP may be valid for 3 years;
• If you studied in more than 1 program, your PGWP may be issued for up to 3 years.

Can I get Permanent Residence in Canada with a PGWP?

After you complete your PGWP, you may be wondering if you qualify for Canadian Permanent Residence. That depends on whether you fulfill the requirements for any of the Canadian permanent residences you can gain through working such as:

• Canadian Experience Class;
• Federal Skilled Workers Program (FSWP);
• Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP);
• Provincial Nominee Program;
• Atlantic Immigration Pilot.

Whether you qualify for any of these permanent residence programs depends on your language abilities (English and/or French), your job type (managerial, trade, skilled, etc), whether you have family in Canada who are citizens or permanent residents and so on.

The post Post Graduate Work Permit appeared first on Visa Consulate - Visa Information For Any Country.

This article will go through the details of the student visa and study permits.

What is a Canada Student Visa?

A Canada Student Visa allows the person who has it to start their studies in Canada. The visa for students is basically the same as a Canada Visitor Visa or an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTa), but the student also needs a study permit. So the Canada student visa is a combination of either a visitor visa and a study permit or an eTA and a study permit.

The Canada study visa will only allow you to start your studies in Canada at what are called Designated Learning Institutions (DLI). The study permit allows you to stay in Canada until your program ends and in some cases work while you are enrolled in school or work after you graduate. To keep the Canada study visa, you must fulfill these conditions:

• Always be enrolled in a DLI.
• Be working to complete your study program.
• Meet the requirements of the student visa.
• Stop studying if you do not meet the requirements of the student visa.
• Leave Canada immediately once your study permit expires.

The study permit will not allow you to get Canadian issued documents or Canadian government benefits such as health benefits. It will however create an easier path for you to be able to apply for a Canadian citizenship if that is your goal.

What is a Designated Learning Institution?

As mentioned, you can only get a Canada student visa if you are enrolled in a Designated Learning Institution (DLI). DLIs are schools or universities which are approved by the provincial or territorial government to allow them to host international students.

All primary and secondary schools that are in Canada are by default DLIs; however, there are many universities or other educational institutions which are not certified DLIs. You must not apply in those, since you will not be allowed to attend them even if they accept you.

To check whether a university or educational institution is a DLI, follow this link. It will take you to the Government of Canada website which is the official institution for all Canadian visas. In the page, you must select the province or territory and it will generate a list of all institutions which are DLIs. You can check there whether the place you want to apply to is a DLI or not.

If while you are attending the institution, it loses its DLI status, then you can continue studying there until your study permit expires. If your permit expires before you complete your degree, then you must enroll in a new institution which is a DLI to be able to get a new study permit.

Who Needs a Canadian Study Permit?

All international students who want to study in Canada and who need a visitor visa or an eTA to enter Canada must get a student visa and permit. The permit in itself does not allow you to enter Canada, but coupled with a visitor visa or eTA, it gives you permission to start your studies.

However, there are some groups of people who might not need a study permit to study in Canada if they are in certain situations, such as:

• If your study program is less than 6 months in Canada, you will only need a visitor visa or eTA, but not a study permit on the condition that you complete the program in 6 months or less. If you cannot complete the short program in 6 months, then you will need a study permit.
• If you are a family or staff member of a foreign representative to Canada who is accredited by the Global Affairs Canada, then you do not need a study permit.
• If you are a member of the foreign armed forces in Canada and are on official duties, you do not need a study permit, but your family members might need one.
• If you are a citizen of another country who has a Registered Indian Status in Canada, you do not need a study permit.
• If you are a minor child in Canada, then you do not need a study permit if you are:
• In kindergarten;
• A refugee or refugee claimant;
• If your parents are refugees or refugee claimants;
• Going to pre-school, primary or secondary school and you have a parent who is allowed to work or study in Canada.

Do I Qualify for a Canada Student Visa?

To be eligible to apply for a Canada Student visa and permit you must fulfill the following conditions:

• Have a valid acceptance letter from a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) with this information:
  • An official letterhead of the school.
  • The program and degree you will obtain.
  • The amount of tuition fees you must pay.
  • The start and finishing dates of the program.
• Be at least 18 years old to apply as the primary student visa applicant and your children who are under 18 years old cannot apply alone. So, if you have a child who wants to attend primary or secondary school, you must apply on their behalf.
• Have a clean criminal history and submit court documents to prove it.
• You must fill and sign a Visa Application Center (VAC) Consent Form.
• You must submit copies of your current immigration status in another country or in Canada.
• Prove that your stay in Canada is temporary and that you will return to your home country once your studies are over.

Canada Student Visa Requirements

When you complete the forms, you will also have to submit the following supporting documents:

• Your passport scan to prove that it is valid.
• Your travel history, meaning your whole passport scanned to also prove that you have blank pages in it.
• Letters from the court and police in your country to prove you have a clean criminal record;
• A Declaration Letter from you to the Government of Canada where you explain why they should give you a visa and study permit.
• Two photos that meet the Canada Photo Requirements.
• Medical examinations.
• Your employment or education status through a resume or diplomas.
• Proof that you can cover the expenses of studying in Canada (tuition and living costs) through one of the following:
  • You must have proof of a Canadian bank account that is in your name;
  • You must have a Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC) issued by a Canadian financial institution.
  • You must have proof that you have taken a student loan from a bank.
  • You must have bank statements for at least the past 4 months.
  • You must have proof that you have already paid your tuition and housing fees.
  • You must have a letter from a person or institution giving you money.
  • You must have proof that you have a scholarship.
• If you are going to study in Quebec, then you will also need to submit a Certificat d’acceptation du Quebec (CAQ) which is issued by the Quebec government. You will get the instructions from your school on how to apply for a CAQ.
• You must submit a letter of explanation saying why you want to study in Canada and guaranteeing that you accept and understand your responsibilities as a student in Canada.
• If a minor is going to Canada to study and need a custodian that is not a parent of the minor, then you also need to submit a Custodian Declaration Form which states who the custodian of the child is and must be signed by the parents or legal guardians of the child.
• If you are applying for the first time, then a document number on the study permit that is called a Unique Client Identifier (UCI) is not required for you. If you have applied for a study permit before, you are required to write your study permit document number which you can find in any letters that have been sent to you by the Canadian Government.
• If your family members (spouse or common law partner and minor children) are also accompanying you, you must also have the application forms ready for them and apply together as a family.

All the documents must be translated into English or French and you must have certifications and proof that the translation is correct. Once you submit all the documents, you can then proceed to submit the application and pay the fees.

What are the Minimum Financial Requirements for a Canada Study Visa?

To be able to get a student visa or study permit, you must have enough funds to cover your tuition fee and living costs in Canada. If you have family members accompanying you, then you will also need additional funds. There are two types of fund requirements for students:

• Students studying outside of Quebec
• Students studying in Quebec

Students studying outside of Quebec must have these funds to prove they can cover their studies in Canada:

Students studying in Quebec must have these funds to prove they can cover their studies in Canada:

How Can I Apply for a Candian Study Permit?

To be able to start studying in Canada, you must apply and get approved for a study permit. However, there are three situations that you can be in, so you can apply from:

• Outside of Canada;
• Inside of Canada;
• At the Canadian Port of Entry (POE) ;

Additionally, for each option you can also apply in paper format or through the online system. The application process will be the same, but if you apply in paper format, you will have to print all the documents and send them to the Canadian Consulate, while when you apply online, you can only submit the scanned documents and completed forms by attaching them through your account.

How to Apply for a Study Permit From Outside of Canada?

If you are an international student who has been accepted to a Canadian DLI, but is outside of Canada, then the application process for you will include applying for an extended visitor visa and a study permit. If you are from a country that does not need a visa to enter Canada, then you will apply for an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) and a study permit.

The application is done through one process, so you do not need to have them separately. If you get approval for the visa, then you will also get a study permit.

The process of applying for a Canada Student visa and permit from outside of Canada is the same as the application process for every type of Canadian visa. 

How to Apply for a Study Permit Within Canada?

Applying for a study permit within Canada can only be done if you are in a few of the situations below:

• You are a minor child in primary or secondary school;
• You are an exchange or visiting student in Canada;
• You have completed a short-term (less than 6 months) study course or program in Canada;
• You have a Temporary Resident Permit (TRP) for 6 months or more, or your family member has such a TRP;
• You are the spouse or common law partner or someone who is being sponsored to immigrate to Canada or has applied for permanent residence;
• You have a study permit from outside of Canada and you want to extend it;
• You are the family member of:
  • a Canadian based sports team;
  • a media representative;
  • a member of the clergy;
  • military personnel assigned to Canada;
• You are a family member or private staff member of a foreign representative in Canada.

To apply, you will have to go to the Embassy of your country in Canada or contact the Canadian Embassy to submit the documents there in person and pay the relevant fees.

How to Apply for a Canada Study Permit at the Port of Entry (POE)?

Another option of applying for a study permit is when you travel to Canada at the port of entry. However, you can only apply at the POE if you fulfill these conditions:

• You are a citizen of the United States of America (USA).
• You are a Lawful Permanent Resident (LPR) of the US.
• You are a resident of Greenland or Saint-Pierre and Miquelon.

To apply at the POE, you will first have to get an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) and then present the documents mentioned above (section: Applying for a Study Permit Outside of Canada) at the Canadian Port of Entry. The officials will review these documents and will make a decision on whether to grant you the study permit or not.

What is the Cost of the Canada Student Visa?

The application process for the Canada Student Visa requires that you pay all the application fees per person as well as for your family members applying. You cannot submit an application without paying your fees if you are applying online and if you submit paper applications without the fee, they will not be processed.

You must pay the fees if you are serious about applying for a student visa and starting your studies in Canada. The fees are as follows:

How long is the Canadian Student Visa valid?

A Canadian student visa is valid only for the length of the study program and an additional 90 days. These 90 days allow you to prepare for leaving Canada or to apply for extending your Canada study visa.

So if you do not complete your program within the time that your study permit is valid, then you will need to extend it. If you complete the program earlier than the study permit expiration date, then you will only have an additional 90 days and must leave Canada.

You must provide proof that you have completed your program by submitting the notification of graduation from your school such as an email, a letter, or another document, or submit a copy of your degree, diploma, or certificate. The date when one of these was issued will be used as the date you completed your program and then your additional 90 days for preparation to leave Canada will begin.

Does the Canada Student Visa Allow you to Visit Your Home Country?

The Canadian school system has many breaks in between the school years during the summer and winter. Naturally, many foreign students want to travel to their home countries during these breaks.

The student visa for Canada allows international students to travel abroad during their holidays; however, when they return to Canada they must provide proof of their status. They must show a valid visa or eTA and their study permit. Even if the study permit is valid, the visa or eTA must be valid, otherwise the student is not allowed to enter Canada. So before you travel out of Canada, make sure that your documents are in order and that they are valid. If they are not, apply for extensions before you travel.

Can I Change Schools With a Canada Student Visa?

The student visa for Canada allows the holder to change schools while they are enrolled if they meet the requirements of the visa. You must notify the Canadian Government if you are changing schools in these situations:

• If you have finished primary school and want to start high school.
• If you finished high school and are starting post-secondary school.
• If you are a post-secondary student and you are changing schools. Post-secondary schools include:
  • Universities.
  • Community colleges, CEGEP, institutes.
  • Private universities, academies, career colleges, training institutions.
  • English as a Second Language (ESL) / French as a Secondary Language (FSL) or other language training courses.
• If you need to change any of the conditions that are stated in your study permit.

In these situations, you will have to change your study permit, so get a new one. You will have to go through the application process and get the study permit for the new school.

You do not need to notify the Canadian Government when changing schools in these situations:

• If you are changing schools in the same educational levels such as from one primary school to another.
• If you are changing a study program but remaining in the same institution.
• Your study program is 6 months or less.

Can my Family Members Accompany me to Canada?

Your close family, so your spouse or common-law partner and minor children can accompany you to Canada when you go there to study. However, they will have to apply for their own visas (not study permits), which will be visitor visas. You can submit the applications together so you can tell the Canadian Consulate that you are a family and want to stay together for the duration of your studies.

Can I work while on a Student Visa?

There are several conditions which a student must meet to work while they are on their Canadian student visa. These conditions are to prevent illegal workers who want to just get a student status and not attend classes or get their degrees. However, students are allowed to work in these following instances:

• On-campus work if they are enrolled in a full-time program;
• Complete co-ops or internships if they are required from their program curriculum;
• Off-campus work if your study permit allows it and you work less than 20 hours per week;

Each of these options has additional requirements and conditions which depend on the individual student’s situation, so you must check with the Government of Canada and refer to our article on working while on a student visa in Canada for more details.

Can I Work After I Complete my Studies?

Some students want to keep working in Canada after they finish their educational degree. When you have a student visa, then it is easier to get a Post-Graduate Work Permit (PGWP), the length of which depends on the length of your study program:

• If your study program was less than 8 months, you are not eligible for a PGWP;
• If your study program was between 8 months and 2 years, you can get a PGWP for the same length as your study program;
• If your study program was two or more years, you can get a PGWP that is valid for 3 years;
• If you were enrolled and completed more than one study program, you can get a PGWP for up to 3 years.

The post Canada Student Visa appeared first on Visa Consulate - Visa Information For Any Country.

Once this visa has been granted, your child has the right to apply to be added to your permanent partner visa application- only then they can have access to Medicare.

Who Can Apply for a 445 Visa?

Your child can apply for a 445 visa if:

• They are sponsored by the same person who sponsored you for the partner visa, and,
• You hold one of the following:
  • A partner visa – subclass 309
  • A permanent partner visa- subclass 820
  • A dependent child visa- subclass 445

Your child can apply for the visa either when they are in Australia or outside of the country, but if they are in Australia they can’t be the holder of a visa that has a “no further stay” condition. This condition prohibits your child from staying in Australia or extending their visa after their permit has expired.

Who Is Considered a Dependent Child in Australia?

For a visa 445, your child is considered dependent on you if they are a minor (under 18 years of age), or if they are over 18, but financially dependent on you. This dependency could be due to several reasons, for example, your child is a full-time student that you financially support, or they have a disability that makes them unable to work.

Child Visa 445 Document Checklist

If your child applies for a 445 visa, they will need the documents listed below:

• Your child must have a valid passport at the time of application, and sometimes the Department of Home Affairs may request copies of their ID card, and proof of name change- in case your child did change their name.
• Visa application form 918. The child must fill in the visa application form with all the required information and submit it when applying. The form must be filled in in English.
• Proof of payment. The applicant must pay the application fee before they submit their 445 visa application, and they must include proof that the fee has been paid.
• Four photographs. When applying for a child visa 445, your child has to provide four pictures that should be taken in the same format, with no busy backgrounds and neutral facial expressions.
• Evidence of familial relationship. Your child has to provide evidence of your relationship with him, acceptable documentation includes a birth certificate, a marriage certificate, adoption papers, or an official family book.
• Proof of good character. If the child is over 16, they must submit form 80 along with national police certificates from the last 12 months.
• Evidence of financial support. If your child is over 18, they must provide evidence that they are financially dependent on you.
• Proof of disability. Your child must submit a medical certificate proving that due to either mental or physical disability, they are dependent on you.
• Parental consent. If the child is under 18, they must have explicit permission from anyone who has a say in whether or not they can travel to Australia. They can include a completed form 1229, or a statutory declaration. Alternatively, a court order will suffice.
• Documents for dependents under 18. In case your child has a child of their own they want to bring to Australia, they have to provide travel documents, proof of relationship documents, and if possible character documents.

Sponsorship Documents

To get a visa 445, your child needs to be sponsored by the same person that sponsored you for the partner visa. The sponsor must provide a copy of their residence status to show that they are an eligible person. They may also be required to submit copies of their identity documents.

How to Apply for a Child Visa 445?

Here’s how to apply for a child visa 445:

1. Pay the visa fee.
2. Prepare the documents.
3. Apply for the visa.

Pay the Visa Fee

Before your child can apply for a 445 visa, they must first pay the application fee. The fee is paid through ImmiAccount, which means your child must have an account to submit the application payment.

No other forms of payment are accepted, so to have the application processed, they must open an account and find the payment option- make sure they finish the payment with one transaction or the visa application is considered invalid.

Prepare the Documents

After the fee has been paid, your child must prepare all the required documents and send them by post or courier at the specified address in the application form. Civil status documents, i.e., birth certificates, marriage licenses, and similar papers must be verified by an authorized person.

Apply for the Visa

For a 445 visa, the applicant must submit a paper application. The visa application cannot be submitted online or in person but rather by post or courier. In the application form, there will be two addresses detailing the Child and Other Family Processing Centres where your child has to send the application.

Please keep in mind that if your child is applying for a visa outside of Australia, they must send the application to an Australian office nearest to them and not to the Australian address.

Australia Child Dependent Visa Fees

Child visa 445 costs AUD 2,710 for the application charge. However, for any additional applicants, your child has to pay an extra fee.

Visa 445 Processing Time

The processing time for a visa 445 lasts between 19 months up to 14 months. However, keep in mind that the official processing time may take longer depending on your situation and how complete your child’s visa application is.

Applying With Family Members for a 445 Visa

Your child can apply only with their children for a 445 visa. If they have any siblings, they must make a separate application for the dependent child visa.

Can a Dependent Child Work in Australia?

Yes, if your child has a valid visa 445 they can work in Australia during their stay.

How Long Does a Child Dependent Visa Last?

A child dependent visa is temporary and it’s valid only until there is a final decision on your pending partner visa application.

COVID-19 Relief for Dependent Child Visa

In February of 2021, the Australian government began to implement the COVID concession period, which will continue until an undetermined time. Visa 445 is subject to COVID concessions and applicants who applied out of Australia can now be permitted to be in Australia at the time of the visa grant.

Helping With the Visa Application

In some cases, you may be allowed to apply for your child or help your child with their application. If the applicant wants to appoint you as a correspondent for the visa process, they must fill in form 956a and submit it with the visa application.

The post Australia Dependent Child Visa appeared first on Visa Consulate - Visa Information For Any Country.

When your child applies for the visa, you don’t have to be in Australia as long as you were issued a valid permanent permit.

Can My Child Apply for a Visa from Outside of Australia?

Yes, a child visa is issued in two subclasses:

• Subclass 101, and
• Subclass 802

Subclass 101 is for applicants who are outside of Australia, while subclass 802 is suitable for your child if they are in Australia under another substantive visa or a valid bridging visa.

Eligibility Criteria for a Child Visa

Your child can apply for this visa if they are sponsored by you or your partner and:

• They are either your biological, adoptive or step-children.
• They have no partner.
• They meet the health requirements.
• They meet the character requirements (if they are over 16).
• They are either under 18 or full-time students between 18-25 (unable to work and financially dependent on you)
• They are over 18 with a disability. They must have lost total or partial control of their physical and mental capacities and are unable to work full time.

Adopted and Step-Children

To get a child visa, you must have adopted your child before they turned 18 and before you became an Australian citizen, or permanent resident, otherwise you have to apply for an adoption visa 102.

On the other hand, your step-child can apply for this visa if:

• They are under 18.
• Your former partner’s child.
• You have a parenting order that says your step-child can live with you.
• You have custody of your step-child.

Document Checklist for a Child Visa

When they apply for this visa, your child has to prepare the following documents:

• Travel document. The child has to provide a copy of their passport or travel documents, or any previous passports they had previously.
• Child visa application form 47CH. The applicant must also fill in this visa form and submit it with the other documents for a child visa.
• Your child might also be required to provide other identification such as their ID card or name change certificate- if applicable.
• Four visa pictures. The applicant must submit four visa photographs with good quality and full-face view.
• Sponsorship documents. As your child’s sponsor, you have to provide them with copies of your identity documents and fill in form 40hc.
• Evidence of study. If your child is a full-time student, they must submit proof that they are enrolled in a full-time study program and provide explanations of any possible gaps for more than 6 months.
• Disability proof. In case your child has a disability, then provide a medical certificate issued by a qualified practitioner stating the applicant has total or partial loss of body or mental capacity.
• Proof of relationship. Your child must provide evidence that you are their parent or legal guardian- they could include a birth certificate, marriage certificate or an official family book.
• Financial documents. The child has to submit proof that they are dependent on you for financial support, including necessities, i.e., food, shelter, and clothing.
• Family members’ documents. If by any chance, your child applies with a child of their own for the visa, they have to submit their child’s identification documents, proof of their relationship, and character documents (if applicable).
• Character documents. Applicants over 16 have to submit form 80, and they may be required to submit police certificates.

Application Process for a Child Visa

Your child has to submit a paper application for this visa. They must prepare all the required documents, fill in the visa form, and send the application either by post or courier. Your child cannot apply online for this visa or apply in person.

The applicant has to send the application to the Child and Other Family Processing Centre in Perth. The full address is written in the application form.

Can I Apply on Behalf of My Child for a Child Visa?

Technically, yes you can apply on behalf of your child. Usually, your child has to be under 16 years of age and unable to apply on their own, but sometimes your child may authorize you to help them with the application.

They can do this by submitting form 956a with their application, so they can let the Department know you will be assisting them with the visa application. However, it’s always best to contact the Department of Home Affairs and inquire whether you can apply for your child or not.

Australia Child Visa Cost

A child visa costs about AUD 2,710. If your child is bringing family members (their minor child), they are required to pay additional fees.

Child Visa 101 Processing Time

A child visa, subclass 101, is processed between 26 and 19 months. Because your child has to be out of the country when they apply for this subclass, the processing time takes a bit longer in comparison to subclass 802, which is processed between 16 to 13 months.

Applying With Family Members for a Child Visa

Your child can apply with family members for this visa only if they have a child of their own they want to bring to Australia. However, if they have other siblings, they cannot include them in the application and each sibling must apply separately for a child visa.

How Long Is a Child Visa Valid For?

An Australia child visa is permanent. This means that your child can stay in Australia indefinitely, work, study, and apply for citizenship if eligible.

Travelling With an Australia Child Visa

Your child can travel freely from Australia to other countries, but a child visa is issued with a travel facility that expires after five years. To continue travelling after five years, your child must apply for a resident return visa so that their permanent status won’t be affected negatively.

Subclass 101 and Covid Concessions

Because of the current situation with the pandemic, the Department of Home Affairs has been easing some requirements regarding applicants outside of Australia. For example, if they meet all the eligibility requirements, your child will be granted the visa if they are in Australia at the time of the concession period, even if they applied for the visa when out of the country.

The post Australia Child Visas appeared first on Visa Consulate - Visa Information For Any Country.

• Subclass 116 and
• Subclass 836

To get a carer visa you must have an eligible sponsor in Australia who genuinely needs your assistance.

Eligibility Criteria for a Carer Visa

You meet the eligibility requirements for a carer visa if:

• You are sponsored by a relative or your relative’s family member who requires care.
• You are capable of providing adequate care for your relative.
• You hold a substantive visa except for a transit visa 771 (required for a subclass 836).
• You had a valid visa and made an application for subclass 836 within a permissible timeframe (only for 836 visa applications).

Sponsor Eligibility for a Carer Visa

To qualify for a carer visa you must have a suitable sponsor who is either an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or New Zealand citizen. You must also be the sponsor’s near relative or a relative:

• A parent or step-parent.
• A grandparent (or step-equivalent).
• A grandchild (or step-equivalent).
• An aunt or uncle (or step-equivalent).
• A niece or nephew (or step-equivalent).
• A sibling or step-sibling.
• A child.

Your sponsor must be able to financially support you (and any other family members you apply with) and house you for at least the first two years you are in Australia. If you are being sponsored by your relative’s partner then your relative must be living with that partner.

Bupa Medical Exam for a Carer Visa

To get a carer visa you must provide evidence that your sponsor genuinely needs medical care and assistance. To do this, Bupa Medical services will conduct an exam on your relative and determine whether your sponsor:

• Is a long term patient, or
• Has difficulty in completing daily tasks due to a medical condition (bathing, cooking, cleaning, shopping, and so on), or
• Has a chronic disease.

To get this medical examination, your sponsor has to apply at Bupa’s official website so they can obtain a certificate from the medical service.

Checklist for a Carer Visa

You need the following documents to apply for a carer visa:

• Carer visa application form. When you apply for a carer visa, you have to fill in the visa form and add it to the rest of your documents.
• Visa photographs. You and any other family member who applies with you must submit four photographs following the Department’s guidelines.
• You must have a valid passport when you apply for a carer visa. Additionally, you may be asked to provide a copy of your ID card and other documents that prove your identity and name change (if applicable).
• Sponsor Documents. You may also be asked to provide documents proving your familial relationship with your sponsor, your sponsor identification, or their financial documents.
• Sponsorship Form. Your sponsor is required to fill in this form and give it to you so you can attach it to your visa application.
• Bupa medical certificate. Your sponsor must provide you with a medical certificate showing that they need you as a carer. In case the exam hasn’t been conducted yet, you have to submit proof that the assessment process has been arranged.
• Evidence you are of good character. Along with police certificates and other documents, you have to submit form 80 and form 1221 to prove that you are of good character.
• Documents for your partner. For your partner, make sure that you provide a copy of their passport and identity documents, character documents and marriage certificate or proof of registered relationship.
• Documents for dependents over 18. If you are applying with dependents over 18, provide documents showing they are dependent on you, and unable to earn an income due to mental and physical limitations. You also have to submit their identity documents and character documents.
• Documents for dependents under 18. For dependents under 18, provide their identity documents, proof of your relationship with them, and character documents (if applicable).
• Help forms. If someone helps you with your application, provide either form 956a or

Application Process for a Carer Visa

Follow these steps when applying for a carer visa:

1. Prepare your documents.
2. Apply for the visa.
3. Wait during the first assessment period.
4. Pay the second instalment fee.

Prepare Your Documents

Before you apply for a carer visa, you have to assemble all the required documents and prepare them for a paper application. This means that your certificates and photographs have to be certified by an eligible person.

Keep in mind that police certificates do not have to be certified or copies; you can submit the original versions, and you are encouraged to keep a copy of your application documents. You can find the full details of the certification process here.

Apply for the Visa

For a carer visa, you cannot submit online applications and you cannot apply in person- you have to send the application via courier or post. You have to send the application to the Child and Other Family Processing Centre in Perth- the full address of which you can find in your visa application form.

At this point in the application process, you have to submit the first instalment of the application fee to get your visa processed. Despite the fact you are applying on paper for this visa, you have to submit the payment via ImmiAccount- open a new account if you don’t have one, and search for the payment option to submit your fee.

Wait During the First Assessment Period

After you apply for the visa, the Department of Home Affairs will process your application. This process is stretched out into two assessment periods; after the first assessment has been completed your application will be put in a queue and you have to wait until there is a place available for you.

Pay the Second Instalment Fee

Once the waiting process is over, the Department will assess your application once more after which you have to pay the second instalment. Keep in mind that your visa is not considered complete until the full fee has been paid.

Carer Visa Cost

A carer visa costs AUD3,890. However, when you submit your application you only have to pay AUD 1,825, the rest of the fee needs to be paid when the Department assesses your application for the second time.

In some cases, you don’t have to pay the second instalment fee, this may happen if the Minister for Home Affairs has determined that paying the second instalment will cause you or your sponsor financial hardship.

Carer Visa Processing Time

A carer visa may take up to four and a half years to reach the final assessment stage. As of now, the Department of Home Affairs is reviewing carer visas with a queue date up to October 11, 2017.

Should I Apply for a Carer Visa 836 or a Visa 116?

It depends on your situation. If you are in Australia and you held a previous eligible visa, you have to apply for a carer visa subclass 836. If you are out of the country, you aren’t eligible to apply for subclass 836 and you must apply for subclass 116.

Can I Apply Online for a Carer Visa?

No, only paper applications are accepted for a carer visa. However, the visa payment must be submitted online.

How Long Can I Stay with a Carer Visa?

A carer visa, subclass 883 and 116, is a permanent resident visa. This means that you can stay in Australia indefinitely, work, and study there. However, you have to apply for a resident return visa after five years, so you can travel freely.

The post Australia Carer Visas appeared first on Visa Consulate - Visa Information For Any Country.