If you are studying a graduate program abroad then you may need a visa to enter the country in which you are going to be a student. The exact requirements that need to be satisfied to gain entry to a country as a foreign student will vary from country to country but here is some general advice on how you should apply for a visa.

What is a Visa?

A visa is a document that gives you permission to enter a foreign country.

However, in some cases, a visa alone is only a port of entry and you will need to talk to an Immigration Officer who will determine whether you are eligible to enter that country. This is the case for the United States and for example, if you are a not an EEA national and you intend to stay in the UK.

To help answer all of the Immigration Officer’s questions, make sure you take all the relevant documents with you in your hand luggage when you travel.

When Should I Apply For a Visa?

You should apply for a visa before you travel to your study destination to be sure that you qualify for entry.

Allow enough time for any complications or supplementary exchange of information to take place before you intend to travel.

What Type of Visa Do I Need?

The exact name and type of visa you require will vary from country to country but generally speaking, if you are studying a graduate program abroad, you will need a non-immigrant student/study visa.

This basically means that you do not intend to take up permanent residence in that country and that your stay is for temporary study.

However, to find out the exact type of visa you need and therefore, the appropriate application form, go to the embassy or consulate of your intended study destination in your home country (this must be where you legally live or where you are a national).

How Do I Apply?

Before you apply for your visa, you may need proof of your place on your graduate program from the university or college that you are going to attend.

The first thing you should do is contact the university or college to clarify which visa you need to apply for and/or to ask them to send you the necessary documentation for your application.

Once your university or college has informed you of the appropriate visa you need to apply for and any supplementary documentation that they and you need to submit, you should be ready to apply.

In some countries, applications can be done in a number of ways, by post, courier, in person or online for example. If you are unsure, visit the embassy or consulate of your host country and ask how you can apply for a visa or search their website.

A visa is not valid if false information has been given or important facts were omitted at the time of application.