VISAS

Once student receives admission in the desired University, comes the most important stage, VISA. This is where it is actually decided whether student will be able to pursue his/her studies abroad. Different countries have different Visa procedures and regulations. The students should obtain maximum information about it before applying. Obtaining a Visa is the last but very essential step to go abroad to study further. Every student has to be extremely cautious while presenting the papers or while attending a Visa interview. There are certain important things which a student needs to bear in mind while applying for the student Visa. A student Visa is just the permission granted to a student to go to a particular country to study and then return to his/her home country. There are different procedures to obtain Visas for different countries. For USA the students have to appear for an interview; for UK the students need to submit their documents and if required also appear for an interview. For Australia again only the documents need to be sent to the Consulate.


Certain important documents required for student Visa irrespective of the country are:
Proof of admission:
Applicants must submit the proof that they have been unconditionally accepted to an accredited academic program.
They must have received an acceptance letter from the school.
Applicants should carry their relevant certificates, transcripts listing courses they have taken and grades received, their TOEFL score report, and any other score reports usually required for the course (GRE, GMAT, etc.)
Prove that they have the skills and background necessary to successfully complete the course.

Proof of Sufficient Funds:
Applicants must prove that they have enough funds to support their tuition, health insurance, and living expenses.
They must show how they plan to meet these expenses, either through waivers, on-campus employment, assistantships, scholarships, or personal funds.
If applicants have received scholarships, they must provide evidence that the organization providing the scholarship has the intent and ability to pay.
If they plan to use personal funds, they must show that they have adequate funding for the entire course of study, in terms of liquid cash, fixed deposits, property, and jewelry and so on.
Applicants must submit their sponsor’s bank statement, IT returns and related documents to the Consulate.

Once all the required documents are submitted, a consular officer can make a decision about whether or not to issue a visa. Students should allow sufficient time for the processing of visa application. Granting of Visa is entirely at the discretion of the Consulate. Applicants must ensure that they have submitted all the required documents that will help them establish their intention of returning back upon the completion of their education.

Students should also note that Student Visa does not allow a student to work in any country abroad. Students need to seek separate permission to be able to work while they are taking their classes. In some countries it is even illegal for a student to work while he/she is in that country on a student Visa.


USA

The US Visa process includes
Applications
Interview

There are different types 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. F-1 students must maintain a full-time course load and complete their studies by the expiration date listed on the I-20 form.
M-1 (Vocational Student Visa). The M-1 visa is issued for students attending non-academic trade and vocational schools. The M-1 visa is valid for at most one year. Recipients of an M-1 visa may not change fields of study.

U.S.A Visa Processing Time
At least 5 business days before your visa interview appointment.
U.S.A Visa Application Documents
Passport should be valid for more than 6 months from the date of return.
One photograph as per specification.
Original signed form DS-156
Original Form DS-157 only if you are 15 to 55 years of age.
Original form DS-158 only if you are applying for F, M or J visa.
Valid HDFC Bank fee receipt
U.S.A Visa Fees: Mode Fee
Visa Fee is payable in cash or by DD/HDFC Bank cheque favoring “US Embassy - Visa Fees” current fees is approx 131 $ (Rs 6550 approx). The amount of fees varies as per the Dollar rate.


UK
Visa is a certificate that is put into your passport or travel document by an Entry Clearance Officer at a British mission overseas. The visa gives you permission to enter the UK. Student visas are normally granted for an initial period of one year, usually determined by the length of the course to be studied. Students however must be able to show that they have been accepted on a course of study at an institution of further or higher education (for example, a university) and that he/she will undertake:



a recognised full-time degree course
a course run during the week involving at least 15 hours organised daytime study per week.
a full-time course of study at an independent fee paying school.
They must also:
be able to pay for their course and support themselves and any dependants and live in the UK without working or any help from public funds.
Passport should be valid for more than 6 months.
An explanation of his current status.
Evidence that he plans to leave the UK when he completes his studies
Although if the applicant is a degree student and he successfully complete his studies, he may be able to take work-permit employment if he meets the requirements for this.
Letter from the institute confirming that the applicant has been accepted and that the course meets the immigration rules.
The cost of the course fees and receipts if paid.
Details of your accommodation and their costs.
How many hours will the applicant study?
The start and end date of the course.
Relevant diplomas or educational certificates. In case the applicant has a degree he has to send his passing certificate as well as his degree certificate.
Certificate from an organization which shows that his English is good enough for him to complete the course. E.g.: International English Language Testing System(IELTS) and Test of English as a Foreign Language(TOFEL)
If the visa applicant is self employed he needs to provide his company documentation and most recent tax certificates.

UK Visa Processing Time
Minimum of ten working days approx(during peak periods it may take a little longer)
UK Visa Fees:

· Visa Fee is payable by DD favoring “British Deputy High Commissions “approx 99 Pound (Rs 8400/- approx). The amount of fees varies as per the pound rate.