My experience applying for the Estonian D VISA in New York City

Submitted by Triinu on

This blog post was written by our student ambassador Ashley Vanessa, who is a student of the Computer Science programme at University of Tartu.

 

Estonia has become a popular destination for international students, as it offers English-taught courses at all levels. It is becoming known for its educational system along with its relatively affordable cost of living compared to other European countries. This makes Estonia an increasingly popular choice for students seeking to study abroad. Estonia does not issue a specific study visa but issues a long stay D visa. With this D Visa you can apply for a Temporary Residence Permit (TRP) upon arrival in Estonia. This option is ideal if you meet certain conditions like if your studies last one year or more. 

There are several Estonian  embassies/consulates around the world where you can apply for a D visa, but most of them are located hours away from where I was at the time. There used to be an Estonian embassy in South America, but it had recently closed. Perhaps it will reopen one day, making the process more convenient for students from this part of the world. So, my choices were limited to Canada and the USA, and I ultimately chose the USA, specifically the New York consulate because it was the most affordable option at the time. Going to New York was an adventure in itself—visiting iconic tourist sites and experiencing the hustle and bustle of the city. It really does live up to its reputation as the city that never sleeps. The vibrant energy and the constant activities to do made my trip for my visa process a bit more interesting.

In New York, the application process is handled through VFS Global. While the VFS Global website occasionally goes offline, I found it to be intuitive and user-friendly when it was operational. And despite some negative reviews about VFS Global online, my experience with the visa application process was surprisingly smooth. I was a bit anxious during the process, especially since I couldn’t access the VFS Global website to check the status of my passport or visa. However, the consulate in New York was incredibly responsive via email, and they responded to all my inquiries on the same day, even within a couple minutes. They reassured me that they had received my passport and provided updates when it was dispatched back to VFS Global. The Consul and his team’s attentiveness and efficiency really stood out and gave me confidence that my application was being handled well.

Documents Required for the D Visa Application

It’s important to always check the specific requirements of the embassy where you plan to submit your application, as document requirements may vary slightly between locations. The documents for applying in NYC can be found here. If you have any questions that cannot be found on the site, don’t hesitate to email the embassy—they typically respond quickly, based on my experience and feedback from other students. 

Here’s a general list of documents required for the D visa application:

  1. Travel Document (Passport): Ensure your passport is valid for at least three months after your intended stay.
  2. Proof of Residence: If you’re applying from a country without an Estonian representation handling visa applications, provide proof of your legal residence there.
  3. Estonian Long-Term (D) Visa Application Form: Complete and sign the official form.
  4. Color Photograph: One photo (size 35x45 mm)
  5. Medical Insurance
  6. Proof of Financial Means: For students, you need to show you have at least €800 per month.
  7. Confirmation Letter from Your Educational Institution
  8. Visa Fee: Typically, €100, but always verify the current fee on the official website. 

Insurance Requirement

Medical insurance is a mandatory requirement for the Estonian D visa. For my insurance, I used one that was suggested on the school’s website—it only took 10 minutes to apply and get approved online. I strongly recommend following your university’s advice, as this ensures your insurance will be accepted both for the D visa application and later for the TRP application.

Booking an Interview

I booked my appointment to submit my visa application on the VFS Global website. Here’s how to do it:

  1. Complete the long-stay visa application form.
  2. Fill out the application form on the VFS Global portal and print it.
  3. Visit the VFS Global site to schedule your appointment. Choose a date and time that works for you and follow the instructions to confirm your booking and print the appointment.

Visiting the VFS Global Service Center

When I visited the VFS Global center, there was a long line to enter the building, but it moved quickly. I was only allowed into the building 15 minutes before my appointment. I arrived a bit earlier and had to find a cafe to sit and wait until it was my time to enter, so I don't recommend arriving early. I brought a printed copy of my appointment confirmation, as the security would not have let me enter without it. It's worth noting that laptops are not allowed inside, and you can’t use your phone while in the waiting area, so I brought a book to keep myself entertained. 

While inside the building I waited a couple hours before I was seen by an attendant. She was very cordial, using a checklist to ensure I had all my documents in order. I recommend also reviewing the VFS checklist beforehand. For example, she requested my proof of residence, even though this was not mentioned on the official Estonian website. I used my student residency application as proof. During our conversation, I mentioned that I had limited time to stay in the USA, and she noted this on my application file. After that, I waited a couple more hours for my biometrics and my photo to be taken. They also took my passport and sent it to the embassy/Consulate for visa insertion if my application is approved.

According to the official guidelines, D visa applications in NYC are processed within 30 days from the date of submission at the consulate. However, in my experience, I received my visa in just 14 days.

Benefits of the D Visa in Estonia

  1. Work While Studying: With a D visa, international students can apply for the TRP and work full-time while studying, provided their job does not interfere with their academic commitments. This flexibility allows students to gain valuable work experience and support themselves financially.
  2. Free Movement in the Schengen Area: A D visa grants you the ability to travel freely within the Schengen Area. This benefit makes it easier for students to explore Europe during their studies.
  3. Pathway to a Temporary Residence Permit (TRP): The D visa serves as a stepping stone for applying for a TRP once in Estonia.
  4. Free Public Transportation in Tallinn: If you reside in Tallinn, Estonia’s capital city, you can take advantage of free public transportation—a significant cost-saving benefit for students living in the city.

Tips for Success

  1. Bring a Copy of Your Passport’s Front Page: While not listed as an official requirement, VFS Global often asks for it. Printing this beforehand can save you the high fees they charge.
  2. Optional Attachments: I included a cover letter and proof of accommodation in my application, even though these were not explicitly required. I thought it would have been better to provide more supporting documents to strengthen my case.
  3. Inform Your School: Notify your school about the embassy where you’re applying, as they may need to send documents or confirmations to the appropriate location.
  4. Start Early: Begin preparing as soon as you receive your acceptance letter.
  5. Translate Documents: Ensure all documents are translated into English if required.
  6. Insurance Duration: The validity of your visa may depend on your insurance coverage. It’s best to get a policy that lasts at least one year, as recommended by most schools.
  7. Check Holidays: Be aware of Estonian holidays, as they may delay the visa processing time.
  8. Proof of Accommodation: Some students have successfully used a confirmation email from a student hostel or booking information from hotels/hostels to meet this requirement.
  9. Reach Out for Help: If you have questions, don’t hesitate to email the consulate or your university. They are usually prompt and helpful.

All in all, the application for the long stay visa was manageable. The process went smoothly and I was able to navigate it successfully. I highly recommend you apply and if you do start the application process early, stay organized, and follow the guidelines provided by both your university and the embassy/consulate.

Resources link

Tags

international student lifeStudent Ambassadorsstudent lifeStudent Life in Estonia
By subscribing to our newsletter, you agree to ourPrivacy policy.