We work hard to keep this guide accurate. If you spot outdated info, email updates to contact@desinri.com.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Short Description:<\/strong> A practical, accuracy-first guide to the S\u00e3o Tom\u00e9 and Pr\u00edncipe Crew \/ Seafarer Visa: eligibility, documents, process, limits, and official sources.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Last Verified On:<\/strong> 2026-04-06<\/p>\n\n\n\n The S\u00e3o Tom\u00e9 and Pr\u00edncipe Crew \/ Seafarer Visa<\/strong> is a special-purpose visa for people traveling as crew members, especially those connected to maritime or transport operations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In plain English, it exists so that a crew member can:<\/p>\n\n\n\n This is not the same as a tourist visa<\/strong> and not the same as a standard work or residence permit<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n S\u00e3o Tom\u00e9 and Pr\u00edncipe has a visa system that includes:<\/p>\n\n\n\n For crew, the legal and practical framework appears to sit between:<\/p>\n\n\n\n In some cases, the crew visa may be handled through an embassy\/consulate; in others, a pre-travel authorization or border-linked visa process may apply. Official public information is limited and not always consolidated in one place.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Public-facing official sources commonly refer to visas generally rather than publishing a fully detailed standalone \u201cCrew \/ Seafarer Visa\u201d manual. Depending on the authority or post, you may see references to:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Warning:<\/strong> S\u00e3o Tom\u00e9 and Pr\u00edncipe does not appear to publish a fully detailed, universally standardized public checklist specifically for crew visas on one single official page. Requirements may therefore vary by embassy, nationality, and travel circumstances.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n This visa is generally appropriate for:<\/p>\n\n\n\n This visa is usually not appropriate<\/strong> for:<\/p>\n\n\n\n The crew visa is generally used for:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Unless a specific authority has approved otherwise, this visa is not<\/strong> for:<\/p>\n\n\n\n A short incidental stay may sometimes occur in practice, but if your main purpose<\/strong> is tourism, use the tourist route.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A seafarer checking email for an employer is not the same as entering the country to work remotely as a digital nomad. Crew status is tied to transport duty<\/strong>, not location-independent work.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If the traveler is not actually serving as crew, a business visa may be more appropriate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Common Mistake:<\/strong> Applying as a tourist and then telling border officers you are actually joining a vessel. That mismatch can trigger refusal.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n A single, fully codified public visa subclass list is not clearly published for all visa types in one easy official source. For crew-related cases, official practice appears to use purpose-based classifications under the national visa and border system.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Possible labels include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n No clear official evidence was found of a major renamed or discontinued standalone crew route. Public-facing terminology may vary by post and language.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Because official public guidance is limited, the safest approach is to treat crew visa eligibility as purpose-driven and document-heavy<\/strong>. The issuing authority will typically want proof that you are genuinely traveling as crew.<\/p>\n\n\n\n You should be able to prove:<\/p>\n\n\n\n You will generally need:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Warning:<\/strong> Exact minimum passport validity is not always clearly stated in one public crew-specific source. Many consular systems expect at least 6 months\u2019 validity, but verify with the issuing authority.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n Typical proof may include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Authorities may want:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Where the crew member will stay before embarkation or after disembarkation may need to be shown.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Even if employer-sponsored, applicants may need evidence that:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Applicants may be refused for:<\/p>\n\n\n\n S\u00e3o Tom\u00e9 and Pr\u00edncipe has visa exemptions and eVisa arrangements for some nationalities. Whether a crew member needs a visa may depend on:<\/p>\n\n\n\n This means some crew may not need a pre-arranged visa<\/strong>, while others will.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Pro Tip:<\/strong> Always ask both the carrier\/shipping company<\/strong> and the S\u00e3o Tom\u00e9 and Pr\u00edncipe embassy or border authority<\/strong> whether your nationality can travel under crew manifest arrangements or still requires a crew visa\/eVisa.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n You may be ineligible if:<\/p>\n\n\n\n The main benefits are practical rather than long-term immigration benefits.<\/p>\n\n\n\n You may need to:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Warning:<\/strong> Entry clearance does not guarantee admission. Final entry is decided at the border.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n This is one of the least clearly published areas for the S\u00e3o Tom\u00e9 and Pr\u00edncipe crew category.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In practice, expect the visa to be tied to:<\/p>\n\n\n\n If a visa is issued, check whether it shows:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Overstaying can lead to:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Because S\u00e3o Tom\u00e9 and Pr\u00edncipe does not appear to publish one universal crew-specific checklist for all applicants, use the list below as a master checklist based on official visa logic and crew travel requirements<\/strong>. Always confirm with the embassy\/consulate or border authority.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Not usually central for this visa.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Not applicable for this visa<\/strong> unless specifically requested to establish professional status or training.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Not usually central unless family members are applying separately.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Depending on nationality or post, authorities may request:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Rare for crew cases, but if applicable:<\/p>\n\n\n\n If documents are not in Portuguese, English, or another accepted language of the post, you may need:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Common Mistake:<\/strong> Submitting maritime employer letters in a language the embassy cannot process without translation.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n Exact specs may vary by post. Usually:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Check the form instructions or consular guidance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A publicly standardized crew-specific minimum fund amount was not clearly found<\/strong> in official sources.<\/p>\n\n\n\n One of the following:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Even if the employer pays core travel, applicants may still need to cover:<\/p>\n\n\n\n A single official public fee chart specifically for the S\u00e3o Tom\u00e9 and Pr\u00edncipe crew visa is not clearly published in a consolidated, always-current way.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Fees may vary by:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Warning:<\/strong> Do not rely on third-party fee tables. Confirm directly with the official embassy or the official eVisa portal.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n Because the route may differ by nationality and location, use this sequence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Check whether you need:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Possible channels:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Prepare:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Fill the application carefully and match all dates exactly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Pay only through official channels.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Some posts may require:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Submit online or at the embassy\/consulate as instructed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Possible extras:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Use the official portal or consular communication route.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Do this quickly and in one organized package.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Approval may come as:<\/p>\n\n\n\nVisa Snapshot<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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\n \nItem<\/th>\n Details<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n \n Country<\/td>\n S\u00e3o Tom\u00e9 and Pr\u00edncipe<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Visa name<\/td>\n Crew \/ Seafarer Visa<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Visa short name<\/td>\n Crew<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Category<\/td>\n Short-stay special-purpose entry visa for transport crew \/ seafarers<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Main purpose<\/td>\n Entry and temporary stay for crew members serving on vessels, aircraft, or other transport operations, usually while joining, leaving, or transiting in connection with duty<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Typical applicant<\/td>\n Merchant seafarers, ship crew, airline crew, transport crew, repositioning crew, or crew joining\/leaving a vessel<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Validity<\/td>\n Varies; embassy\/consular issuance and border practice may differ<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Stay duration<\/td>\n Usually short and purpose-limited; exact duration is not clearly published in one consolidated official source<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Entries allowed<\/td>\n May be single or multiple depending on issuance and itinerary<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Extension possible?<\/td>\n Unclear; generally not designed for long stays. Verify with Servi\u00e7o de Migra\u00e7\u00e3o e Fronteiras or issuing post<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Work allowed?<\/td>\n Limited: only crew duties connected to the authorized transport role<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Study allowed?<\/td>\n No, except incidental short training directly related to crew functions if accepted by authorities<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Family allowed?<\/td>\n No as dependents under this visa type; family members usually need their own appropriate visa status<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n PR path?<\/td>\n No direct path<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Citizenship path?<\/td>\n Indirect at most; this visa does not normally count as a residence pathway<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n \n
How it fits into S\u00e3o Tom\u00e9 and Pr\u00edncipe\u2019s immigration system<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Official naming<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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2. Who should apply for this visa?<\/h1>\n\n\n\n
Ideal applicants<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Who should not use this visa?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Applicant-type guide<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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\n \nApplicant type<\/th>\n Should use Crew Visa?<\/th>\n Notes<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n \n Tourist<\/td>\n No<\/td>\n Use tourism route<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Business visitor<\/td>\n Usually no<\/td>\n Unless the person is traveling strictly as operating crew<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Seafarer joining ship<\/td>\n Yes<\/td>\n Core intended use<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Airline crew on duty<\/td>\n Possibly<\/td>\n Depends on route and border arrangements<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Local employee<\/td>\n No<\/td>\n Crew visa is not a labor residence permit<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Student<\/td>\n No<\/td>\n Wrong category<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Spouse\/child of crew<\/td>\n No<\/td>\n Separate appropriate visa usually needed<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Transit passenger<\/td>\n Sometimes<\/td>\n If travel is crew-related, yes; otherwise use transit\/visitor route<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Digital nomad<\/td>\n No<\/td>\n Not intended for remote work residence<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n 3. What is this visa used for?<\/h1>\n\n\n\n
Permitted purposes<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Usually prohibited purposes<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Grey areas and common misunderstandings<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Tourism before or after joining ship<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Remote work<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Business meetings<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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4. Official visa classification and naming<\/h1>\n\n\n\n
Official program name<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Common official\/administrative labels<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Related categories people confuse it with<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Old vs current naming<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
5. Eligibility criteria<\/h1>\n\n\n\n
Core eligibility factors<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
1) Genuine crew purpose<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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2) Valid passport<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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3) Crew identity and professional status<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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4) Confirmed itinerary<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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5) Accommodation or host arrangements<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
6) Means of support<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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7) Admissibility<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Nationality rules<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Other possible factors<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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\n \nRequirement area<\/th>\n Likely position<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n \n Age<\/td>\n Normally adults; minors as crew are rare and may face additional scrutiny<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Education<\/td>\n No general formal education threshold publicly stated<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Language<\/td>\n No general language test publicly stated<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Work experience<\/td>\n Relevant only to proving genuine crew status<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Sponsorship<\/td>\n Usually employer\/shipping company\/operator linked<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Invitation<\/td>\n May be required from company, agent, or vessel operator<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Job offer<\/td>\n Not in the normal local-employment sense; assignment proof is more relevant<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Points requirement<\/td>\n None publicly stated<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Health insurance<\/td>\n May be requested depending on application channel<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Biometrics<\/td>\n May depend on embassy\/process<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Police clearance<\/td>\n Not always publicly stated for short crew entries; may be requested in some cases<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Quota\/cap<\/td>\n No public quota known<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Embassy-specific rules<\/td>\n Yes, possible and important<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n 6. Who is NOT eligible \/ common refusal triggers<\/h1>\n\n\n\n
Ineligibility factors<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Common refusal triggers<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Refusal-risk table<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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\n \nRefusal issue<\/th>\n Why it matters<\/th>\n Better approach<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n \n Tourist visa used for crew travel<\/td>\n Purpose mismatch<\/td>\n Apply under crew category or get official confirmation of accepted route<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Missing seaman\u2019s book<\/td>\n Weak proof of profession<\/td>\n Include seafarer ID\/book if available<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n No port agent details<\/td>\n Hard to verify itinerary<\/td>\n Add local contact and vessel schedule<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Big unexplained bank deposits<\/td>\n Credibility concerns<\/td>\n Explain source with payroll\/support letter<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Conflicting travel dates<\/td>\n Suggests poor planning or false documents<\/td>\n Align all documents before submission<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n 7. Benefits of this visa<\/h1>\n\n\n\n
Key benefits<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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What it does not usually provide<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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8. Limitations and restrictions<\/h1>\n\n\n\n
Main restrictions<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Compliance restrictions<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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9. Duration, validity, entries, and stay rules<\/h1>\n\n\n\n
What is publicly clear<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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What is not clearly standardized in public guidance<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Practical interpretation<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Entry-by date vs stay-until date<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Overstay consequences<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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10. Complete document checklist<\/h1>\n\n\n\n
A. Core documents<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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\n \nDocument<\/th>\n What it is<\/th>\n Why needed<\/th>\n Common mistakes<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n \n Visa application form<\/td>\n Official application form or eVisa submission<\/td>\n Starts the case<\/td>\n Incomplete fields, inconsistent dates<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Passport<\/td>\n Main travel document<\/td>\n Identity and entry permission<\/td>\n Damaged passport, low validity<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Passport photo<\/td>\n Recent visa photo<\/td>\n Identification<\/td>\n Wrong size\/background<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Purpose letter<\/td>\n Cover letter from applicant<\/td>\n Explains crew purpose<\/td>\n Too vague, no dates<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n B. Identity\/travel documents<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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C. Financial documents<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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D. Employment\/business documents<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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E. Education documents<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
F. Relationship\/family documents<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
G. Accommodation\/travel documents<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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H. Sponsor\/invitation documents<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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I. Health\/insurance documents<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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J. Country-specific extras<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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K. Minor\/dependent-specific documents<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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L. Translation \/ apostille \/ notarization needs<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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M. Photo specifications<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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11. Financial requirements<\/h1>\n\n\n\n
Is there a fixed minimum fund threshold?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
What authorities usually want to see<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Acceptable proof<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Practical proof-strength tips<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Hidden costs<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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12. Fees and total cost<\/h1>\n\n\n\n
What to expect<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Typical cost components<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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\n \nCost item<\/th>\n Notes<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n \n Visa application fee<\/td>\n Check latest official fee page or embassy instructions<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n eVisa\/platform fee<\/td>\n If using official online visa route<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Biometrics fee<\/td>\n Only if applicable<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Courier fee<\/td>\n If passport return is mailed<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Translation\/notary cost<\/td>\n If documents need certification<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Insurance cost<\/td>\n If required<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Police certificate<\/td>\n If requested<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Medical certificate<\/td>\n If requested<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Travel cost<\/td>\n Flights, port transfer, accommodation<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n \n
13. Step-by-step application process<\/h1>\n\n\n\n
1. Confirm the correct visa type<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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2. Confirm the correct filing channel<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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3. Gather documents<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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4. Complete the form<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
5. Pay the fee<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
6. Book appointment if required<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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7. Submit the application<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
8. Provide extras if requested<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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9. Track the application<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
10. Respond to additional document requests<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
11. Receive decision<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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