Visa Guide for International Students

IMPORTANCE OF VISA GUIDE FOR STUDENTS: A visa is an official document authorizing an individual to enter a foreign country and stay there for a pre-decided finite period of time. The visa is issued by the immigration authority of the concerned country through a formal procedure that is generally complex in nature. 

There is a variation in visa requirements from country to country and expects students to be aware of the complexities associated with visa requirements, procedures, rules and obligations. This detailed visa guide is helpful for students to get such understanding and an overview of visa queries as well. 

This guide is the ideal manual for international students looking for study options in some of the prestigious universities of UK, USA and Australia. 

Who should consult this guide?

Any students looking for student visa for availing educational opportunities in any of he popular educational hubs can use of this guide in an efficient manner. This visa guide provides complete knowledge about procedures for every destination separately and ends with a comprehensive interview guide helping you to resolve the queries.

Visa Guide for USA

USA is one of the most preferred and attractive educational destinations for international students. It holds some of the best educational universities and institutions of which student dream to be a part making it important to get acquainted with the visa requirements and rules. Students are advised to apply early ensuring they get the visa issued prior to their date of departure to USA. As some of the basic requirements the students are expected to take the necessary permission from the respective educational institution in USA. 

Then students should fill in the Form I-20 (Certificate of Eligibility for Non-Immigrant Student Status) to provide detailed information related to their application for F-1, F-2, M-1 and M-2 visas. Further any student who need J-1 or J-2 visa is required to fill up the Form DS-2019. 

The approval documentation comes from the university once the concerned college or university sanctions the appeal. 

Visa Guide for Australia

Australia has remained a preferred destination among students to get higher education followed by some attractive career opportunities. A large number of students target Sydney, Melbourne and Adelaide to complete their professional courses. The international students aiming to study in the prestigious education institutions are required to apply for visa to DIAC (Department of Immigration and Citizenship) of Australia as this office directly controls the federal government of the country. 

The department operates an Overseas Student Program (OSP) where visa is granted only when a registered course is availed by the student. In relation to types of visas, there are different categories and students need to apply in the appropriate class or sub-class based on the course of study.

Subclass 570 (Independent ELICOS)

This form of visa is for students undertaking the English Language Intensive Courses for Overseas Students (ELICOS) in Australia. This is the single course where the students are not allowed to pursue other registered education program. 

Further, students pursuing he course in the Australian schools will get an Australian student visa with the subclass 571 (Schools).

Subclass 572 (VET)

Students applying for Vocational Education and Training (VET) can also get visa for Subclass 572 visas covering the certifications of I, II, III and IV, Diploma and Advanced Diploma. It also has sub-classes namely, Subclass 573 (Higher Education Sector), Subclass 574 (Masters Degree and Ph.D. Degree) and Subclass 576 (AusAID or Defence Sponsored Sector). 

Visa Guide for UK

UK is among the top preferred choice among students looking for international educational destinations. Some of the most prestigious universities namely Oxford and Cambridge are situated in this region and thousands of students dream to pursue a course on these eminent institutions. It is the UK government’s home office that manages allotment of visa but Swiss Nationals and those belonging to EEA (European Economic Area) are not required to take any permission from the authority to enter and stay for three months in UK. 

Some of the general requirements for getting the visa fro UK are:

1) The student applying for visa should already been accepted and received the admission letter on the respective course of study. It is known as Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS)

2) All the students must be proficient in British English. They might be asked to give an English Language Test depending on the native country and prospective course. 

3) Applicants from EEA nation should obtain a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). However, students from they other countries should do a complete health cover known as Comprehensive Sickness Insurance (CSI) from an authorized insurance company. The insurance term should completely cover the visa tenure.

After these requirements are met, students should select the type of visa and prepare for formal application and further procedures. 

Sample Student Visa Questions

After the long process of visa application, every student goes through a personal interview that takes place at the consulate, embassy or the special immigration office. Some of the basic questions that students face are categorised as follows:

1. Plans of Study
2. University Choice
3. Academic credentials 
4. Financial status and details of sponsorship
5. Future plans after course completion

Plans of Study

1. Why do you want to study in the host country?
2. What is your academic background?
3. Why don’t you pursue a course in your home county?
4. How the prospective course will help you?
5. What is the scope of your course?

University Choice

1. What is the number of universities or colleges you have applied for the course?
2. Which institution did you got the permission?
3. Can you tell me some detailed about that institution?
4. Are you aware of the course structure?
5. Are you aware of the locality where the institution is situated?

Academic credentials

1. What are your scores in GPA, TOEFL, IELTS and other examinations?2. Are you proficient in English?
2. Can I see your high school and graduation certificates?
3. How would you manage the educational differences?
4. Do you have the requisite specialization? (If you apply for technical courses)

Financial Status

1. What is your family’s monthly income?
2. How will you meet all the expenses of studying abroad?
3. Who is going to be your sponsor for your education?
4. What is the annual income and other details of your sponsor?
5. Can I see your bank statement?
6. Do your parents pay taxes? If yes, show the tax returns.

Future Plans

1. What are your plans after completing this course?
2. Would you like to study further or work in the host country?
3. Are you sure that you will return to your home country after course completion?
4. How can you prove that you will definitely return after finishing the course?