Chilean student visa: How to get it?

Chile stands out in Latin America for its strong educational standards. If you’d like to learn about the Chilean student visa, you’re in the right place. Here, you’ll discover the available options to study university degrees or specialised short- and long-term courses in a country admired for its breathtaking landscapes, such as Patagonia in the Chilean south.

To obtain a student visa in Chile, you must choose the most suitable option, apply correctly, and know which course you’ll take before moving temporarily to Chile. We recommend staying connected with the internet services from our HolaFly eSIM for Chile.

When do you need a visa to study in Chile?

The Chilean student visa is required for foreign nationals who wish to pursue formal studies in institutions recognised by the Chilean government. This includes undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral programmes, academic exchanges, technical or specialised courses, and Spanish language programmes lasting more than 90 days.

If your stay in Chile is under 90 days and you’re taking a short course, you can usually enter with a tourist visa, depending on your nationality. However, if your course lasts longer, you must apply for a student visa before travelling.

Also, if you’re part of an academic exchange programme, many universities and organising institutions require their students to obtain this visa to comply with local immigration laws.

Types of visas to study in Chile

Chile offers a specific visa for international students. However, depending on your situation, there are several options that may suit you better. Below, we explain the main types available:

Temporary residence visa for students in Chile

This is the most common visa for those wishing to study in Chile. It’s intended for students accepted into a Chilean educational institution to pursue higher or technical studies.

Main features:

• This visa lasts one year and can be renewed if your studies continue.
• You must prove your enrolment in an accredited educational institution.
• You can include close family members as dependants, though they aren’t allowed to work in Chile.

Temporary residence visa under international agreements in Chile

Chile has specific agreements with certain countries to promote student mobility. For instance, if you’re part of an academic exchange between your home university and a Chilean one, you may qualify for this visa type.

Main features:

• It mainly applies to exchange or scholarship students.
• It simplifies some requirements, such as academic document validation.
• It’s available to nationals from countries with educational mobility agreements with Chile, like Pacific Alliance members.

Benefits of student visas in Chile

Student visas in Chile allow you to pursue formal studies and also offer extra benefits that enhance your educational and cultural experience. If you’d like to explore the scholarships available to study in Chile, you can read more about them here:

Temporary residence visa for students in Chile: What’s it for?

Benefits:

1. Legal residency: This visa lets you live in Chile during your studies without immigration issues.
2. Professional internships: Many programmes include internships you can complete with this visa.
3. Easy renewal: If your studies last longer than a year, you can renew the visa without leaving Chile.
4. Access to public and private services: With this visa, you can open a bank account, join Chile’s healthcare system, or choose a private plan.
5. Travel opportunities: Chile belongs to several regional agreements that make visiting nearby countries easier.

Visa under international agreements in Chile: What’s it for?

Benefits:

1. Easier entry to Chile: This visa simplifies arrival for international students thanks to educational agreements between institutions.
2. Fewer formalities: In some cases, you won’t need to legalise or translate academic documents.
3. Cultural exchange: Being part of mobility programmes gives you access to extracurricular activities organised by your host institution.

Requirements to apply for a student visa in Chile

To apply for a student visa in Chile, you must meet certain general requirements. These may slightly vary depending on your nationality or the educational programme you’re joining. Below, you’ll find the most common ones:

1. Letter of acceptance: An official document from the Chilean institution confirming your enrolment.
2. Valid passport: Your passport must be valid for at least six months from your arrival date in Chile.
3. Recent photos: Usually, one passport-size photo with a white background is required.
4. Proof of financial solvency: You must show you have enough resources to cover your stay. This can include bank statements or sponsorship letters.
5. Health insurance: It’s mandatory to have medical coverage during your stay in Chile.
6. Criminal record certificate: For long-term programmes, you might need to present this document issued by your home country.
7. Completed application form: You must fill out and sign the form before submitting it to the Chilean embassy or consulate.

Application process

1. Gather your documents: Make sure you have every required document in the right format.
2. Submit your online application: Most requests begin through Chile’s official Immigration and Migration Department platform.
3. Book a consular appointment: Once the first stage is approved, you’ll need to visit the Chilean consulate in your country for an interview and to show your original documents.
4. Pay the visa fee: The cost depends on your nationality and is usually paid directly at the consulate.
5. Wait for approval: Processing may take several weeks, so start your application early.

Temporary residence visa: What can you do in Chile?

The temporary residence visa under international agreements offers many benefits that simplify and enrich the experience of foreign students in Chile:

Benefits:

1. Legal residence during your studies: This visa allows you to stay in Chile for the duration of your programme and extend it if the agreement allows.
2. Access to scholarships and special programmes: Some agreements include extra advantages, such as tuition discounts, exclusive academic resources, or participation in research programmes.
3. Travel flexibility: As a student, you can explore Chile and even visit neighbouring countries with bilateral agreements.
4. Extracurricular participation: You can join university activities like seminars, conferences, and cultural events.
5. Cultural and professional exchange: This visa encourages interaction with Chilean professionals and international students, broadening your future opportunities.

Requirements you must meet for each visa type in Chile

The requirements to obtain a student visa in Chile may vary depending on the specific visa type. Below are the most common ones for each option:

Eligibility requirements for the temporary residence visa for students in Chile

1. Enrolment in an educational institution: You must present an official letter confirming your acceptance into a programme recognised by the Chilean government.
2. Financial solvency: You must prove you can cover living, housing, and transport expenses during your stay. This includes recent bank statements or sponsorship letters.
3. Valid passport: Your passport must be valid for at least six months upon entry.
4. Health insurance: You must have insurance covering emergencies, hospitalisation, and repatriation.
5. Criminal record certificate: Some applicants must provide proof of a clean criminal record from their home country.
6. Clear motivation: Depending on your nationality, you may need to explain why you want to study in Chile and how it aligns with your goals.

Requirements to apply for a temporary residence visa under international agreements in Chile

1. Participation in an academic exchange programme: You must be enrolled in a programme backed by a bilateral agreement between your home and Chilean universities.
2. Specific agreement documents: Some agreements require extra documents such as recommendation letters or a detailed study plan.
3. Financial solvency: Similar to a regular student visa, you must show you can fund your stay in Chile.
4. International health insurance: Your insurance must meet the standards set out in the agreement.
5. Authorisation letter from your home institution: An official document confirming your participation and academic commitment in the exchange programme.

How to apply for student visas in Chile

Applying for a student visa in Chile is a structured process that requires organisation and time. Below, we explain the main steps for each visa type:

Documents required to obtain the temporary residence visa for students in Chile

1. Completed application form: You can download it from the official website of Chile’s Immigration and Migration Department.
2. Letter of acceptance: An official document from the university or educational institution confirming your enrolment.
3. Valid passport: A copy of your passport’s main pages.
4. Passport-size photo: Check the official site for specific requirements.
5. Proof of financial solvency: Evidence of your income or sponsorship, such as bank statements or notarised letters.
6. International health insurance: Proof that you have valid insurance covering your entire stay in Chile.
7. Criminal record certificate: Issued by your home country and legalised or apostilled as required.
8. Payment receipt for the consular fee: The amount may vary depending on your nationality.

Documents required to obtain the temporary residence visa under international agreements in Chile

1. Application form: Available online or at your nearest Chilean consulate.
2. Participation letter in the agreement: Issued by your home university, stating programme details and duration.
3. Valid passport: Copy of main pages with at least six months of validity.
4. Proof of financial solvency: Includes bank statements, sponsorship letters, or scholarship documentation.
5. Health insurance: Ensure it meets the specific requirements of the agreement.
6. Criminal record certificate: Legalised or apostilled according to your country’s regulations.
7. Additional documents required by the agreement: May include academic reports, recommendation letters, or a detailed study plan.

Important note: For both the temporary residence visa and the international agreement visa, you must start the process online or directly at the Chilean consulate in your country.

Interviews and questions for obtaining student visas in Chile

The consular interview is a crucial step in obtaining a Chilean student visa. This stage helps immigration officers verify your documents, confirm your academic goals, and ensure your stay is legitimate.

What’s the consular interview like?

1. Duration: Interviews usually last between 15 and 30 minutes.
2. Location: They take place at the Chilean consulate where you submitted your application.
3. Format: Depending on the consulate, it can be in person or online.

Common interview questions:

1. Academic motivation:
   • Why did you choose to study in Chile?
   • What attracts you to your chosen programme or university?
2. Study plans:
   • Which course or degree will you study?
   • How long does your programme last?
3. Financial capacity:
   • How will you finance your stay and studies in Chile?
   • Will family members support you financially?
4. Ties to your home country:
   • What are your plans after returning home?
   • Do you have any responsibilities or a job waiting for you?

Answer confidently and honestly. Clear, consistent answers increase your chances of visa approval.

Where to submit your student visa application in Chile

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Chile offers several ways to submit your student visa application, depending on your current place of residence:

1. In person:
   • If you’re outside Chile, you must visit the nearest Chilean consulate in your home country.
   • If you’re already in Chile on another valid visa, you can apply at the Immigration and Migration Department offices.
2. Online:
   • Chile has a digital platform called the Consular Assistance System (SAC), where you can start your visa application from anywhere.
   • Through this system, you can complete the form, upload scanned documents, and schedule interviews.

Useful tips for choosing the right channel:

• Online platform: Ideal for a faster process if you already have digital copies of your documents.
• In-person offices: Best if you prefer direct guidance from consular staff or need extra support during the application.

How much does it cost to get a student visa in Chile?

The cost of a Chilean student visa varies depending on your nationality and the consular fees in place. However, the main related expenses are:

1. Visa cost:
   • The standard price for a student visa ranges between €37 ($40) and €92 ($100), although this may change based on your country of origin.
2. Additional costs:
   • Document translation and legalisation: If your academic certificates aren’t in Spanish, they must be translated and legalised. This usually costs between €46 ($50) and €138 ($150) per document.
   • Health insurance: Some Chilean universities require international medical insurance valid in Chile. The average cost of a basic plan ranges from €28 ($30) to €92 ($100) per month, depending on the insurer.
   • Transport and logistics: Includes travel expenses to the consulate or migration offices and postage fees when sending documents.

We recommend contacting the Chilean consulate directly to confirm the exact costs and plan your budget accordingly.

How long does it take to get a student visa in Chile?

The time required to obtain a Chilean student visa depends on several factors, such as the time of year, consular workload, and the accuracy of your submitted documents.

Estimated processing time:

1. Online application:
   • The initial stage, including filling in the form and uploading documents, usually takes 2–4 weeks for review.
   • Once approved, visa issuance takes an extra 1–3 weeks.
2. In-person application:
   • Document review and the interview process take around 4–6 weeks.
   • If corrections or extra documents are needed, the total time may increase.

Tips to speed up the process:

• Submit complete documents in the correct format.
• Start your application at least three months before your course begins to avoid delays.
• Check your email regularly and respond quickly if the consulate requests more information.

Lawyers for advice on student visa procedures in Chile

If you want to make sure your visa application process runs smoothly, consulting specialised immigration lawyers is an excellent option. Some of the most recognised firms in Chile include:

1. Visado Chile:
   • Services: They assist with document review, translations, and visa application submissions.
   • Location: They offer support both in Santiago and online for international students.
   • Contact: Their official website provides email and contact details.
   • Prices: Fees vary depending on case complexity, starting from €138 ($150) to €460 ($500).
2. Lex Chile Abogados:
   • Services: They offer immigration advice, legal representation, and visa-related problem-solving.
   • Location: Offices located in Santiago and Valparaíso.
   • Contact: They provide a phone number and online chat for consultations.
   • Prices: Initial consultations start at €92 ($100).

Frequently asked questions about student visas in Chile

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