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Student Visa Process for Iceland

Non-U.S. citizens, click here to check if you need a resident permit for Iceland. In addition, please click here to check if you need a visa for Iceland. 

For U.S. citizens, you will need to obtain a student residence permit for the program to which you are applying. More information about the permit process will be provided to you once you have been accepted, and you cannot apply for the permit until you have been accepted into a program.  

It is very important that you complete your application for the API program quickly so that you can begin applying for your residence permit as soon as possible. API is not able to provide refunds for students who are unable to obtain a residence permit prior to their program start date. We will do our best to advise you when we receive your application if we feel that you do not have sufficient time to obtain the permit.  

PASSPORT REQUIREMENT

  • If you do not already have a passport that is valid for at least 6 months after your planned return date, start the passport renewal process immediately. Expedited processing is recommended. Airlines will not allow you to board your flight if your passport expires within 6 months after your return date.
  • Students need a passport in order to apply for a resident permit, so make sure there is plenty of time to apply for both, if necessary! 
  • The gender reflected on your passport must match the gender and/or gender pronouns provided on the acceptance letters issued by the host institution abroad as well as your student residence permit application. Please contact the API office if you have any questions or concerns.

Documents to be Submitted:

  1. Payment receipt (if the application has been paid for at a bank): The name of the person for whom payment is being made must be clearly stated. List the name of the applicant and their date of birth as a reference.
  2. Application for residence permit for students (Form D-108; please download and save this form before filling out!): It is important that the applicant states their place of residence in Iceland. If the address is not stated when the application is made, the applicant must notify the Icelandic immigration office (UTL) of their place of residence within two (2) weeks from the applicant’s date of arrival in Iceland (for example when being photographed). A sample application is available here. 

    The immigration office opens a file on each applicant on receipt of their form D-108, supporting documents should be submitted along with this form.

  3. Passport photo (35 mm x 45 mm).
  4. Photocopy of passport: The period of validity must be at least 90 days beyond the period of validity of the residence permit. This must include photocopies of the passport’s personal information page and the page containing the applicant’s signature.
  5. University admission certificate or university acceptance letter: Students will need to take at MINIMUM 30 ECTS in order to obtain a resident permit.
  6. A copy of a criminal record certificate issued by country of residence:  A criminal record must not be older than 12 months when submitted and must be issued by the highest authority competent to issue such certificates in the respective country. For the US, this is the FBI. This background check should be emailed to the Directorate once it has been finalized and sent to the applicant. 
  7. Translation by an authorized translator of the criminal record certificate: Applies only if the foreign certificate is in another language other than English or Nordic languages. Note that the translation must be authenticated if the translator is not an authorized translator in Iceland.
  8. Health insurance: A confirmation must be presented from an insurance company, licensed to operate in Iceland, stating that the applicant has taken out (purchased) health insurance, valid for six months and covering medical costs of ISK 2,000,000 as a minimum. API will provide this document. We will need a copy of your passport’s personal information page and photo page.
  9. Documents on support: confirming secure support during the period of residence. Students must be self-supported, if a bank statement is provided as proof of financial means it is important that the bank account is in the applicant’s name. Joint bank accounts are not accepted. Additionally, brokerage accounts and similar assets (including stocks, real estate, etc.) are not sufficient to prove secure means of support. For students using financial aid, a statement or award letter from your home university can be used to fulfill this requirement.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION 

  • Lost or missing documents: It’s important to keep a copy of all of the documents submitted to the immigration office.
  • It is important that you check your email periodically for important updates from Iceland’s Immigration regarding your application.

STILL HAVE QUESTIONS?