Student Visa

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AUSTRALIA

Visa Information

To study in Australia, the following information will help you decide which class of student visa you need.

You need to obtain an Australian Student Visa to study in Australia. The following are the main Australia Student visa requirement as you must be able to prove to the Department of Home Affairs:

  • Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) requirement
  • Financial requirement
  • English Proficiency requirements
  • Health and character requirements

You need to pay the visa application fee and perhaps attend an interview after you have completed an Australian student visa application form.

What is Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE)?

The visa applicant should be able to demonstrate a genuine intention to stay in Australia temporarily for the purpose of study or to accompany a student as a dependent or as a guardian according to the Genuine Temporary Entrant requirement. The following are the factors that the decision-makers at the Department of Home Affairs will consider:

  • Situations in your home country
  • Potential circumstances for you in Australia
  • Value of the course chosen to your future
  • History of your immigration

You might be asked to attend an interview at your nearest Australian embassy or consulate to determine whether you meet the GTE requirements. The visa application form needs to be filled only by some of the candidates.

Completion of Australian student visa application form

It is for the same visa that the students are applying for: the Student Visa (Subclass 500) this is something that you should apply online.

You will need to obtain a Confirmation of Enrolment (COE) or a Letter of Offer confirming you have been accepted into a course registered under the Commonwealth Register of Institutions of Courses or CRICOS before applying for a visa. There is also a deposit fee that you will need to pay.

To study in Australia at the same or higher study level, you will be able to change course afterwards. But, if you are changing course to a lower level on the Australian Qualification Framework or an non-AQL level course, you need to apply for a new visa. By studying two or more courses on your Student Visa, where there is a clear progression from one course to another you may also package your studies.

Australian student visa requirements

  • Financial requirements: Covering for tuition, travel, and living costs needs the evidence of sufficient funds. You will also have to show evidence of being able to cover living costs for your dependents if any including school fees. Evidence of your spouse or parents who are willing to support you earning at lease AU $60,000 a year.
  • English proficiency requirement: You will have to prove that you can speak English to the required level if you are not from an English-speaking country. The IELTS, TOEFL, iBT, Pearson Test of English Academic, and Cambridge Advanced English are the eligible tests. In doing a foundation course or enrolling on a preliminary English Language Intensive Course for Overseas Students, the score that you will need will depend on whether you are starting a full degree or not.
  • Health requirements: The students might have to undergo medical as well as radiological checkup to show that they are in steady health condition. You must attend an appointment with a doctor who has been approved by the Australian immigration department if told to do so.
  • Character requirements: You must be of good character to enter into Australia is what is stipulated through the Australian student visa requirements. To make sure that you do not have a substantial criminal record, this includes a criminal record check. You may be asked to complete a Character Statutory Declaration Form, a penal clearance certificate or get a police statement.

Australian student visa documents

To offer you with a list of documents required for your specific circumstances, the Department of home Affairs website has a document checklist feature. The following are what the students should be submitting:

  • Completion of Australian student visa application form or 157A
  • The paid visa application fee is currently AU$620 in most of the cases
  • Copy of the passport biodata page
  • Letter of Offer or Certificate of Enrolment
  • Evidence of sufficient funds
  • Evidence of sufficient funds
  • Evidence of health insurance coverage
  • English proficiency test results
  • Criminal record check results
  • Four passport sizes photos recently clicked

Usage terms of student visa

Before the start of your course, you can enter Australia on your student visa up to 90 days. You should also inform your education provider of your resident address and also inform them within seven days if you change address within just 7 days of your arrival.

You may work up to 40 hours per fortnight during term time, and full-time on holidays while on a student visa. Although you are not allowed to begin working until your course started and should no rely on work in order to support yourself or your family while in Australia as the visa is automatically issues with permission to work.

You do not have any work restrictions if you are studying master’s by research. For non-profit organization and for the benefit of the community, voluntary/unpaid work is also not included in the 40-hour limit.

CANADA

Visa Information

To study in Canada, the following information will help you decide which class of student visa you need.

You will have to obtain a Canadian study permit that serves as a Canadian student visa for the duration of your stay in order to study in Canada.

Overview

If your course or program last six months or less, you will not need a Canadian study permit. If you decide you wish to continue your studies on another program, you will need to leave Canada to apply for a study permit through a visa office as you might want to apply for a student permit.

You can apply to renew it from within Canada if you decide to continue your study permit. A study permit also allows you to work part-time on campus for full-time students registered at an accredited higher education institution. As part of your program, stay in Canada as a permanent resident or find work after you graduate as you may also be able to work off-campus, work as a co-op or intern as part of your program.

Process to obtain a Canadian study visa

  • It is from a recognized higher education provider is how you should be obtaining a standardized letter of acceptance. Students who are studying in Quebec, one should also apply for a certificate of acceptance. Before you apply for a study permit, you should acquire this. We are going to help you in getting this.
  • Either from the CIC website or by contacting your local visa office or the Canadian embassy or consulate in your home country is the next stage in getting a Canadian student visa application. If you are from a designated country, you may also need to obtain a temporary residence permit and as it will be processed at the same time as your study permit application this will not complicate the matters too much.
  • You will have to answer a few questions about yourself on the CIC website in order to get your application package. For future reference make sure to print out the page that contains the code. Whether you are eligible to apply online for a Canadian student permit and the documents that you will have to provide will determine whether you are eligible to apply online for Canadian student permit.
  • You will receive a personal checklist code valid for 60 days which you will need in order to submit your application online if you are found eligible.
  • Create a MyCIC account where you will enter your personal checklist code when you are ready to apply.
  • You can submit your completed application to CIC once you have your documents and application form ready and have paid your fees.
  • It is at their local visa office there are some applicants that may have attend an interview.

Requirements to apply for Canadian student’s visa

  • Biometrics might be required for the applicants from Europe, the Middle East or Africa.
  • Before submitting their application some applicants may also need to get a medical exam or a police check. If you have a criminal record, you will not be able to get a study permit and as a proof of this, you might be asked to provide a Police Clearance Certificate.
  • You will need to prove you have a valid passport which allows you to return to your country of origin after your course is complete unless you are from the US or St. Pierre and Miquelon. With your name and date of birth written on the back the two-passport-sized pictures are also required.
  • The proof of funds to support yourself, Canadian student visa requirements also include this.

Documents required

  • Bank statements
  • With the money transferred evidence of a Canadian account in your name
  • A bank draft in a convertible currency
  • Accommodation feed and proof of payment of tuition
  • A letter from institution provides you with money or a letter from a person stating the same
  • If you have a scholarship or are undertaking a Canadian-funded program with the proof of funding paid from which Canada.

Applying through the Student Direct Stream

Students from China, India, Vietnam, or the Philippines can apply for in order to get their study permit faster with as Canada has recently introduced the Student Direct Stream.

Although there are stricter language requirements you need to have an IELTS score of at least 6 or a 7 in Niveaux the Competence LinguistiqueCanadiens for French or have graduated from a Canadian curriculum high school with the requirements that are similar to the regular study permit although there are stricter language requirements.

Your application will be reviewed for the regular study permit option and you will not get faster processing if you do not meet the requirements for the Student Direct Stream meeting them for the regular study permit.

Work while you Study

You can now qualify to work on or off-campus for up to 20 hours during university semesters and full-time during the breaks such as the winter or summer holidays without the need for a work permit if you would like to get a part-time job to help support yourself while studying in Canada.

Eligibility:

  • Having a valid study permit
  • Becoming a full-time student
  • Enrolling at a designated learning institution at post-secondary level or in Quebec, a vocational program at secondary level.
  • Studying in an academic, vocational or professional training program that leads to a diploma, degree, or certificate for duration of at least six months.

You will need to acquire a post-graduation work permit if your study permit becomes invalid 90 days after you have completed your study program.

United Kingdom (UK)

Visa Information

To study in UK, the following information will help you decide which class of student visa you need.

Need to fulfill your dream of studying in UK? Know all about the UK student visa.

To determine whether you need a UK student visa, the requirements and general immigration criteria are managed by UK Visas and Immigration. All other international students are likely to need a visa while the Swiss nationals and those from the EU/EEA states do not currently need visa for studying in UK.

The UK government has stated that there will be no change to the rights and status of EU citizens until 2021 with the result of UK’s referendum on the membership in the European Union that has led to some uncertainty over the visa regulations.

Types of UK Student Visa

You may be eligible for the short term study visa if you are studying a short course and are over 18 years old. For most short courses, it is valid up to six months and can also be extended to up to 11 months for the English language courses.

You will have to ensure that you’re chosen institute holds a Tier 4 Sponsor License if you are studying a longer course. If you are aged 4-17 and want to study at an independent school in the UK, you can apply for Tier 4 (Child) student visa or a Tier 4 (General) student visa for those aged 16 and more.

UK student visa requirements

  • Passport details
  • Recent photos
  • On a course that is offered by a licensed Tier 4 Sponsor, evidenced by a ‘Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) form from your course provider an unconditional offer of a place.
  • Adequate proof of English language skills as demonstrated by passing one of the secured English language tests (SELT)
  • You also need to have a proof of financial support throughout your stay in UK
  • You may also need an ATAS certificate if you are a non EU/EEA/Swiss student studying a sensitive subject.

Fees of UK student visa

With an addition fee per person for any dependents, the current fee for the Tier 4 (General) student visa is US$440. In order to access the National Health Service of NHS during your stay, you will need to pay a healthcare surcharge of US$190 per year.

For a 11 months visa you need to pay US$240 and for a short term study visa for six months will cost US$120.

For master’s students at 27 universities streamlined visa processes

To study a master’s degree at one of the 27 eligible universities, you can now apply for streamlined visa processing. It is the part of the new Tier 4 Pilot scheme. You can apply from inside or outside the UL as your course will need to be 13 months. After the end of your course, the pilot scheme allows you to stay longer and you will not need to submit documents showing your academic results or proof of funds are what it also mean. In case it is required, you will still need to have these documents to hand and will have to follow all other immigration guidelines.

Using your UK student visa

A UK Border Agency officer will place a stamp on your passport that states the duration of your stay in the UK when you are entering here. For example, you can stay for a full duration of the course along with an additional four months if your course is 12 months. Beyond this period, you cannot extend your stay.

You should make sure you are fully immunized by remembering to pack your immunization record in your hand luggage in case you are asked to show the Border Agency officer at your UK port of entry before your arrive. You need to carry your proof of financer, proof of accommodation, and the documents related to your studies.

You may also be required to register with the police within seven days of your arrival in UK depending on where you are from.

Working while you study

Students of EU, EEA, and Swiss can work while studying in UK. During the term time, students of publicly funded higher education institutions on Tier 4 student visas can work for up to 20 hours per week and also full-time during the Christmas and Easter breaks.

 

New Zealand

Visa Information

To study in New Zealand, the following information will help you decide which class of student visa you need.

You need to plan your study, work out how you will support yourself in NZ and check which documents you need to provide with your application before you start with it.

Planning before you apply

  • You will have to be accepted for a course at a reputed education institute approved by the Ministry of Education or the New Zealand Qualifications Authority or NZQA.
  • You have to qualify for a proof that you have a scholarship that pays your fees or money for your tuition fees.
  • You will have to have the proof for enough money to live while you are on students visa in New Zealand.
  • You also need to have an evidence that you have enough money to buy one or a ticket out of NZ.

Study Fees

As international students most people who come to NZ to study pays their full fees.

Domestic students

Your fees are usually less if you qualify as a domestic student but you will still need to have a student visa.

Criteria for domestic student

  • Under a government-approved exchange program studying at a primary or secondary school.
  • As your parent or legal guardian is here on a student or work visa studying at primary or secondary school in NZ.
  • Studying for a PhD.

Paying for your living expenses

You need to show you have one of the following in order to support yourself while you study in NZ:

  • For your first year of study you need NZD$15,000
  • If your program of study is less than 36 months you need NZD$1250 for each month.
  • Such as that of New Zealand Aid Program scholarship you need to have one.
  • While you are in NZ a sponsor or family member who has agreed to accept financial responsibility.

Health insurance

You need approved medical and travel insurance if you are a fee paying student. To get help with arranging medical and travel insurance contact your education provider.

Students aged 9 or younger

The international students should have the following if they are 9 or younger:

  • They should have a legal guardian or a parent living with them
  • One who is living in school hostel that is approved by NZQA.

Documents required

The following are the documents as part of the visa application process for candidates who are looking to apply for their New Zealand Student Visa:

  • Your passport should be valid for at least three months beyond your period of stay in New Zealand so your passport should be valid.
  • Completed Student Visa Application Form
  • Payment Receipt of the Application fee
  • From a New Zealand institute or university, you need to have an offer of a place. After the tuition fees have been received, the forms are mainly issued.
  • Your status conformation as a study abroad student with the letter from your current institution.
  • Receipt of your health insurance
  • To prove that your intention of staying in New Zealand is genuine, you may be required to show Health and Character certificates.
  • Two passport-sized photographs

There might be a requirement for additional documentation. Additional documents might be requested by the interviewer during personal interview. These are the documents that prove of your financial status.

  • From the schools you have attended you need the transcripts, degrees, certificates, or diplomas.
  • Scores from tests that your college required, such as TOEFL, GRE, or GMAT scores