Understanding Visa Requirements for Studying Abroad

Why study abroad?

• Learn to live independently
• Understand different perspectives
• Gain exposure to a different culture
• Get equipped to work internationally
• Improve communication skills
• Enhance career prospects

Understanding Visa Requirements for Studying Abroad

Students apply for study visas to pursue education in a foreign country. Most people applying for these visas are either graduates or postgraduates to undertake higher education. They should apply for it only after they gain admission into a college or a university overseas.

The requirements needed to apply for a visa to study abroad vary as per the immigration laws of each country. Some countries have lenient rules in place to issue study visas to immigrants, while others have stricter regulations. But there are some universal requirements for any country in the world.

The process to apply for a student visa

When you have decided to study abroad, you need to plan methodically. After all, you will enter a new country governed by laws different from those in your home country. Any mistakes you commit could cost you a lot.

To begin with, they need to appear for language proficiency tests as per the country where they intend to study. They should provide the immigration authorities of the countries where they would study with the results of the language tests with several other requirements. It will ensure the smooth processing of their applications. It is always better to apply at least six months in advance as the processing time would be lengthy. Those who want financial aid or scholarships should apply two months earlier than others.

Two types of student visas are issued. One is based on the duration of the course they intend to pursue, and the other depends on the type of program they are applying for. There are two subdivisions under these. They are long-term and short-term student visas.

Student visas based on course duration

Short-term visas are mostly granted to students who intend to pursue a short program, like a diploma or a certificate program, not extending beyond three months. In comparison, long-term visas are issued to students pursuing undergraduate, graduate, or doctoral programs for at least one year.

Student visas based on types of course

Certain countries offer student visas depending on the type of program they would want to undertake. For instance, individuals traveling on student exchange programs would be granted these types of visas and their validity would be based on the type of student undertaking it.

Requirements to apply for a study visa

After receiving an admission letter from an overseas educational institution, you need to gather the following requirements to apply for a study visa.

• A passport with a validity of at least six months from the scheduled date of entry into the country you are traveling to.
• Educational transcripts highlighting the courses studied and the grades achieved
• Language proficiency test results – you should get minimum scores as the country’s authorities mandate.
• A letter of admission from the university or college you would study in.
• Proof of having sufficient monetary resources to take care of all the expenses, including living, which you would incur during your entire stay abroad.
• A statement of purpose (SOP) in which you will detail the reasons you have opted for a particular course and also why you chose that specific country to study
• A letter of recommendation (LOR) from one of your professors or study guides that highlight your strengths and endorse your decision to study abroad.

Process of applying for a student visa

• Understanding the requirements of the country you want to study in so that you can apply accordingly.
• Apply for the proper visa as per your requirements.
• Await for your visa application to be processed.
• Attend the interview for a study visa at the embassy or consulate of the country you are planning to go to.
• Pay the required tuition fee to the university/college and keep the receipt ready with you, which would need to show to the immigration authorities upon your arrival there.
• Evidence showing genuine intent to return to your home country just before your visa expires.

Things to consider before going abroad

• Be prepared to live away from your family and friends when you choose to study overseas.
• Prepare a budget for your monthly expenses there.
• Be open-minded and prepared to learn the local language. It may be possible for you to get along with English but be prepared to learn the local lingo, which is unique to each place so that you will be able to make friends there. That way, you will no longer feel strange living there.
• Befriend other foreign nationals living there and share your experiences with them. They would have encountered similar challenges after entering that country.
• Think of it as a memorable experience because you would be spending a brief part of your life there. Acquire whatever skills you can during your stay there.

If you are planning to study abroad in the near future, contact Y-Axis, a premier immigration consultancy, to get proper assistance and help to apply for a study visa.

HOW CAN Y-AXIS HELP YOU?

Y-Axis streamlines the process of studying in the country of your choice with our student-first solutions. We will help you with:

• Informed advice
• Dedicated study abroad consultant
• Detailed report on your options
• Help in shortlisting courses and colleges
• Your next steps to study abroad
• Talk to our counsellors to understand your study abroad options.
• Course Recommendation, get an unbiased advice with Y-Path that puts you on the right path to success.