Swiss Visa Application - Checklist For Family Regroupment

Embassy of Switzerland in the Philippines

Checklist for the Issuance of a SCHENGEN Visa for FAMILY REGROUPMENT IMPORTANT REMINDERS: Please read carefully! v Visa applications are accepted on an appointment basis only. v Please be punctual. Come on time for your appointment. v Please make sure that you have all the necessary documents and fees when you apply. Incomplete applications will not be accepted. v Visa applications are decided on a “case to case” basis. v Compliance with the requirements does not guarantee the issuance of a visa. v Misrepresentation or fraud at any stage of the process will automatically disqualify you from obtaining a visa. v The Embassy cannot be held responsible or liable in any way for any inconvenience or losses incurred if you fail to comply with the visa application procedures. A. How do I schedule an appointment? Appointments are given on a “first come, first served” basis. There is no priority / waiting list. Schedule your appointments at least 8-10 weeks prior to your planned departure date in order to allow sufficient time for the processing of your applications. Appointments are scheduled, confirmed and cancelled by calling the Visa Hotline. This service is available Mondays thru Fridays from 8:00 until 9:00 AM only. To call, simply dial (+632) 757 9001 then press 1. B. How much is the visa processing fee? The visa processing fee is a NON-REFUNDABLE fee collected by the Visa Officer at the Visa Counter upon filing of the application. This processing fee applies to all visa applications, regardless of the purpose of travel (tourist, transit, visit, business or official, study, family regroupment, others) and number of entries (1, 2 or multiple) applied for. It is payable in Philippine Peso and on “cash” basis only. The amount may change depending on the prevailing foreign monetary exchange rate. Php 4’000.00* *Effective 12 DECEMBER 2008. *Please prepare the exact amount. C. Where do I get the visa application form? The application form is free-of-charge and may be photocopied. It is available from our receptionist, or you may download the PDF file from the website of the Embassy: http://www.bfm.admin.ch/bfm/de/home/themen/einreise/visumantragsformular.html

D. What are the visa requirements and how long is the processing? v You may be asked to submit additional requirements. v You may be requested to come back for a second interview. v Please bring the original documents and provide the Embassy with clear photocopies. Do not staple the documents together. The requirements listed below are applicable to Filipino citizens as well as foreign nationals who have valid residence status in the Philippines and require a visa to enter the SCHENGEN territory. If you are in possession of a valid residence card / permit for any of the SCHENGEN States, then you do not need a visa to enter Switzerland / Liechtenstein / Schengen States. For other Nationality, please contact the Embassy / Consulate of the concerned Schengen country of destination. Visa processing and issuance:

minimum of 8-10 weeks after filing date

Schedule of release:

from 2:00 until 3:00 PM (Mondays thru Thursdays) and from 10:00 until 11:00 AM (Fridays)

*If the due date falls on a weekend or non-working holiday, then releasing will be scheduled on the following working day. General requirements and procedure: Visa applications for the purpose of joining spouse / parent/s will be transmitted for decision to the competent Swiss immigration authority where you intend to live. The Embassy is only allowed to issue an entry visa upon receipt of a positive decision - Authorisation. v 3 visa application forms, which are completely and properly filled-out and signed by the applicant (Write in block letters and use black or blue ink pen only.) v 4 identical, clear and colored passport-size photos (With white background; Must be taken within the last six months; Please do not staple the photos on the form.) v Valid passport (Must be valid at least 3 months from the end of the approved duration of stay; Must contain at least 1 blank visa page.) v 3 photocopies of valid passport as well as old passports (Inside front cover containing holder’s information and photo; Inside back cover containing „Important reminders,“ signature and other passport information.) v 3 photocopies of all visas (valid and expired) v 3 photocopies of sponsor’s valid passport v 3 photocopies of sponsor’s valid residence permit for Switzerland v Personal appearance by the applicant v Visa processing fee (Please prepare the exact amount.) v Postage fee: Php 200.00 For foreign nationals who have valid residence status in the Philippines, submit also 3 photocopies of the Alien Certificate of Registration (ACR) and Re-Entry permit. Additional requirements: Please submit one set of original and three (3) sets of clear photocopies of the following documents. v Birth certificate (issued by the NSO, include the official receipt). v If your birth is stamped „delayed / late registration, submit further proof: o Baptismal certificate (issued at the time of baptism) with the address and telephone number of the church o All school records / transcript of records o All other documents submitted to the Local Civil Registrar when birth was registered late.

vIf joining spouse: marriage contract Depending on the result of the evaluation of your case, the Swiss authority in-charge may require a verification procedure to check the authenticity of your documents. This procedure is subject to additional applicable fees and will take another 3-4 weeks of processing time. You may follow-up the status of the verification after 3-4 weeks. After the verification procedure, your application will then be transmitted to the Swiss cantonal authority in-charge for decision. This procedure is subject to another 6-8 weeks of processing time. You may follow-up the status of the decision after the 6-8 weeks. This is a lengthy procedure and inform your sponsor accordingly. E. Contact information of the Visa Section (Embassy of Switzerland in the Philippines) Mailing Address

Visa Section, Embassy of Switzerland 24th Floor Equitable Bank Tower 8751 Paseo de Roxas, 1226 Makati City Metro Manila, PHILIPPINES

E-mail

[email protected]

Website

www.eda.admin.ch/manila

Visiting Hours

9:00AM until 12NN only, Mondays thru Fridays

Visa Section Hotline

(632) 757 9001 then press 1, Mondays thru Thursdays from 1:30 until 4:00PM only (for Inquiries and follow-up)

Visa Section Fax

(632) 757 3717 EMBASSY OF SWITZERLAND, MANILA DECEMBER 2008 Replaces all previous information