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Visa Requirements of Different Countries

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Visa Requirements of Different Countries

shape Introduction

Visa requirements of different countries A visa is an endorsement placed on a passport granting the holder official permission to enter, leave or stay in a country for a specified time period. The most common visa types are tourist, student, work and transit visas. Depending on where he/she traveling, a visa can be valid for single or multiple visits.

shape Requirements

Some visas require an application to be filed prior to entering the country and other visas are granted upon entering the country. Certain countries require an interview or medical screening prior to applying for a visa.

Australian Student Visa applications are processed by Australian High Commission, New Delhi. Student now have to apply, if eligible, under SVP (Streamlined Visa processing), which has replaced PVA (Pre-Visa Assessment). The following is the list of documents to be submitted along with the Visa application:
Document Checklist-

    ✦ Visa Application fee payable by Bank Draft favoring “Australian High Commission, New Delhi”
    ✦ Completed Visa Application Form
    ✦ Nomination form 956 to be completed only if candidates are lodging through an agent
    ✦ Candidate has to pay the 1st Semester Fee and will then receive e-COE (Electronic-Confirmation Of Enrollment) from the institution
    ✦ Passport – Original passport is not required, instead all pages of current and previous passports, if any, to be notarized.
    ✦ Four recent passport size photos
    ✦ Statement of Purpose (SOP)
    ✦ “Details of Relatives” form
    ✦ Guardianship form, if the candidate is under 18 years of age
    ✦ IELTS / TOEFL / PTE Scores
    ✦ All Mark sheets, Certificates, Degrees and Diplomas
    ✦ Reference letter from current employer and previous employer, if employed
    ✦ Affidavit of support from Sponsor
    ✦ Affidavit of support from Student
    ✦ Bank Statement / Bank Passbook for the last 3 months and current balance certificate
    ✦ Income Tax returns of the sponsor for the last 3 years
    ✦ Property Documents along with Valuation Report
    ✦ Details of acceptable funds in the form of a table / matrix
    ✦ Evidence of relationship with the sponsor
    ✦ Bank loan Sanction Letter (if applicable)
    ✦ Other Liquid Assets like Fixed Deposits, etc.

Visa Decision- As Australia has done away with student visa stamping in the passport to travel and enter Australia, a visa decision is intimated to the candidate electronically via email, once a decision has been made by the visa authorities.
If approved the department will send a notification of grant letter to candidate nominated postal or email address. It is recommended that the candidate print this letter and keep it with them when they travel to and from Australia. This letter contains:

    ✦ The Visa Grant Number
    ✦ The validity date of visa
    ✦ The visa conditions.

If not approved the department will send the candidate a notification letter advising of:

    ✦ The reasons for the refusal
    ✦ The review rights
    ✦ Time limit for lodging an appeal.

Candidate rights for a review of the decision differ:

    ✦ If candidate lodged in Australia, the refusal letter advises them of their review rights and the time limit for lodging an appeal
    ✦ If candidate lodged outside Australia, they have no right for a review of the merits of the decision.
International students are required to obtain a Study Permit before going to Canada. The student can apply for Study permit under the Student Partners Program (SPP) of the Association of Canadian Community Colleges and the Canadian Immigration Programs in New Delhi and Chandigarh. To qualify for Study Permit Application under SPP the student should hold an unconditional offer letter from one of the universities / colleges that are included under this scheme. SPP is currently open to Indian nationals only. Allow at least two months for visa processing of a student.
Documents Checklist for SPP (STUDENT PARTNERSHIP PROGRAM)-

    ✦ SPP Checklist – Attach THIS checklist as a cover sheet to the application.
    ✦ Application form fully completed (all questions answered), dated and signed, indicating the personal Mailing address, reliable phone contact, and the personal email address (if student agree to e-mail communications).
    ✦ Original, valid passport, as well as a photocopy of the bio data page.
    ✦ Family Information Form and Student Questionnaire (leaving no gaps).
    ✦ Two passport photographs with a white background and each family member requesting a visa. The photographs should have the name printed on the back, dated and taken in the past 6 months.
    ✦ Letter of Acceptance from the SPP educational institute in Canada stating unconditional admission, course title, duration of study, level of study, start date (multiple start dates, if applicable) and latest possible date of admission.
    ✦ Use of a Representative form (IMM 5476) (if applicable)
    ✦ IELTS test results taken within last 24 months with overall band not less than 6.0, with no individual band lower than 5.5.
    ✦ Photocopy of the most recent diploma/leaving certificate, and most recent mark sheets (for entire program; consolidated mark sheets are NOT acceptable)
    ✦ Copy of receipts for tuition payment provided by the SPP institution.
    ✦ Proof of funds: One must demonstrate the purchase of a special (GIC) from a participating Canadian financial institution, in the amount of $10,000 CAD to cover living expenses for the first year in Canada.
    ✦ Copy of medical examination form IMM1017 if candidate opted to undergo a medical examination before submitting the application.
Visa Process-
A set of original documents + 2 sets of copies should be provided at the time of visa application.

    Passport- Original and Copy of Passport having validity of at least six months. If available, your old passports should also be attached. Current passport should not be damaged. Copies of all pages of the passport are required.
    Photograph- Two Photographs – not more than 6 months old printed on photographic paper with White or light grey background and close-up of your face (80%) in sharp focus and correctly exposed. Size: 35-38 mm (width) x 45-50 mm (height). Reverse of the photograph should be white and unglazed.
    Visa fees- Current visa fee for a single entry is Rs. 10,000, to be paid in cash. Visa fees are non-refundable.
    Visa Application Form-

    • Printed and Signed Summary of the online form. All applicants have to fill the online form which is saved for 30 days. This form requires all personal details of the applicant, travel history, contact details in Ireland, University / course details, complete education details, employment details, sponsors details and agent details. All visa refusals for any country have to be declared, failing which the Ireland visa would result in the Irish visa being refused.

    • Student visa application form – this form requires details of the University, course to be studied, duration of the course, fees, last education obtained, work experience, details of stay in Ireland, sponsors details, English Language ability and SOP.

    • Questionnaire – requires same details as above.

    PCC (Police Clearance Certificate)- Original PCC, stamp on the passport and 2 copies.
    Acceptance Letter- all conditions of the University / Institute should be fulfilled.
    Fee Receipt- If the student is accepted on a HETAC approved course (Higher Education & Training Awards Council in Ireland), can apply for visa without any fee payment. Fees need only be paid once the student receives an AIP (Approval in Principle). Student will need to provide the Fee receipt from the University and the bank statement of the University (reflecting the tuition fees paid by the student) which needs to be forwarded to Irish visa Office, New Delhi.
    SOP- student needs to submit 3 copies of a printed Statement of Purpose outlining the reason to study in Ireland.
    CV in Brief- 3 copies of same.
    Academic Documents- Educational Certificates, Degree Certificates, Diplomas & Mark sheets – Std 10th, 11th, 12th, 1st Year, 2nd Year, 3rd Year, 4th Year, Post-Graduation, Other Diplomas, WORK PLACEMENT / Industrial Training Certificates, etc. student needs to submit the Originals along with 2 copies of same.
    IELTS / TOEFL SCORES- Score Reports of IELTS / TOEFL with a Minimum of 5.0 band in IELTS and a TOEFL score of 173 is required.
    Work Experience- Letter from current employer or experience letter (if applicable). Any other recommendation letter need not be submitted.
    Affidavit Of Support- to be taken on a Rs. 100 stamp paper and should be notarized.
    Funds- The total cost of funds should be calculated as total Tuition fees + Living cost @ Euros 7000. Original and 2 copies of IT returns of sponsors for the last year filed. A CA statement can be submitted for NSC, KVP, Mutual funds, Property incorporating the values will suffice.
    Bank Loan- Bank education loan sanction letter from a Nationalized Bank.
    Bank Statment- Latest saving’s a/c Bank Statements / Pass Books of the student or Sponsor for the last six months and a Bank Certificate. Recent deposits should be supported with evidence.
    Bank Fixed Receipts- Bank Fixed Deposit Receipts from Nationalized Bank. Only a Bank letter confirming the Fixed Deposits total value will suffice. The Original Fixed Deposit Receipts are not required to be submitted.
    Medical Insurance- Evidence of Private Medical Insurance provided by the University / Institute is to be compulsorily provided. Alternatively student will have to make private arrangement for same.
    Air ticket booking, Foreign Exchange & Insurance-

    • It is better to make a provisional booking of the air ticket. Air ticket should be booked 3 – 4 days prior to the orientation date.
Student Visa-
One need a student visa if they wish to go New Zealand to study full-time for more than 3 months. Students can only get a student visa to study in a course at an education institution, which is registered and approved by the New Zealand Qualifications Authority. Student Visa applications are processed by New Zealand Immigration Service, New Delhi.
Candidate student visa will be issued for the length of time their course tuition fees have been paid. If a student studying a long-term course at secondary school, University or Polytechnic they will normally pay their tuition fees every year. Visa application should be lodged at least 2 months prior to the course commencement date.
New Zealand Pre-visa Document Checklist-

    ✦ Student Visa Application Form
    ✦ Two recent passport size photographs
    ✦ Visa Fee payable by Demand Draft favoring “Immigration New Zealand” payable at Mumbai
    ✦ Covering Letter
    ✦ Statement of Purpose
    ✦ Offer Letter from the Institution
    ✦ Guarantee of Accommodation or arrangements made
    ✦ Financial Undertaking Form
    ✦ Affidavit of Support from Sponsor
    ✦ Authorization Letter from Sponsor
    ✦ If Tuition fee is paid in advance, then attach copy of fee receipt
    ✦ Educational Certificates, Mark sheets, Degrees and Diplomas
    ✦ IELTS / TOEFL / PTE score
    ✦ Supplementary Information Form
    ✦ Work Experience Certificate, if employed
    ✦ Passport
    ✦ Police Clearance Certificate from Regional Passport Office
    ✦ Medical & T.B. X-ray Certificates from Panel Doctor
    ✦ Evidence of Funds and Income in the form of:

    • Loan Sanction letter

    • Bank Statements / Bank Passbooks for past 6 months, not more than one week old

    • Other movable and immovable Assets

    • Chartered Accountant Statement / Summary Statement

    • Last 3 years income tax papers of all family members

Visa Stamping-
Upon receiving the Approval-in-Principle, the student has to pay the 1st year’s tuition fee to the institution. Thereafter, the institution will send the fee receipt by email to NZIS, to enable them to issue the Visa Stamp.
Student Visa-
UK Student Visa application should be made at the nearest VFS Application center. Originals of all financial and academic documents should be submitted at the time of Visa application. The student will be called for personal interview at the British Deputy High Commission, only if required.
Documents that are required for a Student Visa-

    ✦ Student Visa Application Form
    ✦ Photograph – size 2 inches x 2 inches
    ✦ CAS statement from the Institution (CAS – Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies)
    ✦ IELTS / PTE score, if applicable
    ✦ Valid Passport
    ✦ Visa fees to be paid online
    ✦ Copies of Academic Mark sheets and Certificates
    ✦ Work Experience Certificates, if applicable
    ✦ Proof of payment of fees, if applicable
    ✦ Proof of Funds – Applicants must demonstrate that they have sufficient liquid assets to pay the tuition fees, living expenses and travelling cost without engaging in employment in UK. Even Bank Loans are accepted.
    ✦ Letter from the sponsor
    ✦ Medical Report from an Approved Panel Doctor

Interview-
The student may be called for an Interview, if required. If this is the case, he/she will be advised the date and time for the interview.
Sample of possible questions for screening intention to study-

    ✦ Why do you want to study in UK?
    ✦ What are the benefits of studying in the UK compared to your home country or USA/Canada/Australia etc.?
    ✦ Why did you choose this University/College?
    ✦ How did you find about it?
    ✦ Which other colleges/universities have you considered?
    ✦ Where is the college/university?
    ✦ Do you know anyone who has already studied there?
    ✦ Do you know roughly how large the college/university is?
    ✦ Why did you choose this course and how does it relate to your previous study?
    ✦ How do you explain the gaps in your study/professional history?
    ✦ What is the relevance of the course to your future career path?
    ✦ What qualification will you receive?
    ✦ How long does the course last?
    ✦ How is your course assessed? (Apparently frequently asked and students do not know)
    ✦ Do you know what level you course is at?
    ✦ Did you consider any other course?
    ✦ Does this course offer any professional recognition?
    ✦ Are you planning to stay in the UK on completion to study for a higher award?
    ✦ Are you thinking of transferring to another institution on completion?
    ✦ What facilities are you expecting at the college/university?
    ✦ Will you need help finding accommodation?
    ✦ Do you need a meet and greet service?
    ✦ Do you understand the responsibilities of students entering the UK under Tier 4 of the PBS?

Sample of possible questions for screening financial viability-

    ✦ What is your current occupation?
    ✦ Do you have relatives who have studied at similar level or studied overseas?
    ✦ Do you think your course is appropriate for someone your age?
    ✦ Who is financing your studies?
    ✦ What is the profession of your financial sponsor and what relationship they have to you?
    ✦ Do you have evidence of the financial status of your financial sponsor, e.g. bank statements for last 6 months, bonds, investments, etc.?
    ✦ Are you able to verify the genuineness of these documents?
    ✦ Can you prove the money is available for study?
    ✦ Would you be able to pay your tuition fees in full up front?
    ✦ Have you checked the refund policy?
    ✦ Do you know what your accommodation will cost in the UK?
    ✦ Do you know how much your living expenses will be?
    ✦ Do you know whether you are entitled to work part-time in the UK?
    ✦ Do you know how many hours are you allowed to work?
    ✦ Do you know the likely hourly rate of pay?
    ✦ How reliant are you on being able to work?
Visa Interview-
American Consulate has introduced a system of prior appointment for Visa Interview. On the given date, the applicant has to appear for a personal interview. The applicant should convince the visa officer that he / she has the necessary funds to cover the cost of education. The applicant should prove that he / she has strong ties with India and also that he / she is not an intending immigrant. While answering the questions, one should be brief and to the point.
One should not be surprised or angry if the officer is unable to review all the documents that are carried by the applicant. Since officers have very little time for each applicant, they may not be able to look at many or even any documents at times. Therefore one should be prepared to explain one’s situation orally and to answer all questions promptly, patiently and confidently.
The applicant will be informed whether he / she has been granted or refused a visa on the same day. The name of the University whose I-20 has been submitted to the consulate, will also be mentioned on the passport. Therefore it is advisable to make the final selection of the University very carefully. If, for some reason, your visa is rejected in the first attempt, you can reapply after 3 working days.
Document Checklist-
The following is a list of some of the documents that you are supposed to carry along with you on the day of VISA interview:

    ✦ Passport having validity of at least six months
    ✦ Visa Fee Receipt
    ✦ Interview Appointment Letter
    ✦ I-20 and Admission Letter from the University / College mentioning the total cost of education in USA (If one have received Admission letters / Rejection letters from more than one University, carry all of them)
    ✦ Evidence of Scholarship / Aid / Grant, if any
    ✦ Sponsorship Letter
    ✦ Educational Certificates, Degrees, Diplomas & Mark sheets
    ✦ Score Reports of TOEFL and GRE / GMAT / SAT
    ✦ Work Experience Certificate / Reference Letter from Employer, if Employed
    ✦ Bank Statements / Pass Books of the sponsors for the last Three Years
    ✦ Summary Statement of Assets and Total Income of Family Members
    ✦ Income Tax papers of the sponsor and his Family for the last 3 years
    ✦ Proof of all movable and immovable assets

Some of the Questions likely to be asked by the Visa officer-

    ✦ What is the purpose of your trip?
    ✦ Which university are you planning to go to?
    ✦ Who is sponsoring you?
    ✦ Why do you want to do MS / MBA?
    ✦ Why do you wish to study in the US and not in India?
    ✦ Why did you select this University?
    ✦ Do you have any relatives in the US?
    ✦ Why is your GRE / GMAT / SAT / TOEFL score low?
    ✦ What are you plans after completing your studies?
    ✦ What is your father’s annual income?