Are you thinking of doing university studies abroad? So you need a student visa. Most countries worldwide request this type of Visa for international students who wish to study within their territory.
This document allows students to stay legally in the country while they study. Its validity depends on the country and the type of Visa you request. Also, some countries allow you to work under certain conditions. If you want more information about this document, continue reading until the end.
Requirements to obtain the Student Visa
This type of Visa has its characteristics, depending on the country that requests it. Also, the requirements are different in each of the nations. The process of applying for a student visa is relatively simple.
However, consider that you must carry out this procedure in the sufficient time since you must first gather the requested documentation. Sometimes, you must have the translation and legalization of some documents. So this takes a bit longer.
Since the different types of student visas are within the category of non-immigrant visas, you must be a full-time student and prove that once you finish your studies, you will return to your country of origin.
If you have already decided to have an international experience, we invite you to continue reading to learn about the requirements of the leading educational destinations. Take note!
Student Visa to Spain
Suppose you have decided that your educational destination is Spain, and you plan to study a bachelor’s, master’s, or doctorate program within a public or private university. In that case, you must apply for a student visa.
This residence permit is intended only for international students outside the European Union. While its validity is the duration of your study program. On the other hand, you should know that there are two types of Visa according to the time you plan to study in Spain:
- Short term: for studies between 91 and 180 days.
- Long-term: for studies lasting more than 6 months.
It is essential to mention that the student visa allows you to work up to 20 hours per week. To do activities related to your studies, you must have a signed agreement between your school and the company where you will work.
Otherwise, your employer must request a work permit from the corresponding immigration office. The resources obtained cannot be used as proof of financing for your studies.
Requirements
- Passport whose validity covers the duration of your studies.
- Recent color photograph on a white background, passport size.
- Proof of income of at least 654 USD per month.
- Public or private medical insurance with full coverage in Spain.
- Acceptance letter from the educational center.
- Criminal record.
- Validation of university degrees.
- Information on accommodation during your stay in the country.
- Pay the visa application fee of 65 USD.
- Medical certificate showing that you do not suffer from any disease recognized by the International Health Regulations, such as smallpox, typhus, cholera, plague, yellow fever, or relapsing fever.
- Stay request form.
- For short-term studies, round-trip ticket receipts must be included.
Student Visa in the USA
The United States is one of the most attractive countries for international students. This is because its universities occupy first in the leading educational rankings.
So a large number of international applicants is not surprising. If you are one of them, you must apply for a student visa to stay legally in the country while you study.
Currently, there are three types of student visas in the United States: F1 (academic) Visa, J1 (practical) visa, and M1 (vocational) visa. If you do not know which one you should process, we will explain each one below:
Visa F1 – academic and M1 – vocational
The F1 Visa is the most requested by students. It allows you to complete academic studies or take a full-time English program. In addition, it will enable you to work as long as you do it on campus. Some universities have part-time, on-campus work programs for international students.
The M1 Visa allows you to take recognized short-term non-academic programs, such as some language programs. Unlike the F1 type, this one does not allow you to work under any conditions.
F1 and M1 visa requirements
- Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application, Form DS-160.
- Color photograph was taken in the last 6 months, size 5 cm x 5 cm.
- Passport with at least six months validity.
- Receipt for payment of application fee of $160.
- Registration in the Student and Exchange Visitor System (SEVIS).
- Transcripts, diplomas, degrees, or certificates obtained in your home country.
- Proof of income to cover all educational, living, and travel costs.
- Documents prove that you will return to your country of origin once you have finished your studies.
- Go to the interview.
J1 Visa – practical
You must apply for this type of Visa if you are going to participate in exchange visitor programs in the United States, such as short-term courses, internships, internships, research, or practical experiences.
This type of Visa allows you to study and work with certain restrictions. During the duration of your program, you will not be able to leave the country, and if you do, you must apply again to apply for the J1 Visa.
J1 Visa Requirements
- Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application, Form DS-160.
- Color photograph was taken in the last 6 months, size 5 cm x 5 cm.
- Passport with a validity of at least six months.
- Receipt for payment of application fee of $160.
- Certificate of Eligibility for Exchange Visitor Status, Form DS-2019.
- Training or Internship Placement Plan, Form DS-7002.
- Go to the interview.
Student Visa to Canada
If you are thinking of studying in Canada for more than 6 months up to 3 years within an official educational institution, you must apply for a student visa. This Visa allows you to take English courses up to postgraduate programs.
In addition, it allows you to work only if you are taking university programs since if you are taking an English course. It does not allow you to work.
However, consider that you can work on campus if you have a social security number. While to work outside of it, you must also have a work permit.
Requirements
- Valid passport for the duration of your studies.
- Acceptance letter from an educational institution in Canada.
- Evidence of economic solvency.
- Criminal record letter.
- Certificate of good health.
- Student health insurance.
- Prove to immigration that you will leave the country once you finish your studies.
- Payment of application fee of 120 USD.
Student Visa to Australia
The subclass 500 student visa is issued to students who wish to study for 3 months and 5 years within an Australian academic institution registered with the Commonwealth Register of Institutes and Courses for Overseas Students (CRICOS).
So this Visa allows you to take language courses up to postgraduate programs. In addition, it will enable you to study and work simultaneously, although with certain restrictions. How to work up to 40 hours every fifteen days and full time during your vacations.
Likewise, this Visa allows you to travel inside and outside the country during its validity and to stay a few weeks after finishing your studies. It costs 469 USD.
Requirements
- Valid passport during the time of your stay.
- Be enrolled in an academic institution registered with CRICOS.
- Student health insurance payment Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC).
- Proof of English language proficiency.
- Proof of income that supports your economic solvency during your studies. It should be equivalent to approximately 1,307 USD.
- Confirmation of Enrollment (CoE).
- Letter of intent or Genuine Temporary Entrant – GTE.
- Transcripts, diplomas, titles, or certificates obtained, as well as your work in your country of origin.
- The medical examination is carried out by one of the doctors authorized by the Immigration Department in your country.
- Criminal record.
Student Visa to France
Students considering doing an academic program in France must apply for the VLS-TS “étudiant.” What is the long-term Visa with the value of a residence permit, with mention of the student?
With this type of Visa, you can reside in the country for 4 months to a year, travel through the countries of the Schengen area, receive rental subsidies, and work up to 20 hours per week.
To process this Visa, you must know if you come from a country affected by the Études en France procedure.
If this is the case, you must first apply for admission to a French educational institution since your visa application will be sent to the French consular authorities in your country of origin. This entire procedure is carried out through the Campus France platform.
Otherwise, you must contact, at your own expense, the French consular authorities in your country and start the visa process. In both cases, once you have entered French territory, you have three months to validate your student visa.
On the other hand, it is essential to mention that if your studies last more than a year and you want to stay in the country to continue your studies, you must go to the police prefecture to apply for a multi-year residence permit. This must be done at least three months before the expiration of your student visa.
This residence permit will be valid for the remaining years of the academic program in which you are enrolled. That is until you finish your studies and get your degree or diploma.
Requirements
- Identity photography.
- Passport valid for at least three months after the date you will finish your studies.
- Certificate of pre-registration or enrollment in a higher education or training center.
- Last diploma obtained in your country of origin.
- Proof of accommodation for the first 3 months of your stay.
- Evidence of economic solvency: 3 own bank statements, with a minimum average monthly balance of 670 USD.
- Pay the application fee of $108.
We hope this information will help you start a new educational stage. Do not forget to share this article with friends and colleagues who may also find it helpful.
