Wednesday 10 April 2019

Comparing Student Visa Processes for the US, UK, and Canada


Studying at top Universities goes a long way towards creating a brilliant student profile. Top Universities not only have world-class teaching standards but also provide cutting-edge resources and practical expertise so as to ensure that education is globally recognized.  
However, the visa process is an essential step to be crossed, before the student commences education in the foreign destination of their choice. We have compared the visa processes for some of the countries which are popular overseas destinations for students.


The US
Being the top study-abroad destination, the US has a stringent visa process for international candidates. However, if you are able to satisfy all the stated criteria, getting an entry into the US will not be a problem. An overview of the process of getting an F-1 Student Visa USA is outlined below.
After the University offers an admit to the the student’s, the candidate is registered in the SEVIS database. This is followed by the I-20 form which the University sends to the student. The DS-160 Visa application needs to be submitted and there is a visa interview the student has to face at the US embassy or consulate. Prior scheduling of the interview is mandatory. On the visa interview day, you need to carry the I-20, the DS-160 confirmation and all other documents that the visa officer may require for cross checking.
The Visa interview stage plays a major role in the US Student visa process. The student must satisfy the visa officer on points such as financial sufficiency to support the student throughout his stay in the US and genuine intent of coming to the country for the purpose of studying. The visa interview is the final stage of the process and the candidate is generally given the verdict immediately after the interview in most of the cases. 


The UK
The Tier-4 visa is granted to students who wish to study in the UK. A point-based system is followed based on how the UK Student Visa Requirements are met.
The University will provide a unique confirmation of acceptance for studies (CAS) to accepted students, after which they will need to fill the visa application. The point-based system evaluates candidates as follows: 30 points are allotted to a valid CAS from a Tier-4 sponsor while 10 points are given towards financial sufficiency to sponsor the student’s stay in the UK. Monthly living costs vary from place to place and the candidate is expected to demonstrate sufficient funds in the city of stay.   
There is a visa interview stage to be cleared as well. It is a skype interview in which the officer asks questions on genuine intent and financial sufficiency. 


Canada
After having received acceptance from the educational institution of your choice, you need to apply online for a study permit. For Indian students, the study permit may be issued faster if they use the Study Direct Stream. 
The candidate needs to submit his Biometrics by paying the required fee at the Visa Application Centre. Other requirements include Medical exam confirmation document and IELTS score card with an overall score of at least 6.0 with no band less than 6.0. Sufficient proof of funds also needs to be demonstrated to get a Canada Student Visa.

Stay tuned for further articles comparing visa processes of other top overseas study destinations. To help you meet all visa requirements, and provide country-specific guidance and even mock visa interviews, sign up with top overseas education consultants in India.

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Wednesday 3 April 2019

Ireland's Post Study Work Visa Option for Students



Ireland is not only a beautiful place to stay in but is also a global student destination owing to its world-class Universities, huge choice of programs, and research-driven study. Ireland is also home to more than 1000 MNCs from all over the world, thus establishing a reputation as Europe’s industrial hub. 

Studying in Ireland is designed to not only provide high-quality education but also ensure that a student is skilled enough professionally, to handle issues faced in industries. This practical experience is obtained by students who gain work experience through their post-study work visa which is granted provided that the candidate has a valid Ireland Student Visa. The article focuses on post-study work visa options for International students.

Third Level Graduate Program

The latest 2017 revision to this program lays down the guidelines for the post-study work visa. The purpose of the program is to attract high performing students to study at Irish Universities and to retain them after their studies by helping them transition to the Irish workforce and thereby boost the Irish economy. 

Duration of Stay
A 12-month post-study visa is granted to graduates with a level 8 qualification and those with a level 9 (Master’s / post-graduate diploma students) or Level 10 (doctoral degree) qualification are granted a 24-month PSW visa. After getting a PSW visa, the student who was previously granted the Stamp 2 receives the Stamp 1G.

Regulations
1.     The student must meet the Ireland Study Visa Requirements.
2.     A non-EEA graduate who has completed their studies in Ireland and awarded a Level 8 or above qualification according to the National Framework of Qualifications by a recognized Irish institution can apply for the post-study work visa.
3.     Applicants should hold a current Stamp 2 student immigration permission and an updated immigration registration card.
4.     The student must not have exceeded the 7-year limit, mentioned on their permission as a non-EEA student.

The Stamp 1G allow graduate students to engage in full-time employment (40 Hr./week) with suitable employers. Stamp 1 G holders do not need a work permit during their PSW visa duration.

If the student wishes to work in Ireland after this duration, then they must apply for any one of the following; general employment permit, critical skills employment permit or a research hosting agreement.   

This extension of the the PSW visa period was introduced as a way to fill the skills gap in the Irish economy and to pave the way for improved employability of postgraduate students from Irish institutions.

To help students in selecting the right course and institution as per their profile and also provide in-depth information and guidance on Student Visa Requirements, reliable Overseas education consultants must be approached to ensure a hassle-free entry into the foreign study destination of choice.