Student Visa Services involve specialized legal assistance designed for foreign students wishing to pursue education at authorized educational institutions in Georgia. Georgia is becoming increasingly popular among international students due to the affordability and high quality of medical, engineering, and business programs. The Student Visa (Category D3) is the first and essential step, which subsequently converts into a Study Residence Permit. This process requires coordination between the university, the Ministry of Education, and immigration authorities. It is common for students to receive refusals due to incorrect documentation or lack of preparation for interviews, making the assistance of a qualified lawyer critical for achieving academic goals.
Our service covers all aspects of student migration, starting from obtaining the visa to receiving the residence card:
- Obtaining Enrollment Order: Securing official enrollment documents and the rector's order from the university, which is the basis for the visa.
- D3 Category Visa Application: Preparing documents and coaching for the interview to obtain a D3 immigration visa at a Georgian consulate abroad.
- Recognition of Education: Handling procedures for the recognition of foreign education at the National Center for Educational Quality Enhancement.
- Study Residence Permit: Obtaining a student residence permit at the Public Service Hall after arriving in Georgia.
- Translation and Legalization: Notarized translation and legalization/apostille of certificates and diplomas.
- Bank Account Opening: Assisting in opening a bank account to prove financial sufficiency.
This service is necessary in various real-world situations. For example, an Indian student is enrolled in Tbilisi State Medical University and needs a D3 visa from the consulate in Delhi to enter Georgia. Second case: A Nigerian student already in Georgia under a different status decides to continue studies for a Master's degree and needs to change status to student residence. Third scenario: A minor foreign pupil enrolls in an international school in Tbilisi, and their parents need to resolve guardianship and visa issues. Fourth: A student's residence permit has expired, and urgent legal intervention is needed to prevent deportation and restore status.
Under Georgian legislation, specifically the "Law on the Legal Status of Aliens and Stateless Persons," a foreigner enrolled in an authorized educational institution is eligible for a D3 category immigration visa and subsequently a study residence permit. The residence permit is issued for the duration of studies but typically for no more than 1 year at a time, with the right to renew. The "Law on Higher Education" regulates the rules for enrolling foreign students without Unified National Examinations, which also requires the consent of the Ministry of Education. Proof of financial sustainability is crucial in the visa process, meaning the student or their sponsor must have sufficient funds to cover tuition and living expenses.
The process begins with enrollment at the university. Once the rector's order is issued, the lawyer prepares the visa package. If the student is abroad, they apply to the consulate for a D3 visa. After receiving the visa and arriving in Georgia, it is mandatory to apply to the Public Service Hall for a residence permit within 45 days. The application must be accompanied by a certificate of student status, financial documents, and a photo. The residence card is issued within 10-30 days. The lawyer's role also includes informing the student about their rights and obligations to ensure they do not violate the immigration regime.
Legal.ge is your trusted partner on the path to education. Lawyers featured on our platform specialize in educational law and immigration. We understand how important time and peace of mind are for a student before starting studies. with the help of Legal.ge specialists, you will avoid bureaucratic obstacles, fill out all documents correctly, and guarantee the start of the academic year with legal status.
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