Belgium Student Visa Processing Time for Indians 

To apply for a Belgium student visa you must know its processing time. The reason is, during this time the decision regarding the Belgium student visa application is made. A Belgium student visa is a D visa (or national long-stay visa) given to international students to pursue full-time studies at an educational institution in Belgium. This visa is only available for programs that are longer than 90 days. This blog covers everything you need to know about the Belgium student visa processing time.

What is the Belgium Student Visa Processing Time?

As per Belgium Article 61/1/1 of the law of December 15, 1980, the authorities responsible for examining the visa applications must decide within 90 days of issuing an acknowledgement of receipt of the application. This means that the Belgium student visa processing time is 90 days.

However, the processing time for studies at higher educational institutions generally takes much longer. This is because priority is given to applications to study at a public higher educational institution in Belgium.

Therefore, every year the Belgian Immigration Office refuses student visa applications that cannot be examined. As a result, if you are applying for a student visa you must know that due to the large number of visa applications, the Belgium authorities may not be able to decide on the specified date.

Belgium Student Visa: An Overview 

Belgium is a part of the Schengen area. Therefore, two types of visas are available for education. Those who want to undertake studies in less than 90 days will have to apply for a Schengen short-term visa.  On the other hand, to study full-time at a higher educational institution longer than 90 days you need to apply for a D visa or a National long-stay visa. Therefore, if you want to enrol in an undergraduate or postgraduate program you need a D visa.

Belgium Student Visa Requirements 

You need to present several documents for a smooth visa application process. After these documents have been received the Belgium student visa processing time takes 90 days. The following documents are required to apply for the visa.

• Duly filled out the visa application form 
• A passport that is valid for a minimum of 12 months 
• Proof of having sufficient funds to cover your expenses during your stay in Belgium. You need a minimum of  €803 per month.
• A medical certification, and certificate of clean record 
• Offer letter from a university in Belgium, and academic records 
• A supporting letter explaining your choice of studies 
• Proof of English language proficiency. For example, IELTS or TOEFL score 
• If you are below the age of 18 you need to provide proof of authorization from parents/guardians 
• You must also have health insurance that covers all the health risks for the duration of your stay
• Proof of visa application fee payment. That is, the fee receipt 
• If training is a part of the professional framework, the file must include the employer’s certificate and the requirement to pursue the selected course of study.

Documentation that is not in English, Dutch, or French needs to be translated by a sworn translator and legalised.

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Application Process for a Belgium Student Visa 

The application process for a Belgium student visa is as follows: Note; You cannot fill the visa application online.

• You need an offer letter from a university to study in Belgium
• Next, you need to contact the nearest consulate or embassy in Belgium. You will have to personally visit the location. Then you need to submit the relevant documents.
• After you have submitted your visa application, the same will be forwarded to the Aliens Office. The Aliens Office will make the final decision regarding your visa application. 
• The Belgium student visa processing time is 90 days. During this time, your application will be accessed.
• You will be informed of the visa application decision
• Once you have received your visa, you can travel to Belgium 
• Lastly, you need to visit the municipal administration offices in the town you are studying to register. The registration must be done within 8 days of arrival. Registration on the aliens register is mandatory to receive your residence permit (A card).

To learn more about Beligum student visa application watch this video

Learn about applying for a visa to study abroad

Belgium Student Visa Fees 

Another important thing to consider while applying for a Belgium student visa is the student visa fees. You need to pay the fees for the visa processing. The Begium student visa processing time is 90 days after the payment of fees.

Particulars	Fees
Below the age of 18, and you are a recognised stateless person who has lost nationality against your will	Free
For a residence permit (D visa) longer than 90 days (for studies in a private institution)	229 euros
For a residence permit (D visa) longer than 90 days (for studies in a public institution)	237 euros
Family members of a foreign student (Card A)	206 euros

Can I Work with a Belgium Student Visa?

As an international student, you are allowed to work during the university holiday period. To work during this time you do not need a work permit. You can work in Belgium with a student contract. For the student contract, your nationality is taken into consideration. The hours are not restricted during the holiday period. For example, Christmas, summer breaks, etc. On regular days, you can work part-time up to 20 hours per week.

What to Do in Case of a  Belgium Student Visa  Rejection?

The Aliens Office decides whether to grant you a student visa or not. In case, you have been refused a student visa, the reason for the same will be provided in the visa rejection letter. In case of a visa refusal you have 2 options:

1. Reapplication. The first option is to reapply for the visa. Identify why your Belgium student visa application has been rejected. Next, take the necessary steps to correct the same and reapply. For example, if your student visa application has been refused due to lack of funds ensure that you have sufficient funds before you reapply. 
2. Appeal. It is possible to appeal against the decision taken by visa authorities. You can file for a visa appeal if you feel the visa decision has been unfair. For the appeal, you need to write a convincing letter. The letter must include-your details, the date of your visa application rejection, the reason for the refusal, evidence and explanation as to why you think the visa decision has been unfair, and your signature.

FAQs

We hope you now understand the Belgium student visa processing time. Want to apply for a Visa for your study abroad journey? Drop us a comment in the section below, or you can connect with a visa expert at Leverage Edu, and we will guide you on your dream journey!