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Are you also planning to study abroad and thinking about how long will it take to get your student visa? You have landed on the right page. The student visa is the last hurdle in your study abroad journey. Different countries have different immigration laws and this legal document will enable you to study in their country without any difficulties. So let us look at student visa processing time, application process and other relevant information.
Student Visa Processing Time
Many students who dream of studying abroad have this question in their mind; how long does it take to get a student visa? The answer is simple, it depends on the country and the type of visa. Every country has its own student visa processing time. We have mentioned below some countries and the time taken by the authorities to process the student visa:
| Country | Student Visa Processing Time |
| United Kingdom | 21 days |
| USA | 120 days |
| Canada | 21 days |
| Germany | 25 days |
| Australia | 28-48 days |
| Netherlands | 21-60 days |
| Sweden | 21 days |
| France | 21 days to 120 days |
What is a Student Visa?
A student visa is an official travel document issued to those applicants who want to pursue higher studies in a foreign country. This legal document attached to your passport is crucial. It allows the student to enter the country and pursue education legally. The student visa is a type of non-immigrant visa and it remains valid till the completion of your study in a foreign land.
Types of Student Visas
Student visas are generally classified on the basis of program duration and on the type of program. Let us discuss the types of student visas in detail.
- Classification of visas on the basis of tenure: Countries usually divide student visas on the length of the programme the candidate is applying for. For programmes less than 90 days short-term visas are given to the students. On the other hand, long-term visas are provided to students who are planning to pursue a degree or an internship etc.
- Classification of visas on the basis of the program: Many countries classify student visas on the type of degree they apply for. Student visas would be different for candidates applying for undergraduate/graduate or doctoral degrees from a student applying for a diploma/vocational course.
Student Visa Application Process
Candidates can apply for the student visa process on their own, they just have to follow the steps mentioned below:
- Candidates need to enrol in a university and get the offer letter. After getting the letter student to have to pay the admission fee.
- Fill out the visa application form and make sure you add all the correct information or the application will be rejected.
- Candidates have to attach the required documents according to the requirements mentioned by the authorities. These documents usually include educational certificates, personal statements, letters of acceptance, sponsorship letters etc.
- Candidates must pay the student visa cost via debit/credit card or net banking.
- Check all the information before submitting the visa application.
- Print out a copy of your application form after submitting the application. You might need a hard copy of this application.
- Candidates need to book an appointment with the embassy or consulate. Make sure you take the printout of your visa application form and the required documents.
- The Visa processing time will depend on the country chosen by the candidate. If you get the visa, the authorities will mail it to your address, otherwise, you have to collect it from the embassy or consulate.
Also Read: Importance of Time Management for Students
Documents Required for Visa Interview
Candidates need to bring some documents to show the authorities at the time of the visa interview. The list of documents is mentioned below:
- Candidate’s valid passport/ previously issued passports.
- Visa application Fee receipts
- Recent photograph (passport size).
- VFS appointment letter
- DS-160 confirmation (in the case of US)
- SEVIS receipt and I-120 (in case of US student visa)
Benefits of a Student Visa
There are many benefits to getting a student visa. Aside from allowing the candidate to study abroad, there are many underrated unique benefits.
- Entry in your dream country: Students can stay in their selected country legally as long as the visa allows them to. They can travel anywhere within the country’s borders and change residences(in some cases the candidate has to inform the authorities about the same).
- Bring your family abroad: Many student visas allow visa holders to bring their children and spouse to live with them. It strictly depends on the country and the visa type.
Must Read: UK Post Study Work Visa
FAQs
Candidates have to first enrol themselves in a university and then apply for a student visa. You can fill out the application form for the visa and add all the information correctly. After this attach the required documents and book an appointment with the embassy. If your visa is approved you will be contacted by the authorities.
The documents required for the visa application are a valid passport or previously issued passport, Visa application Fee receipts, a recent photograph (passport size), VFS appointment letter, DS-160 confirmation (in case of US student visa), SEVIS receipt and I-120 (in case of US student visa).
This was all about what is a student visa and how to apply! Are you planning to study abroad in the countries like USA, UK, or Canada but are not sure where to start? Get in touch with Leverage Edu experts to kickstart your study abroad journey. Call us at 1800572000 to book your free session today.
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