A student visa is one of the many ways to travel abroad. While other routes are good, a student visa can make the journey faster and smoother. However, it is still possible to experience some delays, stress or even rejections from some countries. This could halt your dream of getting the overseas education you have been waiting for.
Not to worry. We have compiled a list of countries where you can apply for a student visa without hassles. These countries are easily accessible to international students. However, this is not a guarantee that all student visa applications are accepted and approved by these generous countries. Your chances of success are high compared to other countries.
THE UNITED STATES
The US has always been one of the top destination countries for many international students. The country’s open-mindedness and acceptance of people from all around the world are some of its many attractions. Each year, thousands of people choose the US for study abroad. These students can apply for a Type F Student Visa, which lasts for five years.
To get this visa, you need to register with SEVIS and your intended overseas university must be approved by SEVP. If you are not registered with SEVIS, your university will do that for you immediately they offer you admission. You will also need to complete Form 1-20 and Form 160. You must submit all other essential documents on time before your scheduled visa interview. The process may look stressful, but don’t let that bother you.
The visa office may demand a visa application fee of $500. This $500 fee includes both your application fee and SEVIS registration fee. Once your student visa is approved, you are eligible to work for 20 hours every day. You can increase the hours during holidays. This is a great way to study and work at the same time.
THE UNITED KINGDOM
The UK’s generosity in recent years has open doors for international students. Each year sees countless number of students heading to the UK for various undergraduate, graduate and postgraduate programs. Applying for a UK student visa is not difficult. As long as your purpose is to study and work, the UK will accommodate you and your ambition.
To obtain a student visa to work and study in the UK, you need a Confirmation of Acceptance of Studies (CAS). Based on the new criteria, you also need to submit a proof of funds and a confirmation that you are proficient in English. The student visa application fees are affordable and it depends on how long you want to stay in the UK.
Once you are in the UK as a student, you are allowed to work 20 hours every week. During holidays or vacations, you can work for longer hours and make more money for yourself. If you want more time after your study, you may consider the new Graduate Visa. This visa comes with study and work privileges also, and lasts for two years only.
CANADA
Right now, even as you read this line, international students are moving to Canada for study and work abroad. Canada’s brilliant immigration programs have made it a place of attraction for many citizens of the world. Every year, thousands of students enroll for various degree programs at the country’s high-ranking universities.
To study and work in Canada, you need to apply for two permits. The first one is the normal Study Permit, and the second one is a Visitor Visa also known as an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA). Without these two permits from the Canadian Embassy, you cannot enter Canada to study.
Before you can apply for these permits, you must present relevant documents such as your ID, financial support, and the acceptance letter from the university in Canada you applied for admission to. The application fee for the study permit is CAD $150 or USD $109). The processing takes 13 weeks, but there are special considerations for students from certain countries. Once in Canada, you are eligible to work for 20 hours per week, and there is no limit for the number of hours during vacations. The expiration of study permit depends on your course of study plus an extra 90 days generously added by the government.
NEW ZEALAND
The Island of New Zealand is a place known for quality education, thanks to its high-ranking universities. Situated close to Australia, New Zealand is a place of beauty and quiet living. As this country becomes popular in recent times, students are beginning to apply in large numbers for work and study programs.
If you want a student visa from New Zealand, you will need to first gain admission in one of its universities. The documents you must submit to the New Zealand Embassy are proof of admission, completed visa application form, proof of funds, and character attestation letter.
The New Zealand student visa lasts for only four years or less, depending on your course of study. Students can work for 20 hours weekly and unlimited hours during holidays or vacations.
AUSTRALIA
Australia is an amazing country and a continent of its own. With its many attractiveness and opportunities, the country has become one of the favorite destinations of international students. Loved for its multicultural outlook, Australia boasts of world-class universities that offer various high-quality courses to foreign students.
To study and work in Australia, you will need to obtain a Student Visa (subclass 500). You will also need a Confirmation of Enrolment from the university you want to attend. In addition, you must submit a proof of funds and Student Health Cover (OHSC). The fee for the Australian Student Visa is AUD $630 or USD $475. You will need to wait for four weeks for the visa to be ready. The student visa lasts up to five years, depending on the course you want to study at the university. The good thing about an Australian student visa is that you can work for as many hours as you can during term time and vacations.
In conclusion, if you are looking for countries with student visa plans that are easy to get, consider the US, the UK, Canada, New Zealand and Australia. These countries are popular for their generosity to international students. The amazing thing about these five countries is that you can choose to work during your free hours and on vacations. This gives you the opportunity to learn more about the country, meet new friends and make extra money to buy whatever you want.