ICPS / Length of Visa

Hello,

I am supposed to start Farsi classes at ICPS in less than 2 weeks; however, I am still awaiting visa approval. :( Because of this, I have not yet booked or reserved a flight, though I am wondering if I should right now (lest there will be no more flight availabilities). Could anyone - particularly other ICPS students - please tell me how many days in advance you arrived in Tehran? That is, how many days before the start of class was your visa valid for? I realize that the number may vary, but I was still curious as to what others had experienced. I am deeply disappointed by my present situation; it appears as if my trip may not happen.

Thank you very much for your time.

Hi Francois,

I am sorry to hear about your ordeal. Don't however be too disappointed and for sure there is no reason to panic yet! If you like I could call Iranian Foreign Ministry to check on your visa application. I have done this twice this year already for 2 guys ( got their visa approval codes) who, by the way, came to Tehran to study at ICPS. Is that Tehran U. Dehkhoda Language Institurt? If yes, I will need your full name, birth date and passport number. You may send me a 'PM ' to give me this information if you want me to make the call. I also know a Danish guy who is studyding at Dehkhoda now, and came over here almost 2 months ago. Don't worry too much.Take care. All the best!

Dear Amir Jan,

My name is Amer (born in Iraq) a British citizen. I am trying to get on the winter persian course at teh ICPS starting Dec 15th. I live and work in Basel/Switzerland so my nearest Iranian Embassy is Bern. They told me today that i need an authorisation from teh ministry of foreign affairs in tehran to get me visa. I am dont even know where to start teh process but loosing hope gradually ...can you help?

Amer
Best Regards
Amer Alghabban
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Last year, with my Visa in doubt, I considered the problem of buying and reserving non-refundable discount air-tickets.

One idea was to split the ticket -- maybe one ticket to Istanbul, and the other ticket on to Tehran (or something similar) That way, you might have more flexibility changing travel plans -- if the Iran visa is never approved. (General travelers, might simply bypass Iran, going on to Pakistan or India).

Also last year several travelers got their Auth# a few days before (or after) their scheduled departure.

Is your "Invitation" from the Institute? If so, they should help with expediting-- though I've heard they don't.