You have probably gotten an admission and maybe a scholarship, but now the challenge is obtaining a visa. Applying for a student visa can seem very complex, but it is not. It is a straightforward process that only needs you to follow some steps and do what is required of you and you will have an easy ride from applying for a visa to obtaining it.
This easy and comprehensive guide will assist you as you begin your application process until you are able to secure your visa.
Complete Guide to Applying for Student Visa
Step 1: Get accepted by a school in your desired country
The first thing before starting to process a student visa to any country is to ensure that you have been accepted into an accredited institution of studies in the country you want to go to.
Beyond being accepted, ensure that you obtain an acceptance and admission letter. If possible, make a deposit of the tuition fee.
Step 2: Check Student Visa Requirements For The Country
Every country has its own student visa requirements and so it is important that you carry out a research to find out all the necessities before you can go ahead to apply. Other things you should try to find out are the documents required, financial proof needed, and visa processing time.
While there are many resources that can assist with that, the best place to begin from is the official immigration department of the country which may be online, or even the embassy of the country.
Step 3: Get the Required Documents Together
The next thing to do, which is very critical, is to have all the documents required. The documents may include an acceptance letter, academic records, language proficiency (if necessary), financial documents, valid passport, and many more. Some of these documents may need further verification of being notarized or attested.
Ensure that you have all the documents together and rightly so. One of the main reasons why visas get delayed or denied is having incomplete or the wrong documents so be diligent in organizing yours.
Step 4: Pay Visa Application Fee and Submit Application
Now, it is time to pay your visa fee which varies based on the country you are applying to. You can make the payment either online through a designated agency or bank. Your payment receipt is important in the submission of your application and interview so ensure to keep it safe.
With all your documents ready and payment made, the next thing is to submit your visa application. While most countries make it possible to submit your application online through their visa application portal, there are others that will request that you submit in person.
If you are requested to submit online, you will first of all create a profile on the immigration portal of the country. Next you will fill out the application form, upload all the necessary documents, before you make payment of the application gee and then submit. On the other hand, for in-person submission, you will head to the embassy of the country or its consulate.
Step 5: Get ready for and attend your visa interview
The next most important step is to get ready for your interview at the consulate or embassy and then attend on the due date and time.
There are countries that do not require an interview but if you are applying to countries such as the United States, UK, and Canada, you may be invited for an interview.
The interview is mostly brief and it is to find out about your eligibility and intentions, Before going for the interview, get all your documents together and during the process, be honest and consistent with your responses. Also, be calm and confident during the interview.
Step 6: Wait for and Track your visa application
After you have submitted your application and you are done with the interview, all you will be left to do is to wait for your visa.
Some countries make possible for you to track the progress while some do not so if the country of your intended studies allows for it, you can easily track your application on your portal. This is important because you may get to receive updates on further requirements.
Once it is finally approved, you will receive a notification and directions on how to receive it which may be physically or electronically.
Things To Know As You Wait For Your Visa
Following your visa application, you will need to keep an open mind while being positive as there is no visa guarantee. However, carrying out a good research before you begin the process improves your chances of getting your visa in the first try.
Do not finalize travel plans by booking flight tickets and securing accommodation in your intended country before your visa is gotten. Of course, it is important to continue planning towards everything but unless you have your visa, you will not want to start spending on various things.
Another thing worth knowing is that the waiting period between the submission of your visa application to and its final approval vary based on country to country, time of the year, and the type of visa you are applying for. While most can take a few weeks, there are those that may take several months before it is approved.
Conclusion
The process of apply and finally getting a visa can be rather long and complicated. However, handling each step as it comes will make it easier and less overwhelming for you. If you are able to secure admission to the institution you want and you have all your documents together, you are half the way through. Following the process listed above will take care of the other half.
Finally, understand that your journey does not end with getting a visa. Each country has a requirement for you once you arrive at your destination which may include registration with local authorities, opening a bank account, and collection of student ID and residence permit. Ensure to complete every process so as not to have any issues in the future.
