Step 7: Swiss Visa Application Materials – Due October 23

Submit your visa application materials 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 crucial to carefully read the "Exceptions/ Additions" section below for additional guidance on completing these documents.

• Submit all paperwork  to the Lewis Global Studies Center. There are yellow file folders in the mailbox outside of Wright Hall 121 which you may use to securely leave your materials.  If you are not on campus, please send your materials via FedEx (or other carrier that provides tracking information) to:

Angelo Pisano
5 Chapin Dr.
Lewis Global Studies Center, Wright Hall 121
Northampton, MA 01063

• Note: Students will eventually be sending (or delivering in person) their passports to the Swiss Consulate in New York. If you are going to be outside of the U.S. in the months prior to your departure, you may submit a request with your visa application materials to have your Swiss visa approval forwarded to a Swiss consulate in a different country. These requests are sometimes denied. Please contact Angelo for a template of a cover letter that you should plan to include with your visa application materials.  You'll likely need to submit this to the Swiss Consulate in New York again upon visa approval.

Visa Application Form Instructions

• 1. Review the 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.

Exceptions/Additions to the Student Visa Instructions

Item 4: International students will need to submit two copies 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 LGSC 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). You do not need to show a large balance in your bank account thanks to Smith's support letters outlining our financial responsibilities to you while on the program. This is often downloadable from your online banking portal. Screenshots will not suffice.

Item 8: Two copies of previous diplomas and school certificates. Request an electronic copy of your official Smith (or your home institution) transcript. What you have access to in Workday is not sufficient, please see the Registrar's Office website for instructions to request an official transcript. Note, you do not need to submit your high school diploma.

Item 9: Two copies of a résumé. This does not need to be a professional résumé but should still be in résumé format. 

Item 10: Two copies of a brief essay on your future plans. Be brief, no more than a few paragraphs. 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). CVS or Walgreens will print these in the standard 2"X2" US size. Do not cut your photos; the LGSC has a tool which can trim the photos down to the appropriate European dimensions, but please ensure you follow the requirements for the size of your face in the photo.

  • Attach three correctly sized photos to your visa application forms with a glue stick. DO NOT STAPLE