Applying for change of status to student
Do you wish to apply for a change of status to student from a tourist stay or another type of stay? Discover how to do so here.
What is it about?
A change of status is a request to alter your current residence status. You can only change your status if you can prove legal residence. For instance, before the end of your tourist stay or your current residence permit.
What are the requirements?
- You are a non-EU or non-EEA citizen.
- You do not have a visa D.
- You have either a short-term residence permit (e.g., a visa C or visa exemption) or a long-term residence permit (e.g., as a worker, family reunification).
- You intend to change your status to student.
How much does it cost?
You pay a contribution fee of
- 237 euros if enrolled at a recognized or subsidized educational institution.
- 229 euros if enrolled at a private educational institution.
Please transfer this amount to account BE57 6792 0060 9235 with the following reference: NameSurnameNationalityDD.MM.YYYY (date of birth).
In some cases, you may be exempt from paying the contribution fee.
What do I need?
- Proof of payment of the contribution fee or proof of exemption.
- Your valid passport.
- Your valid Belgian residence card OR valid visa (for visa-required third-country nationals) OR residence card from another Schengen member state.
- Your enrollment certificate from an educational institution in Belgium ('standard form model' - Dutch).
- Proof of sufficient means of subsistence (scholarship, blocked account, Annex 32).
- A criminal record extract from your last country of residence, not older than 6 months at the time of the residence application (possibly with translation and correct legalization/apostille).
- The standard medical certificate.
- Health insurance.
Missing a document?
Include a motivation letter stating the reason and complete your file as soon as possible. The Immigration Office will only make a decision on your file when it is complete.
What are the steps?
Once you have gathered all documents, schedule an appointment with Immigration.
How to do that?
- Online.
- At the reception of Gentinfo at the City Hall or at the service centers in Gentbrugge, Sint-Amandsberg, Nieuw-Gent, or Wondelgem.
- Call Immigration at +32 9 266 71 50.
Are there any exceptions?
A change of status can only be initiated from within legal residence. If you do not meet this requirement and need personal advice, schedule an appointment at the Infopunt Migratie.