What Is a Student Visa?

A student visa is a legal immigration document issued to students by another country that allows them to study for a certain period of time. Student visas are commonly used by students at colleges, universities, and specialty institutions. Prospective students are generally required to apply for and obtain a student visa before they start school in the host country. These visas are considered non-immigrant visas, which means holders must abide by certain rules to retain their status🦋 and stay in the country. Being granted a student visa doesn't necessarily grant individuals the same rights and privileges as citizens, such as voting.

Understanding Student Visas

There are many reasons why people choose to 澳洲幸运5官方开奖结果体彩网:study abroad. While some want to access programs and courses that aren't available in their own countries, others may do so to experience different perspectives, broaden their expertise in another language, or adapt to another culture. Whatever the reason, most countries generally require students to get a special visa before they can start their studies. This is called ꦰthe student visa.

As noted above, a student visa is a special immigration document issued by another country. It grants individuals legal status to pursue their education—usually at a college, university, or specialty school. Prospective students should be accepted and enrolled in a school before they can obtain a student visa.

Student visas aren't automatically granted just because you are accepted into a school. As such, you must apply for one with the appropriate granting authority, such as the immigration or state department. In some cases, you may be able to apply directly through the school where you intend to study. Most applications can be submitted online. You must meet certain requirements and prove that you have the finances to support yourself for the🥂 le꧒ngth of your program.

In the U.S., these visas are normally granted for 澳洲幸运5官方开奖结果体彩网:full-time degree-related programs that last more than several months. Keep in mind, though, that being approved for a visa gives you the legal right to go to school in the country for the length of time noted on your study document and does not grant you citizenship. This includes certain types of employment, unless you are approved to do so. You may also be ineligible for most forms of federal assistance (like certain government 澳洲幸运5官方开奖结果体彩网:student loans) and to vote.

Special Considerations

As noted above, student visas are intended for individuals who want to pursue study in a degree-related program at a college, university, or specialty school. Countries like the U.S. may require you to be enrolled in full-time studies under the F-1 visa (see below for examples), which means you can't be enrolled on a part-time basis. In other countries like Canada, students can study full- or part-time as long as they are enrolled in a qualified institution.

In most cases, you don't need a student visa if you intend to study for a short period of time or are enrolled in a (recreational) course that doesn't earn you credit toward a degree. Most countries allow you entry in these cases to complete your program under a visitor visa.

Keep in mind that student visas allow you the legal right to study in the country that issues the document. Being approved, though, doesn't automatically guarantee your entry into the country. For instance, you can travel to the U.S. border and present your documents to a border officer upon arrival. If they may deny your admission into the country after reviewing your forms and visa, you have to return home. If you are approved, they will either stamp your passport or give you an admission form.

Be sure that you know your responsibilities when it comes to taxation as a student. For instance, you may be required to file taxes in the United States even if you're a nonresident alien who is in the country under a student visa. You can get information from your school or the country's taxing agency, such as the 澳洲幸运5官方开奖结果体彩网:Internal Revenue Service (IRS).

How to Apply for a Student Visa in the U.S.

The U.S. Department of State—Bureau of Consular Affairs is the agency that oversees student visas. The bureau's website is your best resource for understanding student visas, as it contains precise detail about what you need to do, when, and in what order to obtain a student visa. You may also contact the international student center at your school to help guide you through the process.

澳洲幸运5官方开奖结果体彩网: Here is a brief taste of th💦e process:

• Apply to a -approved school in the United States. 
• If the SEVP-approved school accepts your application, you'll be required to register for the U.S.
• You must pay the SEVIS I-901 fee, which is $350 for most people.
• After you pay the SEVIS fee, the SEVP-approved school will issue a Form I-20. 
• After you receive Form I-20 and register in SEVIS, apply online for your visa using Form DS-160.

You may be required to schedule and attend an interview for your visa. The State Department suggests scheduling an appointment with the U.S. embassy or consular office in your home country for faster processing. You must bring your documents with you to the interview, including Form I-20.

For international students traveling with a spouse or children, each family member must also enroll in SEVIS, obtain the required forms from the SEVP-approved school and apply for a visa. For immediate family members, SEVIS fees are waived.

Examples of Student Visas

Student visas may come in many diffe♏rent forms. Some countrie𒉰s may have different types of visas depending on the course of study involved. The following are the most common types of student visas in the United States:

• F Visa: This type of visa is meant for individuals who are accepted and enrolled in a program at an accredited college, university, high school, private elementary school, conservatory, seminary, language training program, or other academic institution.
• J Visa: Anyone participating in an exchange program at a high school or post-secondary institution must obtain this visa.
• M Visa: This is intended for students who intend to pursue schooling in non-academic or vocational studies or training in the U.S.

Check with your school or the appropriate department about special student visas that you may qualify for in the country where you intend to study.

The Bottom Line

Studying in another country can be a rewarding experience. But being accepted into a foreign school doesn't automatically mean you can move there and hit the books. Most countries require that you get authorization to do so, and it all starts with applying for a student visa. This document allows you to pursue your education legally in the country of your choice. Getting can often be a long, complicated process, so check with the appropriate department of the country where your school is located (immigration or state) or the school's international student center for help before you apply.