adminStudent visas are high in demand as the number of international students is on the rise. Here is all you need to know about a student visa and its application process.
The high increase in the number of international students has also brought about an increase in demand for student visas. Some may be aware of how to go about the visa application while some may be confused about the whole application process. In this article, we are providing you with all you need to know about the application process so you can browse through this article if you are interested in student visas.
Student Visa: All You Need to Know
Below are all you need to know about a student visa:
- what a student visa is
- student visa guideline
- visas to the most popular study countries
- how to get a student visa
- eligibility
- make an appointment at the embassy/consulate
- gather your document
- submit the visa payment
- attend your visa interview
- student visa requirements
- how long does a student visa last?
- how long does it take to get a student visa?
- student visa fees
- can I extend a student visa
- can I bring family members with me on a student visa?
- reasons for student visa denial
- what do I do if my student visa is rejected?
What a Student Visa is
A student visa is a type of visa that allows individuals to study in a foreign country. It is typically granted to students who have been accepted into a recognized educational institution in that country. The student visa allows the student to stay in the country for the duration of their studies and may also permit them to work part-time or participate in internships related to their field of study. It’s a great opportunity to explore new cultures, gain knowledge, and make lifelong memories!
Student Visa Guidelines
To make sure your student visa does not get canceled, you have to follow the student visa rules:
- You can only work limited hours (usually 20 hours per week) in campus jobs.
- You have to attend all your classes (unless there is an emergency).
- If you have a scholarship, you have to maintain a specific GPA.
- You cannot stay after your visa expires.
- You cannot apply for permanent residence under a student visa.
Visas to Most Popular Study Destinations
These are the most popular countries to study abroad and their visas:
- US student visa. The US student visa also known as an F1 student visa is valid for one year. However, if your study program lasts longer, you must renew your F1 visa. To qualify for this type of visa, you must first be registered with the Student Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP). There are also some other types of visas that students can apply for in the United States like the J-1 visa which is used for exchange of programs.
- UK student visa. To qualify for a UK student visa, your study program must meet the course requirements depending on whether you are a full-time or a part-time student. You must also provide evidence of language proficiency.
- Australian student visa. Australia issues a student visa (subclass 500) for five years. You must be a student in an Australian institution and provide a language certificate to get this visa.
- Germany student visa. A student visa for Germany can be valid for three or six months, depending on your study plans. Usually, if you have a long-term student visa after entering the country, you can apply for a temporary student residence permit and no longer need a visa. See how to write a cover letter for a German student visa.
- Canadian student visa. The Canadian student visa is valid for the length of your study course plus an extra 90 days, which allows you to get your affairs in order before going back home. To qualify for this visa, you need to be enrolled in a Canadian institution and meet the financial requirements for a student visa.
How To Get a Student Visa?
The following is the application process for a student visa:
- Apply for a study program.
- Make an appointment at the embassy or consulate.
- Gather your documents.
- Submit the visa payment.
- Attend your student visa interview.
Eligibility
To qualify for a student visa, you must be enrolled in a valid study program in a foreign country. So before you can apply for the visa, you have to submit your application for the study program of your choice.
Make an Appointment at the Embassy/Consulate
You have to make an appointment with the local embassy or consulate in your country for your visa interview once you’ve been accepted to a study program. Please note that an embassy and a consulate are different units, and in cases where both are absent in your home country, you may be required to submit your application to a neighboring country’s visa office.
Gather Your Documents
You must prepare the required documents to submit your application. Ensure to make photocopies of any required documents, have them certified with an apostille stamp, and take your passport pictures. Also, check with the visa office to see which documents may require translation so you can get them ready.
Submit the Visa Payment
Ensure to pay your visa application fee in time. Some visa offices may ask you to do that before you attend your visa appointment, while others may ask you to do it on the same day. Make sure you double-check with the proper authorities.
Attend Your Student Visa Interview
Make sure you attend the visa interview as scheduled. Ensure you don’t miss the date or the time, as it might be challenging for you to reschedule before your semester starts.
Student Visa Requirements
The following documents are required for your student visa application:
- Passport (with six-month validity). Ensure your passport is for at least six months when you apply for your visa. If your passport is about to expire soon, you should apply for a new one.
- Student visa application form. Ensure to fill out the student visa application form with your details— you can find the form at the embassy/consulate.
- Passport pictures. Make sure to also submit a few passport pictures that you took recently— the number of pictures required depends on the country.
- Proof of admission. Submit your admission letter or enrollment records to show that you have been accepted to a study program in your destination country.
- Evidence of financial means. You must prove that you can financially support yourself during your study program. If your family supports you, provide financial statements from your family members. If you have a scholarship, you need to attach proof that you are a financial aid recipient.
- Civil documents. You must submit your birth certificate, marriage certificate (if you are married), and your CV.
- International student health insurance. Depending on the country that you want to study in, you might be required to purchase a health insurance plan, that covers the entire period of your studies.
- Previous university records. If you attended a university before applying for your foreign study program, you must submit your university records for the student visa application.
How Long Does a Student Visa Last?
The duration of a student visa depends on your educational program. So, if you will be studying for two years in a foreign country, your visa will be issued for the same amount of time you’ll be studying. Most study visas are issued anywhere between two to four years.
How Long Does it Take to Get a Student Visa?
The extent of time it will take to process your student visa application varies from country to country. Some countries may finish faster than others, depending on how complete your application is and how many people have applied for student visas. But you should know that it takes some finish processing your student visa application.
Student Visa Fees
Student visa prices range anywhere between $160 and $600, including your service and administrative fees. You must know the fee for a student visa changes based on which country you will study in; some countries may waive the visa fee for students altogether— you have to contact the embassy or consulate to find out the required fee.
Can I Extend a Student Visa?
It depends on the country. While some countries may allow you to extend your student visa if you are behind on your study program, some may not. However, the visa extension policy is different in every country, so you need to check with the embassy and your education provider.
Can I Bring Family Members With Me on a Student Visa?
Yes, but mostly your partner/spouse and minor children. Note that your family members will also need to apply for their visas.
Common Reasons for Student Visa Denial
Your student visa can be denied for the following reasons:
- You submitted an incomplete visa application.
- You have no proof of financial support.
- You have a criminal record.
- Your passport is not valid for the student visa.
- You are not enrolled in an educational institution.
What Do I Do If My Student Visa Is Rejected?
If your student visa is rejected you have to re-apply for it. Before you submit another application, make sure you identify the reasons for your initial denial and address them. However, you should also keep in mind that you might miss the deadline to enter the country for your study program if your student visa is rejected.
In this case, there is a possibility that you might lose your spot in the program. At this point, you have to contact the admissions office and let them know that you are having issues with your student visa and see if they can give you an extension.
We hope this article has been helpful with all you need to know about student visas.
admin