HELP ON A SWISS STUDY VISA FOR A RUSSIAN FRIEND
Dear All,
I am helping a Russian friend with a “basic question” on getting the Visa D / Study Visa for Canton of Geneva. Maybe somebody had the same question mark and have already the answer.
Her idea is improving her French first and then enrolling in a Specialization/Master programme in her preferred field. She could start the French intensive classes relying on her Shengen visa (up to 3 months staying), released by another EU country, but then she needs to apply for a Visa D for a long term study (1+1 years).
Since she is a Russian citizen, apparently, the Swiss Embassy in Moscow seems the only entity which can release these visas, since 1st Jan 2014; but they said to her that decision is then taken at the cantonal level in Switzerland.
Do you know if she could follow all procedure for the Visa D application directly at Geneva OCPM Office (Rte de Chancy 28), when she is in Geneva?
This would really save her from a long and expensive trip to the capital city to open a dossier there.
Many thx in advance for what you can share or for directing to students who have been in same situation (e.g. who came here with Shengen visa and got the long-term study visa from here).
Be free to send me also a private message if you prefer so,
Many Thx,
Fabio.