Introduction
United States Visa
United Kingdom Visa
Australian Visa
Canadian Visa
All your efforts to secure an admission to a university of your choice will be in vain, if you do not work as meticulously in organizing your visa documentation.
Organizing and presenting needs a lot of careful planning and execution. The procedures of application for a student visa are different to different countries and hence it is very important for you to be familiar with the same when applying.
Please find below the general procedures to apply for a student visa to the popular destinations:
United States Visa:
To study in the US you need to apply for an F1 visa. This is a student visa that enables you to pursue your academic degree for the duration of the program. There are other categories (the “J” visa or “M” visa under which you can apply for a student visa to pursue further studies in the US.)
(see the link (http://mumbai.usconsulate.gov/types_of_visas.html for more information)
http://www.fulbright-india.org/ also has information.
The application of a study to the US requires you to complete the following formalities before you proceed to apply for a visa:
- You must have a full time enrolment in your program.
- The college you are going to attend is an accredited one.
- You have applied for and received the I-20 form, which documents your expected expenses for the year. (explained in the next paragraph).
- You have applied for SEVIS registration online and have received the receipt for the same.
- You have a passport that is valid/does not expire during the duration of your study in the US.
- You should have your financial documentation in place to show that you will be able to fund your studies / you have adequate funding to cover your expenses (tuition, fees and living and other expenses that are expected to be incurred).
- Supporting documents relevant to your application.
- Carry copies of the GRE and TOEFL results and your previous academic results.
You must also:
- be able to pay for your course and support yourself and any dependants, and live in the US without working or any help from public funds; and
- intend to leave the US when you complete your studies.
- Supporting documents relevant to your application.
Financial Documentation may include:
- Original bank statements, FD’s to evidence funds to cover tuition/ living expenses
- The sponsor's IT returns for 3 years – required to show that you can pay for your stay and your course of studies in the UK, and
- Evaluation reports of any property owned.
- Your own tax returns in case you have been working for some years.
- The I-20 form
What is an I20 form?
An I20 is a document that is issued by the university that you are going to attend. It documents the expenses that you are going to incur in your first year of study only.
It also explains how you are going to fund the first year’s expenses in the university. Some universities send you the I20 alongwith the admission letter that they send you. Some others ask you to explain in detail how you plan to fund your expenses before they give you the I20.
Who can be your sponsors?
Sponsors are normally parents, grandparents, brothers, sisters or relatives. From sponsors, a letter of sponsorship, evidence of their financial status with bank statements, income documents and documents showing assets and property needs to be submitted.
The Process in brief:
After you have got your I20, you will file for SEVIS registration. This is a government tracking mechanism that has gained importance after the events of September 11.
You need to go to the VFS (Visa Facilitation Services Office) and submit the visa forms required for an F1 student visa. These forms are DS156, DS157, DS158. You are required to have passport size photograph clicked. Make sure that your photograph that is against a light coloured background and is specifically of the size that is required in US.
Each application must have the following:
- Demand Draft for Visa Application Fee: Rs 4400/- Favouring " American Consulate General , Mumbai" payable in Mumbai.(non-refundable).
- Logistics fee: Rs 441/- (non-refundable) in cash or demand draft favouring "VFS a/c - US Visa" payable in Mumbai. The amount includes service and education cess tax at 10.2% (Rs 41/-).
(The break-up of the amount is as follows.
1. Application Fee of Rs.4,400/-, non-refundable.
2. Logistics Fee of Rs 441 /- (non-refundable)
3. Issuance Fee of Rs 2200/-, (refundable if visa is denied) )
Please note the following in case of making a demand draft for the amount to be paid.
1. Demand Drafts can be drawn on nationalised banks or local branches of foreign banks. Demand Drafts drawn on Co-operative Banks are not accepted.
2. Demand Drafts can be purchased at all our Application Centres.
Please see the website https://www.visa-services.com/US/fingerprint.html for more information.
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After you have submitted the visa forms, the copy of the I-20, copy of the SEVIS receipt,
you will be asked a date on which you would like to be interviewed for purposes of grant of visa. You can opt for the additional services on the visa interview day. These services include providing you with a lounge for relaxation, refreshments and a bus to transport you to the US consulate for the interview. You are also provided with a locker to enable you to keep your stuff that you will ordinarily not be allowed to take inside the consulate for the interview. Take our advice and take the locker. It saves you the time, effort and inconvenience of standing in queues outside.
On the interview day, carry your financial documents (originals) I-20, SEVIS receipt, birth certificate, marriage certificate (if applicable), house evaluation documents, income tax returns – all originals and any other document that you feel is necessary.
What should you wear on the day of the visa interview?
You should wear a regular formal wear – a full sleeves shirt and trouser for men and salwar kameez or jacket and trouser for women , as you may judge for yourself - all without being too dressed up or without being underdressed either!
It is better to go through a mock interview before you come for an interview. It is advisable that the mock interview is conducted by people who know the business of interviews – professionals who you know amongst friends an relatives can point out certain things to you. You may also an education consulting firm that is able to train you in a hands-on manner. Please do let us know whether you need advice regarding visa interviews. We have a team of experts well- versed in the art of visa interviews for various countries.
We will present the visa interviews requirements and the preparation required in another edition completely devoted to it.
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United Kingdom Visa:
The application of a study to UK requires you to establish the following:
You must be able to show that you are going to follow:
- a recognised full-time degree course; or
- a course run during the week involving at least 15 hours of organised daytime study each week; or
- a full-time course at an independent fee paying school
You must also:
- be able to pay for your course and support yourself and any dependants, and live in the UK without working or any help from public funds; and
- intend to leave the UK when you complete your studies.
To apply for a visa you will need the following:
- Application form VAF 1
- Your passport or travel document.
- A recent passport-sized (45mm x 35mm), colour photograph of yourself.
This should be:
o taken against a light coloured background
o clear and of good quality, and not framed or backed
o printed on normal photographic paper, and
o full face and without sunglasses, hat or other head covering unless you wear this for cultural or religious reasons
- The visa fee. This cannot be refunded and you must normally pay it in the local currency of the country where you are applying.
- Supporting documents relevant to your application.
Supporting Documents:
You should include all the documents you can to show that you qualify for entry to the UK as a student. Academic Documents should include:
- All educational certificates after/from schooling till date
- a letter from the university, college or school confirming that you have been accepted on a course of study in the UK, and statement of charges for the course
- evidence of government sponsorship (if appropriate)
- Evidence of English Language qualifications
Financial Documentation should include:
- a letter from your host or sponsor in the UK to say that they will support you and provide accommodation for you during your studies, with evidence that they can do so.
- Original bank statements, FD’s to evidence funds to cover tuition/ living expenses
- The sponsor's IT returns for 3 years and salary certificates or other evidence to show that you can pay for your stay and your course of studies in the UK, and
- Deeds of any property or land owned in the student's country of origin
- Chartered accountant’s report
Who can be sponsors?
Sponsors are normally parents, grandparents, brothers, sisters or relatives. From sponsors, a letter of sponsorship, evidence of their financial status with income documents and documents evidencing assets in solid and liquid needs to be submitted.
What happens after the application is lodged?
The application with the supporting documentation, visa fee draft is accepted and forwarded for a decision to an Entry Clearance Officer (ECO) from the nearest visa issuing centre of the British High Commission or Embassy. The British High Commission works towards clearing visa applications within 2 working days, though this varies during busy periods. It is therefore recommend to apply as early as you can. If called for an interview, then the application process is expected to take longer. Hence it is recommend to apply for your visa at least 1 month before your course commences or earlier.
If ECO finds your application complete, your visa may be issued without an interview.
Please note you are not required to appear for a medical examination if you country of residence is India.
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Australian Visa:
Student Visa to Australia in two phases- the preliminary visa assessment and final visa assessment.
The following are the steps to obtaining your student visa to Australia: after receiving an offer letter and completed the IELTS test:
- Prepare financial records, or arrange a bank loan
- Complete your student visa application
If, after your application is lodged, you receive a Pre Visa Assessment letter, this means you may go on to the next step.
- Have a medical checkup (forms and list of approved doctors will be sent by the Visa Office).
- Pay your first semester's tuition fees and receive ‘Confirmation of Enrolment’ Letter
- Bring or send the ‘confirmation of enrolment’ letter from the institution you have applied to, and your passport, to the Visa Office. Then, once all final documents are received, and if you meet all visa criteria, a visa will be issued
Please find below details on how to prepare your documentation for Pre-Visa:
Preliminary Visa assessment:
The preliminary visa assessment involves the evaluation of financial ability, English language skills academic relevance:
Financial Ability:
A Master’s by coursework falls into the Sub-class of 573 of visa. This requires declaration of funds for tuition fee and living expenses from acceptable sources by the eligible sponsor for at least the first two years of study.
The Master’s by research and PhD programs would be treated as Sub-class 574 wherein funds for tuition and living have to a minimum of one a year of study.
How much should I declare?
Declaration of funds from acceptable sources should meet expenses of tuition, living and return airfare for a minimum to the duration depending on the subclass. Tuition fees as specified in the offer letter and living expenses declared at the rate of 12,000 AUD per annum. Please note that married applicants will have to declare living expenses for the spouse and children if any.
Who can be Sponsors?
In relation to financial sponsors an ‘eligible sponsor’ means one or more of the following:
- the applicant
- the applicant’s spouse
- the applicant’s parents
- the applicant’s grandparents
- the applicant’s brother or sister
For Sub-Class 573, 574 Applicants, there is no restriction on individuals who can sponsor but the sponsor must be genuine. Examples of types of individual sponsors generally considered genuine would be a close relative or another individual where a close link with the applicant is established. In such cases, evidence of the relationship/link should be provided.
Other sponsors:
Financial support proposed by other individuals will also be considered. Applicants should:
- provide evidence of connection to the sponsor (family, business or other); and
- Demonstrate genuineness of offer of financial support (reasons for support).
Students will be able to use sponsorship and financial support from a state government provided the sponsorship has national government support
What are acceptable sources?
The following held in the sponsors name are considered acceptable sources of funding:
- Savings Bank accounts and Fixed Deposits: Funds held in acceptable financial institutions in the form of Savings accounts maintained across a period for 3 months for Master’s by coursework and funds as on date of the application in the case of Master’s by research and PhD applications.
- Provident Funds:
o General Provident Funds (GPF) are acceptable ONLY IF it is clearly evidenced that funds may be withdrawn for education purposes (Annual GPF statement must be submitted).
o Withdrawal limits for Public Provident Funds: If held for over 6 years, 50% of balance held 3 years prior. If held for over 3 years, a loan for up to 25% of the balance held at the 3 year point. Applicants should provide a letter from the bank giving start date and withdrawal amounts or passbooks.
- Post Office Deposits: Post Office Deposits are acceptable funds. This includes savings accounts, Monthly Income Schemes and Recurring Deposits (after 3 years).
Proof of Income of the Sponsor:
It is a requirement to submit documentation in support of proof of income of the sponsor. Please but be aware that funds declared must be consistent with proven annual income.
English Language Requirements:
English language requirements to Australia are established through IELTS. An overall band of at least 6.0 or a higher band as specified in the offer letter is required for visa purposes.
You should attach a copy of the IELTS certificate in support of your English Language ability.
All documentation in support of your application including Academic, English Language requirement and financial ability will have to be lodged to the Australian High Commission in New Delhi. The following is a list of documentation that will have to be forwarded as applicable to you:
1. Additional Information Sheet
2. Visa Application Charge
3. Completed application form 157A
4. Letter of offer from the institution (original and photocopy) stating the course, fee structure and course duration
5. Valid Passport (original or photocopy) must contain a recent photograph.
6. 4 recent passport size photos
7. Statement of Purpose
8. Other forms - Supplementary Questionnaire and Details of Relatives
Academic Documents (original and photocopies)
10. IELTS test results
11. All other documents should be arranged according to the highest qualification to the class x results. We require certificates and marksheets for each year passed
Work experience Documents (original and photocopies)
12. Reference letter from current employer
13. Reference letter from previous employer
Financial Documents (originals and photocopies)
14. Affidavit of support from parents/ sponsor
15. Evidence of sponsor’s occupation along with the annual income - a letter from sponsor’s employer (if employed), personal bank statement of the sponsor, any other documents pertaining to financial standing like tax returns, property, etc.
16. Details of acceptable funds (table/matrix)
17. Chartered Accountant’s statements of the financial sponsor and parents’
18. Evidence of relationship with the sponsor - (such as birth certificate, passport copy etc.)
19. Bank loan certificate (if applicable)
20. Bank transactions for the last 6 months and current balance certificate.
21. Other supporting evidence of accessible funds (like Fixed Deposits, etc.).
22. Balance sheet (in case of company sponsorship)
23. Bond signed with the company (in case of #22)
24. Registered deed of ownership (property)
25. A valuation report from an internationally accredited valuer and evidence of the valuer’s international accreditation (in case of#24)
Other Documents
26. Documents for dependents included in the application - Birth Certificates, Marriage Certificate and other evidence of marriage (Photos etc.)
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Canadian Visa:
Study Permit applications to Canada must satisfy that the applicant will leave Canada by the end of the period authorized for the stay, that the applicant will not breach the conditions of admission (for example, that they will not work without prior authorization or waiver) and that they do not belong in a category of persons inadmissible to Canada under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act.
The following will be the basis of assessment of your application, that you:
- Have a valid letter of acceptance from an educational institution
- have adequate funds available to you to pay for your tuition and living expenses while in Canada and to return to your country of residence
- are in good health
- are law-abiding and have no record of criminal activity
- will not be a risk to the security of Canada
How much should I declare?
You need to declare funds amounting to the Tuition Fee, living expenses at the rate of 10,000 Canadian per year and return airfare from sponsors who are family members. If you intend taking dependants along, additional funding towards their expenses will have to be declared.
How should I apply?
The applications can be forwarded through the various VFS visa application centers across 9 cities in India. A face- to- face interview is not usually required, but in some cases might be called for.
It usually takes about two working days to process the visa. However, upon provisional approval you are required to undergo medical examination which takes a minimum of 2 weeks. It is recommended that you apply at least 8 weeks prior to course commencement.
The following is a list of documentation as applicable to you for your visa process.
1. Study Permit application with 3 photographs
2. Personal Information Form
3. Letter of acceptance from Canadian school that you will be attending, accompanied by
a. information from the school indicating the exact amount of tuition fees you will be required to pay
b. anticipated starting and finishing dates
c. If you have prepaid any fees to the school in Canada, please submit a
Copy of the Official Receipt or letter from the school. (Please note that
pre-payment of fees to the school is not required in order to submit)
4. Fully completed Student Questionnaire
5. Educational Certificates/diplomas/degrees (including mark sheets)
6. If you are studying in Québec, your CAQ [Certificat d’Acceptation du Québec]
Proof of Funds
Complete information indicating how your studies will be financed (who the funds belong to and where they come from). This plan should be supported by documents showing accumulated funds, including:
- Family banking records for the past 24 months (bank statements, accompanied by bank certificates dated within last three months)
- If you have received a loan for your studies, the loan sanction letter should be provided.
- Fixed deposits
- In come Tax documents for yourself and/or your parents (for past 2 years)
- Letters of employment from each parent’s employer, including the company’s full name, the address and telephone number of the employer/ supervisor, the length of service and the salary details.
- Same information for prospective student, if applicable
- If your family income is from agriculture please include land documents and Agricultural income receipts (for the past two years).
If your or your parent’s income is from business ownership please include
- Proof of Business Ownership, partnership, business license(s), bank
statements and tax documents from the business (for the past two years).
- If you are receiving funding from a school in Canada or a governmental organization, submit the letter from the funding body detailing the amount you will receive during each year of proposed study.
- If someone other than yourself or your parents are providing funding, please identify their relationship to you, an explanation as to why they are assisting you, information regarding the number of persons in their household, and evidence of their financial ability, including documentary evidence of their liquid assets as well as their financial obligations such as mortgages, loans, etc.
If they are living in Canada this should include:
- Proof of their Immigration Status in Canada (Permanent resident card, passport
copy or citizenship card).
- Proof of their relationship to you (Birth/marriage/school certificate)
- Proof of the number of persons residing in their household
- Canada Revenue Agency Notice of Assessment for income tax (For the past two years). Please note that T4 and T1 forms are not acceptable for this purpose
- Proof of the sponsor’s financial liquidity, indicating your sponsor's income, debts, obligations and overall financial capacity to provide for your education for the duration of your studies
Though it appears to be a clear process, it involves a lot of nuances, which is better dealt with when applied by taking the help of a professional. 6bridges.com has a group of experienced professionals who are very familiar with the process and are capable of identifying details that you may miss out on. For queries write to thedesk@6bridges.com
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