Visa Workshop How to get your student visa

What is a visa?

  • A visa is an endorsement on a passport indicating that the holder is allowed to enter, leave, or stay for a specified period of time in a country.
  • A student visa allows the bearer to enroll at a post-secondary educational institution in the host country.
  • Visas are immigration papers and are often required to remain legally in a country.

It is your responsibility to understand and complete the process for obtaining a visa for your host country.

The study abroad office can provide general information but is not responsible for your visa process.

What does a visa look like?

  • Typically, a visa is an adhesive document that is adhered to a page in your passport.
  • In many cases, you will have to physically present or mail in your actual passport in order to have the visa affixed to it
  • If you are asked to submit a photo for your visa, you can have your visa photos taken at the UNM passport center.
  • Typically, if you are spending more than 90 days abroad you will need a visa!
  • To find out your specific requirements, check with the consulate or embassy of your host country.

What is a Consulate or Embassy?

  • Embassy: The primary diplomatic office normally located in a foreign country's capital city.
  • Consulate: A country’s small official office often located in other large towns or cities.
  • Consulates usually deal with questions about passports for their own citizens, visas for foreigners wanting to visit the consulate's home country, and licenses for import and export.
  • Consulates often have specific territories, meaning they only serve people living in certain US states.
  • Depending on your state of residence, you may use a different consulate than another student.

Securing a Visa is YOUR Responsibility.

We can help you find the correct resources and answer general questions, but you should communicate directly with the host country embassy or consulate for specific visa questions.

How do I research my visa?

1. Look at your host school or program's website. Do they provide resources or information about how to secure your visa?

2. Research your host country's requirements for study abroad students. Look at your nearest consulate or embassy website for up to date information!

3. Create a timeline. When is the earliest you can apply? How long does it take to process the visa? Do you have to travel in person to visit a consulate? Do you need to request special documents?

Things to keep in mind:

  • Do you have to apply in person?
  • Where is the nearest consulate? Do you need to travel?
  • What is the average visa processing time?
  • Is there a fee? How much is the fee?
  • Do any of the documents you need to submit need to be notarized? (GEO has free notary services!)
  • Is there a required physical, background check, insurance policy, or financial document?

Make sure you are looking at an official site!

Often an official consulate website will be in both English and the host county’s language. It should have information about the destination country’s government and have a URL with the destination country’s abbreviations. For example: https://www.gov.uk/world/usa

Some countries do outsource visa processing to private companies. Just make sure to start from an official website, and follow their links.

Questions to Get Started:

  1. What is the consulate’s website?
  2. How long will you be studying in your host country? The length of time you are abroad will determine the type of visa or permit you will need.
  3. Where is your permanent residency and where is the consulate for that region?
  4. How long does the entire process take to get your visa?
  5. Do you receive the visa before departure or after arrival in the host country?
  6. What costs are related with your visa? Ex. visa cost, travel to consulate, biometrics/background checks, etc.
  7. Do you need to go through any supplemental organizations prior to applying through the consulate? Ex. French visas must go through Campus France.
  8. What documents are required to be submitted with application? Ex. insurance, proof of finances, medical certificate, background check, additional application forms, etc.
  9. How do you submit your visa documents and how are they returned to you? Do you need to go to the consulate in person or can you mail the documents in?

Still Confused?

  • Which terms or acronyms do not understand? Can you research these?
  • Determine how to contact the consulate directly.
  • Can you ask your host institution for insight?

If you have answered all of the questions above and still need additional support, please make an appointment to speak with your Study Abroad Advisor! We will try to figure it out together.