While other nations’ immigration rules are similar and reciprocal, I will focus on students seeking higher education in the United States, the United Kingdom, and Canada at both the bachelors and masters levels.
Since visa denial rates have been steadily rising, with last year’s average rejection rate of 28%, this has been a major source of concern. Nonetheless, we know that India has the second-largest cohort of students studying abroad after China, so all you have to do is make sure your documentation is in order before you meet with the visa officer.
It is important for students to remember that being admitted to a university is not the end of the road. Before boarding that illusive aircraft, he or she must clear a key hurdle: obtaining a visa. As a result, students treat this stage with the respect it deserves.
Before you begin assembling your visa paperwork, keep in mind that the immigration officer across the window is not your adversary and does not enjoy rejecting’ visas; instead, he wishes to assist you in reaching your desired location. However, as a result of the powers bestowed upon him by his country, he must ensure that anybody who is not a legitimate student gets filtered out. Since 9/11, USIS has been very cautious about F-1 visa applicants, and properly so; its sevis surveillance system was launched in the aftermath of this terrible human tragedy.
So the first thing to remember is that nowhere in your application, regardless of whatever nation you are applying to, must you reveal dual purpose. Instead, your paperwork must show that you plan to go there to study and then return when your authorized stay is up.
Next, make sure you have a letter of admission from a recognized and qualified educational institution.
Finance is the next major stumbling block. Remember that there are two sides to this that you must complete. One, you have the financial means to pay for a 4,3,2 year education in your instance. Even if you just provide the first year’s spending, the visa officer should be able to see a payment plan for subsequent years. The second component is the most difficult. The immigration officer will want written confirmation that you have no other plans than to return to your home country when your study is completed. Unfortunately, most students disregard this aspect of their budget, resulting in several rejections. As a result, it’s critical to show strong links to your hometown in order to persuade him of your return.
Also, make sure that the program you’re applying for is compatible with your past education and professional experience, as this is another common cause for visa denial. This is simple for undergraduate students since they have a wide range of options in 12th grade and may move freely between Science, Commerce, Business, and even Liberal Arts, but not for post-graduate students. As a result, it’s critical that your course is related to your prior education and field of work, so you can persuade the visa officer that your goal in going overseas is to improve your profile and make you more employable in your own country.
Last but not least, you must be able to demonstrate English language ability. The United States and the United Kingdom are a little more lenient on this and will accept alternative possibilities; nevertheless, the Canadian High Commission will not accept your application unless you have taken the IELTS. As a result, make sure you take it in a timely manner.
Check off each item on the checklist once you’ve completed your due diligence on the visa application. If you answered all of the questions honestly and accurately, your student visa will not be denied, and you may begin planning for that flight you’ve been looking for.