New Schengen Visa Rules: Crucial Insights for Indian Students

There’s exciting news for Indian students aspiring to study abroad in Europe!

On the 18th of April, the EU or the European Union introduced a revised visa system tailored for Indian nationals. This new Schengen visa system is extremely beneficial for Indian nationals, allowing them multi-entry Schengen visas with long-term validity.

These new Schengen visa rules can help Indian students fulfill their European study and travel dreams with ease. The new policy eliminates frequent Schengen visa applications and allows enhanced travel freedom within the Schengen area.

If you are an Indian student wanting to apply for a Schengen visa from India, read this highly informative and crisp blog by MSM Unify to learn about new Schengen visa rules. By learning about these Schengen visa rules for entry, you will be able to plan study trips, attend conferences, and explore Europe better.

What is a Schengen visa?

Before we discuss the new Schengen visa rules for India, let us first understand what a Schengen visa is, and what a Schengen region is.

Schengen region comprises 27 countries, of which 23 are EU member states, including  

France, Germany, Spain, Italy, Austria, Malta, and more. The other four countries are Norway, Switzerland, Iceland, and Liechtenstein, which are members of the European Free Trade Association. The latest member states of the Schengen area are Bulgaria and Romania, and the two EU countries excluded from the Schengen region are the Republic of Ireland and Cyprus. 

The extensive Schengen area facilitates hassle-free travel across borders for Schengen visa holders. A Schengen visa allows the visa holder to stay up to 90 days within a 180-day period.

The issued visa might either be a single-entry visa, which allows one entry into the Schengen area, or a multiple-entry visa, which allows multiple visits to the Schengen area during the visa validity period.

European Union’s new visa rules

EU has introduced a ‘cascade system’ to simplify the process of obtaining multi-entry Schengen visas. Owing to these new regulations, Indian nationals who have used their Schengen visas responsibly in the past are now eligible for longer visa validity periods.  

Indian residents who have acquired and utilized two Schengen visas sensibly during the previous three years can qualify for the extended 2-year multi-entry visa. After the successful utilization of this 2-year extended Schengen visa, Indian nationals can also apply for a 5-year multi-entry Schengen visa, provided the passport validity allows. 

This new system has been implemented due to the strengthened relations between India and the EU under the EU-India Common Agenda on Migration and Mobility. With this new ‘cascade regime’ in place, Indian nationals can avert the hassle of frequent applications, and enjoy enhanced flexibility in planning their trips to the Schengen area.

Indian students especially can now travel freely within the Schengen region for academic purposes, study trips, short internships, research, cultural exploration, etc.

How do new Schengen visa rules benefit Indian students?

The new Schengen visa rules introduced recently entail numerous benefits for Indian students. Below are listed key benefits that you must know:

• Easier visa application process

Students can save themselves the hassle of multiple applications for availing themselves of a Schengen visa. They can now focus better on their and other crucial tasks, including financial planning, travel planning, applying for health insurance, etc.

• Improved travel flexibility

With the extended Schengen visa validity, and multi-entry facility students can travel and explore the Schengen area easily. They can travel for study or research, or simply to explore other European regions while studying abroad. 

• Better culture exploration

Frequent applications for a Schengen visa were earlier deterrents for most Indian students from exploring the beautiful European cities, picturesque landscapes, countryside, diverse cultures, food, etc. Now with extended validity, Indian students can plan their travel better, explore various Schengen regions, immerse themselves in different cultures, and gain rich experiences.

What remains unchanged with new Schengen visa rules

The new ‘cascade regime’ introduced by the EU indeed has extended the visa validity period for Indian nationals. However, it is important to note that the Schengen visa, despite the newly introduced policy, is a short-term visa.

With a valid Schengen visa, the visa holder can stay for a maximum of 90 days in the area, in any 180-day period. Also, this visa shouldn’t be mistaken as a work permit. With this visa, you can’t work in the Schengen area.

How should Indian students leverage new Schengen visa rules

With the new visa policy in place, it is essential to note that the application process largely remains the same. However, Indian students can take a few steps to maximize the benefits of these newly introduced Schengen visa rules.

• Maintain a favorable travel record

Use your Schengen visas responsibly. A positive travel history can help you avail of the extended 2-year multi-entry Schengen visa.

• Keep the required documents in place

Accumulate all the necessary documents and keep them ready for the visa application process.

• Apply for the Schengen visa wisely

Use the cascade system wisely to avail yourself of the 2-year extended visa, and then convert it to a 5-year multi-entry Schengen visa.

• Keep a tab on passport validity

Passport validity is crucial to get a 2-year multi-entry Schengen visa and then extend its validity to 5 years. If the passport isn’t valid, you won’t be able to leverage the ‘cascade regime.’

• Seek expert guidance

If you aim to study abroad and are looking for detailed guidance to maximize the benefits of this new visa policy, reach out to MSM Unify overseas education consultants. They can help you understand the new Schengen visa requirements, and navigate the entire process seamlessly.

In essence, the new ‘cascade regime’ introduced by the EU can immensely benefit Indian students. By leveraging this latest visa policy, students can explore various short-term study options in Europe, enjoy academic trips, and explore Europe holistically. 

For more study abroad updates bookmark this space and subscribe to MSM Unify’s LinkedIn newsletter. Also, feel free to contact our study-abroad counselors. The first counseling session is free!