Student Long Term Visa
06.06.2016 / 00:45 | Aktualizováno: 22.05.2026 / 20:43
HOW TO FILE THE STUDENT VISA APPLICATION, kindly read carefully and follow these steps:
1. Territorial jurisdiction
Where to apply?
You should contact the Consulate in Chicago if your residence - permanent home address is in one of the state below.
Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota and Wisconsin
The application has to be submitted at the Consular Office (of the Embassy or Consulates General of the Czech Republic) in accordance with the jurisdiction where you permanently reside.
2. Types of visa
If the university/program is accredited by the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports of the Czech Republic, you are eligible to apply for a long term-visa for the purpose of study.
If the university/program is not accredited by the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports of the Czech Republic, you are not eligible to apply for this type of visa and you have to apply for the long-term visa for the purpose "other".
If the confirmation of enrollment issued by the school contains a statement that the student will be entered in the Register of Students "matrika studentů" together with the registration number, the purpose of the visa is "study".
This website information applies for students who apply for both types of visa!!! The difference between the two types of visa is the processing time (see bellow).
3. Processing time
A long-term visa must be approved by the Ministry of the Interior of the Czech Republic. For clarity, the Consulate serves solely as an intermediate and does not participate in the decision-making process. All decisions are made by the Ministry, and the Consulate cannot expedite the procedures.
The processing time for a long-term visa for the purpose of study is typically up to 60 days from the date a complete application is submitted. However, due to the current high volume of applications, processing times may be longer.
For long-term visas with the purpose "other," the standard processing time is up to 90 days from the submission of a complete application. Please note that this period may also be extended due to the increased workload.
It is strongly recommended to begin the visa application process well in advance of your intended travel to the Czech Republic, as processing times may extend up to 120 days in certain cases. Applicants are advised not to make any firm travel arrangements, such as purchasing tickets, either before or during the visa processing period. Please wait until your visa has been approved before organizing your travel.
Please note, the Consulate is unable to expedite the visa process, as the approval process and final decisions are made by the Ministry of Interior in the Czech Republic.
For status updates, please visit the website of the Ministry of Interior of the Czech Republic.
If your application number does not appear on the website, it means your visa is still being processed. This does not indicate that there is any issue with your application.
Please note that it may take up to 4 weeks from the date you received confirmation of your visa application (i.e., the date a complete application was submitted) before you are able to track your application status online.
Kindly be advised that the Consulate does not provide status updates on long-term visa applications, either by email or by phone. The website used to check the status of applications is administered by the Ministry, not the Consulate.
We therefore kindly ask that you do not contact the Consulate regarding the availability or tracking of your application in the system.
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Application submission possibilities |
Local processing in Chicago (Consulate) |
Processing in Czechia (Ministry of Interior) |
Passport pick up/ Post delivery |
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in Person upon appointment only (no drop-offs) |
E-application processed immediately on the appointment day Originals of physical documents dispatched to Czechia within 2 weeks from the appointment day |
60 days for study purpose 90 days for other purpose |
Passport withdrawal options will be discussed during your appointment. If you wish to have your passport returned by mail, you must provide a prepaid, self-addressed USPS envelope. |
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by Mail (US citizens only) |
Reviewing the submitted application and processing the e‑application may take up to 2 weeks from the date we receive your application Originals of physical documents dispatched to Czechia within 2-3 weeks from the appointment day Please note that handling incomplete applications and contacting applicants may take an additional up to 15 days from the date we receive your application. |
60 days for study purpose 90 days for other purpose |
If you wish to have your passport returned by mail, you must provide a prepaid, self-addressed USPS envelope. |
4. Scheduling appointment
We accept appointment requests by e-mail ONLY (chicago.visa@mzv.gov.cz)
Email your request along with completely and accurately filled out Personal Information Form (DOCX, 13 KB) to schedule an appointment.
Be sure to request a semi-specific time; “next week”, “the week of October 1”, etc. This will make it easier for the consular officer to check the schedule within the regular office hours. Book at least 2 weeks in advance and consider coming in the morning due to our opening hours.
If you have indicated preferred dates or times in the personal form but your appointment was scheduled for a different date and/or time, this indicates that your preferred options are unavailable at this time. Please note that we do not maintain a waitlist or cancellation list. If you are unable to attend the scheduled appointment, you may consider submitting your application by mail.
The Consulate reserves the right to respond to an email within 7 working days.
5. Required documents
Visa Application Submission – Key Guidelines
Submit documents in form of:
- Original documents or notarized copies
- PLUS one photocopy of each document
This means two complete sets:
- Original / notarized set
- Copy set
Please submit originals and copies of all supporting documents. All documents must be submitted in original or as a notarized copy made from the original and with one plain photocopy thereof, which means that one application file contains two complete sets of documents. Incomplete applications will NOT be accepted and will be returned. Present all required documents in an organized manner.
Language requirements: Documents must be in:
- Czech (preferred/required by law), or
- English
If not:
- Include a certified translation
Exception:
Documents that are not issued in Czech or English must be submitted together with a translation (except the passport).Passport does NOT need translation.
Validity of Documents:
All documents (except passport):
- Must be issued within the last 180 days
Checklist before submission:
✔ Two complete sets of documents
✔ Originals or notarized copies prepared
✔ All documents translated into Czech (if required), some of them are bilingual (i. e. Criminal History Affidavit)
✔ No document older than 180 days (except passport)
✔ Application fully complete
EACH APPLICANT MUST SUBMIT THE FOLLOWING DOCUMENTS IN AN ORGANIZED ORDER FROM 5.1. TO 5.8. EXACTLY AS FOLLOWS:
5.1. Original & one (1) copy of completed application form
The form Application for Long-term Visa must be filled out completely with a ball point pen or on a typewriter. Do not use red ink to complete the application.
Please do not forget
- to sign the application in the place indicated at the bottom of the fifth page
- to include your phone number and e-mail address for future communication
There is a SAMPLE on how to complete the form.
5.2. Original & two (2) copies of passport
You must submit the ORIGINAL OF YOUR PASSPORT regardless of whether you submit the application in person or send it by mail.
You also must submit two (2) copies of data page of the passport. The data page contains passport bearer's photograph and personal details, information on the date of issue, validity and issuing authority of the passport, etc.
If the signature of passport bearer is featured on a different page, submit two plain copies of this page as well.
(!) Non-US citizens must further submit two plain copies of documents proving their legal status in the US:
valid US visa (type A, E, F /plus endorsed I-20, F-1, DS-2019 or IAP-66/, G, H, I, J /plus J1 document/, L, O, R), or valid Alien Registration Card (Green Card - copy front side only).
Long-term US citizens (who are also non-US citizens) will only be able to apply for a long-term visa if they have resided legally and continuously in the US for at least two (2) years (!)
The applicant shall present a valid travel document satisfying the following criteria:
Its validity must exceed your intended stay by at least 3 months (after the visa expires) and the passport must have been issued within the last 10 years. Must contain the signature of passport bearer;
Make sure that your passport has at least two blank pages (for affixing visa and administrative purposes).
The passport remains at the Consulate during the entire process of visa proceeding. If you need your passport during the visa process, you can withdraw it personally prior scheduled appointment or send us a written request and a prepaid self-addressed USPS envelope. Secure a tracking number of your envelope for the future tracking. Your passport can be returned back to you ONLY upon receiving the written request and prepaid envelope. The passport must be re-submitted to our Consulate again for the issuance of the visa.
5.3. Original of two (2) recent passport photo
See specimen photos.
Photo 1: Glue it onto the upper right corner of page one of the visa application form. Do not staple or tape over the photo.
Photo 2: Write down your surname in BLOCK CAPITAL letters on the reverse, and insert the photo loosely inside your passport.
5.4. Original & copy of proof of adequate financial means
It is necessary to prove the availability of financial funds exceeding the minimum required amount in the Czech Republic.
One (1) of the following possibilities may prove documents confirming applicants’ sufficient financial resources:
(A) "debit/credit card" AND applicant's "bank account statement", or
(B) "debit/credit card" AND "bank reference letter", or
(C) "debit/credit card" AND "letter from a family member confirming the financial support" AND family member's "bank account statement", or
(D) "debit/credit card" AND "financial guarantee".
(!) See below for specifications of the documents to be submitted.
"debit/credit card":
- internationally recognised debit OR credit card with validity throughout your stay in Czechia
- The name of of the cardholder must match name of the visa applicant. Anonymous or nameless cards are not acceptable.
- The debit/credit card must be issued by the same bank for which the "bank account statement" (or the "bank reference letter") is submitted.
- Submit one notarized copy of the card AND one plain photocopy of the notarized copy.
- For the copies: Make sure that applicant's name, the name of the issuing bank, 4 first and 4 last digits of the bank card and the card validity date are clearly visible; part of the card number and the entire card security code (CVV number) may be hidden for security.
"bank account statement":
- Only checking AND/OR savings bank accounts are acceptable; credit accounts are not acceptable.
- The bank account must be kept in the applicant's name (or in the name of the sponsoring family member); joint account ownership is permitted.
- Obtain one regular bank account statement (most recent, or up to 5 months old), provided the ending balance meets the required amount of financial resources. If the ending balance is lower, wait for and submit the next regular bank statement, OR provide a "bank reference letter" instead.
- Only original statements sent from the bank to clients by regular mail on paper OR statements issued by the bank as locked PDF files are acceptable; printshots of account details from online banking (made by the applicant or the bank clerk) are not acceptable.
- Submit the statement printed on paper (scanned or faxed versions are not acceptable), AND one plain photocopy thereof.
"letter from a family member confirming the financial support":
- The template (form Sponsor (PDF, 125 KB)) may be used (no translation is required as the form is bilingual) AND the signature of the sponsor must be notarized (an individual acknowledgement).
- Other free forms for confirmation of a family member's financial support must be provided with a notarized signature AND, if not written in Czech, with a certified translation into the Czech language.
- Family member's bank account statement must be presented (see "bank account statement" for specifications).
- Submit the original document with notarized signature (e-mailed, scanned or faxed versions are not acceptable), the certified translation (if applicable), AND one plain photocopy of these documents, PLUS two plain photocopies of a valid ID that confirms full name and and date of birth of the sponsor (e.g. data page of passport or front side of a US driving license).
"bank reference letter":
- The letter from the bank must refer to
(A) bank account(s) kept in applicant's name (joint account ownership is permitted; only references to checking and savings bank accounts are acceptable; credit accounts are not acceptable), OR
(B) funds (loan, security) that the applicant has secured from the bank to cover the costs associated with his/her stay.
- The document must clearly indicate the total balance that the applicant is free to use during the stay in the Czech Republic.
- The document must clearly indicate the issuing bank, and the signature, name, position and contact details of the issuing bank clerk.
- If not written in Czech, the document must be provided with a certified translation into the Czech language.
- Submit the original document (e-mailed, scanned or faxed versions are not acceptable), AND the certified translation (if applicable), AND one plain photocopy thereof.
"financial guarantee":
- A confirmation issued by a state authority, or by a US or Czech school that all of the costs of student’s stay in the Czech Republic will be fully covered.
- If not written in Czech, the document must be provided with a certified translation into the Czech language.
- Submit the original document (e-mailed, scanned or faxed versions are not acceptable) with notarized signature, AND the certified translation (if applicable), AND one plain photocopy thereof.
(!) This instrument cannot be used for an application for a long-term visa for the purpose of stay "other".
For the purposes of a long-term visa (apart from the purpose of business), a foreign national is obliged to prove the availability of funds that are 15 times the amount of the existential minimum (in accordance with the Government Regulation No. 436/2022 Coll., as of January 1st, 2023 the following minimum is equal to 3 130 CZK) for the first month and double the amount of existential minimum for every month afterwards, i.e. for instance, for a stay from January 1st until June 30th it would be (15 * 3 130) + (5 * 2 * 3 130) = 46 950 + 31 300 = 78 250 CZK.
A foreign national under 18 years proves the availability of half the amount.
Please note that the existential minimum is established by the Czech law, in CZK, and can be changed every year and the amount in USD may change according to the exchange rate.
5.5. Original & copy of proof establishing the purpose of the stay
The original or notarized copy of confirmation of enrolment into studies issued by a Czech university (Acceptance/Admission Letter) must be submitted. This document must be in the Czech language.
Document of the purpose of stay, see website of the Ministry of Interior (e-mailed, scanned or faxed versions are not acceptable).
5.6. Original & copy of proof of accommodation
One of the following possibilities may prove documents confirming applicants’ accommodation:
A) Original letter/document issued by a Czech University or school verifying the accommodation for the duration of applicants' studies, or
B) Original rental/lease agreement, sub-letting contract, accommodation agreement or an agreement with similar content, or
C) Original accommodation statement from the owner of an apartment/house stating his/her ability and willingness to provide applicant´s accommodation for the time of stay (signature must be notarized by a Czech notary),
D) Original/notarized copy of the lease contract in the case of a sublet and an affidavit signed by the owner confirming the sublet (signature must be notarized by a Czech notary)
For more information about the Proof of accommodation, please visit the website of Minisrty of Interior of Czech Republic.
Important notes
The original or a notarized copy of any of the mentioned documents must be submitted together with your application (e-mailed, scanned or faxed versions are not acceptable).
The documents confirming your accommodation must be in the Czech language.
A document confirming the accommodation cannot be a part of the acceptance letter. It has to be submitted separately.
5.7. Original & copy of criminal history background
US citizens:
US citizens 15 years and older are required to submit a Criminal History Affidavit (PDF, 167 KB) confirming that they have never been indicted and sentenced for a felony of any kind.
If you are submitting your application by mail, your signature must be notarized by a Notary Public. If you decide to come in person to the Consulate, you shall sign the Affidavit in front of the Consular Officer and he'll make a photocopy for documentation at the Consulate on the day of your appointment.
In addition upon request from the Ministry of the Interior of the Czech Republic during processing of your application you may be obliged to submit:
- US citizens: If you have lived in any other country besides the USA for 6 months or longer in the previous three years, you are required to submit an Excerpt from Criminal History Record issued by that country.
Non US citizens:
- You need to submit a Criminal History Record from the home country with the appropriate verification (Apostille/superlegalisation) with the translation into the Czech language of whole document including Apostille.
- Criminal History Record issued by the official authority (it means from the FBI) with the appropriate verification (Apostille) with the translation into the Czech language of whole document.
5.8. Travel medical insurance
If your application is approved, prior to affixing the visa, you are obliged to submit a proof of medical travel insurance that corresponds to the specified conditions (not required if the foreign national subscribes to public health insurance or if the costs for health care are covered on the basis of an international agreement or if the foreign national can demonstrate that health care is covered in another manner), and, upon request, a document on paying the insurance presented in the proof of medical travel insurance.
From September 20, 2023 such insurance can be arranged with any insurance company authorised to provide it in the Czech Republic. Information can be found at: Medical Insurance - frs.gov.cz
More details concerning travel medical insurance are available also on the website of the Ministry of the Interior of the Czech Republic: https://www.mvcr.cz/mvcren/article/third-country-nationals-application-requirements-travel-medical-insurance-during-a-stay-longer-than-90-days.aspx
List of insurance corporations:
6. Visa application fee
For the visa fee, please click here -> Current Visa Fees
Visa fees are non-refundable.
Payment may be made online. If you are submitting your visa application by mail, you may include a written request for an online payment link with your application.
After reviewing your application, the Consulate will send a payment link if payment has not already been received (by cash or check).
Please note: There is no need for students to request a payment link, either by mail or by email. If no payment or request is included with the application, the Consulate will automatically provide a payment link after the application has been reviewed.
If you choose to include a written request, simple wording is sufficient, for example:
“Herewith I request that a payment link for the visa application be sent to me.”
(Date and signature)
However, please do not send separate emails requesting a payment link, either before or after submitting your application. Such requests are unnecessary and create additional workload.
7. Passport Collection / Post delivery
Collect your passport in person. Collection must be confirmed by your signature at the Consulate General.
Only in exceptional and serious circumstances may another person be authorized to collect your passport on your behalf. In such cases, a Power of Attorney is required, bearing your signature duly verified by a U.S. Notary Public.
The Power of Attorney must include the following information about the passport holder:
- First and last name
- Address
- Date of birth
- Place and date of signature
- Signature notarized by a U.S. Notary Public
The Power of Attorney must also include the following information about the authorized representative:
- First and last name
- Address
- Date of birth
- Signature notarized by a U.S. Notary Public
When collecting the passport, the passport holder or authorized representative must present a valid photo identification.
If the applicant would like the Consulate to send the applicants' passport back by mail during or after the visa process, the applicant needs to take this steps:
If you would like us to mail your passport back after the visa application process or if you require your passport during the visa application process, you may personally withdraw it.
(!) Alternatively, the Consulate can dispatch your passport upon request AS A COURTESY (!)
To arrange this, send us your written request along with a certified prepaid self-addressed USPS envelope with sufficient stamp or stamps (prepaid labels are problematic) to the address below, ensuring it has a tracking number for future reference. FEDEX & UPS are not accepted and we will not be able to dispatch your passport.
We recommend the USPS Overnight service
USPS Priority Mail Express Flat Rate Envelope - EP13F
For more information visit https://www.usps.com/
Please note that your passport will ONLY be returned to you upon receiving a written request together with the USPS self-addressed prepaid envelope within USA, not internationally. In a case of requesting your passport during the visa process, please keep in mind that after visa issuance (visa application has been approved by the Ministry of Interior), the passport must be resubmitted to our Consulate for visa stamping.
For future tracking we suggest you to make a record of the tracking number. We do not take note of tracking numbers and we are not able to answer any questions regarding tracking your envelope! It is our courtesy not responsibility.
Address of the Consulate you should send all visa related correspondence:
General Consulate of the Czech Republic
Visa Section
205 N Michigan Ave, Suite 1680
Chicago, IL 60601
Useful links
Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Czech Republic
Ministry of Interior of the Czech Republic