Obtaining your student visa for Portugal is solely your responsibility. It is an official governmental document that only you can apply for (similar to a driver’s license or passport), and it is essential that you read and understand the instructions and process carefully. When obtaining your student visa for Portugal, it is very important that you contact your local consulate and verify instructions. Each consulate requires different materials for the visa application process.
Who needs a student visa?
- U.S. Citizens: All students studying in Portugal on Semester programs that last longer than 90 days are required by Portuguese law to obtain a student visa.
- Non-US/EU Citizens: EU citizens, including dual citizens, may not be required to obtain a visa. Please consult with your program/corresponding consulate to verify the visa requirements for your country of citizenship, as these may vary from the steps outlined here. Additionally, students should speak with the ISSS office at DU to ensure they have the necessary paperwork to go abroad and return to DU.
- DACA Students: Should consult an immigration attorney to evaluate the risks of potentially being unable to re-enter the United States and any impact that participation in study abroad might have on any deferred action applications.
Where do I obtain my student visa?
- You will need to determine which consulate is best for you to submit your application. The San Francisco Consulate covers Colorado and you must apply for your visa in person at this Portuguese Consulate. Some consulates may allow you to choose to claim your permanent address OR your school address (historically, the San Francisco consulate has allowed this).
When should I apply for my student visa?
Once accepted by the Catholic University of Portugal and after having completed your background check, you should research the student visa application procedure (and timeline) specific to your consulate. Portuguese consulates impose tight time restrictions on the student visa process, so plan ahead! Please note that one of the requirements to apply is an original letter of admission from your Portuguese university – please contact your OIE Advisor to get an idea of when you can expect to receive this letter in the mail.
- If your consulate requires that you schedule an appointment to apply for your visa, you should do so as soon as it is possible. Appointments are often fully booked weeks or months in advance. Typically, you should schedule your visa appointment for mid-June. Students who wait to schedule their appointments will find that there are none left!
How long will it take for my visa to be issued once I apply?
- Most consulates are slow and backed up with applications. Though processing times vary by consulate, it typically takes many weeks to issue a visa once your application has been submitted. Always check the consulate's website for the most up-to-date estimations on processing time.
- Visas are often processed based on your date of departure.
- Make sure you consider any local or Portuguese holidays that will occur around the time you submit your student visa application. Consulates are often closed for both Portuguese and U.S. holidays.
- You need a passport in order to apply for your visa, so make sure you have plenty of time to apply for both, if necessary!
- The consulate will likely keep your passport while processing your student visa. Plan accordingly, if you are traveling abroad between the time that you apply for your visa and the time that you depart for Portugal.
- Common reasons for delay in visa processing reported by the consulates:
- Students don't carefully read the instructions for submitting an application; applications are incomplete.
- Necessary documents are not submitted.
- Passport not submitted.
- Proper pre-paid return envelope not included (when passport will be returned by mail).
Do I need to schedule a visa appointment?
- The San Francisco consulate requires you to schedule an appointment. Some other Portuguese consulates may not require you to schedule an appointment to apply for your visa. Check the website of the consulate you will visit to determine if you need to schedule an appointment ahead of time.
- In the past, if students have waited too long to book an appointment, and all appointment times are full; they have “stalked” the website for an opening (due to a cancellation), and have been able to get in that way.
Where do I find the student visa application?
- Your OIE Advisor will email you with visa application instructions.
How do I fill out the student visa application?
- Follow their instructions EXACTLY. Keep in mind that you should ALWAYS follow the instructions given to you by your specific consulate over anything you are told by another person.
What can I use as “proof of financial means"/”evidence of funds?”
- The consulate’s requirement for “proof of financial means” may usually be fulfilled in several ways. You may have your parents sign a letter of support (and perhaps provide bank statements), or you may request a letter from your DU OIE advisor that states that your fees will be paid through DU. If you need this letter from the OIE, please request it well in advance: you’ll likely need the original letter, so be sure you’re still on campus so you can pick it up, and well ahead of your appointment. If you wait until the last minute, over-night shipping charges will be your responsibility. Be sure to check your consulate's website for specific guidelines on how to meet this requirement!
What additional items do I need to take with me to my visa appointment?
- You will need to check the Student Visa instructions on your consulate's website for a specific list of items to take to your appointment. Follow the list EXACTLY… if it says you need two copies of a document, make sure you have both copies!
How is my visa issued to me?
- Some consulates will mail you your passport with your visa inside, while others require that you go back to the consulate to pick up your passport and visa in person. You will need to check the consulate website for specific instructions.
Why do regulations vary among Portuguese consulates?
- Each Portuguese consulate in the United States functions independently and makes its own rules, deadlines, and policies. It’s important that you check the website of the consulate you will visit to keep up-to-date.
How much does the visa cost?
- The visa application fee may vary by consulate. Cherrington Global Scholars may submit their receipt for the visa application fee to the I-house for reimbursement. Students will be notified of their CGS status during spring quarter. All other costs associated with obtaining the visa are considered personal costs, and must be paid by the applicant.
This information was reviewed in February of 2020.