Student Visa Process for Czech Republic

If you are a U.S. citizen, you are required to obtain a student visa to study in the Czech Republic for more than 90 days. It is your responsibility as a student in this program to obtain a student visa.

Students MUST allow a minimum of 60 days for their student visa to be processed by the Czech consulate before entering the country. As the approval process and the final decision is made by the Ministry of Interior of the Czech Republic, it is not possible to expedite the visa application. API strongly recommends that you start the application process as early as possible. Note: incomplete applications are inadmissible and will be returned to the applicant.

IMPORTANT NOTES

Most of the consulates require that you appear in person to apply for your student visa and require that an appointment be made in advance. This may involve extra travel expenses (air, hotel, car, etc.) to the city where the consulate is located. Do NOT wait until the last minute to schedule an appointment! Starting with the Spring 2022 term, some students were able to apply by mail. You can research if this option is available to you based on your location.
According to the law of the Czech Republic, all documents (except the proof of sufficient financial means) must be presented in the Czech language.
All documents must be presented as an original or as a notarized copy. You must also submit a complete set of photocopies of all documents with your visa application. It is recommended that you make a set of photocopies for your personal records as well.
All documents (except the passport) cannot be older than 180 days.

Steps for Applying for the Visa

These are the steps to applying for a visa. We will provide some information regarding the latest requirements, but this information changes frequently. It is important that you always refer to the website for the consulate within your jurisdiction for the most recent information about the visa application process and requirements.

Apply for or renew your passport immediately, if necessary! We recommend expediting all applications for the issuance or renewal of your passport. Your passport must be valid at least 3 months after the end of your program.
Identify the consulate in your jurisdiction. Refer to the list of consulates below and the corresponding states in that jurisdiction. In most cases, you will need to apply to the consulate that serves the region of your permanent address. If permitted by the consulate in question, you may apply in the region where you attend school full-time.
Obtain a visa application and the list of application requirements from the consulate in your region. Most consulates will have this information posted on their website.
Determine if and how the appointment to have your visa processed should be made (via email, phone, etc.) and make an appointment immediately! Your appointment should be no less than 60 days prior to the program start date. The appointments for some consulates fill very quickly, so it is imperative that you make your appointment NOW!
Complete the visa application and begin gathering the required documents. See below for more guidance and follow the instructions outlined on the consulate’s website very carefully. Consulates are not flexible!

Czech Long-Term (Student) Visa Requirements

DISCLAIMER:

Original visa application form completed with a ballpoint pen or on a typewriter, including your signature at the bottom of the fifth page as well as your phone number and email address. A sample application is available here.
Two (2) identical high quality passport-sized ID photos printed on glossy photo paper. One photograph must be glued on the original application form (in the frame in the right upper corner of the application). Refer to the consulate’s website in your jurisdiction for instructions for the second photo. Detailed instructions and examples are demonstrated HERE.
Original passport that is valid for at least 3 months beyond your program end date, with at least two blank pages available for affixing the visa. The passport must be signed and a copy (2 copies if applying in Los Angeles) of the photo and signature page must also be provided.
Original acceptance letter issued by the Czech university, written in Czech. This will be provided to you by API.
Original document issued by the Czech university verifying your accommodations in Prague for the duration of your studies, written in Czech. This will be provided to you by API.
Evidence of funds to cover the stay in the Czech Republic demonstrated with a notarized copy of the front side of an internationally recognized debit card in your name that is valid throughout your stay in the Czech Republic with at least part of the card number concealed PLUS one of the following:
- Original or notarized copy of a corresponding bank checking account statement in your name with approximately US $3,000 balance per semester
- Original letter from your bank confirming that you will be able to use your funds (approximately US $3,000 balance per semester) while in the Czech Republic
- Original and notarized letter signed by family member confirming they will support you financially during your stay in the Czech Republic, translated into the Czech language + a bank checking account statement with approximately US $3,000 balance per semester
Affidavit confirming you have never been indicted and sentenced for a felony of any kind. This must be notarized or signed in the presence of a consulate official.
Proof of Czech medical insurance that satisfies the specific requirements of the Czech consulate. According to the new requirements, foreigners staying in the Czech Republic longer than 90 days must purchase a complex health insurance plan from VZP. Your insurance with VZP must be submitted as part of your visa application. Please note that this is in addition to the CISI medical insurance API will provide.
Visa application fee paid either in cash or by money order made payable to the Consulate General of the Czech Republic in your jurisdiction. Consult the consulate’s website to verify the current fee and payment instructions.

If you would like your passport to be returned to you by mail after the visa is issued, you must provide a prepaid self-addressed envelope with your visa application. Refer to the consulate’s website in your jurisdiction for specific instructions.

U.S. CONSULATES

The Czech Republic maintains four regular consular offices in the United States. Generally, students must apply for a student visa at the Czech embassy/consulate whose jurisdiction includes their permanent state of residency. Please note that submitting the application to the wrong consular office will automatically result in it being forwarded to the correct embassy/consulate and thus cause delay in the processing time of your application.

Consulate General of the Czech Republic in Chicago

Jurisdiction: Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, North Dakota, Nebraska, South Dakota, Wisconsin
E-mail: [email protected]
Instructions: All U.S. citizens living in the Chicago consulate’s jurisdiction may submit their complete visa application and supporting materials by mail via USPS.
WEBSITE

Consulate General of the Czech Republic in Los Angeles

Jurisdiction: Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, New Mexico, Nevada, Oregon, Utah, Washington, Wyoming
E-mail: [email protected]
Instructions: All students living in the Los Angeles consulate’s jurisdiction need to schedule an appointment in advance via email ONLY. Visit the consulate’s website for specific instructions about what this email must include. Appointments for Czech long-term visa applications are assigned for Wednesdays from 9am – 11:45am, with the exception of Czech and U.S. national holidays.
WEBSITE

Consulate General of the Czech Republic in New York

Jurisdiction: Connecticut, Delaware, Massachusetts, Maine, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont
E-mail: [email protected]
Instructions: All students living in the New York consulate’s jurisdiction need to schedule an appointment in advance via email ONLY.
WEBSITE

Consulate General of the Czech Republic in Washington D.C.

Jurisdiction: Alabama, Arkansas, District of Columbia (DC), Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Mississippi, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Puerto Rico, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, West Virginia
Instructions: All students living in the Washington consulate’s jurisdiction may schedule an appointment in advance via phone by calling 202-274-9103 from Monday to Thursday between 1:30 PM and 5:00 PM OR may submit their complete visa application and supporting materials by mail via USPS.
WEBSITE