What Exactly Is a Student Visa?
A student visa is a legal document that allows you to study in another country. Student visas are typically provided for a limited time, and you must have been admitted to a university or educational institution to be eligible.
Student Visa Requirements
- To avoid having your student visa revoked, you must fulfill the following rules:
- In campus jobs, you can only work a certain number of hours per week (typically 20).
- Unless there is an emergency, you must attend all of your classes.
- If you receive a scholarship, you must keep a certain GPA.
- You are not permitted to stay once your visa has expired.
- A student visa does not allow you to apply for permanent residence.
How Do I Obtain a Student Visa?
The following is the procedure for obtaining a student visa:
- Fill out an application for a study program.
- Schedule a meeting with the embassy or consulate.
- Collect your paperwork.
- Make the visa payment.
- Attend your interview for a student visa.
Apply for a Program of Study
You must be enrolled in a valid study program in a foreign nation to be eligible for a student visa. So, before you can apply for the visa, you must first apply for the study program of your choice.
Schedule an appointment with the Embassy/Consulate.
After being accepted to a study program, you must locate a local embassy or consulate in your country and schedule a visa interview. Please keep in mind that an embassy and a consulate are distinct entities, and if both are unavailable in your home country, you may be compelled to submit your application to the visa office of a neighboring nation..
Send the Visa Payment
The visa application fee must be paid on time. Some visa offices may require you to do so before your visa appointment, while others may require you to do so on the same day—make sure you double-check with the appropriate authorities.
Attend Your Interview for a Student Visa
Finally, all you have to do is show up for the visa interview on time. Make sure you don’t miss the day or time, as it may be difficult to reschedule before the semester begins.
Visa Requirements for Students
For your student visa application, you will require the following documents:
- Passport (valid for six months). When you apply for a visa, your passport must be valid for at least six months. If your current travel document is about to expire, you should apply for a new one.
- Form for requesting a student visa. You must complete the student visa application form with your information, which you can normally find at the embassy/consulate.
- Photographs for passports. You must also send a few recent passport photographs—the amount of photographs requested varies by country.
- Admissions documentation. Submit your admission letter or enrollment records to demonstrate your acceptance to a study program in your destination country.
- Evidence of financial resources. You must demonstrate that you can financially sustain yourself during your studies. If you have family members who help you, produce financial statements from them. If you have a scholarship, you must include confirmation that you are a recipient of financial help.
- Documents pertaining to civil law. You must submit your birth certificate, marriage certificate (if married), and curriculum vitae.
- International student health insurance is available. Depending on the country in which you choose to study, you may be required to acquire a health insurance plan that covers you for the duration of your studies.
- Previous academic records. You must submit your university records for the student visa application if you attended a university previous to applying for your international study program.
How Long Does a Student Visa Take to Process?
The processing of your student visa application can take several months. Depending on how detailed your application is and how many people have filed for student visas, certain nations may conclude faster than others.
Fees for Student Visas
The cost of a student visa ranges from $160 and $600, including service and administrative expenses. The charge for a student visa varies depending on the nation in which you will study; certain countries may eliminate the visa fee entirely for students; you must call the embassy or consulate to find out the required fee.
Can I bring my family members on a student visa?
Yes, however normally only your partner/spouse and minor children are permitted. Please keep in mind that your family members will need to apply for visas as well.
Reasons for Student Visa Rejection
For the following reasons, your student visa may be denied:
- You submitted a visa application that was incomplete.
- You have no proof of financial assistance.
- You have a criminal background.
- Your passport is ineligible for a student visa.
- You are not a student at any educational institution.
What Should I Do If My Student Visa Is Denied?
Your student visa must be reapplied for. Before submitting another application, make sure you identify and address the reasons for your previous denial. However, keep in mind that if your student visa is denied, you may miss the deadline for entering the country for your study program.
In this instance, there is a chance you will be dropped from the program. At this stage, you must notify the admissions office that you are experiencing problems with your student visa and request an extension.