New Graduate Schengen Visa Applications

Heading: New Graduate Schengen Visa Applications: What You Need to Know

For recent graduates, the world is their oyster, and Europe is a prime destination for young professionals seeking to further their careers while enjoying new cultures and experiences. However, before embarking on that adventure, you first need to apply for a New Graduate Schengen Visa.

A Schengen Visa is a document that allows you to travel freely to the Schengen area, which comprises 22 European Union (EU) countries and four other countries. The visa acquires its name from the Schengen Agreement, a treaty signed in the town of Schengen in Luxembourg in 1985 that laid the groundwork for borderless travel within the signatory countries.

If you are a recent graduate interested in applying for a Schengen Visa, here is everything you need to know.

Eligibility

To be eligible to apply for a New Graduate Schengen Visa, you must meet the following criteria:

– You must have graduated from a university or college in the last 12 months.
– You must not have previously been granted a Schengen Visa for a long-stay in the Schengen area.
– You must have a valid passport.
– You must have sufficient financial means to support yourself throughout your stay in the Schengen area(€ 70/day is the norm, although this may vary by country).
– You must have travel insurance that covers your entire stay in the Schengen area.

Required Documents

To apply for a New Graduate Schengen Visa, you will need to submit the following documents:

– A completed and signed visa application form
– Your original passport and a copy of it, which must be valid for at least three months beyond your return travel date and have two blank pages
– Two passport-size photos
– An acceptance letter from a university or a job offer letter or a work contract
– Proof of sufficient financial means to cover your expenses while in the Schengen area, such as bank statements or a letter from your sponsor
– Proof of travel insurance that covers the entire period of your stay in the Schengen area
– A fee payment, which varies by country

Note: you should start the application process about four to six weeks before the intended travel date.

Visa Processing Time

The processing time for a Schengen Visa application can take up to 15 days. However, the actual processing time may vary by country and on several other factors, including the number of applications received, the completeness of the application documents, and the need for further administrative processing.

Visa Duration

The duration of a Schengen Visa depends on the purpose of the visit and the country issuing the visa. As a rule, the maximum duration for a short-stay visa for student purposes is 90 days within a 180-day period.

FAQs

Q: Can I travel to all Schengen countries with a single visa?
A: Yes, a Schengen Visa allows you to travel to all 26 countries in the Schengen area.

Q: Can I extend my Schengen Visa?
A: Schengen Visas are non-extendable, but you may be able to apply for a new visa once the current one expires.

Q: Can I work in the Schengen area with a New Graduate Schengen Visa?
A: Yes, you may work if your visa explicitly states that you are allowed to work or if you obtain a separate work permit.

Q: Do I need to show proof of accommodation in the Schengen area?
A: Yes, you will need to provide proof of accommodation for the duration of your stay. This could be hotel booking confirmations or a letter from the individual who has invited you to stay with them.

Q: How much does a New Graduate Schengen Visa cost?
A: The visa fee varies by country but usually ranges from € 80 to € 120.

Heading: Conclusion

Applying for a New Graduate Schengen Visa can be a daunting task, but it is a necessary step in your journey to experiencing new cultures and enhancing your professional skills. By following the eligibility criteria and submitting all the necessary documents, you increase your chance of getting your visa approved. So, when planning your next adventure, make sure you take the time to familiarize yourself with the Schengen Visa application process. You will not regret it.