The process of applying to foreign educational institutions, including those in Lithuania, requires obtaining a visa. What is required, how long does the process take, and where do you need to apply? Let's understand the rules of obtaining a student visa to Lithuania on the example of a real appeal to Visit Ukraine lawyers

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Visit Ukraine's lawyers regularly receive inquiries regarding the nuances of obtaining various types of visas, residence permits, and other migration issues. In response, our specialists provide detailed advice, taking into account the applicant's legal status, purpose of travel, and the current requirements of the destination country. That is, instead of general recommendations, the team of lawyers develops individual solutions for each case. How does this work in practice? Let's take a look at a real-life application that will be practical for those planning to study in Lithuania.

How does a Visit Ukraine visa lawyer's written consultation work?

Today we will consider a real case of obtaining a student visa to Lithuania, which clearly demonstrates all stages of the process: from submitting documents to obtaining a positive decision. This example will help future students to clearly understand the requirements, deadlines and procedure, as well as to avoid common mistakes when submitting documents.

Query: My son has been accepted to a business college in Vilnius (Lithuania). He needs to apply for a student visa. Question:

– How to apply for a student visa in Lithuania, where to start, what documents are needed? Please write down step-by-step instructions and what steps to take.

– Is it possible to start applying for a visa before departure? We are currently in Odesa (Ukraine) with our son.

His studies begin on February 1, 2025. We have a confirmation letter from the college about the payment for the year and an intermediary letter from the college for visa application. We need help with the application and an explanation of what is needed to get a visa.

How to get a student visa to Lithuania?

So, where to start the process of preparing for a visa and how to legalize your status in a new country? Here is the explanation our client received.

Good afternoon! Thank you for your inquiry. Here are step-by-step instructions for applying for a student visa to Lithuania and recommendations for your further actions.

1. Type of student visa

Lithuania provides long-term student visas (category D) for foreign nationals who plan to study in the country. In your case, given the letter from the college, your son is eligible for such a visa.

2. Where to start?

Step 1: Preparation of documents

To apply for a visa, you need to collect the following documents:

● Foreign passport: valid for at least 3 months after the visa expiration date.

● Photos: 2 photos, 35x45 mm in size, taken recently.

● Confirmation letter from the college: confirmation of enrollment in the educational institution, a letter of payment for the year.

● Health insurance: policy for the entire period of study (minimum coverage €30,000).

● Financial guarantees: proof of sufficient funds for living expenses (e.g. bank statement with a minimum of €500/month of living expenses).

● Letter of recommendation from the college for visa application.

● Additional documents:

— Son's birth certificate (translated into Lithuanian and notarized).

— Notarized parental permission to travel (if he is underage at the time of application).

— A completed application form for a type D visa (the form can be found on the website of the Lithuanian Embassy).

Step 2: Submitting the application

Registration for submission of documents:

● You can submit documents through the Embassy of Lithuania in Ukraine (Kyiv).

● Be sure to register for an appointment through the official website of the Lithuanian Consulate.

Step 3: Pay the consular fee

The cost of a type D visa is about €120. Payment is made in a designated bank.

Step 4: Submission of documents

Visit the embassy at the appointed time with the prepared documents. Check if you can receive a ready-made visa by mail if you cannot come in person.

3. Can I start applying for a visa before I leave?

Yes, you can and should apply for a visa before your departure. It is recommended that you start applying no later than 2-3 months before the start of your studies, i.e. in your case in November or early December 2024.

4. Do I apply as an IDP or an international student?

→ As a foreign student: Applying for a visa as a foreign student is the easiest option if you plan to return to Ukraine after graduation. To do this, it is enough to prepare a standard package of documents and apply for a type D visa.

→ As an immigrant: If you are considering a long-term residence in Lithuania, you can apply for temporary protection as an immigrant. In this case, your son will be entitled to study, and you as a mother will be entitled to residence and other benefits. Temporary protection includes obtaining a special certificate and access to social programs.

Recommendation: Applying for a visa as a foreign student is less bureaucratic and faster. It is worth applying as an IDP only if you plan to stay for a long time.

5. Do I need to take additional actions for a minor?

Since your son will turn 18 in March 2025, you can apply as a minor. This involves:

● Notarized confirmation of the parents' consent to leave.

● Guardianship during his stay in Lithuania until he reaches the age of 18 (if you plan to stay together, this issue will be resolved automatically).

Tips:

● Check all the requirements on the official website of the Lithuanian Embassy as the list of documents may be updated.

● Make sure that all documents are translated and notarized, if required.

● Take out health insurance for the full period of study.

How to make an appointment for a Visit Ukraine legal consultation?

Visit Ukraine's team of lawyers brings together specialized professionals who specialize in a wide range of services for Ukrainians. Our experts are ready to advise and provide support in matters of:

● legal border crossing and preparation of documents for staying abroad

● procedures for obtaining visas of various categories

● employment and admission to foreign educational institutions

● setting up your own business in Ukraine and abroad, as well as international business relocation.

To get professional assistance, choose the area you need and determine the format of cooperation that suits your request (written or oral consultation, legal support). To sign up, follow the link (migration issues / visas / work and study abroad / business) and:

1. Fill out the form with your details (name, e-mail, contact phone number);

2. Choose the date of the consultation that is convenient for you;

3. Read the terms of the agreement and make a payment.

Alternative: if you do not know what type of consultation to choose, contact our managers via Telegram or WhatsApp. They will advise you and help you make an appointment.

Contact Visit Ukraine lawyers to get professional help - our experts know the answers to your questions and will be able to find the best solution for you!

We remind you! In the previous article, Visit Ukraine lawyers have already told you how to get a humanitarian residence permit in the EU in 2025 after a refusal. Follow the link to find answers to all your questions.

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