Student visa applications can be a long and confusing process, especially when carried out without the help of an agent, as there are too many aspects to take into account. The recommendations listed below are generally applicable for different countries.
1. First of all, confirm that you need a student visa to travel. In some cases, depending on nationality or personal circumstances, special arrangements related to the process are required. You will get all this data on the website of the consulate of the destination you chose to do a university degree.
2. At first glance, all application forms often seem difficult to complete. Different uses of language or indecipherable languages, if you are not sure of the meaning of any word and/or item, consult an authorized agent or official of the consulate. Small mistakes could be costly.
3. Check that your passport has at least 4 to 6 blank pages. Although the visa usually needs only one, certain consulates require a minimum of two unused sheets. If you don’t have enough space, you’ll have to renew it, but don’t throw away the old one just in case you’re asked.
4. Make sure that the expiration date of your passport is greater than one year, taking into account when you will apply for the visa. It is always less cumbersome to renew documents in your country of origin, rather than abroad.
5. Read the visa requirements carefully, and write down the specifications of the photographs that are usually required. When you go to the photo studio, you will be sure to take the correct ones and, by the way, you can take advantage of acquiring some extra ones for your future student card, gym membership or other visa applications that you plan to make. Do not even think about printing them from your computer, as they will be rejected.
6. Make sure that the bank where you have your money is recognized as a provider of account statements by the consulate of the country to which you are requesting a visa. In many cases, there are regulations about what types of documents are accepted and which are not.
7. All your academic transcripts and other documents related to your education must be translated . In some cases, the consulate even requires certified translations by a registered official translator.
8. Many consulates request the travel itinerary within the visa application. If you purchased a return ticket, include a copy that proves your intentions to return to your country after graduation.
9. Make copies of all papers you send to the consulate or travel visa service. It’s also a good idea to photocopy the first page of your passport, in case it unfortunately gets lost during the process.
10. Do not forget to pay the required application fee, especially if you complete the entire process online. A missing payment is reason for delay and/or rejection.
