Visa FAQs
For many countries, you will need a visa to study abroad for a summer, semester or year. The requirements are different from country to country, so you'll want to check in with your host country's embassy for specific information on the steps you'll need to take. In many cases, you will begin applying for your visa after you've received an acceptance letter from your university. However, it's never too early to start doing your research so you're ready to go.
See below for answers to common visa questions adapted from General Visa FAQs from NAFSA.
There is no single answer about process and it may vary from embassy to embassy, so it is best to contact each directly. Some things to keep in mind would be finding out the average time it takes to process a visa, and whether a student should apply in the jurisdiction where they go to school or through their permanent residence.
Each country will have different requirements; however, the items that are most typically required are things such as photos, a fee, proof of funds to support the student while abroad, proof of enrollment, proof of housing in country, fingerprints, or other biometrics, etc.
In some cases, students will need to show that they do not have a criminal background. Depending on the country this may be done through their local police station; some countries specifically require an FBI background check. If you're applying to a country that you know requires an FBI background check, it may be wise to to start that process before getting accepted to your program to speed up your visa process.
For some countries you will need to appear in person to obtain his or her visa. Others will allow you to apply by mail or online.
This will depend on both your country of citizenship and also the country you wish to study abroad in. Please refer to the embassy or consulate page of your host country.
Visa processing can take as little as a few days for some countries to months. It is important to plan time in for visa processing, particularly for students who are applying to study abroad in the spring semester when the time between finding out they have been accepted to go and leaving is very close together.
In general, trying to rush an application is not advised but this will vary greatly from country to country. It is best to review the website of the consulate or embassy to see if this is a possibility.
In many cases students are able to obtain a tourist visa prior to leaving or upon entry to the country and then change it during the course of the semester. It is important to research this in advance and know the legal ramifications of coming in under the wrong visa status.
In certain countries it is very challenging to extend. In others it is very easy to make the change. Generally speaking this is something you should discuss with your host university or program in order to determine if it is feasible.
Each country handles this differently and some countries are very strict about travel after a visa is expired. It is recommended that you do extensive research before deciding to travel with an expired visa as fines can be costly and while you may get to one country, you may end up stuck in a situation where you are unable to return to their original country of study.
If you are having a problem with your visa, contact the consulate directly. If the problem persists, contact IPC for guidance.
See below for answers to common visa questions adapted from General Visa FAQs from NAFSA.
What is the process for applying for a student visa?
There is no single answer about process and it may vary from embassy to embassy, so it is best to contact each directly. Some things to keep in mind would be finding out the average time it takes to process a visa, and whether a student should apply in the jurisdiction where they go to school or through their permanent residence.
What are the requirements to obtain a student visa?
Each country will have different requirements; however, the items that are most typically required are things such as photos, a fee, proof of funds to support the student while abroad, proof of enrollment, proof of housing in country, fingerprints, or other biometrics, etc.In some cases, students will need to show that they do not have a criminal background. Depending on the country this may be done through their local police station; some countries specifically require an FBI background check. If you're applying to a country that you know requires an FBI background check, it may be wise to to start that process before getting accepted to your program to speed up your visa process.