Mauritius Immigration FAQs

• What is the difference between an entry permit and a student residence permit?

            Answer: An entry permit allows prospective students to enter Mauritius for the purpose of studying. It is issued by the Mauritius Passport and Immigration Office (PIO) after the necessary documentation and approvals are completed. A student residence permit, on the other hand, allows students to reside in Mauritius for the duration of their studies. It is obtained after the student arrives in Mauritius and fulfills additional requirements, such as medical tests and financial documentation. However, certain nationalities may receive a student residence permit with only 1-year validity and will need to renew it each year.

• Why do I need to send all my documents by courier? Can't you use the soft copy application?

            Answer: While we do accept initial soft copies of your documents for preliminary review through the Admissions Portal, the Passport and Immigration Office (PIO) requires original, hard copy documents for the final entry permit application process. Sending your documents by courier ensures that we have the necessary verified and authenticated original documents to submit to the PIO, which is a mandatory requirement by the Mauritian government to prevent any fraudulent activities and to ensure the authenticity of the application.

• Can I book my flight before I get my entry permit? 

            Answer: No. This is because prospective students need to first get approval from the Mauritius Passport and Immigration Office (PIO)  for an entry permit.

• How long does it take to get an entry permit after the application documents have been approved in the Admissions Portal?

            Answer:  It takes approximately 3-4 weeks to get an entry permit after the application documents have been approved in the Admissions Portal. 

• How will I know that the Mauritius Passport and Immigration Office ( PIO) has approved/not approved my entry permit? 

            Answer:  You will get feedback via your Admissions Portal once the PIO has completed the review process.

• Are prospective students required to take  2 medical tests or just the one in Mauritius?
  Answer: Yes, they need 2 tests in total: 

(1) The first medical test, which is to be taken in their home country as a requirement to apply for an entry permit to Mauritius.

 (2) The second medical test, which is to be taken in Mauritius as a requirement to apply for a student residence permit (upon arrival in Mauritius).

• Why do I need to redo medical tests again in Mauritius?

            Answer: Although you have already completed a medical test before arriving, it is mandated by the Mauritius Passport and Immigration Office (PIO) and the Government of Mauritius that all foreign students undergo another medical test upon arrival. This ensures compliance with local health standards and regulations and confirms that the health criteria set by the Mauritian authorities are met.

• What constitutes an unacceptable medical test in Mauritius? 

            Answer: The Mauritian government requires laboratory test results for HIV/AIDs and Hepatitis B SA to be negative or non-reactive, and the radiologist report for chest X-ray should show a conclusion of clear lungs.

• What are the consequences of an unacceptable medical test for the test taken for the entry permit application?

            Answer: The application for the entry permit may not be approved by the Mauritius PIO.

• What are the consequences of an unacceptable medical test upon arrival in Mauritius?

            Answer: The student will be mandated to leave the island within two weeks, and they will not get a student residence permit from the Mauritius PIO.

• Should I get the entry permit and then decide to defer, can I still use the same entry permit in the upcoming intake?
  Answer: No. The entry permit expires after 3 months from issuance; therefore, you must re-apply for it.

• What happens if I am not able to open a local bank account within 3 weeks of obtaining my student residence permit and submit the bank statement to the Mauritius PIO?

            Answer: If you are unable to open a local bank account within 3 weeks of obtaining your student residence permit and submit the bank statement with a closing balance of  150000 MUR to the PIO, your permit will be canceled by the Mauritius PIO. You will be required to leave the country as per the date communicated by the Mauritius PIO. Without a student residence permit, you cannot remain enrolled at ALCHE.

• Do I need a return ticket to enter Mauritius?

            Answer: Yes. You must have a valid return ticket to travel back to your country of origin or residence in order to enter Mauritius.

• How should I apply to ALCHE with an existing Student Residence Permit?
  Answer: When holding an existing Student Residence Permit, you cannot enroll to ALCHE, as your Student Residence Permit is tied to your sponsoring institution. You will need to leave the country and re-enter Mauritius on a new Entry Permit, which our institution will apply on your behalf. 

• How should I apply to ALCHE with an expired Student Residence Permit?
  

           Answer: When your Student Residence Permit expires, you are required to leave the country and re-enter on an Entry Permit to enroll in a new institution.

• How should I get admitted to ALCHE if I hold a Dependent Permit?
  Answer: Applicants who hold a valid Dependent Permit are considered legal residents of Mauritius. Therefore, you will need to submit a scanned copy of your valid Dependent Residence Permit, a scanned copy of the Primary Resident’s Occupational Permit or Work Permit and the Primary Resident’s International Passport Biodata page. 

• Can I join ALCHE on a tourist visa?

           Answer: No. This is because the purpose of a tourist visa is solely for tourism purposes. Please visit here for information about entry permits.

• Am I allowed to study at ALCHE if I hold a valid Occupational Permit?
  Answer: No, you cannot study full-time if you hold an occupational permit in Mauritius.

• Can I apply for a Student Residence Permit if I already hold an Occupational Permit to allow me to study and work in Mauritius?

               Answer: No, you are not allowed to have more than one active permit category in Mauritius.