Applying to study abroad requires meticulous planning. The process involves many stages, from searching and applying to a program in the university abroad to submitting the necessary documents. One such important stage is learning about the student visa application process. Here is what you should know about a student visa and the requirements to apply for it. Starting from the basics:
What is a visa?
It is a travel document issued by the government allowing a person to legally enter a foreign country. A visa can be of numerous types and is usually stamped or glued on the passport of the person.
What is a student visa?
A student visa is a travel authorization given to an applicant whose intent of traveling is to pursue education abroad. It is a non-immigrant visa that does not require the holder to obtain citizenship.
Every country has a different set of requirements for international students applying for a student visa. This blog focuses on giving information on the student visa requirements for top study abroad destinations, i.e. the USA, UK, and Canada:
Applying for a US student visa:
The first and foremost step in getting a US student visa is to apply and be accepted by an academic institute certified by the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP). Once this happens, the student is issued Form I-20 from the international office of the applied institute. Â
The American government offers three types of student visas, namely:
Documents Required:
- Valid passport
- Photographs in the requested format.
- Acceptance at a SEVP-approved school and Form I-20.
- Proof of application fee payment for SEVIS.
- Non-immigrant visa application along with Form DS-160 confirmation page.
- Academic documents, including mark sheets, transcripts, and degrees or certificates.
- Proof of funds
Applying for a UK student visa:
There are 3 different types of UK student visas issued to international students:Â
- Student route visa: Known as Tier 4 Student Visa, this visa is for students coming to the UK for the purpose of higher education.
- Child Student visa: This visa is for children belonging to the age group of 4 to 17 years wishing to study at an independent UK school.Â
- Short-term study visa: This is issued to applicants who want to study an English language course for a duration of up to 11 months.Â
Documents Required:
- Original mark sheets/provisional certificates
- A complete student visa application form
- CAS (Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies)
- Proof of funds
- The visa fee payment confirmation receipt
- Proof of English language proficiency
Visa Fee:
Documents Required:
- Valid passport
- Proof of acceptance by a DLI (Designated Learning Institution)
- Proof of Funds
- Passport Size Photographs
- Immigration Medical Examination (IME)
- English Language Proficiency Exam Score
- Statement of purpose
- Credit CardÂ
Students can either apply online for a visa or can personally visit the visa issuing authority with the necessary documents and fees.
- There can be many things that can lead to visa rejections, such as:
- Incorrect or incomplete documentsÂ
- Misconduct in the visa interview
- Lack of sufficient financial funds
- Inadequate communication skills
- The inability to confirm a necessary return to India after completion of education
- Failure to explain the reason for choosing a particular course, university, or country
- Inability to provide convincing answers during the interview
