Congratulations on your acceptance into a university in the Czech Republic! It’s an exciting milestone to celebrate. Now, it’s time to begin the process of applying for your long-stay student visa in the Czech Republic, which may seem a bit daunting. However, with the right guidance and information, you’ll navigate through it smoothly and be one step closer to pursuing your education in this wonderful country.
Navigating visas and foreign bureaucracy can be one of the most daunting aspects of pursuing a degree abroad. Although it may be an intimating process, it’s a necessary one! The specific requirements and procedures vary depending on your citizenship and the country you’re studying in. In this blog, we’ll demystify the process by focusing on the two most common types of educational visas in the Czech Republic. You’ll discover the essential documents you need to gather and gain valuable insights into the visa application process, making your journey smoother and more manageable.
Understanding Nostrification
To navigate the visa application process effectively, it’s crucial to grasp the concept of accreditation and nostrification. Accreditation ensures that universities are officially recognized by government-backed agencies, giving credibility and value to your degree. In my case, the university I attend is accredited by both the Czech Republic and the United States, indicating that my degree should be recognized in both countries. Understanding the significance of accreditation and nostrification will help you make informed decisions when choosing the right visa for your educational pursuits.
To obtain a Czech accredited degree, there is an additional process called nostrification that needs to be completed. Nostrification serves as proof that your degree is equivalent to those awarded to Czech students. If you’re applying for a master’s degree in the Czech Republic, you will need to have your bachelor’s degree nostrified. Fortunately, this process is generally straightforward, although it may vary depending on the country you graduated from. In most cases, nostrification will be part of your university application, requiring you to submit your degree and transcript for evaluation.
When applying for a bachelor’s degree in the Czech Republic, nostrification of your high school diploma is required, and this process tends to be more time-consuming. To initiate nostrification, you’ll need to gather several documents, including your high school certificate, transcript, and a list of subjects and hours completed during your studies, which you can obtain from your high school. If you’re from the United States, these documents will need to be apostilled and translated into Czech. After submitting all the necessary documents, an administrative fee of 1,000 CZK must be paid. It’s important to allocate sufficient time and attention to complete this thorough process for nostrifying your high school diploma.
Once you submit your application for nostrification, it will be assessed by authorities who will evaluate the equivalence of your degree. As part of this evaluation, you may be required to take specialized tests in subjects where they deem you haven’t completed enough hours. Failing these tests would necessitate restarting the nostrification process. However, if you pass the tests or are deemed exempt from them, congratulations! Your degree will be nostrified, confirming its recognition in the Czech Republic. With your nostrified degree in hand, you can proceed to officially apply for a long-stay student visa in the Czech Republic, and embark on your educational journey.
Long-Stay Student Visa or Other Purpose Visa?
If your university offers American accreditation alongside Czech accreditation, nostrification of your diploma may not be required. In such cases, you have the option to solely pursue the American accredited degree. However, if you are admitted to an institution that lacks formal recognition from the Czech government, you will need to apply for an “other purposes” visa, also known as a 99 long-term stay visa for durations exceeding 90 days. The application process for this visa, as well as a student visa, is essentially the same, ensuring a similar set of procedures regardless of the visa type you need to obtain.
One significant distinction lies in the employment opportunities granted by different visa types. With a long-stay student visa in the Czech Republic, you are legally permitted to work certain hours, whereas an “other purposes” visa prohibits any form of employment. Furthermore, upon graduating with a Czech degree, you become eligible to apply for a nine-month job-seeking visa. This visa allows you dedicated time after graduation to seek employment within the Czech Republic, providing unrestricted access to the job market. Having a Czech degree eliminates the need for sponsorship by a company to secure employment. Unfortunately, these advantages do not apply to those holding an “other purposes” visa.
Consider your future goals carefully and make a decision on pursuing accreditation accordingly. You have the opportunity to nostrify your high school diploma and obtain a Czech degree until just before your state exams. From my perspective, it is advisable to initially apply for an “other purposes” visa upon acceptance. This allows you to handle the nostrification process while residing in the Czech Republic. Stay in regular contact with your university to seek guidance throughout the journey. If needed, you can also explore the option of hiring professionals with the necessary expertise and resources to assist you throughout this process.
Documents You’ll Need
After determining the relevant visa type applicable to your situation, the next step is to begin assembling the required documents. Whether you are applying for a student visa or an “other purpose” visa, you will need to gather the following essential documents:
- Completed application form
- Two recently taken passport-sized photos.
- These photos play a crucial role in identification and documentation and should meet the specified requirements outlined by the visa authorities. Ensure that the photos adhere to the guidelines to avoid any delays or complications during the application process.
- Confirmation of acceptance from your university: This document verifies the purpose of your stay and confirms your admission to the university.
- Valid passport: Your passport should be valid for at least six months longer than the duration of your visa.
- Health insurance: It is legally required to have health insurance through PVZP. Make sure it is valid for the entire duration of your stay. PVZP offers student discounts and provides prompt customer service.
- Proof of accommodation: Obtain this from student dormitories or a valid lease agreement. Consider starting with a dormitory to avoid potential scams, as it can be challenging to view apartments from abroad.
- Proof of funds: You need to demonstrate sufficient funds to support your stay in the Czech Republic. The required amount changes periodically and is posted on the official website. As of May 2023, it is 78,250 CZK (approximately $3,600 USD). A bank account statement in your name issued within the last six months can serve as proof.
- Criminal history background check: This document confirms that you have not committed or been sentenced for any crimes. Do not sign this document until you are in front of the consulate, as it must be signed in their presence.
- Consular fee: The fee must be paid in cash or with a credit/debit card; personal checks are not accepted. The amount varies and is adjusted monthly based on currency exchange rates. Make sure to verify the specific fee amount applicable to the type of visa you are applying for (the fee is different for the long-stay student visa in the Czech Republic and the “others” visa).
The Application Process
The most important step is to find which Czech Embassy or Consulate has jurisdiction over your particular region or state. When reaching out via email or phone, they will typically request your zip code to confirm the correct location for your application. In my case, I contacted the embassy via email to schedule an appointment and then presented all the required documents for verification during my visit. Once everything was confirmed to be in order, I was able to proceed with the application process. It’s important to note that during the time I applied, the COVID-19 pandemic was ongoing, so I had to provide proof of vaccination against COVID-19. However, it is possible that this requirement has been updated or revised since then. I strongly advise you to directly contact the embassy to inquire about any additional documentation specific to your circumstances. They will provide guidance and clarify any uncertainties you may have regarding the application process.
The application period for a long-stay student visa in the Czech Republic is 60 days, while for an “other purposes” visa, it extends to 90 days. In my personal experience, I was advised to regularly check the official website to verify if my application number appeared in the “approved” section. Furthermore, I received an email notification once my application for an “other purposes” visa was approved. I then was able to go and collect the visa! Once your visa is approved and issued, you are all set to proceed with your plans. It’s important to be mindful of the visa’s expiration date, as you will need to repeat the application process once it expires.
Getting Your Long-Stay Student Visa in the Czech Republic
In conclusion, applying for a long-stay student visa in the Czech Republic may seem like a daunting task, but with the right information and proper guidance, it can be a smooth and rewarding process. Remember to carefully determine which visa type is applicable to your situation and gather all the necessary documents, such as the completed application form, passport-sized photos, confirmation of acceptance from your university, valid passport, health insurance, proof of accommodation, proof of funds, criminal history background check, and the required consular fee. Stay in contact with the Czech Embassy or Consulate responsible for your region, as they can provide specific instructions and inform you of any additional requirements based on your circumstances.
Lastly, don’t hesitate to seek assistance from professionals experienced in navigating the visa application process. They can provide valuable resources and support to ensure your application is accurate and complete. Remember, embarking on an educational journey in the Czech Republic offers a wealth of opportunities for personal growth, cultural experiences, and academic excellence. Embrace the adventure and make the most of your time as a Long-Stay Student in this captivating country. Good luck with your application, and may your time in the Czech Republic be filled with incredible discoveries and unforgettable memories!