Step-by-Step Timeline
Complete process for obtaining your Ecuador Student Visa
Verify SENESCYT Accreditation
Before applying to any school, confirm it's accredited by SENESCYT (Ecuador's Ministry of Education).
CRITICAL STEP - Don't Skip!
- • Visit: senescyt.gob.ec
- • Look for institution in accredited universities list
- • Language schools, cooking schools often NOT accredited
- • Contact university international office to confirm
Apply to University/School
Submit application to your chosen SENESCYT-accredited institution.
Timeline: 2-6 weeks depending on institution
- • Complete application with required documents
- • Pay application fee (if required)
- • Attend interviews if needed
- • Apply early - programs may have enrollment deadlines
Receive Official Acceptance Letter
Get official acceptance/enrollment letter on university letterhead.
Timeline: 1-2 weeks after acceptance
- • Request letter from international student office
- • Ensure it includes: program dates, SENESCYT number
- • Get PDF and physical copy
- • Verify all details are correct before proceeding
Request Background Check
Obtain criminal background check from your country of origin (for applicants 18+).
Timeline: 4-6 weeks
- • US: FBI Identity History Summary Check (~6-8 weeks)
- • Other countries: Contact national police/background check agency
- • Get fingerprints taken if required
- • Request original document (needed for apostille)
Apostille Background Check
Get apostille stamp from appropriate government authority.
Timeline: 2-4 weeks
- • US: State Department for FBI check ($50-150)
- • Can expedite for faster processing
- • Keep original - you'll need it!
Translation & Notarization in Ecuador
Ship apostilled background check to Ecuador for translation and notarization.
Timeline: 1-2 weeks
- • Ship via FedEx/DHL to Ecuador (~3-5 days)
- • Certified translator translates to Spanish
- • Translation notarized by Ecuadorian notary
- • Cost: ~$30-50 total
Gather Financial Proof
Prepare documentation showing $400/month financial solvency.
Timeline: 1-2 weeks
- • Bank statements showing available funds
- • Scholarship letter (if applicable)
- • Sponsor affidavit + their bank statements (if sponsored)
- • Must show minimum $400/month or lump sum equivalent
Obtain Health Insurance
Purchase health insurance covering Ecuador for duration of studies.
Timeline: 1-2 weeks
- • Ask university about student health plans (often cheapest)
- • Or use international providers (SafetyWing, etc.)
- • Must explicitly cover Ecuador
- • Get policy document showing coverage dates
Create Portal Account
Register on Ecuador's digital services platform.
Timeline: 30 minutes
- • Visit: serviciosdigitales.cancilleria.gob.ec
- • Click "Registro" (Register)
- • Verify email and create password
Complete Application Form
Fill out all sections of the student visa application.
Timeline: 1-2 hours
- • Select "Visa de Residencia Temporal - Estudiante"
- • Fill all fields carefully
- • Have documents scanned as PDFs ready
Upload All Documents
Upload digital copies of all required documents.
Checklist:
- • Passport (biographical page)
- • Passport photo (JPG, max 1MB)
- • Acceptance letter from school
- • Apostilled & translated background check
- • Financial solvency proof
- • Health insurance policy
- • Birth certificate (if under 18)
Pay Application Fee ($50)
Pay the initial visa application review fee.
Non-refundable fee
- • $50 USD application fee
- • Pay via credit card on portal
- • Electronic receipt via email
Initial Document Review
Ecuador immigration reviews your submitted documents.
Timeline: 2-4 weeks
- • Check portal daily for status updates
- • Status: "En revisión" (Under review)
- • Monitor email for notifications
Rectification (If Needed)
Respond to any requests for corrections or additional documents.
You have 10 business days!
- • Check email and portal immediately
- • Upload corrected/missing documents
- • Respond within 10 days or application closes
Final Approval Decision
Ecuador makes final decision on your application.
Timeline: 1-2 months total
- • Approval notification via email
- • Portal status: "Aprobado" (Approved)
Pay Visa Issuance Fee ($270)
Pay the final visa issuance and ID card fee.
Fee: $270 USD
- • Pay online through portal
- • Includes visa + ID card (cédula) order
- • Electronic receipt via email
Receive Digital Visa
Download your student visa from the portal.
Success!
- • Visa generated automatically after payment
- • Download from portal as PDF
- • Print and present when entering Ecuador
Collect ID Card in Ecuador
After arrival, collect your cédula (residence ID card).
Timeline: 2-4 weeks after arrival
- • Go to local immigration office with visa printout
- • Register enrollment at university
- • ID card typically ready in 2-4 weeks
Apply to School Early
Start school applications 6+ months before intended start date. This gives you buffer time for visa processing.
Start Background Check Immediately
As soon as you're accepted, begin the FBI/background check process. Don't wait!
Work with University International Office
They can provide translator contacts, help with acceptance letters, and answer visa questions.
Monitor Portal Daily During Review
Respond to rectification requests within hours, not days. You only have 10 business days!
Get personal guidance through every phase of your student visa application.