The Latvian consulate is among one of the 211 foreign representations in Pakistan, and one of the 87 foreign representations in Islamabad. Currently, Latvia is offering many functional study programs for foreign students in minimum cost.
Students can apply in these programs to pursue their higher studies in Latvia.
Visas and residence permits are mandatory for persons interested in studying in Latvia and are one of the compulsory parts of the application and enrolment process. Based on an evaluation of the applicant’s education documents provided by the Academic Information Centre, and a successful enrolment application, the university contacts the Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs (OCMA) to apply for a 3-month entry visa for citizens of countries who require a visa to study in Latvia. Later, when the student has arrived, a residence permit is applied for by the university on behalf of the student for the period of studies in which the student is enrolled.
There are different types of visas for different purpose of visiting Latvia. Whether you are planning to go on a visit, study or work and reside there permanently, you will have to accordingly apply for a Latvian Schengen Visa. Pakistani Students can contact the Latvian embassy in Karachi or Islamabad to learn about the visa procedures.
The students who are not citizens of any European country yet still wish to come and study in Europe must apply for Schengen student visa. Together with the visa, if the duration of the studies is longer than 90 days for students that wish to complete a whole academic year or even more, students must also apply for the residency permit that allows you to reside in the designated country for a period of one whole year. Generally the institute where you have taken admission will assist you in all these processes.
Student visas are issued to students who are already accepted at a certified institution or university in Latvia. Though it is not an immigration visa but the holder of this type of visa is not required to have the citizenship of the designated country in order to follow studies. Every student from the country that requires a visa to enter the Schengen zone must obtain a student visa to follow studies in the universities of the designated Schengen country.
For the grant of study visas the student has to contact a valid academic counselor dealing with foreign studies, the Latvian consulates in Pakistan or you can also contact the German consulate in Pakistan for a Schengen visa. When applying for a visa at a Diplomatic and Consular Mission issuing Schengen visas on behalf of Latvia, the applicant should be aware of the following:
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A translation of documents into English or in the official language used by the relevant Mission shall be attached,
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The university invitation letter approved by the Office of Migration of Citizenship Affairs of the Ministry of the Interior of Latvia should be submitted in a paper-form. After the receipt of the invitation, the letter must be forwarded to the visa applicant.
Passport Requirements:
Two copies and Original, signed passport valid for 6 months beyond stay in Latvia, with at least one blank passport page available for Latvian visa stamp is required. Remember, amendment pages in the back of the passport are not acknowledged.
Other requirements:
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Original Latvia visa application form is required. Applicant should, fill out the application form to proceed towards the other formalities.
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A copy of a letter of the relevant Latvian higher education institution, confirming the foreigner’s opportunity to study in the chosen study program is requires.
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The language of instruction (Latvian or other official language) should be mentioned
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One recent 2 x 2 passport type photograph, in color, front view and with a plain/white background
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A copy of confirmation of the visa fee payment
Proof of acceptance from the university or educational institution
Documentation certifying accommodations during studies in Latvia
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Proof of study fee payment
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Bank statement showing sufficient financial means during your stay
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Fluorography or x-ray results
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Health insurance for the validity period of resident permit
After the visa and resident permit is granted, the student should do arrangements for the departure and research well about the challenges he has to face while living in Latvia.
