Latvia VISA

VISA FORMALITIES TO STUDY IN LATVIA

 

• Visas and resident permits are an essential part of the application and enrollment process for international students who wish to study in Latvia.

• EU/EEA and Switzerland citizens do not need a visa to enter Latvia or they don’t have to register at Citizenship and Migration Affairs (OCMA) office. However, an ID card or passport is mandatory to enter Latvia. 

• Non-EU citizens/students from specific countries may not require a visa to enter Latvia and can stay for 90 days in a 180 days period. For staying more than 90 days, non-visa country citizens/students must apply for a residence permit. 

• For students who belong to countries that require a visa to enter Latvia must apply for a visa through Latvian government websites. For the detailed visa and resident application process you may consult the higher education institute’s admission office and learn about the documents required and the procedure.

The following are the steps required for a Latvian Student Visa: -

 Original documents required to submit from students

• ESL Application form

• Passport

• Photos – Passport size (35/45) colored with white background

• Prescribed educational documents mainly 10th, 12th/PUC, bachelor's certificates, and mark sheets(grades should be 50% and above)

• IELTS, TOEFL or any other English Proficiency Certificate

• CV

 

2. When received all the documents from the student, ESL will process the admission application.

3. Payment of the visa application fee directly to the university. The fees are around 180 – 300EUR depending on the course and university and are non-refundable.

4. The applicant/student has to face a Skype interview or online test. Some universities may not have such a requirement. ESL also provides guidance and training for students through online tests for the Skype interview. 

5. The documents submitted by the students will reach the Academic Information Centre (AIC) for verification by the university. This particular process generally takes 2 weeks to a maximum of 4 weeks. Also, some universities do not require AIC.

6. After receiving the AIC statement, the university will provide: -

- Admission letter (Final)

- Study contract

- Invoice for tuition fees – Depends on the course and university

- Invoice for security deposit – Depends on the course and university

- In case your visa is rejected, tuition and security fee is refundable.

 

7. After successfully paying all the fees like tuition and application for a resident permit, only bachelor student applicants should send the following original documents to ESL by courier for further processing of the student visa.

- Resident permit form provided by ESL (signed in blue pen)

- Photos – Passport size (35/45) colored with white background

- Passport

- Bank statement with a minimum balance of 5700EUR in a student's personal bank account along with an international debit card of the same account. 

- Signed study contract

- Educational mark sheet of 10th, 12th/PUC legalized with apostille for a bachelor's degree (as well as for masters and doctorate)

- Clearance certificate from Police legalized with apostille by the Ministry of External Affairs.

- Payment proof of application fees, tuition fees, resident permits, and security deposit.

 

- Resident permit fee: -

For five working days – 355EUR

For ten working days – 214EUR

For 30 working days – 72EUR

 

8. Carry all the documents and face an interview at the respective Embassy of Latvia. It is recommended by the universities to start the visa process as soon as the student receives the conditional offer letter to avail benefits in permit charges.

 

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