Friday, April 18, 2008

Applying for a visa to Sweden

A person who wishes to study at a university or college in Sweden for a period longer than three months must have a residence permit. The permit must be complete and entered into the passport before entry into Sweden.

A person who is in Sweden for a period of less than three months does not need a residence permit. However, citizens of certain countries must have a visa.

A residence permit for study purposes is time limited. Even if the period spent in the country has extended over several years you are normally not permitted to become a permanent resident in Sweden.

Countries whose citizens require entry visas

What is required to be granted a permit?
To be granted a residence permit for study purposes at a university/college in Sweden you must show that you:

have been enrolled for full-time study, i.e. 30 credits per term (Special conditions apply to doctoral students)
can support yourself for the whole of the plan­ned period of study
have comprehensive health insurance which is valid in Sweden if you intend to study for a period of less than one year.

How can I prove my capacity to support myself?

You should show that you have your support secured by means of verification of bank assets, a grant or in another similar manner. The support requirement is at present at least SEK 7,300 per month. If you intend to study for one year or more you must show that you can support yourself for 10 months per year.

Example: if you intend to study for:

18 months you must have SEK 109,500 (15 x SEK 7,300)
24 months you must have SEK 146,000 (20 x SEK 7,300)
If you can show, for example, that you will receive free accommodation and/or food, the monthly amount can be reduced.
If you want to know the exchange rate in your local currency,check it out here

Which documents do I need?
When you apply for a residence permit you must use the form Application for a residence permit for students and doctoral students, No. 105031.
You can obtain or order forms on this website.Application Forms You can also order by e-mail, Distributionen@migrationsverket.se, fax 011-15 66 91 or by writing to the Migration Board, Distributionen, 601 70 Norrköping. Forms are also available at Swedish embassies and consulates.

Enclose copies of the following documents:
A copy of your passport, showing your identity, the period of validity of the passport and any permit required to spend time in a country other than your home country.

A certificate stating that you have been enrolled for full-time study.

A certificate stating that you have comprehensive health insurance valid in Sweden if you intend to study for a period of less than one year.

A certificate from a bank confirming that you have funds of your own to support you
or
that you have received a scholarship or similar funding. Include details of the amount and during which period you will receive the money.
or
that you have received a study grant or a salary (only doctoral students). Include de­tails of the amount and during which period you will receive the money.
Please do not enclose any education certificates.

Please note that the embassy or consulate where you submitted your application could require further documents. Visit www.swedenabroad.se or contact the embassy or consulate for more information.

Remember
If a permit from a central bank or equivalent is requi­red to transfer money from your country, you must enclose such a permit.

Important to submit a complete application
It is important that you send in a complete appli­cation for a residence permit as soon as you have been enrolled in a programme. You can not expect to receive a decision in time for the commencement of your programme if your application:

is not complete
arrives at the Migration Board when there is less than six weeks remaining before commencement of the programme even if you received late notification of enrolment.

Can the permit be extended?
When you apply for an extension you should use the form Application for a residence permit for students and doctoral students, No. 105031.

You must produce proof of acceptable study results to have your residence permit extended. You must also confirm that you have received money regularly for your support during the time you have been in Sweden. This can be done by means of a bank statement or similar document.

You must also show that you have been enrolled for continued full-time study and that you still have your support secured.

Where do I apply?
You apply for the permit at the Swedish embassy or a Swedish consulate in your home country or in the country where you are a permanent resident. Swedish embassies and consulates

The application for an extension of your residence permit can be submitted to any of the Migration Board permit units. You can also apply for an extension of your permit via the Migration Board website or you can send your application by post.

Addresses to the Migration Board's Permit Units

What does it cost.
Permit for, for example, a visit, work or study Adult SEK 1,000
Most people are required to pay an application fee. You will also be required to pay a fee when you apply for an extension of your permit. If your application is rejected the fee will not be refunded.

Fees for applications and how to pay
How long is the permit valid?
You can be granted a residence permit for one year at a time during the period of your study. If the period of study is less than one year you will be granted a residence permit that is valid for the length of the period of study.

Am I permitted to work?
You are permitted to work during the same period you have a residence permit. You do not need a separate work permit.

Permit for relatives

Your husband/wife or partner and unmarried children under the age of 18 years can be granted a residence permit if they can show, among other things, that their support is secured. In that case they will be granted a residence permit for the same period as you. However, they are not permitted to work.

Who decides?
The Migration Board decides on a residence permit for study purposes. The permit must be complete and be entered into your passport before you travel to Sweden. You will be notified of the decision by the embassy or the consulate where you submitted the application.

Where will your application be processed?
First-time applications from students at universities/colleges are processed by four of the Migration Board's permit units. Where yur application will be processed depends on which university/college you have been accepted to.This unit will process your application.

Revoking of your permit
The Migration Board can revoke your residence permit if, for example:

you do not register at the place of learning

you discontinue your studies

you do not satisfy the support requirement.

Appeal
If the Migration Board decides not to grant you a residence permit you can appeal against the decision within three weeks of the date on which you received the decision. The same applies if we revoke your permit. You send the appeal to the Migration Board. If the Board does not change its decision in line with your request the appeal will be forwarded to the Migration Court at one of the county administrative courts in Stockholm, Gothenburg or Malmö.

If you have granted a person in Sweden power of attorney to represent you in the permit matter, he or she can prepare the appeal and submit it.

Forms
You can obtain or order forms on this website.Application Forms You can also order by e-mail, Distributionen@migrationsverket.se, fax 011-15 66 91 or by writing to the Migration Board, Distributionen, 601 70 Norrköping. Forms are also available at Swedish embassies and consulates.
If your documents are okay and convincing enough you get the visa. With the Swedish everything is pretty straight and done by the book.Do not forget that it might take sometime to get your reply.To make sure that you get your reply read this post i made about obtaining a visa to Sweden.
A little detail. You can also read more about education in Sweden on my website.You can check out the link at the end of this post. Education in Sweden
Good Luck!!

46 comments:

Anonymous said...

Hi Ngala;

I have saved about 15,000 US dollars but my primary source of funding is my uncle- who will sponsor me on a monthly bases.

Do you think this will be an issue or What do I need to show in this case.

Ngala said...

Please if you want a reply for any question please leave your email so that i can reply to you directly

Anonymous said...

Hi Ngala; My email adress is Mahogany_84@hotmail.com

Thanks

florence

Anonymous said...

My primary source of income is my father since i do not work.How then do i go about applying for the student visa.My email address is agyenleo@yahoo.com

Anonymous said...

My acomodation charges will be provided to me by my father(monthly/bi-monthly bases), how can i prove my funding support for a period of two years.

My email address is uzicool@yahoo.com

Unknown said...

hi Ngala
am currently studying in cyprus and student life is hell in here for us africans.i have applied to study at malmo can u pls give me more info on how my bank statement shld look..thanks mosesgh@gmail.com

Anonymous said...

Hi Ngala,

I enjoyed reading your posts. I am going to Sweden soon for a one-year Masters. I am nervous because my residence permit hasn't come back yet, but they said they'll have a decision before I leave in mid august (I only aplied for it 2 months months ago). In your experience, do they deny residence permits to a lot of people, or do most people get them without a problem? It's a little bit nerve-wracking that many of us have to plan our airfare and housing before hearing back from the migration board. Anyway, thanks for your time and I hope to hear your input.

Brett

BrettHaas1@gmail.com

Ngala said...

Hello

You got to be patient.Everything depends on your case and how authentic it is.All you got to do is wait for your reply because they always reply.
good luck

Unknown said...

My name is Bisi from Nigeria,i applied for permit to study in Sweden last Autumn 2008 but i was refused Visa due to amount on my personal statement of Account and ask me to appeal.I have forwarded my appeal letter to the agency in charge of appeal cases but, since October i haven't hear from them and i don't know how long it takes for decision,please i want you to get back to me through my email address bismartos@yahoo.com.Looking forward to hear from Mr Ngala.thanks

Khaled said...

Hej Ngala

i already have a visa to stay in Sweden and it will finish soon but i have applied for a new one, but i dont think i will get an answer before my visa finish, do i have to leave sweden and wait for the visa in my country or can i stay here and contiune my study awaiting ofr the new visa?

and if it got refused what should i do?

my email: khaled.attalla@gmail.com

Anonymous said...

hi Ngala,
i just read your post and i have a question, i would be applying to come to sweden to study,masters program,am married, do u know if my husband can also be given a visa to come with me?
thanks, im from tanzania
kissa83@hotmail.com

Anonymous said...

I got addmission for six moths advance level course,Later Ill admitted to Masters program which is next level to six months course.

Here my question is should i show bank statement for six months funding or on the whole of advance level+ Masters program(6+12moths) funding...for My visa permit


Please reply me at pratheekus@gmail.com

ariyo said...

Hi,
I would like to know if I will get permanent residence permit immediately, if I married my swedish girlfriend.
Thanks

Yemi said...

my email is:
yemiariyo99@yahoo.com


Hi,
I would like to know if I will get permanent residence permit immediately, if I married my swedish girlfriend.
Thanks

Ahau said...

Hey Ngala!
I have my studying visa till 15th of June 2009 and i was admitted to other programme for the next year.
1)If i apply for extenson, could i apply later then 15th of June, being in Sweden ?
2) Could i attach an account statement in roubles?
3)Could i attach an account startement later?Could i attach an account statement later through the internet?(I was said by Swedish migration board representative by phone that i can attach bank statement later-and now i find on website that it is forbidden)
4) If i will be refused in visa while waiting for it in Sweden-could i travel through EU to home, and which rules follow?Can i apply for it again later?

Looking forward your answer,
Ulyana

ulyana.kl@gmail.com
(if someone had the same problems and knows the answer-please reply me-it is urgent-i called to Migration board today-but failed to talk(((

joebill said...

hi Ngala i am about applying for my residence permit for studies commencing august, i am having problems about the bank account, though i am working but i dont have such amount in my account, but my uncle and other relatives are ready to help should the transfer the money at once to my account or in fragment pls explain this area becos i am nervous. here is my e-mail joedomwill@live.com

denis said...

Hi Ngala,

I am having a student residence but its getting to the end of my period of Study,i just have 4 months left and there is no possibility to renew since my school is a professional school,i met a girl,i want to know if its possible for me to get married or the time is short to prcessed the papers? macdenisco@hotmail.com

Anonymous said...

Mr Ngala,

Pls i applied for Study Permit in June and not up to 4 wks they reply me rejecting my Visa....Stating that I submit false Bank Satement just bcause i did not include my Reference Letter from the bank. I want to Appeal.I ve collectd th Ref. Letter from the bank. Pls can I use the Lawyer here in Nigeria and must the Lawyer use his Lawyer Envelope to post the documents.
What Advice can i get from you here.

This is my mail address: librababiie@hotmail.com

Unknown said...

Hello,

I am one of the newly admitted student of malmo university on the 14th of may 2009. I am originally from Nigeria and i live in Nigeria.
On the 28th of july i went along with all required genue documents to the swedish embassy in my home country to apply for a Student resident permit so as to be able to enter sweden for my studies but just on the 7th of july i got a reply from the immigration board in sweden saying that my bank statements have proved to be false. To me, this is more or less like an insult to my personality and my bank.

After hearing such decision from the immigration board, i went straight to my bank to complain and they said that the immigration board has given a wrong and false decision. They even gave me another reference letter which i later sent to the immigration board. If you ask me about this issue, I will just have to tell you that the decision was just made without confirmation. The decision is a pure lie as i am very sure of all documents i summited. for God sake, we do pay for visa fees and i see no reason why they should be treating us like this. It is very unfair.

Well at this stage, my lawyer has already sent an appeal but the swedish immigration board still couldnt change it decision.. instead they told me that my appeal has been forwarded to migration court.

I really dont know much about what the court will have to do. Is there anyway i could get a power of attorney over there in sweden that can actually stand for my case.

Please i really need your help.God bless you.

Here is my email. kingsley.bayo@yahoo.com

Unknown said...

Hello,

I am one of the newly admitted student of malmo university on the 14th of may 2009. I am originally from Nigeria and i live in Nigeria.
On the 28th of may i went along with all required genue documents to the swedish embassy in my home country to apply for a Student resident permit so as to be able to enter sweden for my studies but just on the 7th of july i got a reply from the immigration board in sweden saying that my bank statements have proved to be false. To me, this is more or less like an insult to my personality and my bank.

After hearing such decision from the immigration board, i went straight to my bank to complain and they said that the immigration board has given a wrong and false decision. They even gave me another reference letter which i later sent to the immigration board. If you ask me about this issue, I will just have to tell you that the decision was just made without confirmation. The decision is a pure lie as i am very sure of all documents i summited. for God sake, we do pay for visa fees and i see no reason why they should be treating us like this. It is very unfair.

Well at this stage, my lawyer has already sent an appeal but the swedish immigration board still couldnt change it decision.. instead they told me that my appeal has been forwarded to migration court.

I really dont know much about what the court will have to do. Is there anyway i could get a power of attorney over there in sweden that can actually stand for my case.

Please i really need your help.God bless you.

Here is my email. kingsley.bayo@yahoo.com

Anonymous said...

hi

I applied for student visa for sweden but got it rejected saying that I dont have sufficent funds for my study period. I am planning to appeal the case, I just wanted to know the process to appeal and how long do they take to process it. I also wanted to know the percentage of cases that turn out to be positive after appeal

Thank you
Sara

Reply to: saraibtasar@gmail.com

Carmencita said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
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Anonymous said...

Hi Ngala,

I am a nigerian who has applied for a masters program in sweden for autumn 2010.my questions are as follows;will i need health insurance as i am applying for a one-year course?previous higher education required is one of the prerequisites for the courses i applied for,will a b.sc in geography meet that requirement?thirdly will the exact amount stated for living expenses be sufficient to save in the bank statement?my e-mail is oxysoj81@yahoo.com,thanks.

Anonymous said...

Hi ngala, i'm matt. .i just applied to study in two swedish universities at undergrad level, i don't know much about studyin in sweden though but how much in naira must i have in my account to get a visa? And admission list will be out in may while resumption's in august but the embassy claims the visa takes three months. .wouldn't there be problems? What are the chances that i'd get picked for admission? Pls i expect your reply j.holiday115@yahoo.com

Anonymous said...

Hello Ngala,

I'm Dolapo I want to Apple for Sweden Visa and I need to Ask what and what i need for me to Apple for the VISA I need to know what and what i need for me to Apply for the VISA am ready to pay the School fee and if there's any free school I will be happy to attend to it please please please All i need is your Urgent Reply I will like to be in Sweden before June please I need your Urgent help...

Best Regards

May GOD Almighty Help you as you Help me...

GOD BLESS

oyesdolapo2007@yahoo.com

Carmencita said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
shouban said...

please tell me.me and my wife apply master program in sweden for 2 years.i want to know that how much bank statement we need?and second is that we need two bank statement or only one ?

m_shab89@yahoo.com

nasim said...

I have send all the requirements for extension of visa as an student in Sweden electronically but its been 3 mounts that i didn't get any email or answer ,so i should be present in my class in October(I already miss the first course) but i don't have my visa to go Sweden till now!!
what should i do??
my email:
nasimromi@yahoo.com

Anonymous said...

i am talabi wuraola olufunke i got admission into malmo university.and they gave me appeal and have appeal to them.and they mail me back that i should send them power of attorney.and have posted it.i dont know if they we grant me my residence permit.thank.ajayililian@yahoo.com

Anonymous said...

i am a sierra leonean from africa.i would like to attend malmo university in sweden and i would like to know the exact documents i need to get a visa or residence permit.my email address is kassasiana@yahoo.com
thank you
assa

Anonymous said...

Hi Ngala,
i have applied for the extension of my swedish visa by post..its been one month since i applied and till now they have not even registered the case. i talked to the migration customer service and they also cannot tell me what to do...what should i do, apply again? or can i file a complaint any where?
any help is highly appreciated,
regards
dhawalshukla@rediff.com

duluth auto insurance said...

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Jackie said...

5Hi,

I am an undergraduate currently in Ghana and I have gained admission as an exchange student at the University of Gothenburg,Sweden(the exchange agreement is between my current university and the Sweden school. Does it count as a bilateral scholarship?
I will be staying in Sweden for about 4 months and apparently I will need a residence permit. I have about 2 months till the exchange program starts, do i have enough time to get my application processed before I leave.
I also have a question about the financial support requirements. I personally do not have funds to support myself, my family will support my stay in Sweden as they do for me hear in Ghana.Can I attach my uncle's bank statement and a letter of guarantee, his payslips and passport information to show how authentic my source of financial support is?
Will it take a shorter time to process my application since I am an exchange student. I intend to use the online application.

Please give me tips as to what to do.
My email address is jackieyamson@gmail.com

Anonymous said...

Hi ngala , please I was wondering how long does it take for me to get the permenant residence I have been married to a sweden man and I have two twins in grade 10 so I was confused that if the confirmation may come in the winter because already we have been waiting it for 5 month so may be it came while they are still in school so is there any way I can travel to sweden and put them in a school there and in the same time we. will wait there for the permenant residence . My email is
moulierr@hotmail.com

Praise-El said...

Hi Ngala,
i need your urgent advice. my dad is my sponsor, and my school says i need the allowance money in my account and he has refused. Please i need to know if the letter of sponsorship and bank statement is enough. Plus am i supposed to pay my hostel fees before i go to the embassy cause my interview date is really close and i have not done anything. really confused right now.my email is praiselosazuwa@yahoo.com

thanks

Flolez said...

hi Ngala,
Am Felix from Kenya and my uncle is to pay for my degree fees in sweden.
He stays in Sweden, so who's bank statement should i present to the embassy?
Must i have the medical insurance?
my mail is felixmembo@gmail.com

Flolez said...

Hi Ngala,
am Felix from Kenya.
My uncle wants me to join a university in Sweden because he stays their.
What are the requirements and who's bank statement will i use.
Is the medical insurance a must?
my email address is felixmembo@gmail.com

airah.christine@yahoo.com said...

hello, ngala; i live in philippines and currently 20 years old. i have my boyfriend who is from sweden. and we had already our plans to get married by june 2016 by that time i am 23 years old. and here's the thing he wanted me to go with him after the maariage, and offcourse thats i wanted too, because its so difficult to leave far from your husband/ partner. and and he said that it would be better for me to apply for a permanent visa, and he will help on the things, because before the marriage he will bring the documents during his visitation here. they are saying it is more easy to avail the permanent visa if your status is fiance, rather that married? so how was it if we decided to get married this june and then fly to sweden are we still neccessary to remarried again to achieve that permanent visa? i hope to get some information so that atleast after the merriage there would be no problems interms of legality, and i can go to him after the marriage,

thanks
airah in airah.christine@yahoo.com

airah.christine@yahoo.com said...

hello, ngala; i live in philippines and currently 20 years old. i have my boyfriend who is from sweden. and we had already our plans to get married by june 2016 by that time i am 23 years old. and here's the thing he wanted me to go with him after the maariage, and offcourse thats i wanted too, because its so difficult to leave far from your husband/ partner. and and he said that it would be better for me to apply for a permanent visa, and he will help on the things, because before the marriage he will bring the documents during his visitation here. they are saying it is more easy to avail the permanent visa if your status is fiance, rather that married? so how was it if we decided to get married this june and then fly to sweden are we still neccessary to remarried again to achieve that permanent visa? i hope to get some information so that atleast after the merriage there would be no problems interms of legality, and i can go to him after the marriage,

thanks
airah in airah.christine@yahoo.com

Rena Singaporian said...

i am really interesting to visit Sweden. so i would be apply for visa as soon as possible.

Employment Pass Singapore | Entrepreneur Pass Singapore

Anonymous said...

HI ngala i have applied for master programme in sweden i just want to know that how much bank statement i required to show that i can bear my expensis m married and want to travell with my husband so pls tell me we both have how much amount?

Regards mona

Unknown said...

my name is janaath. i am from Sri Lanka.. i have got refused my UK student visa. so now i am trying to study Sweden.. can you please advice me what are reasons for refusing Sweden Student visa. theebajanaath@gmail.com

Unknown said...

my name is janaath. i am from Sri Lanka.. i have got refused my UK student visa. so now i am trying to study Sweden.. can you please advice me what are reasons for refusing Sweden Student visa. theebajanaath@gmail.com

M.Hussain said...

Hi
I came I sweden on student resident permit for 10 monts I have completed my first term and got 30 credits I didn't pay the 2nd term fee and they revoked my visa so what should I do go for appeal is the best option or just go back to my home country and apply the new resident permit my new course is going to start in august plz reply

bhattiasif329@gmail.com

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