LeeA visa is required to study abroad. If you have never applied for a study permit, the process seems like a complex multi-step quest. On the Internet there is a sea of scattered information, flavored with rumors, and on the forums there are terrible stories about refusals and evil visa officers. Also, the constantly changing situation with coronavirus… Is it possible to get a student visa in such conditions? Yes! We’ll tell you how.
But first, let’s deal with the “visa myths”:
Myth one. A strong visa history is required to obtain a student visa . In fact, no country in the world officially has such a requirement. Yes, some embassies (for example, the USA and Canada) carefully look at the availability of trips abroad. However, each situation is considered individually. The student’s motivation and the logic of the visa application are important. For example, if after school you entered a prestigious foreign university, then most likely there will be no questions about you or your visa history. We’ll talk more about logic and motivation below.
Myth two. Because of the pandemic, you can’t go anywhere. Most embassies still issue student visas. Yes, there are many restrictions now: for example, you can only go to Ireland for a higher education program, but not for language courses. A similar situation has developed with Canada – you can only come here to study for a period of more than 6 months, and it is better if it is a secondary or higher education program. There are also very difficult cases – for example, Australia closed its borders to foreign students. But in the UK you can either take a short English course or enroll in a secondary school or university.
Myth three. An invitation to study 100% guarantees visa approval. The embassy must make sure that you are a student, that is, you are going there to study, and not for the purpose of tourism, work or immigration. There are many factors: what educational institution you entered, how the program compares with your previous experience; age, education, financial situation, close ties with the homeland. An invitation to study in itself is not a teleport to another country, and too frivolous an attitude towards the visa process is dangerous.
Moreover, during the pandemic, embassies began to carefully consider applications for student visas. Since the issuance of visitor and tourist visas is now limited, many applicants regard the student visa only as a way to finally get to another country.
And now – how to properly prepare for the visa process.
Look at the situation from the outside. What is the rationale for choosing a study program and why did you decide to go to this country? Do your goals seem plausible? For example, if you have a good higher education, choosing an inexpensive community college with a basic curriculum is illogical. Another option: you want to learn English in Canada, but you cannot explain why you need it and why in this country. In such cases, the embassy may refuse a visa.
Check list. Ask yourself the following questions:
— Why did I choose this educational institution?
— What is the rationale for the choice of country?
— Is there enough funding? Can I document the source of money for the trip?
— How is the curriculum related to my work or previous education?
— How long does the program last?
— Have I had any problems with my visa history (for example, refusals)?
Are there any “problem areas” found? Great, then let’s move on to the next step.
Plan ahead. It takes months to obtain a student visa, and the pandemic has only increased these times. For example, obtaining a visa to Canada and Germany will take at least 2-3 months. And there is practically no appointment for an interview at the US Embassy now, and it is better to wait until the situation stabilizes. At the embassies of many European countries (for example, Spain) there is a long queue for submitting documents. For a long-term student visa to the UK, you need to undergo a medical examination, the registration for which can take 5-6 weeks in advance.
Learn everything about the visa process and plan at least a few months for the application.
Check list. Find out in advance:
— How long will the embassy consider a visa application?
— In addition to collecting documents, are additional actions necessary – an interview, a medical examination? If yes, how to sign up?
— Do I need to translate documents into another language, do I need to notarize them, affix an apostille, or legalize documents at the consulate?
— How will my passport with a completed visa be returned to me?
— What should you do upon arrival in the country? Do I need to register with the police, obtain additional permits or a resident card?
— Is self-isolation necessary and if so, under what conditions?
If a clear action plan is ready, take one more advice:
Don’t ignore the official websites of embassies. Try to find as much information as possible from official sources. If anything is unclear, contact the embassy and ask a question. We are not against forums, but we recommend that you carefully check and “filter” what you read. Ignore “horror stories” and reviews written on emotions – look for practical information.
So, it is possible to obtain a student visa, but this is a responsible and multi-stage process. If you choose the right educational institution, soberly assess the chances and make a clear plan, everything will work out!
Going to a foreign university is the dream of many. But few people believe that it is real and achievable. An individual consultation with Repafi experts is an opportunity to receive a personal step-by-step plan for admission, which will help you not to get lost in the huge amount of available information, clearly plan your steps and reach your cherished goal.
