Visa Information for Exchange Programs

In general, you will want to start this process 2-3 months before you plan to travel, or as prompted by your program.

You may need to travel to another city to personally make application. For example, the closest embassies/consulates for Greece, , South Korea and China are in Chicago.

There are visa service providers, such as Travisa, which will do the legwork for you, saving ​ ​ you the travel. However, please note that it will cost more to acquire your visa through these services.

Documentation ● Some documents, such as a letter of admission and verification of housing, will be provided by your program. ● Others, such as verification of insurance and a certificate of enrollment, will be provided by Augsburg. ● You may also be asked for tax returns or bank statements to verify funding, a health form, college (and possibly high school) transcripts.

Augsburg University Exchange Partners

1) American College of Greece 2) American University of Beirut 3) Arcada University 4) Hong Kong Baptist University 5) iCLA Yamanshi Gakuin University 6) NTNU Norwegian University of Science and Technology 7) College 8) Oslo Metropolitan University 9) Østfold University College 10) Sejong University 11) Sungshin Women’s University 12) UiT: The Arctic University of Norway 13) United International College 14) Universidad Centroamericana 15) University of Warwick 16) University College 17) University of Applied Sciences 18) Yonsei University

A merican College of Greece Fee: $124 ​ Travel to Chicago: varies ​ Cost of background check: approximately $50 ​ Cost for photo: $15 ​

You are required to apply for you visa in person at the Greek Consulate in Chicago (650 North Saint Clair ​ Street, Chicago IL 60611), and will need to make an appointment in advance. For more information, you ​ ​ may call at +1 312 335 3915 6-7 ext. 831 or send an email to mail to: [email protected]. Hours are ​ ​ Monday - Friday: 9:30am-2:00pm. See: https://www.mfa.gr/usa/en/visas.html?mission=chi ​ ​ ​

See also information provided by ACG: http://web.augsburg.edu/global/APA/Exchange Docs/ACG Student Visa Guide.pdf http://www.acg.edu/admissions/study-abroad/student-visa/

You will need to provide the following: ● Visa application (Typically the Type D- National Visa if you are there for 90+ day OR Schengen Visa if ​ ​ less than 90 days) ○ Can be found on their website: http://www.mfa.gr/usa/en/visas.html?mission=chi ​ ​ ○ Guide to completing visa application ○ Fee Appx. $214 ● ICAO Standard Photo for the application (basically a photo) ● Valid Passport ● Medical Certificate (provided by ACG) ● Acceptance letter directly from Greece (ACG upon acceptance) ● Background Check: these allow you to register online, then go to a local office and complete the ​ process electronically: ○ Fieldprint ○ SureID ● Proof of Travel Insurance (this will be provided by Augsburg and posted on your Global Gateway account) ● W-2 (for the last two years to be safe) ● Bank Statements ○ Minimum balance of $2,000 (For the semester, they average $500 per month for four months) ○ If you don’t have a balance of $2,000, bring your parents’ bank statements to combine WITH a letter of affidavit (a signed document saying that they will be covering you financially while ​ ​ you’re away) ● Flight itinerary (if you haven’t purchase a ticket, bring a copy of what flight you think you’ll be ​ ​ buying) ● IMPORTANT: The Greek Embassy WILL keep your passport until they approve/reject your application! If you DON’T want to have to make a trip back to the embassy to pick it up, bring a prepaid UPS or FedEx envelope and give it to them to send back to you.

A merican University of Beirut Cost: $150 http://www.aub.edu.lb/oip/international/accepted/Pages/visas.aspx

A one month (extendible to three months) single entry tourist visa granted at the airport This option applies ONLY to citizens of some countries. Click HERE to find out if you are eligible. This ​ ​ short-term tourist visa is valid for one-month, renewable for three-months. For citizens of certain countries, this visa is granted free of charge. (Students who travel outside within these three ​ months and re-enter Lebanon, will be granted another one month entry visa renewable for 3 months.)

A 6-month multiple entry visa from Lebanese embassy or consulate. You may obtain a 6-month multiple entry visa to Lebanon from the nearest Lebanese Embassy or consulate in or near your hometown. In order to obtain the 6-month visa, you must first be officially accepted to AUB. Once you have received your official letter of acceptance, you must send an email to [email protected] with the subject line: “Certificate for Visa Purposes Needed”, and state ​ whether you wish to receive your certificate via e-mail attachment or by fax. For a complete list of documents needed, refer to the Lebanese Embassy in your country.

International students joining AUB, who do not hold a Lebanese passport or a , ​​​​​​ must have their foreign valid for a period of no less than 13 months from the date of joining the university. All such students should also check with the nearest Lebanese embassy or consulate in their country as to whether they require an entry visa in order to legally enter Lebanon or are eligible ​ to obtain a one-month entry visa at the airport.

A rcada University Cost: $375

VISA and Residence Permit The best way to make sure that you have all the documents needed for studying abroad, is to check this with the Finnish embassy of your home country. The requirements varies depending on which country you are coming from, how long you will be studying in Finland, what you are studying and if it concerns only studies or practical training. The Finnish has compiled the following information for ​ exchange students regarding VISA and residence permit.

In brief: ● Submit an application for a residence permit online at https://enterfinland.fi/eServices ​ ● Apply for your residence permit abroad, not in Finland. ● Visit a Finnish embassy/consulate in person for identification and fingerprinting. ● Contact the embassy or consulate in advance to arrange a visit. In Minnesota (for other states): ​ ​ Honorary Consulate of Finland 2429 Girard Avenue S. Minneapolis, MN 55405 612-374-2718 [email protected] ● Your application will be processed only after you’ve visited a Finnish embassy. Also the estimated processing time of your application starts from the day you visit the embassy

Requirements include: ➔ A study place: ◆ Acceptance letter from a Finnish education institution ◆ If your acceptance letter was sent to you by e-mail, include the forwarding e-mail from the Studyinfo.fi service/ the school in Finland. ➔ Health insurance ◆ Your insurance must cover both sickness and accident related medical expenses up to at ​ least 100,000 (approximately $117,000) € ◆ Your insurance must be valid throughout your entire stay in Finland. y Make sure that there are no restrictions to the number of days within the period of validity. Travel insurances are often valid for 90 days per trip -> not acceptable. (This will be provided ​ by Augsburg CGEE). ● The insurance must also be valid if you want to travel in Finland or the Schengen area after your studies. ● Acquire an insurance document which indicates the following information: ● Your personal details ● Period of validity of insurance ● Geographical area in which your insurance is valid ● Insurance coverage ● Insured amounts ● Amount of deductible, or a mention that there is no deductible ● Do not terminate your insurance! Otherwise you will be responsible for the ​ costs yourself ➔ Sufficient funds You must have 560 /month (approximately $650) as a bank deposit or as a ​ € ​ scholarship or grant. ◆ A bank statement from your own bank account: Make sure the statement indicates you ​ as the account owner. A shared account or a written guarantee of sponsorship from a private person is not accepted ◆ A certificate of a scholarship granted by a state, an organisation or an educational ​ institution. The certificate must indicate the recipient, amount and duration of the scholarship. A bank statement is not necessary if the scholarship fully covers the requirement. ➔ A passport and a passport photo Make sure your passport is valid for at least one year from the ​ ​ date you plan to arrive in Finland H ong Kong Baptist University Cost: $20 ​ Photos: $15 ​ https://intl.hkbu.edu.hk/student-exchange/incoming-students/preparing-for-your-exchange-at-hkbu/vis a

1. Download and complete the form ID995A “Application for Entry for Study in Hong Kong” ​

2. Courier your completed form ID995A together with the following supporting documents to the International Office: ● Photocopy of the personal particulars page of your passport; and ● Evidence of your financial standing, e.g. bank statements, savings account passbooks, scholarship letters, etc.

3. HKBU will complete form ID995B “Application for Entry for Study (Sponsor)” and will ​ ​ hand-deliver your full set of student visa application documents (ID995A + ID995B + supporting ​ documents) to the Hong Kong Immigration Department for processing. ​

4. If your application is successful, HKBU will collect the student visa on your behalf and courier it to you.

Please note: ● Your passport should be valid for at least six months beyond the intended stay in Hong Kong. ​ ​ ● Do NOT submit your student visa application directly to the Hong Kong Immigration Department as that will slow down the process. ● It normally takes at least six weeks for the Immigration Department to process a student visa application.

When you receive the student visa, please attach it to a blank page in your passport. Be sure that the immigration officer sees your student visa and admits you into Hong Kong on the student status. Otherwise, the officer may admit you as a tourist which will not allow you to begin studies in Hong Kong. i CLA Yamanshi Gakuin University Cost: $27 single entry, $54 multiple entry ​ Photos: $15 ​ https://www.icla.ygu.ac.jp/en/Student%20Visa%20for%20iCLA.pdf

Overview This is a general overview of the process required for applying for a student visa in order to study at the International College of Liberal Arts (iCLA). The process is composed of four steps with two steps done ​ ​ by iCLA and two steps done by the student. Step 1, Step 2, and Step 3 are for the Certificate of Eligibility ​ ​ ​ ​ (CoE), a document required to have before applying for a student visa. Once the CoE is issued and mailed to the student, the student can apply for a student visa at the nearest Japanese Embassy or ​ ​ Consulate (Step 4). This means that if you delay your CoE, you will delay your visa so be sure to submit on time. Please read each step carefully

➢ STEP 1 The student submits the following FIVE documents together in ONE e-mail to iCLA at ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ [email protected]. ​ *Note: Zip files are NOT accepted. ​ ​

Required documents (5): 1. Certificate of Eligibility: After reading the instructions, fill in Page 1, Page 2, Page 3 and save as ​ an excel file. ​ ​ 2. Passport photocopy (photo page): This is only required if you obtained a new passport or if you ​ have NOT submitted a copy yet. 3. ID photo: A 3cm x 4cm color ID photo with a quality of at least 400 dpi and saved as a .jpeg file ​ ​ and matching the following requirements. ● No hats ● No selfies ● Background must be white/plain; no shadows ● Other requirements found here: http://www.immi-moj.go.jp/english/tetuduki/zairyuu/photo_info.html *NOTE: You MUST ​ send your photo as a separate file. ​ 4. Certificate of Health: A medical form filled out by a doctor to indicate that the student is ​ ​ ​ healthy enough to study abroad. 5. Proof of Funding: A document required to prove financial security during study at iCLA. One of ​ ​ the following is required. ● A bank account statement that shows sufficient amount to support or ​ ● A pay slip of the supporter that would indicate the sufficient amount or ​ ​ ● An official letter that confirms student loan/scholarship on which the student is depending ​ ​ ​ ​ with the amount specified or ● If any of the above cannot be provided, an official letter from your institution that ​ ​ guarantees that the student will be ready and responsible for providing enough amount of money to support his/her stay in Japan STEP 2 ➢ iCLA applies for the CoE by submitting the above documents received from the student to the ​ ​ ​ Immigration Bureau of Japan.

STEP 3 ● iCLA sends the CoE along with other documents by physical mail to the postal address of the host ​ ​ ​ institution (or to another address if needed).

STEP 4 ➢ The student applies for a student visa at the nearest Japanese Embassy or Consulate where he/she ​ lives (see below). The following documents are required. ● The issued CoE along with the other documents provided by iCLA ​ ● A student visa form (please refer to your local Japanese Embassy or Consulate for the appropriate form; iCLA does NOT provide the form) ​ ​ ​ ​ ● Other documents required by your local Japanese Embassy or Consulate ● Japanese Honorary Consulate in Minneapolis, United States: 17325 6th Ave N Plymouth, MN 55447-3570 (612) 581-9167

A ll Norwegian Institutions

Cost: approximately $390 ​ Other fees: $31 ​

As a foreign student in Norway, you will need to apply for a student visa, otherwise known as a student residence permit. You will need to make an appointment ahead of time and travel to ​ Chicago to hand in the application and documents in person. The process may take up to two ​ months, therefore it is advisable to apply as soon as you are able.

How to Apply

Where to submit your visa application and documents: VFS Services USA Inc. 564 W Randolph Street, 2nd Floor Chicago IL 60661

Submission of Applications : 8:00am – 3:00pm (Monday – Friday except declared holidays) Collection of Passports : 3:00 – 4:00 (Monday – Friday except declared holidays)

Make an appointment

When you hand in your student residence permit application form, you must also provide your passport, along with other necessary documentation. You’ll need to submit:

● A completed application form (print out the form you completed online) ​ ● Receipt of having paid the application fee (NOK 3,200, which is roughly US$390) ● A valid (i.e. passport) ● Two recent passport-sized photos with a white background ● Your admission letter from your exchange university ● Evidence of sufficient financial funds for the entire period of study, which should be in a Norwegian bank account (it can be difficult to open an account in a Norwegian bank without a Norwegian personal number, so you can usually deposit the required amount into an account established by your educational institution). You need to prove you have access to NOK 11,165 for each month (which is approximately US $1,365/month). ● Evidence that you have somewhere to live (such as a house, apartment, bedsit or room in a hall of residence). You should receive this information from your exchange university. ● Evidence that you will leave Norway when your residence permit expires (usually in the form of a return ticket). ● Completed and signed UDI document checklist, which you should print off and hand in along ​ with your other documents ● Processing times for student residence permits will vary and may take up to two months, therefore it is advisable to apply as soon as you are able. If your application is granted, you must then obtain a residence card. This is proof that you have the right to live in Norway and is issued by your local police station in Norway. You’re required to visit the police station within seven days of your arrival in Norway. You’ll have your fingerprints and photo taken and will be sent your residence card by post within 10 working days.

A ll Korean Institutions

Cost: $75 (it will cost more if you go through a visa service provider, such as Travisa) Travel to Chicago (if you apply directly to the Consulate)

Student Visa (D-2) ● In order to study in South Korea, you will need a student visa (type: D-2), which must be obtained from the Korean Embassy or Consulate abroad. ● Sejong University will issue the Certificate of Admission, which is one of the required documents for visa application at the Korean Embassy or Consulate in your country. You will also need to present a valid passport, evidence of financial support and any other documents required by the embassy or consulate.

IMPORTANT: Student must apply for a Student Visa in their home country. You may apply in person at the Korean embassy in Chicago, or go through a visa service provider such as Travisa. ​ ​

Passport Requirements: 1. Original, signed passport valid for 6 months beyond stay in South Korea, with at least one blank ​ passport page available for South Korean visa stamp. Amendment pages in the back of the ​ passport are not suitable for South Korea visas. 2. Korea (South) Visa Application Form: One South Korean visa application form. After placing your order, fill out the application form included in your Visa Application Kit. 3. Photo Requirements: One recent (taken within the last 6 months) 2 x 2 passport photograph, in color, front view and with a plain/light background. OR - you can upload a photo when you place your order, instead of providing physical passport photos. 4. Other Forms: Original sealed transcript from US college or university. 5. Letter Of Acceptance: Original Certificate of Admission issued by the president of the Korean college or university. 6. Proof of Travel Arrangements: Computer generated flight itinerary from the airline or a travel agency or copy of airline ticket, with the applicant’s name clearly showing with entry and departure from South Korea. 7. Medical Requirements: An original Tuberculosis (TB) skin or blood test results issued by a doctor. 8. Proof of Sufficient Funds: Evidence of sufficient funds to support stay in destination; ● Students on a one term program (3-4 months) must provide a recent bank statement with a minimum balance of $3,000. ● Students on a year-long program a recent bank statement with a minimum balance of $10,000.

Where to Apply for Your South Korean Visa:

Consulate General of the Republic of Korea Travisa - Chicago NBC Tower, 455 N Cityfront Plaza Dr Suite 2700 111 East Wacker Drive, Suite 512 Chicago, IL 60611 Chicago, IL 60601 Tel: 312-822-9485 Tel: 877-876-3266 ​ United International College Cost: $140 Travel to Chicago

All exchange in students need to apply for X visa (Study visa). For the students who will study at UIC for more than six months, he/she needs to apply for X1 visa (Long term study visa)

After arrival in China, he/she needs to change to Residence Permit; for the students who will study at UIC for less than six months, he/she needs to apply for X2 visa (Short term study visa).

The exchange in student can apply for the X visa by using the invitation letter and JW202 form sent by the International Development Office.

After successfully being enrolled, the International Development Office at UIC would apply for the JW202 form for the exchange in students, and will normally take one month to receive the form from the Education Bureau of Guangdong Province.

Requirements

● Applicant's original passport valid up to at least six months with at least one blank page. ● One accurately and truthfully completed Application Form. ​ ​ ● Please affix one recent passport style color photo with full face, front view, no hat, and against a plain light background on the application form. ● Original and a copy of approved Foreign Student Visa Application Form JW201 or JW202 (for X1 ​ ​ application only). ● Original and a copy of Admission Notice from the university or Chinese school.

How to Apply ● You may submit the application to the consular office of the Chinese Embassies or Consulates in person. In Chicago (other locations in the U.S): ​ ​ 100 West Erie Street Chicago, IL 60610, USA ● Or you can entrust someone else (e.g. friends, relatives), a travel agency or a visa agency to act on your behalf if you can't come personally. Power of attorney is not required. ● Mailed applications are not accepted and will be refused by most of Chinese embassies or consulates. ● Appointment is not required by most embassies and consulates. But if you are required to submit application to CVASC, you may need to make an online appointment via CVASC's website.

W arwick

Cost: approximately $130 (£93) ​ ​ How do I apply for a visa? Applications for Short-term Student visas are made online using the application form at https://visas-immigration.service.gov.uk/apply-visa-type/tier4

Eligibility You must prove that you: ● have been offered a place on a course in the UK at an accepted place of study, for example a letter of acceptance from the educational institution on official headed paper, stating the course’s name, duration and cost (including accommodation). ● have enough money to support yourself without working or help from public funds, or that relatives and friends can support and house you ● can pay for your return or onward journey

Documents you must provide When you apply you need to provide: ● a current passport or other valid travel identification ● evidence that you can support yourself during your trip, for example bank statements or payslips for the last six months ● details of where you intend to stay and your travel plans - you shouldn’t pay for accommodation or travel until you get your visa ● You need to provide the original documents. ● You need a page in your passport that’s blank on both sides for your visa.

You will need to have your fingerprints and photograph (known as ‘biometric information’) taken at a visa application centre as part of your application. See: ​ ○ Fieldprint ○ SureID