Green card holders, including those with F1, I-20, H1B, and similar statuses, must obtain a valid Sweden Schengen visa for green card holders before embarking on their journey, unlike U.S. citizens who do not require a Schengen visa to travel to Sweden (although they need to complete a pre-authorization known as ETIAS). But the question remains:
How can this be accomplished?
The process is not straightforward, as each Schengen country has its own unique method for obtaining a Schengen visa.
How can you secure an appointment? What documentation is necessary? Where should you submit your Sweden visa application?
These inquiries will be thoroughly addressed here, especially for individuals residing in the United States.
However, if you prefer to entrust us with the complexities of the visa application process, you have the option to take advantage of our exceptional Schengen visa consultation service. Over the last eight years, we have successfully assisted more than 50,000 customers in obtaining their visas.
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Can I apply for a Sweden Schengen visa in the US or must I return home?
No. You can initiate your application for a Sweden Schengen visa in the United States through either a consulate or an authorized visa facilitation service assigned to your jurisdiction of residence. Returning to your home country for the application is unnecessary.
Is a Schengen visa for Sweden applicable to US Green card holders?
Yes, the Schengen Area Free Movement Agreement prioritizes your nationality (the country for which you hold a passport) over your country of residence. If your nationality does not have a free movement agreement with the Schengen Area, you will require a Sweden Schengen Visa to visit, even if you are a Green Card holder, F1 (I-20), H1B, G1, J1, or hold other visa types.
To determine if you need a visa and what type is applicable to your situation, you can utilize the “Visa wizard” tool.
Do citizens of the United States need a visa to enter Sweden?
For U.S. citizens, traveling to Sweden is relatively straightforward. If you plan to visit Sweden for tourism, business, short-term studies, cultural or sporting events, or medical treatment, you don’t need a visa, as long as your stay does not exceed 90 days within a 180-day period.
However, if you intend to live, study, or work in Sweden for an extended period, you’ll need to apply for a National (D) Visa.
Starting in 2024, there’s an additional requirement for U.S. citizens who wish to visit Sweden or any other Schengen area country. You’ll be required to obtain an ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorization System) before your trip. ETIAS is an electronic travel permit designed for travelers from visa-exempt countries, allowing them to visit Schengen countries without a traditional visa application. This permit will be valid for three years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first.
How do U.S. permanent residents visit Sweden with Schengen visas?
The Swedish Government has outsourced the visa processing services for Swedish Consular Offices in the United States to an external company, VFS Visa application center. All your Swedish Schengen visa applications in the U.S., you will be required to apply through VFSGlobal Visa application center.
The next step is getting an appointment for Sweden visa with the consulate in the right jurisdiction.
How to apply for Sweden Schengen visa as a US Green card holders?
VFS Visa application center has taken responsibility to handle the Sweden Schengen visa applications. Therefore follow the steps to get your Swedish visa easily:
- Identify type of visa
- Complete your visa application
- Schedule an appointment for your visa
- Gather all required documents
- Pay your visa fees at VFS visa application center
- Visit a Visa application center along with your documents
- Track your visa application
What are the Requirements for a Sweden Schengen visa?
1. Sweden Schengen visa form
The applicant must fill out all of the parts of an official application form and sign it. If the person applying is under 18, one of their parents must sign the form.
You can download your Sweden Schengen visa application form here. Do note that not all Sweden Schengen visas applications are the same, when you are applying for Sweden the content is in Swedish.
To know how to fill Sweden Schengen visa application form, visit here.
A round trip flight itinerary can serve as a suitable alternative for visa application purposes without the need to purchase a fully paid flight ticket in advance. This approach is recommended to avoid the risk of financial losses in case your visa application is rejected. Once your visa is approved, you can proceed to book the actual flight ticket.
2. Flight Itinerary for Sweden US Green Card Schengen Visa
Creating a dummy flight itinerary for your Sweden Schengen visa application is a practical approach to minimize the financial risk associated with purchasing fully paid flight tickets before your visa is approved. Here’s how you can do it:
Keep in mind that while creating a dummy flight itinerary is a common and practical approach, it’s important to ensure that the information provided is accurate and aligns with your intended travel plans. Misrepresenting information in your visa application can lead to complications or rejections. Additionally, make sure to check the specific requirements and guidelines provided by the Belgian consulate where you are submitting your visa application.
By following these steps, you can present a flight itinerary that demonstrates your travel plans while safeguarding your finances until your visa is approved.
- Arrival and departure from the Schengen area
- Departure and arrival to the United States of America
You can know more about flight itinerary for Schengen visa.
3. Travel Insurance
To fulfill the travel insurance requirement for a Sweden Schengen visa, you will need a Certificate of Insurance from a reputable insurance company. This certificate should specify the following details:
- Name of the applicant.
- Dates of coverage (which should align with your planned travel dates).
- Repatriation coverage.
- Minimum coverage of €30,000 or $50,000.
- Ensure that there are no deductibles included in the insurance consumables.
You can obtain the required insurance from a reputable insurance provider by following the provided link or contacting them directly to ensure the insurance policy meets the Schengen visa requirements.
Your insurance must also cover other countries that you plan to visit (if any) . Know more about insurance for Sweden Schengen visa here.
4. Cover letter for Sweden Visa for the Schengen Area
Crafting a well-written visa letter, often called a cover letter, is a vital step when applying for a Sweden Schengen visa. The visa officer at the Swedish consulate typically reviews this document first, making it your initial opportunity to make a compelling case for your visa application’s approval. Therefore, it’s crucial to create a persuasive cover letter that supports your Sweden Schengen visa application.
5. Sweden Schengen visa photo specification
A recent passport-size color photo, taken against a light background, with the applicant facing forward and without any dark or reflective eyeglasses or clothing covering the face, must be affixed to the application. For infants and toddlers, their photos should not depict a parent holding them.
Get more information here on Photograph according to visa specification
6. An Active Passport
You need to provide a copy of the original passport pages that contain biometric data and any previous Schengen visas. It’s essential that your passport remains valid for at least three months after you plan to leave the Schengen area, and it should have a minimum of two blank pages available for visa stamps. Passports that are more than 10 years old are typically not accepted.
7. Proof of Residence
When applying for a Schengen visa in the United States, you’ll need to provide proof of your current residence in the area where the consulate is located, as well as proof of your legal residence in the United States. Here are the acceptable documents for these purposes:
Proof of Area Residence:
- State ID
- Driver’s License
- Student ID
Proof of Legal Residence in the United States:
- Original and copy of Permanent Resident Card (Green card)
- Valid US long-term Visa
- For F1 student visas: Original and copy of I-20 form
Please note that if you hold a B-1/B-2 visa, you cannot apply for a Schengen visa in the United States; you must submit your application in your country of permanent residence.
8. Invitation Letter
A letter of invitation from either the Swedish company or the local company, outlining the contact person and address in Sweden, as well as the objective of the visit and who will fund the associated expenses.
9. Proof of Accommodation
When applying for a Sweden Schengen visa, it’s essential to demonstrate that you have your accommodation arrangements in order. Here’s what you’ll need:
For Hotel or Hostel Stays:
- Proof of hotel or hostel bookings for each city and country you plan to visit.
For Staying with Someone:
- Original invitation issued by the local police station, endorsed by a citizen or legal resident of Sweden who will be hosting you during your stay.
Make sure to have the necessary documents based on your accommodation arrangements.
To know more about proof of accommodation for Sweden Visa.
10. Proof of Sustenance
To meet the financial requirements for your Sweden Schengen visa application, you’ll need to demonstrate that you have sufficient funds to cover your expenses during your stay. Here’s what’s typically required:
- Proof of Funds: You should show that you have access to a minimum of USD $115 per day per person for your stay in the Schengen area.
- Financial Documents: Valid financial documents can include your bank statements for the last 3 months or your most recent credit card statement.
Ensure you provide the necessary financial evidence to support your visa application.
11. Proof of Income
Depending on your employment or student status, you’ll need to provide specific documents to support your Sweden Schengen visa application:
- For Employees:
- An updated employer letter indicating your position, length of employment, and salary. Alternatively, you can provide the latest three payment stubs.
- For Students:
- A registration letter from your school, college, or university.
- For Self-Employed Individuals:
- Your last year’s Income Tax Return.
- A “Good Standing Certificate” issued by the Secretary of State.
- For Financial Dependents:
- Provide your last joint Income Tax Return or joint bank statements.
- Make sure to include the relevant documentation based on your status to strengthen your visa application.
- Leave Approval letter for Sweden Schengen visa letter from your current employer.
12. Additional Documentation for Minors
When applying for a Sweden Schengen visa for a minor, you’ll need to provide the following additional documents:
- Written permission from the minor’s parents or guardians, which must be notarized, allowing the minor to travel abroad.
- The minor’s birth certificate, both the original and a copy.
- It’s essential to have these documents in order, and if one parent cannot be present during the application, written permission from the absent parent must be provided for the visa application to proceed.
Do I need to buy ticket before applying for visa?
No. You don’t have to buy a flight ticket before you apply for a visa. Instead, you can present a flight itinerary which you can book without paying the full price of the travel ticket and once you obtain your visa you can purchase the real flight ticket.
Who can Apply for Sweden visa in United States?
- If you’re a citizen of a country other than Sweden and you plan to spend the majority of your time during your trip to the Schengen area in Sweden, especially if Sweden is your main or sole destination in Europe, here’s the key consideration:
- If the duration of your stay in Sweden is equal to the number of days you’ll spend in any other Schengen country, it’s advisable to submit your visa application with Sweden only, particularly if Sweden is your primary destination.
Where should I book Sweden visa appointment in US?
To schedule an appointment for your Sweden Schengen visa application, you should contact the VFS Global Visa application center that serves your specific jurisdiction. As previously mentioned, there are seven VFS for Sweden in the United States.
You can conveniently book your appointment online through the respective website of the branch responsible for your region. This ensures that you have an organized and smooth application process.
VFS Global – Apply for Sweden Schengen Visa in Washington
VFS Global – Apply for Sweden Schengen Visa in New York
VFS Global – Apply for Sweden Schengen Visa in Chicago
VFS Global – Apply for Sweden Schengen Visa in San Francisco
VFS Global – Apply for Sweden Schengen Visa in Houston
When will I receive my Schengen visa for Sweden in US?
The processing time for a Sweden Schengen visa application is typically 15 working days from the day after the application is submitted. However, this time frame may be extended to 45 working days if additional documentation is required or if an interview is deemed necessary.
In some cases, applicants from specific countries may be required to have an interview with central officials, which can potentially lengthen the processing time. During this period, the Consular Office may request any missing documents, seek additional information or data, and may even call the applicant for a personal interview to make an informed decision regarding the visa application.
What happens on Sweden visa appointment day for Green card holders?
On the appointment day, your documents will be verified and by the BLSS official and if any of the documents are not fine, for example you have got the wrong type of insurance or your photo will be of the wrong specification, you will be asked to get a new one from their in-house studio or experts (at an exorbitant price).
So it is important that you make no mistakes here and have the consultation of Schengen experts such as ourselves.
During the passport application process, the applicant’s biometrics, including facial features and fingerprints, will be collected. Notably, fingerprinting is not required for individuals under the age of 12 or for those whose fingerprints have been collected within the last 59 months. However, if an applicant’s fingerprints are of insufficient quality, the Consular Office may request the applicant to return for another fingerprint collection.
It’s important to note that possessing a visa doesn’t automatically guarantee entry into the Schengen area. Travelers are still required to meet all the legal entry requirements set by the destination country.
What should I do if I am denied a visa to Sweden?
If a visa application is denied, the applicant has the option to appeal the decision to the Consular Office within one month of receiving the notification of refusal. Additionally, if the appeal to the Consular Office is also unsuccessful, the applicant can pursue judicial review through the High Court Justice of Madrid.
The judicial review application must be submitted within two months of receiving notice of the visa refusal or the dismissal of the reconsideration appeal.
Which categories of Sweden visas are available to green card holders?
- Sweden Transit Visa : If you are having a layover in one of the airports of Sweden, then you may need to get a transit visa.
- Sweden Tourist Visa : Want to backpack across the Alps of Sweden ? Then you can get a tourist visa for a maximum period of 90 days.
- Sweden Visitor visa : This visa if for those who have a relative or friend who is living in Sweden.
- Sweden Business visa : If you are attending any trade fair, meeting clients or engaging in any business related activity you need a business visa.
- Sweden Diplomat visa : for official visits of national delegations or government officials.
- Sweden Medical visa : If you want to get some surgery or medical treatment in Sweden.
- Sweden Student Visa : Enrolling in a university in Sweden. Then you can get a student visa or study visa.
- Sweden visa for Sports, Film Crew : If you are attending any football event or shooting a movie ? then you need to get a culture visa.
- Sweden Spouse Visa : If you want to join your spouse who either is a citizen or has a work permit for Sweden.
FAQ – Sweden visa for green card holders
How to book an appointment for Sweden visa for green card holders?
You will need to determine your jurisdiction for visa appointment and once that is done go to the respective subdomain on the BLSS website and from there you will be able to make your appointment for Sweden Schengen visa.
Should you buy flight and hotel bookings before my Sweden visa is approved ?
No. The consulate itself says that you need not buy travel tickets before your visa is approved.
We recommend that you do not purchase travel tickets until your visa has been approved. On the other hand, you may provide us with a reservation, a planned travel itinerary
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