Document Requirements
Complete checklist for Ecuador Student Visa application
1. Valid Passport ⭐ CRITICAL
Your passport must have at least 6 months of validity remaining from the date of application.
Requirements:
- • Minimum 6 months validity remaining
- • Clear, readable biographical page
- • At least 2 blank pages for visa stamp
2. Acceptance Letter from Accredited Institution ⭐ MOST IMPORTANT
Official letter of acceptance or enrollment from a SENESCYT-accredited educational institution in Ecuador.
Must Include:
- • Official letterhead from institution
- • Confirmation of program enrollment
- • Program duration (start and end dates)
- • SENESCYT accreditation number of the institution
- • Full program name and level (bachelor's, master's, etc.)
- • Letter signed by authorized official
3. Proof of Financial Solvency ⭐ CRITICAL
Documentation proving you can financially support yourself during your studies in Ecuador.
Minimum Requirement:
- • $400 USD per month OR equivalent lump sum
- • Example: 12-month program = $4,800 minimum lump sum
- • Bank statements showing available funds
- • Scholarship letter (if applicable)
- • Sponsor affidavit with bank statements (if sponsored)
4. Background Check (Apostilled & Translated) ⭐ CRITICAL
Criminal background check from your country of origin (required for applicants 18+).
Processing Requirements:
- • Must be apostilled (or legalized if from non-Hague Convention country)
- • Must be translated to Spanish by certified translator in Ecuador
- • Translation must be notarized in Ecuador
- • Valid for 180 days from issuance to last entry into Ecuador
- • Required for applicants 18 years and older only
5. Health Insurance Policy ⭐ CRITICAL
Valid health insurance covering you in Ecuador for the duration of your studies.
Requirements:
- • Must explicitly state coverage in Ecuador
- • Valid for duration of your program
- • Can be international or Ecuadorian provider
- • Policy document or certificate required
- • Many universities offer affordable student health plans
6. Birth Certificate (If Under 18)
Required for applicants under 18 years of age.
Requirements:
- • Original or certified copy
- • Must be apostilled
- • Must be translated to Spanish and notarized in Ecuador
- • Parent/guardian consent letter may also be required
7. Passport Photo
Professional passport-style photograph meeting Ecuador's specifications.
Specifications:
- • Size: 5cm x 5cm (2" x 2")
- • White background
- • Recent photo (taken within last 6 months)
- • Neutral facial expression, both eyes open
- • JPG format, maximum 1MB file size
8. Visa Application Form
Official Ecuador visa application form (completed online or downloaded).
How to Complete:
- • Available at: serviciosdigitales.cancilleria.gob.ec
- • Fill out completely and accurately
- • Select "Visa de Residencia Temporal - Estudiante"
- • Sign and date the form
Verify SENESCYT Accreditation First
Before enrolling or paying anything, confirm your school is accredited at senescyt.gob.ec. This is the #1 reason for student visa denials.
Start Background Check Early
The background check + apostille + translation process takes 6-8 weeks total. This is usually your longest wait.
Financial Proof Can Be Flexible
You can show: bank statements, scholarship letters, or sponsor affidavits. If sponsored, sponsor needs to provide notarized affidavit + their bank statements.
Use Certified Translators in Ecuador
Only translations done by certified translators in Ecuador will be accepted. Remote translation services from your home country won't work.
Ask Your University for Help
Most universities have international student offices that can help with health insurance, translator recommendations, and acceptance letters.
School Not SENESCYT Accredited
This is the #1 rejection reason. Language schools, cooking schools, and some private institutions are NOT accredited. Always verify first!
Insufficient Financial Proof
Showing $2,000 for a 12-month program isn't enough. You need minimum $400/month ($4,800 for 12 months).
Acceptance Letter Missing Details
Letter doesn't include program dates or SENESCYT number. Ask your university's international office for the proper format.
Health Insurance Doesn't Specify Ecuador
Policy says "international" but doesn't explicitly list Ecuador as covered. Get a coverage letter from your insurer.
Background Check Not Properly Apostilled
Translation done in home country instead of Ecuador, or apostille missing entirely. Both will be rejected.
We can help you verify school accreditation, coordinate translations in Ecuador, and review your documents before submission.