English Forum Switzerland - Student Visa for an American Grad Student

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Student Visa for an American Grad Student

Hi,

I just had a quick question - I am an American student recently accepted for a masters degree at the University of St. Gallen for Fall 2011. I am currently living in Hong Kong and am looking to get my information in order to apply for the visa, and I just had a question about one thing needed for the visa. I am doing a 1.5 year master's program and was just wondering what amount of assets I would need to verify in order to prove that I have enough funding to be approved for the visa. Is there a certain cut-off number? Also is it ok to have these assets be in HK? I would really appreciate any input.

Thanks,
Paul

Re: Student Visa for an American Grad Student

First of all, congratulations.

I couldn't find any information regarding the canton of St Gallen, but I could for Zurich. I know this isn't what you wanted but hopefully it's similar for St Gallen and should at least give you an idea. Someone else probably knows more, but just wanted to get the ball rolling.

Quote:

Originally Posted by http://www.rektorat.ethz.ch/students/immigration/leitfaden_master_EN.pdf

You must produce evidence of sufficient financial means to support your stay in Switzerland. You can do this by providing bank statements and/or scholarship awards. The Canton of Zurich Migration Office requires confirmation from a bank with a branch in Switzerland (foreign bank with a branch in Switzerland ). As a rule, you should be able to provide evidence of having CHF 21'000 at the beginning of each year of your studies. The account must be registered in your own name and the currency must be Swiss Francs, Euros or US Dollars. Please note: Even big and internationally well-known banks are not accepted if they do not have a branch in Switzerland.

Hope this helps.

Re: Student Visa for an American Grad Student

congratulations, st gallen university is very good.

To be on safe side, you d better prepare at least 20,000 CHF for the visa. contact any one of the swiss bank (you probably will be able to find a UBS branch in Hongkong) and ask them to open an account for you. you will be asked to provide a bank statement from them. good luck :)