Student Visa for Argentina: Everything You Need to Know
If you are planning to study in Argentina and stay for more than 90 days then you must obtain a student visa. This includes long-term courses in Argentina with accredited language schools like Expanish. To help you navigate the visa process smoothly we’ve created this easy guide with key information and valuable tips.
In this guide we will:
Detail the basic student visa requirements for Argentina
List the documents needed to get an Argentina student visa
Give step-by-step instructions for the Argentina student visa application
Answer some of the most common questions about student visas in Argentina
DISCLAIMER: This is an informative guide, based on available information from official government and other sources. It does not offer any rights or guarantees. Rules can change over time, and vary in different countries or regions, so always check information and requirements with official sources.
Quick Video Guide for International Students
Do I need a student visa to study Spanish in Argentina?
Most foreign nationals that want to take a study program that lasts longer than 90 days will require a student visa for Argentina.
There are two student visa options available:
Student visa for courses up to 1 year (“Visa de estudiante -365”): This is for those who enter the country to attend an educational program for a period between 90 days and 1 year.
Student visa for courses longer than 1 year (“Visa de estudiante 365+”): This is typically for those who will study an undergraduate or postgraduate degree at a university in Argentina.
The application process for both is similar, but here we will focus on the -365 visa, which is the most common for language learners taking long-term language programs in Argentina.
Documents needed for Argentina student visa application
Below is a list of the main documents needed to apply for an Argentina student visa. However, specific requirements may vary in different countries. As such, before attending your appointment we strongly recommend that you confirm with your local consulate exactly what you will need to submit for your visa application (including details about photocopies and apostilles).
NOTE: All formal documents must be apostilled by the issuing country and any document in a foreign language must be translated into Spanish by a certified professional.
Passport (original and a copy of the photo page). The passport must be valid for a minimum of six (6) months from the intended date of entry and have at least two (2) blank pages.
Completed visa application form (FSV): You can download an application form here. It needs to be filled out and signed by the applicant.
Two (2) current passport-style photographs: printed in colour, facing the camera, on a white background.
Enrollment confirmation: The institution you will study at must confirm that your details have been registered at the National Directorate of Migration (“Precarga de Datos Electrónica”). This must include the institution’s registration number at the Registro Nacional Único de Requirentes de Extranjeros (RENURE).
Study program: A letter from the school describing the course you will take in Argentina, including all your personal details.
Proof of funds: You must show that you can cover your study expenses and support yourself while studying in Argentina. You should bring a copy of your most recent bank statements as proof of funds for your student visa in Argentina.
Payment of a consular fee (around US$150): You can usually pay with a debit card at the consulate on the day of your appointment (TIP: most consulate do not accept cash or checks, check if yours accepts credit card payments).
***ONLY FOR COURSES IN ARGENTINA LONGER THAN 6 MONTHS***
An international criminal record: This must be issued by the competent authority in your home country and any other countries where you have lived for more than 1 year during the 3 years prior to submitting your visa application. These documents must be translated into Spanish by a professional (accredited) translator and apostilled and should be submitted within 3 months of being issued.
Sworn affidavit: At your visa appointment you may be required to sign a declaration in the presence of the consular officer stating that you have no criminal record in other countries, that you are not prohibited from entering any country, and that you are not claiming political asylum in Argentina.
***ADDITIONAL DOCUMENTS IF YOU ARE APPLYING FROM WITHIN ARGENTINA***
Criminal record in Argentina: This must be issued by the Registro Nacional de Reincidencia (website HERE).
Proof of address in Argentina: This can be done with a certificado de domicilio obtained from the local government authorities (if your address is in the city of Buenos Aires, you can apply HERE). A utilities bill or rental contract may also be accepted, though check with authorities first.
Proof of legal entry: Essentially a passport stamp or visa that shows you entered Argentina legally and have not overstayed.
Step-by-step guide for Argentina student visa application (outside Argentina)
These are the basic steps to follow when you are applying for a student visa at an Argentina consulate in your country of residence/origin:
Gain admission to a registered educational institution in Argentina (like Expanish!)
The first step is to be accepted at a recognised study centre. Once your admission is confirmed (usually after full payment), the institution will provide an enrollment confirmation letter that you will need for the visa application process.
Contact the relevant Argentina consulate in your home country to request a visa appointment.
You must usually request an appointment by email and may need to provide an enrollment confirmation letter and other information about your study program. (find your local consulate HERE).
TIP: Consulates recommend that you submit your visa application at least 45-60 days in advance of your proposed travel date to Argentina, though it’s usually possible to do so up to 90 days in advance. We advise that you request an appointment as soon as you confirm your study program and travel dates. It’s also advisable to avoid making irrevocable travel plans until the visa has been issued.
Go to your visa appointment with all the necessary documentation (as above).
On the day of the appointment you will submit all of your paperwork, pay any consular fees required and wait to be interviewed by a consular officer.
TIP: Be sure to take originals and copies of all your documents, which may also need to be apostilled and/or translated into Spanish.
Wait for your visa to be approved and stamped in your passport.
In most cases the regular visa process should take around 7-10 working days, though it may take longer in some cases. Once approved you must arrange to pick up your stamped passport (if it was retained by your consulate) or set an appointment to have your passport stamped.
CHECK OUT the differents Long Term course at Expanish. We can help with the student visa application.
How to Apply for a Student Visa in Argentina
If you are already in Argentina, the application process is slightly different, though the documents you need to gather are largely the same (as listed below). Here are the key steps:
Gather your paperwork and register on the RaDEX system on the Dirección Nacional de Migraciones (DNM) website.
Submit your application for a student residency permit (“residencia transitoria como estudiante”) via the online portal, attaching any paperwork as required.
Pay the relevant visa/residency fee either online via the RaDEX portal or at a participating local bank. The cost of an Argentina student visa for international students can be found HERE.
If you satisfy the requirements you will receive confirmation of an in-person appointment at the DNM to complete your application, where you must present all of your original documentation.
Renewing a Student Visa in Argentina
If you’re having too much fun on your long-term study program to leave when you original residency expires, you might want to extend your student visa in Argentina. The good news is that it possible to get an extension (“prorroga”) to your student visa, and here’s a quick guide to how to go about it:
Make sure to start the application before your original student visa expires.
Check what paperwork you a required to submit (more information HERE)
Apply for an extension via the RaDEX online portal, selecting a “prorroga” for the visa you were originally issued with.
Submit your full application, proof of payment and documentation in person at the DNM once you have received an appointment.
