Visa and Immigration Issues: FAQs and Tips
Acquiring a visa is a tedious but unskippable process. The government of all study destinations continuously tries to simplify the process for international students. However, it is still an alien process for most Indian students applying for this first-ever student visa. With a long list of mandatory documents and elaborated guidelines, it is common to have queries on the subject. For the same reason, students often keep revisiting the visa office with their revised files.
In this blog, we will address some of the most asked FAQs and tips for visa and immigration for students aspiring to study in a foreign institute.
How much time ahead should I apply for the visa?
Different countries have different visa processing times. While Australian and UK student visas take 3-4 weeks, the USA immigration authorities could take 8-13 weeks. Similarly, German student visas could take up to 12 weeks to process. Rejections are quite common during the visa process. Particularly, the US consular officers rejected about 253,355 student visas for international students only in 2023. Students must plan ahead to deal with any unforeseen delay. In effect, they save time and start their education on time.
Does the validity period of visa includes the date of expiry?
The visa validity as printed on the visa is inclusive of the date of expiry. Students must either return to their country of origin or extend their visas before the printed date. Notably, it cannot be changed once the visa is issued. In order to do that, students must reapply for the visa. This includes cases of changing universities, locations or course duration.
I have received a visa appointment, but my university starts earlier than the given date. Can I prepone my appointment?
No. The booking system runs on automation. Hence, there is no way you can manually make changes towards your appointment. The best thing you can do is consult with your university. Perhaps, they can arrange for an online class to meet your absence.
Read more: Best Study Abroad Programs After 12th and Procedure
Is it mandatory to attest my bank statements?
Yes, visa authorities in most countries require you to attest your bank statements to verify their authenticity. The statements must reflect the transactions made in the past 3 months or more. For precise information, consult with your study abroad education consultant.
Is there a format to draft the cover letter?
Particularly, there is no specific format or guidelines for the cover letter. The best way to write a cover letter could be to ask why you wish to study that specific course at that very university. You must describe your intention with your time in the chosen country, your motivation to study there and your future plans. Notably, the government might not want you to stay for longer after your graduation. Make sure you don’t leave such an impression in your cover letter or interview. You could either write the letter by hand or type it off the computer as long as it is you who is writing it. Whichever the mode, proofread the document well to correct all errors.
Read more: Things to Ask Yourself Before Finalising to Studying Abroad
Who should I ask to write my recommendation letter?
This bit is important. Irrespective of the course, university or location, you must present at least 3 Letters of Recommendation to strengthen your case. Undergraduate students could be fetched from teachers, professors, school counsellors or the principal. Similarly, graduates could ask their college professors, internship supervisors or the team lead/ manager from the company they have interned or worked for to write them. The writer must be linked to you either academically or professionally.
What if my visa application information doesn't match with the identity proof?
Your visa is going to face rejection. As a mandate, the information mentioned in the visa application form must match the documents filed in support of the same. This includes your identity proof, academic records and others. Alternatively, you must present valid proof of your identity that explains the multiple information. Furthermore, writing names differently or in reverse order could also face the same outcome. For instance, if your passport says Kabir Rameshbhai Singh, your visa application must have it exactly the same. Kabir R Singh, Singh Kabir or any other version will not be accepted.
Do I need a work visa to work part-time or take internship during my studies?
Well, the student visa doesn’t limit students from gaining practical learning and skills via projects, internships and research. Moreover, you can always work part-time during your course in most study destinations. However, there may be some restrictions on working conditions, hours and other aspects. Students must adhere to these terms while taking up a part-time job on and off campus. If not, they could face consequences on their immigration status. This could further lead to cancellation of their visa; they will be deported to their country. Notably, you cannot have two different types of visas from a single country at the same time.
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