1. Eligibility Requirements

The Student Visa (Index C316) is designed for foreign nationals who have been accepted into an Indonesian educational institution. To qualify:

• Sponsor and Acceptance: An official admission letter from a recognized Indonesian school or university, which will act as your sponsor. The sponsor must be registered with Indonesia’s Ministry of Education and Culture.
• Study Permit: A recommendation letter or study permit from the Ministry of Education, typically facilitated by your university.
• Passport Validity: Your passport must be valid for at least 12 months beyond your intended entry date and have at least two blank pages.
• Financial Means: Proof (e.g., bank statements) that you have sufficient funds (around USD $1,500–$2,000) to support your stay.
• Health and Vaccination: Up-to-date COVID-19 vaccination documentation and any additional health certificates if required.
• Work Restrictions: This visa is strictly for academic purposes; employment is not permitted.

2. Step-by-Step Application Process (Pre-Departure)

Start the visa application process 2–3 months before your departure. Your Indonesian university will help you coordinate the following steps:

Step 1 – Gather Required Documents

• Sponsor Letter: A letter from your Indonesian sponsor (usually your university) confirming their support.
• Admission/Acceptance Letter: Official confirmation of your enrollment.
• Study Permit: A permit or recommendation from the Ministry of Education (arranged by your school).
• Passport: A valid passport with at least two blank pages.
• Proof of Funds: Bank statements or a financial guarantee showing you have sufficient funds.
• Photographs: Recent passport-sized photos with a plain background (usually two photos).
• Medical/Vaccination Documents: Proof of COVID-19 vaccination and any required health certificates.
• Additional Documents: Depending on your circumstances, additional documents (like a birth certificate or a statement agreeing not to work) might be needed.

Step 2 – University Sponsor Applies for Visa Approval

Your university will submit your documents to obtain a study permit and then apply for your visa through the official immigration portal. This process includes:

• Submission of your documents along with the study permit request.
• Payment of a visa approval fee (approximately IDR 200,000).
• Processing time of about 3–5 working days.
• Issuance of a Visa Approval Letter (telex visa) sent electronically to the designated Indonesian Embassy or Consulate.

Step 3 – Obtain the Student Visa (VITAS) at the Embassy

• With your Visa Approval Letter, either print the e-Visa (if issued electronically) or visit the Indonesian Embassy/Consulate to have the visa stamped in your passport.
• Bring your passport, the printed visa approval, a completed application form, passport photos, and any required fees (usually around USD $150).
• Processing typically takes 2–5 working days at the embassy.
• Verify that all visa details (name, passport number, dates) are correct.

Step 4 – Travel to Indonesia

Once you have your student visa, you can travel to Indonesia. At the port of entry, present your passport with the visa and supporting documents (like your admission letter). Make sure the immigration officer provides the correct entry stamp indicating your student visa status.

3. Post-Arrival Procedures (Registering Your Visa and Obtaining a KITAS)

After arriving in Indonesia, you must convert your student visa into a Limited Stay Permit (KITAS) by completing the following:

• Police Reporting (STM): Report to your local police station within 24 hours to obtain a police report certificate.
• Domicile Letter: Obtain a domicile letter from the local district office (Kelurahan) within 7 days.
• Visit the Immigration Office: Within 7 days, go to the local Immigration Office with your passport, police report, domicile letter, and other required documents to apply for your KITAS.
• Biometrics and Fees: Complete your biometrics (fingerprints and photo) and pay the processing fee (IDR 1,000,000 to IDR 2,000,000, depending on the validity period).
• MERP: If you plan to travel outside Indonesia during your studies, ensure you obtain a Multiple Exit Re-Entry Permit (MERP) with your KITAS.

4. Visa Renewal and Extension

A student KITAS is typically granted for 6 months to 1 year and is extendable as long as you remain enrolled:

• Timing: Begin the renewal process about 30 days before your current KITAS expires.
• Required Documents: You will need an updated sponsor letter, proof of continued enrollment, your updated passport, current KITAS, financial proof, and recent photos.
• Fees and Processing: The extension fee is similar to the initial processing fee, and the renewal process may take 1–2 weeks.
• Overall Limit: Many student KITAS are limited to a total continuous stay of around 5 years, after which a new visa application may be required.

When you leave Indonesia permanently, remember to cancel your KITAS by applying for an Exit Permit Only (EPO) to maintain a clean record.

5. Important Regulations and Tips

• No Employment: Student visa holders are not allowed to work. This visa is solely for academic purposes.
• Travel Considerations: If you plan to leave Indonesia temporarily, ensure your MERP is valid so that your KITAS remains active.
• Document Updates: Keep your address and passport details updated with the immigration office and carry copies of your important documents.
• Avoid Overstay: Overstaying can result in fines of IDR 1,000,000 per day and serious penalties.
• Correct Visa Use: Always use the student visa (C316) for academic purposes; tourist visas are not acceptable.
• Stay Informed: Regulations may change. Maintain regular contact with your university’s international office and review official updates.