What type of visa do I need?
You will be applying for a three-month Study Visa for Minors before departing to Switzerland. You will need to apply for a Student Residence Permit after arrival.
How do I apply for the visa?
You must apply for your visa through the Consulate General or Embassy of Switzerland that has jurisdiction over your state. Depending on the policies of your consular office, you will either be required to apply in-person with your passport and additional required documents, or you may be permitted to ship them to the consulate to be processed. After arrival, AFS-Switzerland will assist you in obtaining your residence permit.
What documents will I need to collect in order to apply for the visa?
- A list of required documents will be sent to you by your Visa and Compliance Specialist.
*You will also need to contact your consulate for a finalized list of requirements.
When do I apply for the visa?
You should apply for the visa no later than 1 month before departure.
How much will the visa cost?
The Student Visa (Type D) is $72, but most consulates waive this charge for students. Please verify the cost of the visa with the consulate before paying.
AFS-Switzerland will begin the Residence Permit fee in Switzerland and pay the fee of $250 USD. This $250 fee will be invoiced to your account and will need to be paid to AFS-USA before departure.
Are there any other expected costs?
There are additional costs involved in obtaining, notarizing, and mailing the required documents. There may also be additional costs associated with traveling to the Consulate for an in-person appointment.
Are any of these costs covered in my AFS program fee?
No, your program fee does not cover any of the costs related to obtaining your passport or visa.
Can I travel before the start of my program?
AFS recommends that you not plan any travel outside of the United States during the three months before your program departs. Obtaining a visa takes time and your passport is usually required for this. Should you choose to travel within the three months before the start of your program and not allow enough time to procure your visa, you will run the risk of jeopardizing your travel arrangements.
Fees and requirements are determined by immigration authorities and are subject to change at any time.