Marshall Islands student visa (S-1)

The S-1 covers college-level study. Applicants need a formal acceptance letter from the institution and proof that they can fund their stay, and they must obtain the visa before entering the RMI.

Regulation 10 limits the S-1 to people intending to study at college level. The letter from the institution must give the name of the course, its duration and confirmation that the applicant has been accepted for the next academic year. The visa must be approved and issued before the student enters the country; a person arriving without a valid visa has to leave on the same aircraft or vessel.

Under regulation 17 of the Immigration Regulations 2009 a visa is issued only to an applicant of acceptable character and health who has not been deported or removed from the Marshall Islands or any other country, has no conviction for an offence punishable by 12 months' imprisonment or more, has not breached an earlier visa, has no link to terrorist groups, can support himself or herself and any dependants, and carries a passport valid for at least six more months. The Director may also ask for a bond where there is a risk the visa terms will not be kept, an onward ticket, further documents, an interview in person or by telephone, or an extra medical examination.

Besides the acceptance letter and proof of funds, the division asks for its standard documents: the 2025 revised visa application form, two passport photos, a passport valid at least six months beyond the stay, a birth certificate, police and medical clearances dated within three months, a bond payment or confirmed return ticket, the non-citizen registration application and proof of the fee.

Supporting documents must be originals or certified copies, and anything in another language must be translated into English by an official body or translation company acceptable to the Immigration Division. The health certificate must state that the applicant is free from HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis and other contagious diseases notified by the Ministry of Health, and both it and the police record must be issued within three months of the application. The form is completed in English and signed, by a parent or guardian if the applicant is under 18.

Send the full file to the Division of Immigration in person, by mail or by email. Incomplete applications are returned. The file passes the processing officer, deputy director and director, and a refusal is notified in writing with reasons.

The Director must decide within 21 working days of receiving a complete application and must give reasons for any refusal. Where the Director approves an application on electronic or faxed copies, a letter of authorisation can be issued so that the applicant may board and enter, with the visa then issued on arrival.

The regulations prohibit S-1 holders from changing to another visa status while in the Marshall Islands, so a student who wants to work or stay for another purpose has to apply under the relevant category from outside. A student visa can be renewed by application to the Director on the prescribed form. Anyone staying more than six consecutive months must obtain an alien registration card, which expires every 31 December and is renewed annually between 1 November and 31 December, with a 55 US dollar late fee; the card must be carried at all times. A visa can be revoked with immediate effect for a later conviction, false or misleading information, forged documents, breach of conditions or conduct prejudicial to peace and good order.

S-1 holders may not take employment or run a business. The visa is valid for up to 12 months and allows multiple entries; renew it at the Division of Immigration before it expires.