Visa
Aug 14, 2009
Visas and residence permits
To enter Holland for study purposes, Indian students, like inhabitants from most countries need an MVV, an entry visa. This is a sticker placed in your passport at the Dutch embassy in India, but it must be applied for well in advance. You will require an ‘authorization for temporary stay’ (Machtiging tot Voorlopig Verblijf, or MVV).
Application procedure
The regular application procedure for an MVV may take three to six months, sometimes even longer. The Dutch host institution can apply for an MVV on your behalf using a fast-track procedure. But to do this, the institution must give the authorities a financial guarantee, which they sign. Institutions will not always agree to do this. But it is worth asking the institution about the fast-track procedure, because it will save both time and trouble. The administration fee for an MVV is 433 euro if you apply for it yourself and 250 euro if the Dutch host institution applies for the MVV on your behalf.
Please note that immigration procedures can change at short notice. In 2008 the fast-track procedure will probably be the only way to get an MVV. The regular procedure, in which you apply yourself, will then no longer be an option.