The Argentina Student Visa, Explained
You just got accepted for a semester study, or an internship in Argentina? Let's have a look at the student visa process. It can be a bit complicated, especially if this is the first time you file a visa application. This guide explains the path to obtaining your student visa and details the eligibility criteria, the necessary documents and associated fees, and the application process of course.
What is the student visa in Argentina?
A student visa in Argentina is designed for individuals who wish to study in the Republic of Argentina for a period exceeding 365 consecutive days. The visa application must be processed exclusively at the Consular Representation of the Republic of Argentina corresponding to the foreigner's place of residence. The process is personal and may require additional documentation as deemed necessary by the consular authority. If the student is a minor, authorization from both parents to apply for the visa and the name of the responsible guardian in Argentina is required. The visa application fee is $150, payable in the local currency where the Consular Representation is located.
Who can apply for a student visa? Is the student visa in Argentina right for me?
Foreigners who wish to study in Argentina can apply for a student visa. There are two types of student visas, depending on the duration of the study program:
Student Visa +365: This visa is for foreigners who intend to study in Argentina for a period longer than 365 days. The visa application must be processed exclusively at the Consular Representation of the Republic of Argentina in the applicant's country of residence.
Student Visa - 365: This visa is for foreigners who plan to study in Argentina for a period less than 365 days. The visa application can be processed at the Consular Representation of the Republic of Argentina in the applicant's country of residence.
Foreigners can change their immigration category or subcategory without needing to leave Argentine territory.
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Who does not qualify for a student visa?
Argentina Student visa eligibility
Documents required to apply for a student visa in Argentina
Documents required for all visas
- A valid passport with a minimum validity of 6 months from the date of entry into the country.
- Two current 4x4cm photographs, taken from the front, in color, with a white background.
- A completed visa application form, preferably in electronic form, signed by the applicant.
- Proof of habitual residence in the jurisdiction of the Consulate (utility bill or other supporting document).
Specific documents for this visa
To apply for a student visa in Argentina, you need the following documents:
- If the stay exceeds six months, and in the case of travelers who are 16 years old or older, a commitment to tell the truth or a sworn declaration of lack of criminal records in other countries, signed before the consul.
- If the student is a minor, authorization from both parents to apply for the visa and the name of the responsible guardian in Argentina.
- Payment of the consular fee, which is $150 (in US dollars or Euros, depending on the Consular Representation processing the application, payable in the local currency where the Representation is located).
A consular interview.
For documentation of studies conducted in Argentina (titles and diplomas, analytical, certificates of approved subjects, study programs, records of courses taken, etc.), the following details apply:
For university studies documents:
- Documents issued prior to 01/01/2012: must be previously legalized by the Ministry of the Interior.
- Documents issued after 01/01/2012 (including those issued with a digital signature from any University, for example, UBA): must have the legalization of the Directorate of University Management and Supervision of the Ministry of Education and can be intervened with an apostille or legalization with international validity.
For secondary or tertiary studies documents, the same rules apply.
What are the fees for the student visa in Argentina
The cost of a student visa application in Argentina is $250 for the consular fee, payable in US dollars or Euros, depending on the Consular Representation processing the application. Additionally, there is an immigration fee of $300 for MERCOSUR citizens and $600 for non-MERCOSUR citizens. However, the immigration fee should not be paid until instructed by the consular authority.
Student visa application process
Yes. The student visa in Argentina does have a specific application process. The visa is for studying in Argentina for a period longer than 365 days. The visa application must be processed only at the Consular Representation of the Argentine Republic corresponding to the foreigner's address.
The visa application process includes an interview at the consular office. If the student is a minor, authorization from both parents to apply for the visa and the name of the responsible guardian in Argentina is required.
The visa application fee is $250 (US Dollars or Euros, depending on the Consular Representation processing the application, payable in the local currency where the Representation is located). The immigration fee is $300 for MERCOSUR citizens and $600 for non-MERCOSUR citizens. The immigration fee should not be paid until indicated by the consular authority.
Frequent questions about the student visa in Argentina
Student visa application process
Yes. There are distinct subcategories of student visas in Argentina.
Student Visa +365: This visa is for studying in Argentina for a period longer than 365 days.
Student Visa - 365: This visa is for studying in Argentina for a period less than 365 days.
Yes. You can apply for a student visa outside Argentina before coming. The visa application must be made at the Argentine Consular Representation corresponding to the foreigner's domicile. The visa application requires the presentation of specific documentation. It is not stated whether you can change your visa status from tourist to student after arriving in Argentina.
The processing time for a student visa application is approximately 30 business days from the date the file is generated. This period only begins once the payment of the visa application is confirmed. However, there is no specific resolution time as it depends on the volume of applications.
Yes. There is an option to obtain an appointment faster by paying an extra fee when filing the residency application. See the visa fees page for details.
Student visa conditions
Yes. You can bring dependents or family members to Argentina together with you under a student visa. Accepted family members are the spouse, children, or parents of the main visa applicatant. The children must be under 18 years old or older with a disability.
You can stay in Argentina with a student visa for a period less than or greater than 365 days. There are two types of student visas, one for a period less than 365 days and another for a period greater than 365 days. Make sure you apply for the correct visa when filing your application.
Yes. You can travel in and out of Argentina without any restrictions on a student visa. The visa includes multiple entries and exits.
No. There is no age limit to apply for a student visa in Argentina. If the student is a minor, authorization from both parents is required to apply for the visa, along with the name of the responsible guardian in Argentina.
To prove financial support for your stay and studies in Argentina, you need to demonstrate sufficient economic means. This can be done by providing a summary of your bank account, credit card statements, or other financial documents as requested by the consular authority. You should also have enough funds to cover initial expenses of your stay, possess a return ticket or the necessary funds to purchase one, and have medical and accident insurance that covers hospitalization and repatriation costs for the duration of your stay. Additionally, you need to pay the corresponding visa fees and consular rates. Please note that the immigration authority may ask you to prove your tourist status, for example, by presenting your round-trip ticket, travel assistance insurance, hotel reservations, or proof of economic solvency.
No. There is no cap on the number of student visas issued each year by Argentina. The limiting factor is more getting accepted in an educational institution.
Working in Argentina with a Student Visa
Studies-related questions
No. There is no minimum course duration to qualify for a student visa in Argentina. However, the visa holder must demonstrate enrollment in an educational institution officially registered in Argentina.
Visa renewal / Permanent residency
Yes. You can switch to a different visa type while residing in Argentina on a student visa. The law states that foreigners can change their immigration category or subcategory without needing to leave Argentine territory.
Yes. It is possible to renew a retirement visa. You must renew it before it expires though. You can file the renewal application starting from 60 days before the expiry date, up to 10 days. If you are late, it is possible to renew the visa up to 30 days after the expiry date, paying an additional fee. After 30 days following the expiry date, it is no longer possible to renew a visa.
Yes. You can renew or extend your student visa if you continue your studies or take another course. The visa is valid for up to 180 days and can be renewed until the resolution of the requested admission. It allows visa holders to stay, leave, and enter the country, as well as work and study during its validity period.
Yes for permanent residency. No for citizenship. You can apply for permanent residency in Argentina after two years (Mercosur citizen) or three years (citizens from non-Mercosur countries). For citizenship application, you must first be a permanent resident. There is no direct path to citizenship from temporary residency.
References
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