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Here we are discussing Student Visa - Documents Needed, Application Process & Types
A student visa is a type of non-immigrant visa. Student visas are essential travel documents for people planning to travel abroad for study. It is a multiple-entry visa and remains valid till the time of completion of your study abroad.
It is necessary to apply for a student visa before you begin studying abroad. The exact process of getting this permit always depends on where you plan to live and study.
The process of obtaining a Student Visa to study abroad can be a bit difficult. Nevertheless, with the right preparation and guidance, it can be smooth and effortless.
Keep on reading this article to know more about Student Visa - Documents needed, Application Process & Types
Student Visa - Types
Given below are a few common types of Student Visas:
Full-time Student Visa: This type of visa is for students who plan to take up full-time studies in an institution. It typically allows you to stay in the country for the duration of your program, and work part-time during your studies.
Exchange/short-term Student Visa: As the name suggests, this type of visa is for students who are participating in an exchange program or a short-term program. This type of visa usually has stricter conditions and a shorter validity period.
Research Student Visa: This type of visa is for students who are conducting research as part of their studies. This visa is often valid for a longer period of time than a standard Student Visa. It may also allow you to work part-time or take on paid or unpaid internships.
Student Visa Types: Country-wise
Here's a list of student visas for some of the host destinations for higher studies:
USA - Student Visa
There are three types of student visas in the United States.
The F1 visa applies to students moving for academic studies. F1 visa holders can work part-time for up to 20 hours a week.
The J1 visa applies to students visiting to obtain practical training; they can also take up part-time work under conditions similar to F1.
M1 visas are issued to students coming to the states to study a vocational or non-academic course. M1 visa holders are not permitted to take up part-time work.
Canada - Student Visa
To study in a Canadian institute, you must obtain a student permit. If you want to work while you learn, you will also need a work permit.
Germany - Student Visa
A student applicant visa is for someone who is awaiting confirmation from an institute or is exploring options for studies in Germany.
A student visa is issued to students who have been accepted by any of the country's colleges.
For short-term courses that can last from three months to a year to study the German Language, the government issues a Language Course Visa.
Australia - Student Visa
Student Visa (subclass 500) - Up to 5 years
Visitor Visa (subclass 600, 601, 651) - For maximum of 3 months of study
Working Holiday Visa (subclass 417 and 462) - For maximum of 4 months of study
Student Visa - Eligibility
The eligibility criteria for a student visa differ from country to country. The following are the eligibility criteria for a student visa:
- Visa application should be accepted and approved by the school authority.
- You need to prove that you have enough money to pay for your tuition fees and bear the cost of living for yourself and any family members who accompany you to a particular destination.
- Having a good past academic record and history.
- Must be able to qualify for the character requirements.
- You fulfill health requirements set by the destination country and your ability to purchase health insurance coverage if needed.
Student Visa - Documents Required
- Valid passport
- Proof of being a bonafide student
- Payment receipts for universities
- Educational documents
- Proof of funds
- Bank statements
- Loan approval letter
- Scholarship letters
- Affidavit of support
- Language proficiency result
- GPF/EPF statement
- Property evaluation report
- CA certificate
- Loan capability certificate
- Bank letters
Student Visa - Application Process
The student visa application process may vary from country to country. Applicants need to follow certain steps while applying for a student visa. So, before you apply, it is recommended to read the instructions provided by the embassy of your destination country where you intend to apply.
Applicants can apply for a student visa both online and offline. Certain countries may accept offline applications for a student visa. In that case, applicants need to download the application form and fill it with all the required information and send it to the consulate of their destination country.
Here are few simple steps applicants need to follow while applying for a student visa:
- Gather the necessary documents
- Fill out the application form
- Pay the application fee
- Attend an interview
- Wait for a decision
- If your application is approved, you will be notified and will receive your visa.
Important Note: Students are advised to apply for a visa 3-4 months in advance from the course commencement date to avoid any last-minute issues.
Student Visa Cost: Country-wise
USA
Service fee of $350 (28k-30k INR)
Application fee of $160 (12k-13k INR) for F, J, and M type of visa
Sevis fee for an exchange visitor is around $220 (17k-18k)
UK
The fee for General UK visa for students is 348 Pound sterling (34k-35k INR)
The fee for a short term student visa is 97 Pound sterling (9k-10k INR) for 6-month and 186 Pound sterling (18k-19k INR) for an 11-month visa.
Canada
Applying for a study permit in Canada costs $CAN 150 (11k-12k INR)
Australia
The student visa application for Australia is AU$620 (up to 35k)
Germany
The visa fee for a German student visa is 75 Euro (6k-7k INR)
Student Visa Denial - Common 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.
How to check Student Visa Status with Passport Number?
Visit the official visa website of the country of your visit.
Find the option of tracking the visa application status.
Enter the acknowledgement number or passport number and the date of birth.
Following that, enter the captcha code and click ‘submit’.
The status of the visa application would be displayed.
Conclusion
Student visas are issued to international students. These are for applicants wanting to visit the country for education. Each country has its own immigration laws. They vary in terms of documents required, proof of funds, etc. The difficulty level of obtaining a study visa can vary depending on the country you're applying to. Some countries have a straightforward process, while others have more requirements and regulations.
In this article, we have tried to cover everything related to Student visa - Documents Needed, the Application process, and Types. We hope you like this article!
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