Rwanda student visa and study permit (U1)

Rwanda has no separate student entry visa class. Students enter on a visitor visa, which allows a change of status, and then apply for a residence permit in the study and research group. U1 is for a foreigner in Rwanda for study purposes and has the same meaning as a student in the East African Community context. U2 is for an occupational trainee who undertakes training or academic research to improve professional skills, for example an intern.

Two further classes sit in this group: P2 for a student of a recognised higher education institution who wants to work during holidays or has just completed studies, and H7 for a professional researcher not attached to a school or research centre, which needs a research permit from the competent Rwandan authority and costs FRW 150,000 for up to two years.

A first U1 application needs a travel document valid at least six months, a recommendation letter from the school, a sponsorship letter and, for students over 18, an original police clearance. Renewal needs the passport, a new school recommendation and sponsorship letter.

A U2 application needs a recommendation letter from the university or college, an original police clearance for applicants over 18, a detailed CV, a copy of the internship agreement and the academic transcript. Diplomas, police clearances and birth certificates must be officially translated into English or French, and police clearances are accepted as originals only.

Annex IV of Ministerial Order N° 06/01 sets the U1 fee at FRW 20,000 and the U2 fee at FRW 50,000; both permits are valid one year. The P2 costs FRW 20,000 and is valid up to one year. Citizens of East African Community states do not pay residence permit fees.

After approval, the holder applies for a resident identity card for FRW 5,000, provided the permit is valid at least six months. Permit fees are not refunded after a refusal or withdrawal.

The DGIE gives first-time residence permit applicants a 15-day grace period from arrival; after that penalties apply immediately. Ministerial Order N° 06/01 commits the Directorate to issue a temporary residence permit within ten days of receiving a complete file.

Once a permit expires, a five-day grace period applies for renewal or departure without penalty.

The U1 itself is a study permit. Students of a recognised higher education institution who want to work during holidays, or graduates who have just finished their studies, apply for the P2 with a copy of the employment contract, a detailed CV, the academic certificate for graduates, a police clearance for the last six months and a recommendation letter from the employer.