Cyprus, with its rich history and high level of education, has become a popular destination for international students. Obtaining a student visa for Cyprus may seem like a complex process, but with the right information and preparation, it is quite achievable. In this article, we will go through all the steps necessary to successfully obtain a student visa for Cyprus.
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Who needs to apply for a student visa in Cyprus?
A student visa is required if you plan to study in Cyprus for more than 90 days and are not a citizen of a European Union country, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, or Switzerland.
Steps to obtain a student visa
Step 1: obtain an admission letter
The first step in the student visa process is to obtain an admission letter from a Cypriot educational institution. To do this, you need to apply for admission to the chosen institution, pass the entrance exams, submit the necessary academic documents and language proficiency proof (if required), and pay the registration fees. Once admitted, you can proceed to the next steps.
Step 2: gather required documents
After receiving your admission letter, start gathering the following documents:
- Completed visa application form.
- Valid passport with at least one blank page and a validity period of at least one year from the date of arrival in Cyprus.
- Four recent passport-sized photos on a white background.
- Academic documents (originals and certified copies translated into English).
- Proof of financial means (bank statements or a sponsorship letter confirming coverage of all living and tuition expenses). Bank statements can be printed independently or obtained with official stamps at a bank branch.
- Criminal record certificate from your home country, issued no more than six months before the application date.
Step 3: submit your application
Your educational institution in Cyprus will collect all the necessary documents from you and submit them to the Immigration Department. At this point, the student must be outside Cyprus. The application review process takes approximately 3-4 weeks. Once approved, the university will send you an entry visa by mail. You must use this visa to travel to Cyprus.
Step 4: upon arrival in Cyprus
After arriving in Cyprus, you must register with the educational institution within the first week and apply for a Temporary Residence Permit at the Cyprus Immigration Department. You will need the following documents:
- Completed Temporary Residence Permit application form.
- Your student visa.
- Admission letter from the educational institution.
- Medical examination results (for hepatitis B and C, HIV, syphilis, and a chest X-ray).
- Proof of accommodation in Cyprus (rental agreement or dormitory letter).
- Health insurance valid for the entire stay, arranged by the university or an external insurance agent.
- A copy of your passport.
Usually, a university representative will accompany the student to the Immigration Department. There, the student submits all the documents, provides fingerprints, has their photo taken, and within 2-3 months, receives a one-year student visa (a plastic card).
Work opportunities on a student visa
Students with a visa can work up to 20 hours per week during the study period and up to 38 hours per week during holidays. However, they are limited to working in specific sectors. These sectors include retail, healthcare, social care, domestic work, manufacturing, agriculture, livestock, fishing, food and beverage services, and hospitality. Work in these areas must be coordinated with your study schedule and approved by your educational institution and employer.
Extending a student visa
You need to renew your student visa annually. To do this, you must apply for an extension at the Immigration Department no later than one month before your current visa expires. The required documents for the extension include:
- Completed application form.
- Copy of passport.
- Registration letter from the educational institution.
- Academic transcripts.
- Original Temporary Residence Permit.
- Proof of accommodation.
- Bank statements from a Cypriot bank proving financial means.
- Valid health insurance policy for the upcoming year.
Obtaining a student visa in Cyprus is a process that requires careful preparation and timely execution of all steps. Start the process early to avoid stress and ensure a successful admission and stay in Cyprus. Proper preparation and careful adherence to instructions will help you smoothly navigate all stages and begin your educational journey on this beautiful Mediterranean island.
Disclaimer: This article is intended for general information purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional advice. Do not rely on the information in this article without obtaining independent advice that considers your specific circumstances. The authors and publishers are not responsible for any losses that may result from actions or omissions based on this article.
