Latvia

In Latvia, students interested in studying acquire visas and residence permits as part of the application and enrollment procedure. This involves a positive assessment of the applicant’s educational documents by the Academic Information Centre (AIC) and a successful enrollment application. Upon the student’s arrival, the university applies for a residence permit on behalf of the student for the duration of their enrolled studies.

Latvia Student Visa Requirements: 

To apply for a student visa in Latvia, you’ll need the following documents:

1. Complete and sign the online application form available
2. Passport: Ensure the passport is issued within the last 10 years and remains valid for at least 3 months beyond the planned trip.
3. Provide one recent passport photo sized 4×5 cm with a plain, white background.
4. Submit flight or travel reservations, or any other proof of intended transport.
5. Include proof of accommodation arrangements.
6. Obtain adequate travel medical insurance covering the entire stay in Schengen States, with a minimum coverage of 30,000 EUR. The insurance should exceed the trip duration by 15 days.
7. Provide an invitation approved by the Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs or an invitation letter containing specific details such as the inviting company’s name and registration number, purpose of travel, financial responsibility, duration of visit, accommodation address, and signatory’s details.
8. Present proof of means of subsistence, such as bank statements or salary slips for the last three months.
9. If employed, submit a letter from the employer and/or leave approval, along with the SGK (social security) registration document.
10. For applicants employed by or owning a private company, include the company’s registration in the chamber of commerce, a copy of the trade register bulletin, and tax statements.
11. If retired, provide proof of pension through bank statements or a pensioner’s booklet.
12. If the applicant is a minor traveling alone or with one parent/legal guardian, furnish a statement from the parents approved by a notary public, unless exempted due to single parenthood or sole parental authority.

Please note that all documents must be presented in accordance with the specified requirements for a successful visa application.

How to Apply for a Latvian Student Visa:

1. Complete the application form online or obtain it from the embassy.
2. Schedule an appointment with the Latvian embassy /VFS
3. Collect the required documents.
4. Submit the application at the embassy or visa office.
5. Attend the visa interview.
6. Wait for a decision on your visa application.

After Arriving in Latvia:

Upon arrival, you need to receive your temporary residence permit by registering your place of residence at the Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs (OCMA).

Latvia Student Visa Validity:

The visa is usually issued for the duration of your study program, ranging from six months to one year. Extensions are possible for longer study programs.

Can a Latvian Student Visa Be Extended?

Yes, but strong reasons are required. Extension requests can be submitted at OCMA.

Can I Work in Latvia with a Student Visa?

Yes, with restrictions based on study level:

– Part-time job for 20 hours a week.

– Full-time job for 40 hours a week only during holidays.

How Can I Stay in Latvia After I Graduate?

After completing studies, you can apply for a temporary residence permit for job search purposes. This permit is usually issued for a year, during which you need to find employment to continue staying in Latvia.