I FINALLY managed to submit my entire packet for the visa application. Getting all the paperwork, signatures, translations, etc. was quite the process and took me a couple months. If you are looking at doing this exchange, my best advice is.... Get started early!!! I have been looking into DeSIRE^2 for a year now, and by February of 2012, I had decided I was for sure going through with it. After multiple e-mail correspondences with Dr. Kornecki (he will assuredly vouch for how long our e-mail chain was!) I had managed to pick out my classes and decide on what program I was going to pursue by last Christmas. Sometime in February, I informed Dr. Kornecki that I wished to submit all my application paperwork. After that, it has been all about applying for my Visa. Here are the documents requested from the Czech Republic Consulate General:
1. Valid Passport
2. Two recent Passport photographs attached to the application
3. Student Visa Application
- Found on the Consulate's website, just follow the links to "Student Visa"
4. $121 application fee
- This may or may not be required... If not, the Consulate will send it back along with your passport. I did not receive a definite answer from them about the need for the fee, so I sent it along with my application just in case.
5. Documentation of Sufficient Financial Resources
- The requirements for "sufficient financial resources" vary per year in the Czech Republic. For my exchange, you were required to have at least $3,000 USD. You had to provide (1) a notarized copy of your credit/debit card(s) with numbers whited out, and (2) an official or notarized copy of a bank statement. Seeing as how I do not currently have $3,000, I contacted the Consulate and asked about the confirmation of the $6,000 grant received through DeSIRE^2. They told me documentation of the grant to be received would suffice for the application.
- Also note, you will have to go to a public notary (tax firm, UPS, etc.) to have them notarize copies and other documents. Banks are able to notarize documents with a specific title block for a notary public to sign (such as on the criminal history affidavit or a car title) but not other, miscellaneous documents. At least that is how it works in Washington state :-)
- This will be provided from BUT and ERAU. It includes your acceptance letter from BUT, and the original application materials from ERAU. All will be stamped/signed in the Czech Republic and mailed over in a package. You must submit both the english version and the Czech version; both will be mailed and e-mailed to you after you complete the program application process.
- This is one that I struggled with a little bit. I was not able to actually apply for housing at BUT until mid-may, which ended up being the final thing I was waiting for. When you receive your Confirmation of Purpose of Stay from BUT, it will also state that housing has been guaranteed. However, this does not suffice for the Czech Consulate when applying for the visa. They need the original housing contract from BUT. When applying online, make sure to give specific instructions to have the contract mailed to your home address after your request has been processed. It takes a couple weeks to have stuff mailed to you from across the ocean, so make sure to jump on this as soon as possible!
- Just a quick form printed off from the Czech Consulate's website asking for your signature stating you have not been convicted of any criminal activity. This must be notarized.
9. Travel Medical Insurance
- The travel medical insurance requirements are listed on the Consulate's website. I found mine through this website: sevencorners.com It should be what they are looking for, and cost me approximately $150 for the three or four months I will be studying abroad. If the Consulate has a problem with this particular insurance choice, I will be sure to post something in the future!
- Prepaid, Self addressed envelope to be submitted with the application so the Consulate can mail you your passport with attached Visa after it has been approved.
Well, that's pretty much all of it. Quite a lot! That is why I would highly recommend getting started as soon as possible on this process. According to the Consulate, it takes a max of 60 days to process requests for Visa. The earlier you submit yoru visa application, the more time you have to make any necessary corrections they require. I have about 80 days until I leave, so I cut it a little close!
If you have any questions at all regarding this entire process, please let me know. I have become a pro at it :-)
On my way to Boston for the weekend! The joys of interning for an airline... Free flights! Talk to you later,
Jake
