Student visa for Switzerland, for students from U.S. Virgin Islands

You need a national (D) visa to enter, then a residence permit for study from the cantonal migration office where your university is. The canton decides, not a federal authority, and requirements vary.

Fees. For Zurich, the University of Zurich lists CHF 50-100 at the Swiss embassy or consulate, CHF 95 to the Migration Office, and CHF 162 for registration on arrival. ETH gives slightly different figures for the permit itself (about CHF 144 for non-EU students plus about CHF 40 for registration), which reflects how fees differ by office and permit stage. Budget roughly CHF 300-400 in total and check your canton's fee table.

The money is set by the canton.

• Zurich: the cantonal Migration Office treats CHF 21,000 for twelve months as sufficient. The University of Zurich states it can be shown through a Swiss bank account in your name or a guarantee declaration from a Swiss resident.
• Geneva: the cantonal office asks for CHF 20,000 for a year of study, or a regular income of at least CHF 2,500 a month, shown by bank statements or a sponsor's financial support form.

For other cantons, such as Vaud (EPFL, Lausanne), Basel, Bern or St. Gallen, check the cantonal migration office or your university's international office. Do not assume the Zurich figure applies.

Other documents. Non-EU applicants in Geneva must also provide a CV, a motivation letter, a detailed study plan, a criminal record extract and a written commitment to leave Switzerland after your studies. Many cantons ask for similar documents.

Timing. The University of Zurich tells students to contact the Swiss representation at least three months before they plan to enter, and notes that the visa is generally valid from only two to three weeks before the semester starts, however early you applied. Never enter on a tourist visa: it cannot be converted into a residence permit once you are in Switzerland. After arrival, you register within 14 days and have your biometrics taken.