Student Visa Application Guide For Bolivians

If you're planning to travel to Bolivia as a student, it's important to understand the visa requirements for your trip. The type of visa you'll need depends on the purpose and duration of your stay. In this case, you'll be applying for a student visa, which is specifically designed for foreign citizens travelling to Bolivia to engage in academic or student activities. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you navigate the process of applying for a student visa from Bolivia.

Where to apply for a student visa

To apply for a student visa to Bolivia, you must go through the Bolivian Consulate. The specific consulate you need to apply to depends on where you live.

If you reside in the District of Columbia, Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Wisconsin, Iowa, Missouri, Minnesota, or North Carolina, you can apply through the Bolivian Consulate in Washington, DC.

If you live in another state, you must apply through a different consulate. The nearest consulates to Washington, DC, are in New York, Miami, Houston, and Los Angeles.

If you are already in Peru, you can also visit the Bolivian consulate or embassy in Lima or Cusco.

Required documents

To apply for a student visa for Bolivia, you will need to gather several documents and complete an application form. Here is a list of the required documents:

• A valid passport with at least six months of validity remaining is required for entry into Bolivia. Ensure that your passport has blank visa pages and is not damaged in any way.
• A recent passport-sized photograph, taken within the last three months, against a plain background, is necessary. The photograph should be in colour and printed on high-quality photo paper.
• A certificate of vaccination against yellow fever is mandatory for all visa applicants.
• Proof of sufficient funds is essential. You will need to provide a bank statement showing transactions for the last three months. Ensure that the bank statement includes your full name as shown in your passport.
• A document accrediting your previous studies is required. This could be a certificate or transcript from your College, Institute, or University, and it must be legalised by the corresponding Consular Office.
• An acceptance letter or its legalised photocopy, issued by the Bolivian Higher Education Institution, is mandatory. This confirms that you will be studying at a recognised institution in Bolivia.
• If you are participating in an exchange programme, you will need a legalised copy of the interinstitutional agreement. This agreement should establish the type of student exchange and be applicable for student visas with private agreements.
• A current certificate attesting that you do not have a criminal record is required. This document should be issued by a competent authority in your country of residence or origin and comply with the current regulations.
• Proof of travel arrangements, such as a copy of your round-trip ticket or travel itinerary, is necessary. Ensure that the details include your full name as printed in your passport and cover the duration of your intended stay in Bolivia.
• For accommodation, you can provide a copy of your hotel reservation or a letter from your friends or family in Bolivia, indicating the address where you will be staying. If staying with hosts, you may also need to provide a sketch of the address and their recent utility invoices.
• A completed and signed Affidavit of Visa Application form is an essential part of your student visa application. Ensure that the information in the sworn statement matches your passport details.
• Depending on the type of student visa and your specific circumstances, you may need additional documents. For example, if you are a minor, your parents or guardians must provide proof of economic solvency.

Please note that you may need to legalise or translate some documents and that the requirements may change, so it is always best to check with the nearest Bolivian Consulate or Embassy for the most up-to-date information.

Visa costs

The cost of a visa depends on the type of visa and the country you are applying to. Here is a breakdown of the visa costs for a student visa for Bolivia and Australia:

Student Visa for Bolivia

The cost of a student visa for Bolivia is $50. This is a flat fee that is required to be paid as part of the application process. It is important to note that this cost is separate from the cost of the visa application itself, which may have additional fees. The student visa is granted to foreign citizens travelling to Bolivia for academic or student activities. It is valid for 60 calendar days and can be renewed for periods of up to three years until the completion of studies.

Student Visa for Australia

The student visa application fee for Australia is A$1600 as of 1st July 2024. This fee needs to be paid when submitting the online application. There may be additional fees for dependents joining the primary visa holder, such as a partner or children. For each dependent over the age of 18, there is an additional fee of $1,190, and for each dependent under 18, the fee is $780. It is important to note that the application fee is reviewed annually on the 1st of July and may change. Therefore, it is recommended to check the official government website for the most up-to-date information.

Processing times

The processing time for a student visa application to Bolivia is 10 business days, starting from when the application, payment, and passport are received. The application process can vary depending on the country. For instance, in Australia, the processing time for a student visa can range from almost instantaneously to a few weeks, with a typical response time of 8 weeks. As of June 2024, the processing time for an Australian student visa is between 45 days to 6 months.

It is important to note that there is no expedited option for visa applications to Bolivia, so applicants should plan accordingly. Incomplete applications will be returned without being processed. To avoid delays, applicants should ensure that all the required documents are scanned and submitted before starting the application process. Additionally, applicants should verify that the information in the Sworn Statement matches the information in their passport and that all requirements are listed under the applicant's name.

Visa duration

The duration of a student visa depends on the type of visa and the country.

Student Visa in Bolivia:

A student visa in Bolivia is granted for 60 calendar days. It enables the processing of a temporary stay for up to three years, which can be renewed for periods of up to three years until the completion of studies.

Exchange Student Visa with State Agreement in Bolivia:

This type of visa is granted for 180 calendar days and enables the processing of a temporary stay for a similar period.

Exchange Student Visa without a State Agreement in Bolivia:

This visa is granted for up to 180 calendar days and allows for the processing of a temporary stay for a similar period.

F-1 Student Visa in the United States:

The F-1 student visa is typically valid for five years, but there are cases where the stamp expires in less than five years. The visa expiration date does not determine the permitted length of stay in the country. Instead, as an F-1 student, you must maintain your nonimmigrant student status by completing your program of study by the program end date listed on Form I-20. If you need more time, you can request an extension from your designated school official (DSO).

Remember, your legal status in the U.S. is determined by the papers you carry, and your visa stamp and status both play a role in how long you can stay.

Frequently asked questions