Czech Republic Student Visa - Definitive Guide

As an international student, there are several formalities that are to be followed by the candidate before travelling to the Czech for education. One of the most important ones is obtaining a student visa to Czech Republic. There are several benefits to this permit. The holder is allowed to not only pursue the said course but is also allowed to tour the country at the same time. If permitted, the student can even take up a part-time job.

You also need to note that having a visa does not guarantee you an entry into the country. If the authorities at the border control find an issue with you or your visa, there are chances that you will be forbidden from entering through the border and obliged to return to your native country.

There are several parameters that you need to meet before sending in the application to get a student visa to Czech Republic. The process for the application is mainly offline. The application is to be made to the Embassy in person. Processing of the applications is done by the Ministry of Interior (MOI) or by the Ministry of Education Youth and Sports after receiving the applications from the Czech Embassy. The detailed Czech Republic student visa process is given as follows:

1. Start by filling out the Czech Republic student visa application form.
2. Collect all the required documents as per the given list.
3. Submit the application form and the document to the Czech Embassy.
4. Attend an interview if asked.
5. Pay the required fee for visa processing.

At the time of filling out the Czech Republic student visa application form, there are a few things that you need to remember. The information in the application must be correct and should be verifiable. If there is any kind of information that is incorrect or is untraceable, there are chances that the visa application may get rejected. There are other reasons for a visa rejection as well. Such a rejection can affect your future applications. Therefore, acquiring professional assistance can help minimise the possibilities of visa rejection.

There are several criteria that are to be met before carrying on with the visa application process. Some of the major criteria are listed as follows:

• You must have confirmed admission in Czech
1. You must have applied to the institution or the university you are looking forward to acquiring the course.
2. Your admission must be confirmed and you must have the necessary documentary proof of the same.
3. At least one of the accredited study programmes must be mentioned.
4. Other valid documents, educational and others should be made available.
5. The educational documents must be verifiable.
6. You should have proof of your previous highest education degree.
• You must meet the health requirements
1. You must be healthy enough to travel to Czech.
2. You must perform a medical test before travelling to the country and provide relevant documentary proof.
• You must meet the character requirements
1. You must be visiting with education as your primary purpose.
2. You must be of good character and have genuine intentions behind studying in Czech.
3. You need to provide relevant documentary proof for the same as well in the form of a Police Clearance Certificate (PCC).
• You must have sufficient funds
1. You must possess or have access to sufficient funds to be able to cover your stay and other expenses in Czech.
2. Bank statement or any equivalent document is to be submitted as well as proof of the same.
3. If you have a sponsor, evidence of their financial stability must be made available and should be sufficient to support your education.
4. The guarantor documents should also be legitimate and submitted at the time of application.

The list of required documents for student visa to Czech Republic is quite comprehensive. The important Czech Republic student visa requirements are listed as follows:

1. An original and valid passport.
2. 2 recent photographs as per the photo specifications.
3. Proof of accommodation - rental agreement, etc.
4. Proof of purpose of stay - registration for the course, enrollment receipt, etc.
5. Proof of sufficient funds - bank statements, credit card statements, etc.
6. Proof of scholarship - valid document issued by the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports.
7. A document equivalent to the Penal Register record, issued by the state of which you are a citizen, as well as the states in which, in the last 3 years, you have resided continuously for a period longer than 6 months, or a signed affidavit in the event that this state does not issue such a document (not required from a foreign national under 15 years).

The Czech Republic student visa photo specifications are as follows -

• Two copies must be submitted
• Dimensions:  35mm X 45mm
• Colour: Coloured 
• Head must occupy the central position
• Must be recently captured within the last 3 months
• Background: Solid, plain white or grey
• 80% face coverage
• Neutral expression
• Glasses: Non-thick framed and prescription are permitted
• Headgears are allowed only for religious reasons
• Facial hair is permitted

The maximum period for which a student visa to Czech Republic is valid is 1 year. Initially, the validity might be lesser and can be extended as per the course. However, the maximum validity is 1 year and it cannot be extended further.

The processing time required to process a Czech Republic student visa is about 60 days. Therefore, it is only safer to apply for the permit well in advance. There are several factors that can affect the processing of a student visa to Czech Republic. These include the workload at the embassy, availability of the staff, changes in processes and a few others.

The total fees for the process of obtaining the permit will depend on factors such as the number of entries, the biometric charges, as well as any service charges. It also varies according to the changes in the currency exchange rates. As a result, you are expected to check the exact amount while applying.

When the documents and the Czech Republic student visa application is submitted, there are a few things that you need to note. Some of the pointers are listed as follows:

• The visa application is processed by the Ministry of Interior (MOI).
• If there are any other requirements to be fulfilled or if there are any mistakes in the application, the embassy or the agency must be informed.
• If there are any changes related to the application, for instance, change in marital status or birth of a child, you must inform the embassy/agency.
• You can even check the status of the application and the processing in the meantime. 
• If there is a change of plans, you can withdraw the application. The visa is fee is non-refundable.
• When the form is submitted along with the fees, the visa will be mailed to you on your registered address or can be collected by yourself from the embassy or the respective Consular section.

In order to check the status of your student visa to Czech Republic, you can contact the embassy. Else, if you have applied through a visa agency, you can also check the status on their website or by calling them.

After you have received the visa, there are a few things that you need to note. Some of the pointers are as follows:

• Before you travel
1. Note the visa expiry date as well as the number of entries permitted. You must not stay in the country beyond this period.
2. You should travel to Czech within the validity of your visa.
3. Make sure to carry a copy of your passport and other travel documents while you are in the country.
4. Issue health insurance and travel insurance from a certified company.
• At the Border
1. Get your documents checked and your passport verified.
2. Obtain the entry stamp on your passport.
3. Consult the airport authorities for any kind of assistance required.
4. Check your visa copy for other guidelines and rules to be followed.
• When you enter Czech
1. Get registered to the Foreign Police Department within 3 days of your arrival.
2. Ensure not to get involved in any kind of activities that are not permitted to a non-Czech resident. You may get into trouble otherwise.
3. You can study, work as well as tour the country on this visa.
4. Apply for an extension within the validity of the permit.