Student Visa for Study Abroad: Fees, Documents, Application Process

Study Abroad

by Nandini Verma ago 8 views0

Student Visa for Study Abroad

Students planning to pursue education overseas require certain permits and documents issued by the desired country’s Government during the application process. One of the most important documents in such a case is student visa. The process to get the same generally takes a few days to even months. Hence, students should plan on applying for a student visa to study abroad well in advance.

Student visa requirements and application processes vary from country to country. Each country has its own specific requirements to approve a student for International travel and education. This blog comprises the detailed process of how to get a student visa to study abroad in the US, Canada, UK, Australia, New Zealand, and Ireland.

What is a Student Visa?

A student visa is a legal immigration document issued by the Government of a country to a foreign student who has applied for admission in an academic program. The purpose is primarily to grant permits on a temporary & legal basis to the students who are a non-citizen of the country & desire to complete their higher education from a Foreign University. Furthermore, the application processes & documentation may vary depending on the country.

Common Documents Required for Student Visa

The important & common documents required while applying for the student visa to study abroad at the top preferred countries are mentioned below:

Passport

A passport is a document that verifies an individual’s citizenship of a country, which needs to be verified while leaving / entering the country.

Acceptance Letter

An acceptance letter from the University is a staple document to begin applying for a student visa to study abroad.

Proof of Funds

Provide proof of financial capacity by submitting the bank statements / scholarship letters / loan sanction letters. The authorities require such proof to ensure the student will be able to sustain academic & living expenditures.

Proof of Language Proficiency

Test scores from language proficiency exams like IELTS, TOEFL, etc. act as proof that the student can communicate in a foreign country with ease.

Statement of Purpose

An SOP is a document submitted by the applicant that clearly explains the academic background and their career goals for studying abroad.

Passport-Size Photographs

Students should have both soft and hard copies of photographs that meet the form-specific requirements.

Academic Transcripts

Applicants should ensure that they gather all relevant academic transcripts from the concerned authorities of their previous educational Institutions.

Police Clearance Certificate (PCC)

A Police Clearance Certificate is processed to carry out the background check of the student.

Health & Travel Insurance

Applicants are required to attain health & travel insurance to successfully obtain a student visa to study abroad.

Student Visa Application Process

The country-wise breakdown of student visa application process is discussed in detail below:

For USA

Following are the steps to obtain a USA student visa to study abroad:

  • Step 1: At first, apply at an educational Institution that should be approved by SEVP (Student & Exchange Visitor Program). After accepting the students’ enrolment, a Form I-20 (Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status) will be provided.
  • Step 2: Register & pay the SEVIS I-901 (Student and Exchange Visitor Information System) fee. The fee is approximately Rs. 31,075/- for the ‘F’ & ‘M’ visa applicants. Payment receipt of the SEVIS fee is required to apply for a student visa for education abroad.
  • Step 3: Fill in the non-immigration visa application Form DS-160 & pay the requisite fee. Take a printout of the confirmation page to exhibit the same during the interview.
  • Step 4: Schedule an interview in the U.S. Consulate or Embassy. In India, the U.S. Embassy is located in New Delhi, and the U.S Consulate General in Kolkata, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and Chennai.
  • Step 5: The interview for the student visa to study abroad requires certain documents such as the Non-Immigrant Visa Application Confirmation Page of Form DS-160, application fee & SEVIS I-901 fee payment receipt, and a printed passport-size photograph. Additionally, Form I-20 and a document proving intent to return to the home country along with the common documents mentioned above. Attend the interview and await approval.

Also Check: Top Colleges in USA

For Canada

Below-mentioned are the guidelines to obtain a Canadian student visa for education abroad:

  • Step 1: Obtain an acceptance letter from a Canadian Designated Learning Institution (DLI), a Provincial / Territorial Attestation Letter (PAL / TAL). A medical certificate is also required.

*Those who have applied to study in Quebec are required to submit the Quebec Acceptance Certificate(CAQ).

  • Step 2: Create an IRCC account and fill in the Study Permit Application form accurately. Upload the required documents and finish the application by paying a fee of Rs. 9539/- (approximately).
  • Step 3: Upon submitting the application, the applicant will receive a BIL (Biometrics Instruction Letter), which includes the instructions on how to provide biometrics.
  • Step 4: Pay Rs. 5405/- & schedule an appointment at the nearest Visa Application Center to submit biometrics.
  • Step 5: Upon approval of the student visa, the applicant will receive the Study Permit at the port of entry when they arrive in Canada.

Also Check: Top Colleges in Canada

For UK

Here are steps to attain a UK student visa to study abroad:

  • Step 1: Upon being accepted by an educational Institution in the UK, the applicant will receive a Confirmation of Acceptance (CAS) reference number and other details.
  • Step 2: Except for the common documents, obtain tuberculosis test results, the Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) Certificate, is necessary & Parental / Legal Guardian Consent (in case the age of the applicant is below 18 years).
  • Step 3: Apply online on the UKVI website (UK Visas and Immigration) and pay Rs. 62,676/- (approximately) and the requisite Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) fee to receive the National Health Service (NHS).
  • Step 4: Schedule a biometric appointment to submit fingerprints and photograph. Submit all documents after checking with the Visa Application Centre for instructions.
  • Step 5: Further, an eVisa will be issued if the application is successful.

Also Check: Top Colleges in United Kingdom

For Australia

Below-given is the procedure to understand the process of getting an Australian student visa for foreign study:

  • Step 1: The applicant should have obtained a Letter of Offer from an Australian University, received after acceptance. After paying the initial fees, the applicant will receive a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE).
  • Step 2: Apart from the common documents, acquire health insurance, specifically an Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC).
  • Step 3: Create an ImmiAccount on the official portal for obtaining a student visa to study abroad. Fill in the application, upload the requisite documents, and pay the fee of Rs. 1,17,147/- (approximately).
  • Step 4: Provide medical reports & biometric data and submit the application upon completion. Once the application is approved, the information regarding the same will be notified through the ImmiAccount.

Also Check: Top Colleges in Australia

For New Zealand

Below-stated is the process to obtain a New Zealand student visa to study abroad:

  • Step 1: Secure an Acceptance Letter from a New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA)-recognised institution to receive an ‘Offer of Place.’
  • Step 2: Apart from the common documents, obtain health & travel insurance and proof of onward travel (funds to buy return tickets).
  • Step 3: Fill in the application on the Immigration New Zealand website and pay the required fee of Rs. 44,406/- (approximately).
  • Step 4: Submit biometric data and wait for application approval.

For Ireland

Following are the steps students can follow to secure an Irish student visa to study abroad:

  • Step 1: Secure an Acceptance Letter from an Irish educational Institution and pay the required tuition fee.
  • Step 2: Register and fill in the application available on the Automated Visa Application and Tracking System (AVATS) portal and pay the fee of Rs. 6251/- (approximately).
  • Step 3: Apart from the common documents, gather visa refusals (if any), proof of fee payment, Accommodation or Vetting Certificate & summary sheet from the AVATS form.
  • Step 4: Submit the completed application form along with the supporting documents to the designated VFS Centre or Irish Embassy.
  • Step 5: Provide biometric data and wait for a status update.

For Germany

Below-mentioned are the steps to apply for a German student visa to study abroad:

  • Step 1: Secure a School-Leaving Certificate entitling the student to pursue higher education in Germany, Declaration for additional contact and legal representation information, Certificate issued by the APS (Academic Evaluation Centre), application form & declaration, etc.
  • Step 2: Create an account on the Consular Services Portal (CSP), fill in the questionnaire, Videx form, and upload all the required documents.
  • Step 3: After this, fill in the Student Visa application form and upload all necessary documents and pay a fee of Rs. 7,813/- (approximately). Download the payment receipt.
  • Step 4: Book a VFS appointment on getting a notification for the completion of the Videx Form. Book an appointment and pay the applicable fee.
  • Step 5: Attend the appointment at the designated VFS Visa Application Centre, submit biometric data and pay the visa fees.
  • Step 6: Monitor the student visa application form for updates and await approval.

*The fees mentioned above that are required to be paid during the student visa to study abroad process for different countries are subject to change as per the discretion of the concerned authorities.

Also Check: Top Colleges in Germany

Tips for the Student Visa Interview Process

A few tips that the students can implement during the student visa to study abroad interview process to perform well are mentioned below:

  • Emphasise connection with the home country while applying for a student visa.
  • Practice common visa interview questions well in advance.
  • Ensure all documents are prepared to be verified.
  • Maintain confidence & a positive body language.
  • Clearly state academic plans and intent to return post completion of the program.

Tips to Avoid Student Visa Rejection

Below-stated are a few tips to avoid rejection of student visa to study abroad:

  • Ensure the application process has started at least 3-6 months before the course starts. Late applications result in rejection.
  • Provide original and complete documents required by the particular country. Inadequate / false information during the application process also leads to rejection.
  • Unconvincing intent of return may cause rejection of the student visa.
  • Gather sufficient funds to sustain expenditures abroad. Inadequate funds can lead to rejection of visa application.
  • Seek professional advice from agencies to successfully obtain a student visa to study abroad.

Conclusion

To receive a student visa, the applicant should be thorough with all the terms & conditions laid out by the respective country. It requires attention to detail to secure a student visa to study abroad. Students can seek assistance from agencies for the purpose of securing a student visa for foreign education. It is important to be clear, organised, and honest throughout the application process to successfully travel and study abroad.

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