Frequently Asked Questions - Visa Procedure

Q:	How can I arrange my visa?
	By Dutch law, students cannot apply for a visa themselves. International Office assists admitted UT students with arranging visa formalities. All international Bachelor, Master or exchange students requiring visa or residence permit will be contacted by International Office and assisted with all visa procedures as soon as they have been (provisionally) accepted by the UT.
Q:	What is the IND?
A:	The IND (Immigration and Naturalisation Service) is the national office that handles all visa, residence permit applications and extensions in the Netherlands. International Office will contact IND on your behalf to arrange all visa applications. By Dutch law, students are not allowed to apply for a permit themselves.
Q:	How long does the visa application procedure take?
A:	International Office will send your visa application to the IND (Dutch Immigration Service). The IND may take two to five weeks to approve or deny your visa application. When the IND has approved your visa application, International Office will inform you about this decision by e-mail. You will be requested to contact the Netherlands Embassy/Consulate-General in your home country to pick up your visa. Please note that distribution times at embassies may differ; it might take time to get an appointment.
Q: Q:	How do I know you have successfully received my documents? Do you not send a receipt of my documents?
A:	As International Office receives large amounts of documents every day, we are unable to confirm receipt of all documents received. If International Office is missing any document necessary for your visa application, you will be contacted by e-mail.

Q	How can I get an Entrance Acceptance Form?
A	When you have completed all admission procedures and have been admitted to the UT, you will receive an Entrance Acceptance Form by email from Admission Office. You will be requested to fill in this form and return it to Admission Office before the deadline. For an overview of deadlines please visit http://www.utwente.nl/master/international/ When your Entrance Acceptance Form has been received before the deadline, International Office will send you an email with information about the visa procedure. Please note that International Office cannot start visa applications any sooner than four months before the start of your study programme.
Q:	When will you start my entry visa application?
A:	All international master, bachelor and exchange students requiring visa will be guided through the visa application process by International Office. After you have sent us your Entrance Acceptance Form, you will receive an email from International Office with steps to take. As soon as International Office has received all required information, we will start your visa application at the IND. Please note that International Office cannot start visa applications any sooner than four months before the start of your study programme.
Q:	How does the visa application procedure work?
A:	After International Office has sent your visa application to the IND , it will be processed in two to five weeks. When the IND has approved your visa application, we will inform you about this decision by e-mail. It is not possible for International Office to speed up the IND procedure. If IND has not contacted International Office about your visa application within five weeks we will contact the IND for further information.
Q:	Where can I pick up my visa?
A:	A: Once you have received an email from International Office stating that your visa application has been approved, you may pick up your entry visa at the Netherlands Embassy / Consulate-General nearest to your place of permanent residence.
Q:	When can I pick up my visa?
A:	International Office will inform you by email as soon as we have received a letter from the IND approving your visa application. In this email further details about picking up your visa will be provided. Once you have received an email from International Office stating that your visa application has been approved, you may pick up your entry visa at the Netherlands Embassy / Consulate-General nearest to your place of permanent residence.
Q:	I do not have my visa yet, but can I already book my flight?
A:	We advise you not to book your ticket as long as you do not have your entry visa. However, you may make a refundable reservation for a flight. Please contact the airline and investigate carefully if your ticket can be refunded in case your visa is delayed.
Q:	When can I apply for my residence permit?
A:	You do not need to apply for your residence permit yourself. International Office will apply for both your residence permit and your visa simultaneously. You will receive your residence permit soon after your arrival in the Netherlands.

Q:	When will I receive my Dutch bank account number?
A:	Before your arrival in the Netherlands, you can apply for a bank account for you at the ABN AMRO bank, with which we have an agreement. During the compulsory introduction period (Kick-in) you will visit the bank office in Enschede to activate your account. It is not possible to receive your bank account before your arrival in the Netherlands. For information about applying for a bank account, please visit http://www.utwente.nl/internationalstudents/uponarrival/
Q	How much does the visa application cost?
	Administration costs for the visa / residence procedures are €300,-. International Office will automatically deduct this amount from your scholarship or transferred amount and transfer it to the IND. The administration fees of the visa are determined by Dutch law: International Office cannot influence the costs of these fees in any way.