Vanuatu student visa

The student visa is for non-citizens who will take a course of study at a secondary, tertiary or technical institution in Vanuatu. Under section 31 of the Immigration Act, it is granted only if the Director is satisfied that the person is, or is likely to be, undertaking such a course, and for a period similar to the length of the programme. Students attached to a programme through an educational institution, or researchers sponsored by one, may instead fall under the social exchange visa, which exempts students on attachment from the fee.

The fee is VUV 15,450, reduced to VUV 5,150 for students under 18. The visa matches the length of the study programme, allows multiple entries and can be extended if the course continues. Section 35 of the Act allows the regulations to exempt certain classes of students from the application charge. The social exchange visa, which covers community support programmes, sponsored research, filming with a Vanuatu Cultural Centre permit and student attachments, lasts 12 months and costs VUV 61,800 for an individual, with students on attachment exempt.

Apply on the eVisa portal by choosing the student visa class, attaching your passport and proof of enrolment, and paying the fee. Apply again for an extension before the visa ends if your programme runs longer. Under sections 60 to 63, the Director may require applicants for an extended visitor, residence or student visa to lodge a security with an approved financial institution before the visa is granted. Its amount must cover the cost of locating and repatriating the holder and dependants; it is forfeited if a condition is breached and refunded, with written approval, within 7 days after permanent departure or the grant of a visa that needs no security.

Under section 37 of the Immigration Act No. 17 of 2010, a visa is granted only if the applicant is not a prohibited immigrant, passes the character test, does not have a contagious disease or mental condition that puts community health at risk, has provided any security required, and has the financial means to support themselves and any dependants. Under section 38, a sentence of 12 months or more, or several terms totalling two years or more, means the character test is failed, although the Director may waive minor offences committed at least five years earlier.

A refusal notice must state which criteria were not met and that you may ask the Minister to review it. Under section 58, the review request is made in writing within 14 days of the notice; the Minister must affirm, vary or set aside the decision within 14 days and send the reasons within 7 days. Under section 59, the Minister's decision can be appealed to the Supreme Court within 21 days.

Students must not take up employment or engage in commercial or business activity unless it relates to the study programme. Section 45 of the Act allows employment or business activity only when it is a required part of the course, even without a work permit. A change of visa status is not allowed, so a graduate who wants to work needs a separate work permit and employment visa application.

Under section 31(3), members of the student's family, meaning a partner and dependent children, may be granted a student visa for the same period as the student, subject to the general criteria and character test.