Studying in UK or America: Visa application process, eligibility criteria and fees for international students – Investing Abroad News
By Saurabh Goel
When planning to study abroad, understanding the visa regulations of your destination country is important. For students targeting the United States or the United Kingdom, navigating these rules is the first step toward a successful university experience.
Let us get some essential information about the U.S.A and the UK visa regulations.
US Visa Categories
The United States offers several visa categories along with their fees for international students:
F-1 Visa: This is the most common type for students who attend a university, college, high school, private elementary school, seminary, conservatory, or language training program.
SEVIS I-901 Fee: $350
Visa Application Fee (MRV Fee): $160
J-1 Visa: This visa is for educational and cultural exchange programs. It’s designed for students who need to obtain practical training that is not available in their home country.
SEVIS I-901 Fee: $220 for most applicants; specific categories such as au pairs, camp counsellors, and summer work travel
Visa Application Fee (MRV Fee): $160
M-1 Visa: This visa is for students enrolled in non-academic or vocational studies.
SEVIS I-901 Fee: $350
Visa Application Fee (MRV Fee): $160
UK Visa Categories
The United Kingdom offers several visa categories along with their fees for international students:
Tier 4 (General) Student Visa: This visa is for students who have been offered a place in a course longer than six months at a UK educational institution.
Application fee from outside the UK: £490
Application fee for extending or switching to a Student visa from inside the UK: £490
Short-term Study Visa: This visa is for students taking short courses of study in the UK, this visa allows them to stay for six months (or up to 11 months if they are taking an English language course).
For up to 6 months: £101
For up to 11 months (for English language courses only): £200
Applicants are required to pay the healthcare surcharge as part of their application, typically £470 per year for students, which allows access to the National Health
Eligibility Criteria for the US
- Must be accepted by a school approved by the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP).
- Require sufficient proficiency in English to undertake the course of study.
- Must prove sufficient financial stability to live and study in the U.S. without working illegally.
- Intend to depart the United States upon completion of the course of study.
- Attend and pass all classes.
- If applying for an M-1 visa, must demonstrate intent to pursue a specific vocational or non-academic program.
Eligibility Criteria for the UK
- Must have been offered a place on a course by a licensed Tier 4 Sponsor.
- Must speak, read, write, and understand English to a required standard.
- Must have enough money
to support themselves and pay for their course. - Must be from a country that’s not in the European Economic Area (EEA) or Switzerland.
- Must provide a current passport or other valid travel documentation.
- Must have consent from parents if they are under 18.
Application Process for the US
- Complete Online Application: Fill out Form DS-160 online and save the confirmation page.
- Pay SEVIS Fee: Pay the SEVIS I-901 fee online and print the receipt.
- Schedule Visa Interview: Book your interview at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate.
- Attend the Interview: A consular officer will assess your eligibility for the visa.
Application Process for the UK
Check Eligibility and Gather Documents: Ensure you meet the requirements and prepare all necessary documents.
Complete Online Application: Fill out the visa application form, and pay the visa fee and healthcare surcharge online.
Prove Identity and Submit Documents: Provide your biometrics at a visa application centre or use the ‘UK Immigration ID Check’ app.
Attend Credibility Interview (if required): An officer will assess your eligibility for the visa.
Conclusion
Navigating the visa application process is a critical step for students planning to study in the US or UK. As regulations evolve, staying updated through official channels and possibly seeking guidance from visa consultants or university international offices is advisable.
(Author is CEO & Co-Founder, Amber)
Disclaimer: Views expressed are personal and do not reflect the official position or policy of FinancialExpress.com. Reproducing this content without permission is prohibited.
