Student Visa (12-V)
Embassy required
- Maximum stay
- 365 days
- Processing time
- 30-60 days
- Fee
- $50 application fee + $100 visa fee
- Validity
- Duration of study program (minimum 6 months)
- Entry
- Multiple entry
Required for students studying in Ecuador for an academic or calendar year (6+ months). For semester programs (under 180 days), students can use a tourist visa with extension. Colombian, Spanish, and Paraguayan citizens pay reduced fees due to bilateral agreements ($30 visa fee instead of $100).
Eligibility
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Purpose of visit
For full-time study at a recognized Ecuadorian educational institution for programs lasting 6+ consecutive months
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Financial
Must demonstrate financial capacity to cover tuition and living expenses through bank deposits, family support letters, or scholarship documentation
Minimum funds: 10% of bank deposit forwarded monthly to student, or documented family/scholarship support
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Criminal record
Must have clean criminal record with apostilled police clearance
Documents you need
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Passport
Blank pages required: 1; Validity months: 6
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Photo
Count: 2; Specifications: Passport-size color photos with white background
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Bank statement
Minimum balance: Proof of financial solvency to cover living expenses; Months required: 6
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Admission letter
Must be notarized: No; Must be original: Yes; Must show program dates: Yes
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Police clearance
Validity months: 6
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Application form
Use the official application form for this route and complete all required fields.
Form name: Ecuador Student Visa Application Form (12-V); Form url: https://serviciosdigitales.cancilleria.gob.ec
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Proof of enrollment
Provide proof of enrolment or admission from the school, university or training provider.
Must be current: Yes; Must be original: Yes
How to apply
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Document gathering
Obtain admission letter from Ecuadorian institution, police clearance with apostille, proof of financial support, and passport photos
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Online application
Submit application through Ecuador e-Visa portal
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Fee payment
Pay $50 application fee online
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Document submission
Upload all supporting documents through the portal
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Processing wait
Wait for application review and approval
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Visa collection
Receive student visa approval notification