What is a Student Visa?

A student visa is an authorization from foreign officials that allows the holder to attend school in a country in which they do not have a residence. The application process varies from country to country, but there is always a comprehensive application that involves background information, a fee, and sometimes even an interview. The student visa grants its holder the right to stay in the country which granted it for a stated amount of time, usually no longer than as is necessary for the holder to attend the school at which they will be studying for the length of time authorized by the school.

There are certain requirements for obtaining a student visa that exist, no matter the country. The applicant must have a residence set up at which they will be staying for the duration of the trip. They must also state the intention to leave the country as soon as their study is over, and have enough money to live on as well as to pay for the classes they have been authorized to take. Countries tend to be very strict in their requirements authorizing student visitors.

The application process generally requires a background check and the filling out of forms that provide personal information for the country’s records. There is also a small fee that must be handed in with the application. Further, some countries require an interview with the applicant so they may assess the applicant both objectively from the information provided on the application and subjectively based on this personal interaction.

The documentation that must be provided along with the application varies, but typically, all visa applications require that a passport and photograph be given as part of the application. Student visa applicants must often also provide copies of transcripts and diplomas, as well as scores from the appropriate standardized tests depending on what the student is studying at the foreign school. Additionally, to show that they will not run into financial problems while in the country, documentation showing that the funds available to the student are also to be presented.

It is imperative that the student does not overstay the length of time indicated on the visa, as doing so is a violation of immigration laws. However, sometimes circumstances dictate that the student must remain in the foreign country beyond the date authorized. If this scenario arises, it is in the student’s best interest to reach the country’s office of immigration services and inquire about the student visa extension process. If the student qualifies, he or she may then apply to extend the visa.