now where was i…

06Sep09

Ah yes! I was describing the process with the paperwork and everything. Honestly it was a much simpler process than I expected. I filled out every form I thought could be useful. And in the end, I need not have worried as much as I did. For example I was told by the lady at the counter that my presence in the office of the consulate wasn’t necessary. Sending it by mail was good enough. However if I hadn’t gone I would’ve missed out on seeing the autographed poster of Jean-Claude Van Damme in the hall. Stay classy Belgium.

Also, take my medical certificate. I went above and beyond trying to book the only doctor whose certificate was considered valid by the Belgian government in California. I did that to be on the safe side, and to be assured that my certificate would not need to be legalized.  So what happened? The Belgian Consulate in Los Angeles paid me pay the money for legalization anyway. But that was really only $14, after everything you have to pay to move, 14 bucks is not going to break the bank. I could saved two hundred dollars by going to my local doctor, because ultimately that’s where I got my blood work and x-rays done. Can you believe it? Two hundred plus dollars only covers the doctor looking in your ears and checking your reflexes. Anything else (blood work and x-rays) is another five hundred.

Be aware that something will go wrong. For me it was that my financial support declaration form had the words “Read and Approved” in English instead of Dutch. As a result, I had to have the form redone and overnighted to Los Angeles. I believe that they also send forms only once a week on either Wednesdays or Fridays to Brussels for processing (sorry it’s been waaaaay too long since I’ve posted and I’m starting to forget things, a form of PTSD maybe?). I got all of my forms in just in time, otherwise I would have had to wait another week; time that I honestly didn’t have. I was too close to the wire as is.

I choose to have my passport sent back to me via FedEx and that was reassuring because I could track my package. It showed up about ten days after my visit to the consulate, and in plenty of time for me to get on the plane.

If anyone has a specific question about an aspect of the visa, don’t hesitate to leave a comment. I’m happy to answer any questions.

And now I’m here in Gent, meeting other expats, and generally enjoyed myself when I’m not stressed form school. I’m post another thing tomorrow talking about the stuff you need to do once you’re in Belgium.

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Tags: apostille, belgian student visa, immigration, moving to belgium