Swiss Visa Application Materials

Step 4: Swiss Visa Application Materials – Due September 15th

Submit your visa application materials to OIS in one package

For your reference, we recommend that you:

• • Visit the Swiss Visa Web page

  • Download the Student Visa Checklist (PDF)

  • Prepare all documents listed in the Student Visa Checklist with the appropriate number of copies. Note: It is extremely important to carefully read the "Exceptions/ Additions" section below for additional guidance on completing these documents.

  • Submit all paperwork to the Lewis Global Studies Center.  If you are not on campus, please send your materials via FedEx (or other carrier that provides tracking information) to:

Angelo Pisano
Lewis Global Studies Center
5 Chapin Drive, Wright Hall 127
Northampton, MA 01063

Visa Application Form Instructions

• 1. Review the application guide (PDF) to enter the correct responses where applicable.

  2. Download the National (Type D) Visa Application Form.

  3. Type all responses, except the date and signature at the bottom of page. 

  4. Print three copies.

  5. Sign and date each copy at the bottom of page 3 using ink. Each copy must have an original, handwritten signature.

NOTE: Prior to completing the visa application form please review the exception/additions information below.

Exceptions/Additions to the Student Visa Instructions

Item 4: International students will need to submit a copy of their F-1 visa and I-20. The documents do not need to be notarized. If you are not an international student, this does not apply to you.

Item 5: Two copies of a confirmation/registration letter from the school, university, etc. in Switzerland. This will come to directly to the Smith study abroad office from Geneva. You don't need to do anything for this.

Item 6: Two copies of confirmation of payment of school tuition fees. This info will be in a letter from the Smith study abroad office to the consulate. You don't need to do anything for this.

Item 7: A statement containing exact details of income and assets, with official proof and/or bank statements (two copies each). The purpose of this item is to show you won't be dependent on Swiss public assistance while you are in Geneva. So while there is no specific amount of funds you must show, you do need to show that you or your parents have some amount of money available to support you in Geneva by submitting a recent bank statement. Be sure that the banking information you include states the account holder's name. If you submit a bank statement for an account that is not in your name, you must also submit copies of your sponsor's passport and a statement from the owner of the account, saying something like "Please see the attached bank statement for proof that I have sufficient funds to support my daughter, (your name here), during her study abroad experience in Geneva, Switzerland." The statement should be signed and dated.

Item 8: Two copies of previous diplomas and school certificates. Request an official Smith (or your home institution) transcript. Open it, and make a copy.

Item 9: Two sentences will suffice.

Item 10: Two copies of a résumé. This does not need to be a professional résumé but should still be in résumé format. 

Item 11: Two copies of a brief essay on your future plans. Be brief, no more than one page. Be sure to include that you will return to your home school to finish your degree following your term abroad.

Photo Requirements

• • Photos must be official passport photos taken against a plain background, without hats or smiles, etc. Face must be between 32mm and 36mm high, from chin to top of head. Please click here to see additional photo requirements (PDF). We have a hole punch in the OIS which can trim the photos down to the appropriate outside dimensions, but please ensure you follow the requirements for the size of your face in the photo.

  • Write your name on the back of each photo, and let ink dry to prevent smudges. 

  • Attach three correctly sized photos to your visa application forms, and paper clip the fourth photo to one application. If you have trouble getting the photo to the right dimensions in millimeters, the OIS has a cut out tool that can be used to ensure they are the right size.