Timor-Leste student visa

Timor-Leste has no separate student visa; studies are one of the purposes of the Temporary Stay Visa. The same visa also covers specialised activities (cultural, sporting, scientific research, journalism or highly qualified work), volunteering of up to 120 days, relatives dependent on holders of certain visas, and approved activities such as ASEAN intra-corporate transferees. Students must satisfy the decision-maker that they genuinely want to start or continue studies, are of good health and character, complied with earlier visas and will respect the visa conditions.

Besides the signed application form, students provide a travel document and copy, a 3x4 cm colour photo, evidence of subsistence, a return ticket or other means of departure, evidence of accommodation, documents showing the reasons for the visa and the conditions of stay, a declaration from the school or university, a medical certificate, a criminal record from the country of origin and from any country where they lived for more than a year, and any other supporting evidence. The immigration officer certifies copies free of charge when originals are shown.

Students already in Timor-Leste apply at the Migration Service headquarters in Vila Verde, Dili; others apply at a Timor-Leste embassy or consulate before arrival. Missions with immigration attachés are in Darwin, Beijing, Jakarta, Bali, Atambua, Kuala Lumpur, Manila, Lisbon and Singapore. The fee of USD 50 is paid in cash.

The visa is valid for the study period and may be extended by six months. Extensions are applied for in person in Dili with the visa extension form and USD 50, and take up to 30 days; lodging more than 15 days before expiry suspends the running of the current visa during processing. Students staying longer than six months notify the Migration Service within 60 calendar days of a change of address, name or nationality.

Relatives who depend on a student holding a Temporary Stay Visa can apply for the same visa as dependants; their validity equals that of the student's visa and they may not work. Each dependant submits evidence of family ties certified by the consular services of the issuing country, a medical certificate and a criminal record. Visitors who only attend a short course during a holiday stay on the 30-day tourist visa, which allows no professional activity; a longer programme of study requires the Temporary Stay Visa.