Some Common Student Visa Questions

In this article we answer some common questions about applying for a student visa to help make your visa application quick and easy. 

Q1 : Where do I start?

You can’t apply for a student visa until you have been accepted on to a course in that country. So, if you haven’t already done so you need to submit an application for the course you wish to study. Not only that, but you must also ensure that the course you apply for meets the visa requirements of that country. Your student visa acceptance will be determined by a number of factors:

1)Your country of citizenship

2)Your chosen destination country

3)The course you wish to study

4)The institution you wish to study at

5)How you plan to fund your study

Different countries have differing visa systems and acceptance procedures, however they are usually very similar:

To study in the UK you need 40 points to apply for a UK student visa through the UK points based system. 30 points are awarded for doing a course at an acceptable level with an approved education provider (also known as a sponsorship). 10 points are awarded for proving that you have enough money to cover your study and living costs. 

To study in the US you need to prove that you have a permanent residence in your country of citizenship, have the funds to support your study and intend to return home once your study is complete. 

To study in Australia you also need to prove that you have sufficient funds to support your course fees and living costs. You will also be assessed based on the subject you have chosen and your country of citizenship.

To study in Europe you do not require a visa if your country of citizenship is an EU member. If you are outside of the EU you should check your chosen destination’s visa requirements for more specific details.

Q2 : What type of student visa do I need?

If you are studying abroad for your post-16 education you will require a general student visa.

1)In the UK this is called a Tier 4 (General Student) visa.

2)In the US this is called a F-1 visa.

3)In Australia your visa type will depend on your country of citizenship and your chosen subject. 

Q3 : How good must my English be?

Obviously the course you have applied for may require you to have already completed an English language certificate, but in addition to that tighter immigration rules mean you must prove you have a good understanding of English at the border crossing.

For example new changes to the UK student visa mean that if you are unable to communicate without a translator you will be denied entry.

Q4 : Can my family travel with me?

Your family can travel with you if you meet each countries visa requirements. In the case of the UK student visa you must be on a postgraduate course at a University of more than a 12 month duration, or a Government sponsored student.

For the US student visa you will have to prove your relationship to your dependent, and they will also have to apply for their own visas.

For the Australian student visa you will have to prove that you have a sufficient level of funds available to support each dependent.

We advise that you check the specific requirements for your chosen destination.

Q5 : Can I work on my Visa?

Generally on a student visa you are permitted to work up to 20 hours per week. You can only start working once your course has started.

The same rules usually apply for any dependents you may have.

Q6 : How long can I stay?

On a student visa you are allowed to stay for the duration of your course, as specified in your initial visa application.

You will also be allowed to stay for a short time following the completion of your studies however this can be anything from 60 days to 4 months depending on your chosen destination.