Student Visa Procedure
Posted on: February 19 2019, By : Ayush Varhadi
If you are planning on studying abroad then you may need a visa to enter the country in which you are going to be a student. Here are the most frequently asked questions we hear about student visas. A visa is a document that gives you permission to enter a foreign country. A student visa is only given out to people who have a confirmed place of study at a registered institution for a set period of time. Different countries have different visa requirements, so your first port of call should be the embassy website of the country you want to study in.
Student Visa Classifications
Student Visas are often classified on the basis of two broad distinction points
· Student Visa Classification Based on Program’s Duration
Depending on the length or tenure of the program the applicant is planning to undertake, the countries often divide the student visa into Short Term Student Visas or Long-term Student Visas.
· Student Visa Classification Based on Type of Program/ Student
Irrespective of the duration of the course, some countries classify the student visas basis the type of student. This could be the level of degree applied for (undergraduate, graduate or doctoral), exchange student or student applying for a vocational/ diploma course.
Here is a list of documents commonly required for all visas:
· Valid Passport
· Printed copy of the online visa application form
· Interview appointment letter (original and copy)
· Form sent by the college
· Visa fees payment confirmation receipt
· Bank statement for at least three years showing that you have enough assets to pay for the first year (could be of parent or guardian)
· Pay slips
· Original mark sheets/provisional certificates
· Score sheet of exams like TOEFL, GRE, GMAT etc.
VISA procedures in popular countries among Indian students:
1. USA- F1 Student Visa
Students applying for a program which requires more than 18 hours of study in a week require an F1 visa. This includes all undergraduate programs as well as graduate programs like MS, MBA etc.
Your student visa will last for your entire study duration plus 2 months.
Visa fee: 10,300 INR + 12,880 INR Service Fee
Specific visa requirements
U.S. officials recommend you apply 3 months in advance of leaving for the U.S Processing time after you apply for the visa is estimated between 4 and 17 calendar days .Students are given priority when it comes to processing all visa applications.
2. UK - Tier 4 (General) student visa
Your student visa will last for your entire study duration plus 1 month.
Visa costs
UK officials recommend you apply 3 months in advance of leaving for the UK. Processing time after you apply for the visa is estimated between 2 and 30 calendar days.
3. Germany – Visa type D
Your student visa will last three months and after, it will be replaced with a residence permit for which you have to apply when you arrive in Germany.
Visa costs:
German officials recommend you apply 3 months in advance of leaving for Germany.
4. Canada – Study permit
Your student visa will last for your entire study duration plus 3 months.
Visa costs
Canadian officials recommend you apply between 4 and 6 months in advance of leaving for Canada.
Processing time after you apply for the visa is estimated at around 35 calendar days.
5. Australia– Student visa (subclass 500)
Your student visa will last for your entire study duration plus 2 or 3 months.
Visa costs
Processing time after you apply for the visa is estimated between 21 and 37 calendar days.
Though the international student visa application process is fraught with much paperwork, the processes are all explained in great detail on the appropriate government websites. You can find many resources online to further help you with this task, and last but not least, do not hesitate to contact your chosen university for more information on the international student visa process and how they can help .You can also take help from the Top Overseas Education Consultants who assist students with the visa, admission and accommodation process.
Student Visa Classifications
Student Visas are often classified on the basis of two broad distinction points
· Student Visa Classification Based on Program’s Duration
Depending on the length or tenure of the program the applicant is planning to undertake, the countries often divide the student visa into Short Term Student Visas or Long-term Student Visas.
· Student Visa Classification Based on Type of Program/ Student
Irrespective of the duration of the course, some countries classify the student visas basis the type of student. This could be the level of degree applied for (undergraduate, graduate or doctoral), exchange student or student applying for a vocational/ diploma course.
Here is a list of documents commonly required for all visas:
· Valid Passport
· Printed copy of the online visa application form
· Interview appointment letter (original and copy)
· Form sent by the college
· Visa fees payment confirmation receipt
· Bank statement for at least three years showing that you have enough assets to pay for the first year (could be of parent or guardian)
· Pay slips
· Original mark sheets/provisional certificates
· Score sheet of exams like TOEFL, GRE, GMAT etc.
VISA procedures in popular countries among Indian students:
1. USA- F1 Student Visa
Students applying for a program which requires more than 18 hours of study in a week require an F1 visa. This includes all undergraduate programs as well as graduate programs like MS, MBA etc.
Your student visa will last for your entire study duration plus 2 months.
Visa fee: 10,300 INR + 12,880 INR Service Fee
Specific visa requirements
- You will need to attend the visa interview at an embassy or consulate in your home country.
- Proof of available funds to support yourself during your stay in the U.S.
U.S. officials recommend you apply 3 months in advance of leaving for the U.S Processing time after you apply for the visa is estimated between 4 and 17 calendar days .Students are given priority when it comes to processing all visa applications.
2. UK - Tier 4 (General) student visa
Your student visa will last for your entire study duration plus 1 month.
Visa costs
- Visa fee: 31,792 INR
- Health insurance: 12,530 INR/year
- If you apply from certain locations in India you’ll have to pay an extra 4,595 INR for their services - opened upon request.
- You will need to show up for a visa interview at a visa application centre in India.
- Proof of available funds to support yourself during your stay in the UK. 105,600 INR/month if you’ll live in London, and 84,700 INR/month outside of London.
- You will need to take a tuberculosis test for your visa application.
- Provide proof of sufficient English skills.
UK officials recommend you apply 3 months in advance of leaving for the UK. Processing time after you apply for the visa is estimated between 2 and 30 calendar days.
3. Germany – Visa type D
Your student visa will last three months and after, it will be replaced with a residence permit for which you have to apply when you arrive in Germany.
Visa costs:
- Visa fee: 4,500 INR
- Health insurance: 50,280 INR to 72,000 INR
- Residence permit: 8,250 INR/year + 6,000 INR/year when it’s renewed
- You will need to attend the visa interview at an embassy or consulate in your home country.
- Proof of available funds to support yourself during your stay in Germany of around 54,000 INR/month.
- You will need to open a blocked bank account at a German bank (in support of your minimum funds proof).
- Provide proof of sufficient English or German skills.
German officials recommend you apply 3 months in advance of leaving for Germany.
4. Canada – Study permit
Your student visa will last for your entire study duration plus 3 months.
Visa costs
- Visa fee: 7,715 INR
- You will have to pay additional fees for the required medical exam.
- Service fee of 767 INR for the visa application center to process your application.
- You may need to attend a visa interview at an embassy or consulate in your home country.
- Proof of available funds to support yourself during your stay in Canada of around 42,850 INR/month or 47,165 INR/month if you apply for a university in Quebec.
Canadian officials recommend you apply between 4 and 6 months in advance of leaving for Canada.
Processing time after you apply for the visa is estimated at around 35 calendar days.
5. Australia– Student visa (subclass 500)
Your student visa will last for your entire study duration plus 2 or 3 months.
Visa costs
- Visa fee: 28,000 INR
- Health insurance: 24,000 – 30,600 INR/year
- You will have to pay additional fees for the required medical exam.
- You may need to attend a visa interview at an embassy or consulate in your home country.
- Proof of available funds to support yourself during your stay in Australia of around 255,300 INR/year.
- Provide proof of sufficient English skills.
Processing time after you apply for the visa is estimated between 21 and 37 calendar days.
Though the international student visa application process is fraught with much paperwork, the processes are all explained in great detail on the appropriate government websites. You can find many resources online to further help you with this task, and last but not least, do not hesitate to contact your chosen university for more information on the international student visa process and how they can help .You can also take help from the Top Overseas Education Consultants who assist students with the visa, admission and accommodation process.
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