Visas

The laws pertaining to foreign-born citizens vary from country to country, and so do those which apply to foreign exchange students. Please visit the website of the Federal Foreign Office for the latest information on foreign travel and residence visas.
Usually foreign exchange students are allowed to enter their host countries without a visa (tourist status), after which they can apply for a student visa (for study visits longer than three months). Important! Once you have entered a country with a certain visa, it is not always possible to change your visa status (e.g. from a tourist visa to a student visa). In some cases, immigration authorities may ask you to leave the country and reapply for a new visa.

Keep in mind:

•  The following countries do not allow foreigners to enter without a visa: Russian Federation, Syria, Vietnam, Uzbekistan.
•  You must have a valid student visa before travelling to the following countries: USA, Canada, South Korea, Australia, Japan.

If you are planning to study in any of these countries, your host university can provide you with information and certificates with which you can apply for a visa at the responsible embassy or consulate. When you apply for a visa, the authorities may ask to see the following letters/documents:

•  Valid passport
• Passport photos
• Proof of financial resources (letters confirming scholarships, BAföG, guarantees by one's parents, bank statements confirming one's liquid assets)
• Health insurance certificate with sufficient coverage corresponding to the amount mandated by the foreign university or country
• Notification of admission to the foreign university
• Confirmation of acquired accommodation (tenancy contract)

You should have these documents translated into the official language of the host country or in English. Make sure to begin the visa process well enough in advance, because rushed applications could result in higher visa fees.

• Since 11 September 2001, immigration and visa regulations in the USA have been tightened and frequently modified. Therefore, visit www.us-embassy.de for information on the latest changes. http://www.us-embassy.de/Do not enter the United States with a tourist visa, because it cannot be converted to a J-1 student visa!
• When travelling to countries which require no entry visa, you will have to apply for a residence permit for purposes of study. A typical tourist visa (valid for three months according to the Schengen Agreement) is not sufficient for most foreign exchange programmes. The resident registration laws vary considerably from country to country, as do the papers/documents you will need to bring with you (see above). Many countries in the European Union issue EU nationals resident permits for their period of study. Inquire at the responsible agency once you have arrived in your host country.
• You should register one month prior to the beginning of your exchange programme.