How to obtain Portuguese Student Visa

Today, I will be writing about the list of documents I sent as the visa application and how to obtain them along with the costs.

Portugal Resident Visa - price in USD

Passport Photos     $0.69

Tips: I used Adobe Illustrator to adjust the photos in the required sizes as that is the software I am most used to using. After sizing the headshot in 35mm x 45mm and laying out multiple copies on a 4x6" sheet of paper, I sent the file to Walmart's 1-hour photo service to print out the photos. Cut out the photos into 35x45 mm and you're good to go!

Alternative: You can use pharmacy photo services such as CVS or Walgreens to automatically adjust the size of photos to the required passport size. I did not use this service because it was easy enough for me to adjust it myself. These services at pharmacies would cost around $15.

You might want to have a few copies if you're applying for a residency permit in Portugal. It will require the same size photos as a part of the application. Besides, it's always good to have a copy of your headshots in case you need them during your stay in Europe.

*below 3 items are for the FBI background check a.k.a. Identity History Summary Checks*

National Background Check Inc. (FBI certified channeler)  $65.00

With the basic fee of $55 for a first-class mail copy + an online copy of $10. You will only need a mailed copy; don't open the envelope unless you want to go through the trouble of getting an apostille. The online copy was for my own reference.

Ink Fingerprint Service $40.00

I requested 2 sets of copies on the form FD-258 at a local notary office (One cost $25; 2 for $40.)  It is recommended to send 2 sets of fingerprints in case the first one fails. The FBI can check another one for no additional cost. Depending on which FBI background check channeler you use, you can use a live scan (electronic fingerprints) and have them print a paper copy.

USPS priority mail $7.95

Priority mail is probably the cheapest way to send, with insurance up to $100 and tracking. Takes about 1-3 days to arrive. Use the USPS' free standard envelope to avoid the fingerprint cards being folded.

Alternative for the FBI background check: Request on the FBI website well in advance (currently 3-4 weeks to get the mail result; $18.) Go to a post office location to do an electronic fingerprint scan and have them send the prints directly to the FBI($50.) Total is $68, this is probably the easiest and the most cost-efficient way. If you are in a time crunch like I was, use a channeler to cut the waiting time.

VFS Visa Processing Fee $45.21+$0.89 Money Order Fee

Consulate General of Portugal Fee $106.64+$1.30 Money Order Fee

These two are to be sent to VFS with the other forms as a part of the application package. 

Tip: The money order fee is different depending on where you get the money order from. I got mine at Vons where they issue Western Union money orders. Places like Walmart will issue Moneygram money orders. USPS issues money orders at a higher fee of $1.30. However, I was told I sent an incorrect fee to the Consulate General regardless of double-checking with VFS beforehand (they tend to misinform people.) So in my case, I need to pay $15 to get a refund from Western Union on my incorrect money order or go to a check-cashing store and pay the fee. You might want to use USPS as their cancellation fee is much lower, which is $6.95.

VFS Shipping fee via FedEx $70.00 (round-trip; $35 one way)

A set of pre-paid shipping labels you will be issued by VFS to mail in your application. I asked VSF if I could use USPS priority mail but supposedly that's not allowed. But honestly, you could mail in using USPS priority mail which would cost only about $8, and add a signature service. You could even choose to bring in the documents in person for a counter-check if you live nearby. I ended up using the specified service which even failed to deliver my passport to my home, so I recommend using a service you trust.

Shipping Cost for Passport: $5

You will be asked to mail in your passport after they approve your visa. This depends on what service you use but I used certified mail which comes with tracking. I personally think this is enough since USPS is known to be reliable. 

Miscellaneous

Printing fee: $15.51

Tips: Definitely better to have your own printer at home since you will be printing a lot of paper. It will save time going to FedEx to print each time. Time to replace those empty cartridges.

Shipping Envelope: $1.36

Tips: You don't really need this since the shipping services have their own standard envelopes for free.

Total Spent for Visa: $359.56