There are mainly three categories of student visas:
- F-1 (Student Visa): The F-1 visa is for full-time students enrolled in an academic or language program. F-1 students may stay in the US for the full length of their academic program plus 60 days. These students must maintain a full-time course load and complete their studies by the expiration date listed on the I-20 form. You should apply for a multiple entry F-1 student visa. With a multiple entry visa you can travel between US and India during the duration of your stay in the Unites States.
- M Visa (Non-Academic or Vocational Studies): This visa is appropriate f or people who want to study or train at a non-academic institution in the U.S.
- J-1 (Exchange Visitor Visa): The J-1 visa is issued to students needing practical training that is not available in their home country to complete their academic program. The training must be directly related to their academic program. The J-1 visa obligates the student to return to their home country for a minimum of two years after the end of their studies in the US before being eligible to apply for an immigrant (permanent residence) visa.
PERMISSION TO WORK IN USA
- Acceptance by University: This is the foremost condition for applying for a student visa. The university sends you form I-20 (certification of eligibility) that needs to be filled and submitted at the time of the interview.
- Knowledge of English Language: Proof of the required scholastic preparation is usually established by form I-20 from the institution involved and the entries on the form. To establish their knowledge of English, applicants are encouraged to take the “Test of English as a Foreign Language” (TOEFL). This is available in many Indian cities.
- Financial Resources: Since a student visa is a non immigrant type of a visa, you will have to provide proof that you have sufficient funds to cover the total cost of education and stay in the U.S. This implies evidence of readily available funds to meet all expenses for the first year and of the availability of funds for the following years from reliable financial resources. To satisfy this requirement, applicants may show that funds are available from the educational institution, from their personal resources or from sponsors (normally a very close relative), who have agreed to pay for their education. If the support is from the educational institution, in the form of a scholarship, assistant ship, on-campus employment, etc., it is usually noted on the I-20 form.
- Non-Immigrant Intent: It is difficult to prove that you intend to return to India after your studies are complete even though you sincerely intend to. This is because by law, all non-immigrants are viewed as “intending immigrants.” This means that the visa officer is under the assumption that you will be coming to the US and will remain in the US permanently. You should carry with you documents that demonstrate ties to India and would help convince the consul of your intent to return.
PROCESSING OF VISA APPLICATION FOR USA
After the 9/11 attack, security concerns have risen. If, however, you keep
all the required documents at hand and follow the process diligently you can hasten
the process. It is advisable to apply for a student’s visa at the earliest possible,
immediately after receiving form I-20. The interview can be arranged up to 120 days prior
to the beginning of the course and
the student can enter the US 30 days prior to the commencement of the classes.
- Step 1 (Pay the fee): You must pay the application fee (currently $100 or INR4, 600) and VFS service’ charge at a designated branch of HDFC bank before applying for a visa.
- Step 2 (I-20 and SEVIS charges): You must have received from the school a document called I-20. This document also requires a payment to the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) registration system. If the school has made this payment on behalf of the applicant, the confirmation information must be produced at the time of interview.
- Step 3 (Schedule an interview): Log on to the website http://www.vfs-usa.co.in and click on the ‘Apply for a Non-immigrant Visa’ link once the fees are paid. You will need to use the barcode number from your HDFC bank fee receipt in order to schedule an appointment. You will be required to fill the forms DS-156 and DS-157 and DS-158 (if applicable) at that time. You will have to wait 48 hours after paying the fee before you can book an appointment.
- Step 4 (Report for the interview): Report to the US Embassy or Consulate where your appointment for a visa interview is scheduled.
VISA INTERVIEW
Having written many essays and SOPs, you should not find the interview process
stressful. The American consulate has introduced a system of prior appointments for
visa interviews. On the given date, you will have to appear for a personal interview.
You should convince the visa officer that you have the necessary funds to cover the cost
of education. You should prove that you hold strong ties with India and also that are not
an intending immigrant. While answering the questions, one should be brief and to the point.
Most importantly, consular officials want to hear from the applicant. At no time, is
it recommended that the applicants bring family members with them to the interview.
MANDATORY DOCUMENTS
- Passport having validity of at least six months
- Original HDFC Bank Fee Receipt with its two barcode stickers
- Interview appointment letter
- Form I-20 and the admission letter from the University/College mentioning the total cost of education in the USA (If you have received admission letters/rejection letters from more than one university, carry all of them).
- Evidence of scholarship/aid/grant, if any
- Sponsorship letter
- Educational certificates, degrees, diplomas & mark sheets
- Score reports of TOEFL and GRE/GMAT/SAT
- Work experience certificate/reference letter from employer, if employed
- Bank statements/pass books of the sponsors for the last three years
- Summary statement of assets and total income of family members
- Income tax papers of the sponsor and his family for the last 3 years
- Proof of all movable and immovable assets.
VISA POLICIES
In Canada, student visas are called study permits. All overseas students are required to obtain a study permit before going to Canada. Students must also meet the requirements of the Canadian Immigration Act and Regulations. If, however, your course duration is of six months or less you do not need a study permit.
On January 1st, 2016, Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) introduced a new policy for international students in post-secondary studies. These students can now transfer between programs of study and institutions without applying for a change in the conditions of their study permit. They can also transfer between public and private institutions. This policy applies to students who have a valid study permit for training or studying at the post-secondary level, such as a university, community college, CEGEP, private university, Career College, academy, school or a training institution.
SALIENT/ADVANTAGEOUS FEATURES
There are benefits to having a study permit. A valid study permit allows you to:
- Work part-time on the campus at which you are registered as a full-time student
- Apply to renew your study permit from within Canada, if you decide to continue studying in Canada.
CONDITIONS FOR APPLYING FOR A VISA
Acceptance by University: This is the foremost condition for applying for a student visa. You need to prove that there is a university that has accepted you and you are going to join it.
Proof of Funds: You must demonstrate that you have sufficient financial resources available to pay tuition fees, maintain yourself and dependants, and to pay return transportation costs without engaging in employment in Canada . For example, students without accompanying dependants must demonstrate that they have at least 10,000 Canadian dollars plus the cost of tuition for a twelve-month period, plus the cost of transportation to and fro from Canada. This amount ($10,000) is the base amount considered adequate to cover all costs, other than tuition, for one person for a twelve-month period. Some educational institutions require that more funds be available. If the local cost of living is higher than average more money is required.
Non-Immigrant Intent: Satisfy the visa officer that you will return home at the end of the studies. For example you could show them p roof of land ownership.
PERMISSION TO WORK IN CANADA
If you are going to a private institution your study permit may have different conditions. One such condition states that unless authorized, you are prohibited from engaging in employment in Canada. If you later transfer to a public university or college, you would become eligible for on-campus employment or any other employment provisions available to students at those institutions. You do not need to change your study permit to become eligible for on-campus employment, your registration at an eligible institution is sufficient.
PROCESSING OF VISA APPLICATION
- Step 1: First of all, you need a letter of acceptance from the school. Keep this letter to apply for your study permit at the visa office. Get your application kit ready. An application kit includes a guide an application form and a document checklist .
- Step 2: Besides a study permit, you will have to apply for a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) as well. A separate application or fee is not needed for this. It is recommended that you request a multiple-entry TRV which allows you to leave (e.g. for visits home, academic conferences, etc.) and re-enter Canada many times.
- Step 3: Submit your application, your fees, and the required documents to a Canadian visa office.
- Step 4: An interview with a Canadian Visa Officer may be required. If this is the case, you will be told in writing of the time and place for the interview.
- Step 5: Once the study permit application is approved, the Canadian visa office will issue you a letter of introduction confirming the approval. This letter is not your study permit.
- Step 6: Make sure to bring this letter with you to show to immigration officials when you enter Canada . You will then be issued a study permit.
MANDATORY DOCUMENTS
The following documents are required (make 2 sets of photocopies for each on A4-size paper):
- Studies permit application form with three photographs
- Educational certificates/diplomas/degrees (including mark sheets)
- Completed supplementary questionnaire for students and postdoctoral researchers
- Official letter of acceptance from a Canadian university, college or technical Institute
- Certificate of acceptance from the province of Quebec (this is only for those of you who plan to study in the province of Quebec)
TOEFL/IELTS scores if applicable
- Passport, valid for at least one year from the planned date of entry to Canada, plus valid passports of any accompanying dependents
- Bank draft for the applicable visa processing fees
- Proof of funds
CANADIAN EMBASSY DETAILS IN INDIA
New Delhi
Canadian High Commission
7/8, Shantipath
Chanakyapuri
New Delhi – 110 021 All individuals who need to appear at the embassy for visa matters should report to gate 6 (visa gate) which is located on Nyaya Marg.
Europe is a romantic mélange of past and present. Every pocket and corner boasts its own distinct culture. You would think it would be a region that we are all at least peripherally familiar with, given our historical ‘ties’. However, much of European education remains an undiscovered domain for many of us. You may be familiar with some of the top institutions. These have an excellent quality.
The problem is that many Indians feel daunted by several uncertainties that surround the possibility of studying in Europe. More often than not, most of these uncertainties tend to be only partially true. Here are some common myths that you should be aware of:
- You have to know multiple languages: A little knowledge about other languages will definitely prove beneficial. A lack of working knowledge of these, however, will not prove to be an impediment. English is widely spoken in many European countries and this is the language you need.
- Getting Work Permits is difficult: This is not true for those who are educated and qualified. Usually, educated and qualified labor will find it as easy to obtain a work permit.
- Cost of Living is pricey: This is true of the metropolises, but then, it is an important characteristic of any metro city in the world. However, in certain countries in Europe there are high taxes. It is a fact that day-to-day expenditure can be more expensive in these than in any other part of the world. You should be aware of these facts and make your decision accordingly.
Finding Employment is tough: The savvy, enterprising professional who is one step ahead will usually find what he’s looking for. Someone who waits for an opportunity to knock at the door might lose the race. This holds true for a person in any part of the world. Employment opportunities do tend to vary from sector to sector and you should make yourself aware of the facts.
The Bologna Accord
One of the traditional and substantive difficulties for international students in Europe was the lack of uniformity in its education. Undergraduate education and post-graduate education varied in duration depending on the country. As a result they varied in recognition as well. This proved to be a big problem for international students. The Bologna Accord was signed in 1999. It has set standards for uniformity across European education to mirror the Bachelors-Masters system. The Bologna Accord seeks to:
- Create a system of comparable and understandable degrees throughout the European Union
- Establish a clear and standard division between undergraduate and graduate studies
- Promote student mobility among different fields of study, institutions, and nations
- Develop a quality-assurance process and governing body to ensure standard qualifications and quality throughout participating countries
- Define a European focus for higher education
So now don’t limit yourself. If you want to be educated in Europe go for it. You can ward off your worries and attend any course, undergraduate or post-graduate in any part of Europe . It is important to research on the destination that you are interested in before you make your decision.
SALIENT/ADVANTAGEOUS FEATURES
If you come from a country that has a health-care agreement with the UK , or if you are enrolled on a course for more than six months, you may be able to get medical treatment on the National Health Service (NHS). Short-term students who are in the UK for six months or less are not entitled to free medical treatment and you will have to pay for any treatment you get.
CONDITIONS FOR APPLYING FOR A VISA
Acceptance by University: You should be selected to study at a publicly funded university or college, a bonfire private institution or a fee-paying independent school. The details of that study should cover either of these conditions; you should either follow a full time degree course, or a weekday full time course at a single institution involving at least 15 hours of organized, daytime study per week.
Financial Resources: You must be able to pay for your course and the living expenses of your husband or wife and children (if they are with you) without working in UK or claiming public funds.
Work permission: You must not intend to work in the UK unless you are accepted for a course lasting longer than six months. Then you may work part-time or during vacations.
Non-Immigrant Intent : You must intend to leave the UK at the end of your studies
PERMISSION TO WORK IN UK
During your course of study, you can take part-time or holiday work, but you must not:
Work for more than 20 hours a week during term time unless your placement is part of your studies, has been agreed upon by your educational institution and leads to a degree or qualification awarded by a nationally recognized examining body
Do business, be self-employed or provide services as a professional sportsperson or entertainer work full-time in a permanent job
Once the course is over, you can apply for work permit employment . This is covered under work permit (INF 13) . However, if you graduate in an approved science or engineering subject you can apply to stay in the UK , to look for or to take work, for an additional year after your degree course finishes without getting a work permit. This gets covered under Permit free employment (INF 14).
Under the ‘Fresh Talent: Working in Scotland’ scheme, if you successfully complete a degree level course or the above, and it was awarded by a Scottish institution, you may be able to apply to live and work in Scotland for up to two years after achieving your qualification.
PROCESSING OF VISA APPLICATION
Apply two to three months before you intend to travel. The period from September to January is especially busy for the visa office, so make sure you apply well in advance.
Step 1 (Pay the fee): Visa fees should be paid only by a bank draft (available at the Visa Application Centers). They should be made in favor of:
- British High Commission (If Applying In Northern India)
- British Deputy High Commission – Mumbai (If Applying In Western India)
- British Deputy High Commission – Chennai (If Applying In Southern India)
- British Deputy High Commission – Kolkata (If Applying In Eastern India)
An additional handling charge of Rs. 455 per application will be levied by VFS. As on June 26, 2006 , the visa fee is Rs. 7650.
Step 2: Be ready with the documents.
Step 3: The Entry Clearance Officer will try to make a decision using your application form and the supporting documents you have provided. If this is not possible, they will need to interview you. The schedule of the interview will be given to you.
MANDATORY DOCUMENTS
- Income tax papers of the sponsor
- Student Visa Application form
- Photograph – size 2 inches x 2 inches
- Offer Letter from the Institution
- TOEFL / IELTS score, if applicable
- Valid passport
- Visa fee in the form of a bank draft
- Copies of academic mark sheets and certificates
- Work experience certificates, if applicable
- Proof of payment of fees, if applicable
Proof of funds – Applicants must demonstrate that they have sufficient liquid assets to pay the tuition fees, living expenses and traveling cost without engaging in employment in UK . Even bank loans are accepted.
Letter from the sponsor
UK EMBASSY IN INDIA
New Delhi
British High Commission,
Shantipath
Chanakyapuri
New Delhi – 110021
Mumbai
British Deputy High Commission
Maker Chambers IV
Second Floor
222 Jamnalal Bajaj Road
Nariman Point
Mumbai – 400021
Chennai
British Deputy High Commission
20 Anderson Road
Chennai – 600006
Kolkatta
British Deputy High Commission
1A Ho Chi Minh Sarani
Kolkata – 700071
All individuals who need to appear at the embassy for visa matters should report to gate 6 (visa gate) which is located on Nyaya Marg
SALIENT/ADVANTAGEOUS FEATURES
There are advantages to applying for an Australian student visa. If you are studying on a student visa you:
- Have access to Australia ‘s subsidized student health cover
- Are able to study for more than three months
- Are generally able to change status to an overseas student in Australia
- Can apply for permission to work
CATEGORIES OF STUDENT VISA
In Australia, you may undertake any course of study that is for less than three months on a visitor or a working holiday visa. If you intend to study for more than three months, you must apply for a student visa. There are seven different types of Australian student visas you can choose from depending on your circumstance.
- Schools Student Visa (Subclass 571): This visa applies to those of you who intend to study in a primary or secondary school or are on a student exchange program.
- Vocation Education and Training Student Visa (Subclass 572): This visa applies to those who seek to obtain a diploma, advanced diploma or certificate through a publicly funded Technical and Further Education College (TAFE) or a private college.
- Higher Education Student Visa (Subclass 573 ): This applies to those seeking a tertiary qualification from a university, such as a bachelor degree, graduate diploma or a graduate certificate.
- Masters and Doctorate Student Visa (Subclass 574 ): This visa applies for those seeking a postgraduate qualification, such as a masters or doctorate degree.
- Non-Award Foundation Student Visa (Subclass 575): This visa relates to those doing a foundation course. The course does not include any formal educational prerequisites and is one which will not lead to the award of a formal degree or diploma.
- Aus AID or Defense Sponsored Student Visa (Subclass 576): This visa applies to students who have the support of Aus AID or Australian Defense. It is a highly specialized visa category.
- Independent English Language Intensive Courses for Overseas Students (ELICOS) Student Visa (Subclass 570): This visa applies to those students intending to study only English. Students who are studying English as a prerequisite to other courses need to apply under the other visa subclass to which those courses relate
CONDITIONS FOR APPLYING FOR A VISA
As a visa applicant, you must fulfill the following requirements:
- An Offer of Acceptance – Before a student can apply for a student visa, a valid offer letter from a CRICOS registered Australian institute is required.
- English Proficiency – An IELTS score is a mandatory requirement and evidence of this must be included at the time of application for the student visa. The TOEFL exam is not accepted.
- Financial Capacity – Student visas are granted when a student can prove that they have adequate funds to support themselves in Australia, pay for their tuition and care for dependant family members included on the visa.
- Work Permit Rules – As a student in Australia , you will only have a limited working allowance on your visa. Therefore adequate funding to pay for living expenses and tuition are important and must be evidenced to gain the visa. If you take time off from study to work, you will fall below full-time study levels, exceed your work allowance on the visa, or will fail academically. Any of these things can lead to visa cancellation.
- Bonfires – The student needs to submit their past academic records for verification as well as a statement of purpose for undertaking the desired course.
- Health cover – Because Medicare, the Australian national health system, is not available to overseas students, you must maintain your Overseas Student Health (OSHC) cover while in Australia
- Non-Immigrant Intent – You must leave Australia before your visa expires.
- Good Character – Other requirements are that you be a genuine student, have good health and be of good character-without a criminal record
PERMISSION TO WORK IN AUSTRALIA
As per the Australian visa policy, all initial student visas granted do not give the holder permission to work in Australia . Students and their dependants will only be able to apply for a student visa with work rights after they arrive in Australia and the student has commenced their course of study. The charge is $55.Generally, students and their dependants are limited to 20 hours of work per week while the student’s course of study or training is in session. Students may work full-time during holiday periods. Dependents of subclass 574 master’s and doctorate students have unlimited work rights after the principal student visa holder has commenced his or her course in Australia
PROCESSING OF VISA APPLICATION
The main aspect to gaining an Australian student visa is to obtain an electronic confirmation of enrolment (ECoE) from the university. This is the only accepted evidence of enrolment for processing student visa applications. Each student visa application is assessed according to an assessment level which is determined by the passport held and visa subclass applied for. The steps given below make the process seem simple:
Step 1: You must submit the relevant completed application form. This must be signed personally and given with the non-refundable visa application charge in the form of a demand draft in favor of the Australian High Commission-New Delhi. The fee amounts to Rs.27,300/- with effect from June 1, 2016
Step 2: When applying for a visa, you will need to provide an ‘offer of a place in a course’ letter from your education provider to the visa processing office.
Step 3: After applying for a student visa you need to wait patiently for approximately 2-3 weeks. If you meet the basic requirements you will be issued a preliminary visa assessment (PVA) and further steps will be directed.
Step 4: After you receive your PVA, you will be advised to undergo a medical checkup from a prescribed doctor of the High Commission.
Step 5: You are required to pay for the first semester tuition fees and the OSHC premiums after getting the PVA.
Step 6: On receipt of payment, the institution issues an electronic confirmation of enrolment (ECOE) which comes directly to the Visa Office.
Step 7: You are now required to submit your passport to the visa office
MANDATORY DOCUMENTS
- Additional information sheet
- Application form
- Letter of offer from the institution (original and photocopy) stating the course, fee structure and the duration
- Valid passport
- Four passport photographs
- A statement of purpose
- Other forms – supplementary Questionnaire, details of relatives
- Guardianship form (if applicable)
- Academic Documents (original and photocopies)
- IELTS test result
- Work experience documents (original and photocopy)
- Financial documents (originals and photocopies)
AUSTRALIA EMBASSY DETAILS IN INDIA
New Delhi
High Commission address:
1/50 G Shantipath,
Chanakyapuri
New Delhi – 110 021
Ph.: +91-4139 9900
Fax: +91-4149 4490
All individuals who need to appear at the embassy for visa matters should report to gate 6 (visa gate) which is located on Nyaya Marg.
SALIENT/ADVANTAGEOUS FEATURES
There are advantages to applying for an Australian student visa. If you are studying on a student visa you:
- Have access to Australia‘s subsidized student health cover
- Are able to study for more than three months
- Are generally able to change status to an overseas student in Australia
- Can apply for permission to work.
The region of Asia Pacific is full of interesting, diverse cultures. Each country within it has a unique attraction.
In the past decade and a half many of these countries enjoyed an impressive economic momentum. Although different countries within this region have had their traditional strengths prominent examples being Singapore and Hong Kong for finance, and China for manufacturing, they have become increasingly diversified in their industry concentrations. The rapid economic growth in different nations in this region has accelerated tremendous changes in the urban landscapes, lifestyles, tastes and preferences. Economic growth is an immense attraction to other nations. There has, as a result, been an increase in global interactivity. This has had a profound impact on Asian education.
There is a strong correlation between economic growth and the increase in the quality and number of educational institutions. Economic growth prompts increased study in ways to sustain this growth and enhance the equitability in the distribution of its benefits. The recent times have seen:
- The emergence of exciting new institutions such as CEIBS.
- Existing universities such as the University of Tokyo establishing themselves as among the world’s elite.
- Many institutions that were initially more specialized in their orientation, such as the HKUST, expanding the portfolio of courses they offer.
- Institutions such as NTU forging alliances with universities from all over the world.
The job prospects after graduating from these institutions is a big concern for Indian students. It is important for you to note that prominent business schools in Asia have effective global alumni networks. You must keep yourself updated on regional cooperative measures. For example, India and Singapore have recently facilitated measures that will make the entry process for migrant workers more streamlined, with a mutual recognition of secondary school and college education.
Prominent Asian educational destinations include:
- NUS
- NTU
- AIM Manila
- CEIBS
- University of Tokyo