What is a Student Visa?
Given a lot of scholarship and work opportunities, many students apply to foreign countries. The opportunities are available for various study programs such as bachelor’s, master’s, and Ph.D. There is also a range of academic disciplines offered for students. But to avail this chance, students must apply for a student visa.
A student visa is an official document that allows students to continue their studies for which they applied. Applicants must have an offer letter from a recognized university to be eligible for the study visa. Usually, a student visa is allotted for a couple of years but it can extended upon request given your stay duration.
The following article will provide complete information about various types of work visas, their requirements, and their validity.
Types of Student Visas
There are a number of study destinations that are very popular for foreign studies. Each country has its own procedure for granting student visas. But there is a similar standard procedure that applies to all. Here is a list of different types of student visas:
- US student Visa
The United States of America offers a number of fully funded, partially funded, and self-finance scholarships to continue their studies in America. It offers many types of student visas as America is an educational hub worldwide. These include:
- F-1 visa
To avail this visa, the candidate must be enrolled in and American institute which should be listed in SEVP (Student and Exchange Visitor Program). For this, you have to get an I-20 form from SEVIS (Student and Exchange Visitor Information System) and then wait for a response.
- M-1 Visa
This visa is for those candidates who have vocational training such as cooking, technical expertise, cosmetology, etc. You have to get admission in a recognized institute listed in SEVP and also fill the I-20 form.
- J-1 Visa
This visa depends upon the type of program you have selected, falling under the J-1 visa category. It is a two-year exchange program that allows you to work in America.
- Q-1 Visa
This visa is allotted as a cultural exchange visa for students to study for a semester or two in America. To be eligible for this visa, the candidate has to apply through US Citizenship and Immigration Services.
- Australian Student Visa
Australian Student Visa or subclass 500 visa is allotted for 5 years. The candidate must possess a CoE (Confirmation of Enrolment) before applying for a visa. The CoE contains the list of courses the candidate will be studying there. The candidate must have the essential documents necessary to apply for the visa.
- UK Student Visa
The previous Tier 4 visa for the UK has been changed to a Student route visa. The candidates must have an offer letter from a recognized UK institution and then apply for a UK student visa. It is advisable to apply 6 months before the starting date of your course. The eligibility for a UK visa also depends on the Point-Based System.
- Germany Student Visa
Germany is an attractive educational hub for international students. The students who are enrolled in a German university or have received their confirmation letter can apply for a German Visa. The visa is valid for three months but can be extended further by applying for a student resident permit.
- Canada Student Visa
The Canadian visa is allotted to students who are enrolled in a Canadian institute, and a visa is granted for the extension of your study program. Also, the candidate has to provide the necessary credentials and financial proof to continue their studies.
How to get a Student Visa?
- There is an extended procedure to be followed in order to apply for a visa. There are several steps to apply for a student visa. These are as follows:
- The candidate must apply for a study program and be eligible for the relevant program. After receiving an offer letter or admission, the student can apply for a visa.
- The candidate must give his visa interview in the respective visa embassy or consulate in his country.
- The candidate must possess all the required documents for visa application. They must be certified and consulted with the visa eligibility criteria. Sometimes the documents may require translation which must be checked with relevant visa officers.
- The candidate must submit his visa application payment as per requirement.
- The candidate must give his final visa interview at the embassy or consulate. This is an important step and after that candidate must wait for visa approval.
Student Visa Requirements
The candidates must submit the required documents for their visa application. Each type of student visa for a specific country requires a standard procedure. The list of documents is as follows:
- The candidate must possess a valid passport with a six-month validity.
- The candidate must fill out the student visa application form.
- The candidate must submit their passport-size pictures as per the required background and size.
- The candidate must submit his proof of admission
- The candidate must provide his proof of financial record or bank statement
- The candidate must provide his civil documents such as birth certificate, CV, etc.
- The candidate must provide his health insurance.
- The candidate must provide his complete educational records.
Student Visa Validity
The standard time for a student visa is up to the duration of relevant academic period. Normally, a student visa is allotted for two years and can be extended by applying. Mostly, student visas are issued for two or four years.
Conclusion
The above article provides a detailed information about student visa and how to apply for a student visa. There are many countries which provide student visa so students can continue their study as well as work in their country. Depending upon the type of visa and country, the candidate must prepare is required documents and application to get selected for the relevant program. This article will definitely provide you necessary information regarding the student visa.
Written by: Hajra Imran
