Swiss Visa Application - Checklist For Study

Embassy of Switzerland in the Philippines

Checklist for the Issuance of a SCHENGEN Visa for STUDY 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 6-8 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 6-8 weeks after filing date

Schedule of release*:

from 2:00 until 3:00 PM (Mondays thru Thursdays) 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. Requirements and procedure: Your visa application will be transmitted to the competent Swiss immigration authority where you intend to study. 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 clear, identical and colored passport 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 copies of the applicant’s valid passport as well as old passports (Inside front cover containing holder’s personal information and photo; Inside back cover containing „Important reminders,“ signature and other passport information.) v 3 copies of all visas (valid and expired) v 3 copies of acceptance / confirmation / registration letter from the school, university, etc. in Switzerland v 3 copies of confirmation of payment of school tuition fees v 3 copies of proof of financial resources: latest bank statements, bank books, and latest international credit card statements. If study is sponsored, include a letter of financial guarantee from sponsor v 3 copies of previous diplomas and school certificates v 3 copies of curriculum vitae / résumé v 3 copies of letter explaining why the applicant would like to pursue his/her studies in Switzerland or Liechtenstein / motivation letter v 3 copies of a written confirmation that the applicant will leave Switzerland or Liechtenstein after he/she completes the chosen course study v Postage / transmittal fee of Php 200.00 For foreign nationals who have valid residence status in the Philippines, submit also a copy of the Alien Certificate of Registration (ACR) and Re-Entry permit. Your application will be transmitted for decision to the Swiss immigration authority in-charge. This procedure is subject to 6-8 weeks of processing time.

Follow-up the status of your application after 6-8 weeks. This is a lengthy procedure so allow sufficient time for the processing of your application. 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