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Northwest Missouri State University

Applying For a Student Visa

What is a visa?

Different from a passport, a visa is official permission from the host country allowing you to study and visit over a specific period of time. Students are responsible for researching and applying for student visas if required by host country. Some visas cost money;others do not. Several months before your departure, contact the consulate for the countries you plan to visit to find out if a visa is required (remember you are seeking a student visa, not a tourist visa, so be sure to ask for this specifically).

Some countries will require an FBI criminal background record or to declare any charges or convictions. Please take under consideration that any charges for having committed a crime can lead to a refusal of a student visa by the host country. If you have a criminal record please discuss this with the Study Abroad Coordinator to further evaluate your application.

When to apply for a student visa?

Visa processing can take anywhere from several hours to several weeks. Be sure to get your visa(s) immediately, if required. Students will need their acceptance letter from the host university before applying for a student visa. A passport will need to accompany the visa application.

What countries require visas to study abroad?

Country

Visa required

Comments

Australia Yes Students are required to obtain a student visa PRIOR to departure. Australearn assists students with the visa application process.
Austria Yes Students are required to obtain a student visa PRIOR to departure.
Belgium Yes Students wishing to stay in Belgium for more than three months are required to obtain a visa PRIOR to departure.
Czech Republic Yes Students are required to obtain a student visa PRIOR to departure.
Finland Yes Students are required to obtain a student visa PRIOR to departure.
France Yes Students are required to obtain a student visa PRIOR to departure. It is recommended that student uses services of TRAVISA in order to submit application. Pick up of visa is done in person at the Chicago Consulate.
Japan Yes Students are required to obtain a student visa PRIOR to departure.
Mexico Yes Visa application is submitted upon arrival.
Netherlands Yes Resident permit application is submitted upon arrival.
New Zealand Yes Students are required to obtain a student visa PRIOR to departure. Australearn assists students with visa application process.
South Africa Yes Students are required to obtain a student visa PRIOR to departure.
South Korea Yes Students wishing to stay in South Korea for more than 30 days are required to obtain a visa PRIOR to departure.
Spain Yes Students are required to obtain a student visa PRIOR to departure. It is recommended that student uses services of TRAVISA in order to submit application. Pick up of visa is done in person at the Chicago Consulate.
United Kingdom No US Citizens are allowed to enter the UK for 6 months or less. Interns will be required to apply for a visa.

If the country where you will be studying abroad is not listed, please check with the Study Abroad Coordinator.

**Please note that if you are traveling to your destination and make a stop in another country, you may be required to get a transit visa for your layover at the airport. For more information contact the Embassy or Consulate of he country where you will be stopping.