15

Get Going with the Visa

Once you have got admission in a school of your choice, you need to apply for a visa stamp on your passport. If you are already based in that very country then you might need to change your status. Getting a study visa is not difficult but the procedures have become very complex in recent years and involve substantial paperwork. This has happened for the simple reason that many people have used this route to gain unauthorized access to a country and then become illegal immigrants, particularly in the US and the UK. For countries like the US, it has also become important (after the terrorist attacks of 11 September 2001) to ensure that anti-social elements are kept out of the student visa loop, which has been abused earlier as well. Hence, the screening has become more stringent. With the aid of technology, access to information has become fairly easy and this has allowed law enforcement agencies to check on the background of people entering a country, if required. If you provide correct information about yourself, there is little chance that you will face any problems during the visa process. Here, we provide information about the procedures for getting a visa for studying in the US, the UK and some other European countries. For other countries not covered in this chapter, please contact the embassy or the consulate of that country, based near your location or check on the Web. We are being specific with regards to Indian nationals in this chapter and the information supplied relates to them. However, the rules are similar for most countries and we advise you to take the general guidelines and check with the embassy or consulate general for specific details.

General Information About Visas

A visa is a permission granted by any country to foreign nationals to enter that country. Indian nationals have to apply to the consulate or embassy of the country they wish to travel to, prior to departure from India. Visas may be of various types, with different conditions attached to each of them. A visa allows you to travel to the port-of-entry and request permission from the immigration officer to enter that country. It does not guarantee entry into the country.

After the consulate issues a visa, it is advisable to check for possible mistakes (passport number, date of birth, or the term of validity). If there are errors, the passport should be re-submitted to the consulate for corrections. A consulate will not accept responsibility for mistakes, which are not brought to its attention before departure from India.

Applicants must have successfully completed a course of study normally required for enrollment; should be sufficiently proficient in English or any other language required to pursue the intended course of study; should have been accepted, in most instances, for a full course of study by an approved educational institution; and be able to prove that sufficient funds are or will be available to defray all living and school expenses during the entire anticipated period of study.

They should also be able to establish to the satisfaction of the consular officer that they have strong familial ties and binding ties to a residence in India, which they have no intention of abandoning and that they will return to their home country when they have completed their studies. To minimize any disruption to the student’s travel plans it is necessary to ensure that the student’s travel documents are up-to-date and that the student has the appropriate and current visa and meets all other applicable entry requirements.

In most countries, comprehensive medical insurance is mandatory. In any event, it is advisable for all students to have a comprehensive medical insurance, whether it is mandatory or not. This is because medical costs are exorbitant and unexpected accidents or illness can create tremendous problems. Students may opt for insurance from their home country or for an insurance plan offered by the School or insurance providers based at their destination. It may also be required for getting a visa for some countries. However, it is more in the personal interests of the student to have medical insurance coverage in case of any eventuality.

Students travelling to a particular country for a long period of stay may wish to travel to other neighboring countries. For instance students going to study in the US may wish to travel to Canada or Mexico; students going to the UK may wish to visit some European countries. Foreign nationals need tourist or visitor visas to visit these countries and are generally required to apply for visas in the country where they reside permanently. Even if the student does not plan to return to India till he/she completes his/her education, he/she will be considered an Indian resident for visa processing purposes. It is, therefore, advisable to obtain visitor visas to neighboring countries of interest prior to departure from India.

General Visa Requirements for Most Countries

Indian nationals who wish to study abroad in any country typically need the following documents to apply for a visa (these are the bare minimum ones required by all the countries. Individual cases need to be checked with the appropriate embassy or consulate):

1. Current passport. In many instances a passport that is valid for more than six months from the date of visa application is considered adequate. However, it is better to check with each individual country. You should also get the passport certified for emigration-check clearance as it might be required in the country of study.
2. Proof of financial ability to pay for the education and stay abroad. Each country has different standards and different requirements of evidentiary proof.
3. Intention to return to India at the end of the studies. This is to ensure that the student does not violate immigration regulations of the country and stay on in the country illegally. Showing close family ties, financial stability and professional commitments in India help in proving this intent.
4. Admission to an educational institute in the foreign country. In some countries the institutes have to be recognized/authorized to admit foreign students.

Obtaining a visa is not a guarantee that the student will be admitted into the foreign country. The student once again has to convince the officers at the port-of-entry that they intend to return to their home country and are capable of supporting themselves financially. In addition to this, if the officer finds the individual inadmissible due to some new information or development, or due to information not provided at the time of visa application, he/she may still deny the student admission into the country. It is important that the student provides accurate and consistent information at all times. He/she should also carry copies of documents to prove the above-mentioned issues at the time of entry into the foreign country.

Visa Procedures in the US

Every year, thousands of people come to the US from around the world to study and improve their skills. Numerous programmes provide a wide variety of learning opportunities. Students interested in studying in the US must be admitted to a recognized and accredited US school or university before starting the visa process. The US government has made some changes in visa procedures after the terrorist attacks of 11 September 2001. These changes make sure that both US citizens and visitors are safe in the future. Because of this, advance planning by international travellers is essential to ensure that they have their visa when they need it to enter the US. For most visa applicants, an interview is required as a standard part of visa processing. Visa applications are evaluated very carefully and take more time now than in the past. Nevertheless, every effort is made to interview and process student and exchange-visitor visa applications in an expeditious manner. Some applications require additional security screening. Improved and automated procedures have considerably sped up visa clearance procedures. Students should also remember that acceptance by a US educational institution does not guarantee issuance of a student visa and that they need to fulfill all the requirements as well as clear the interview at a US embassy or consulate to help them get one. It is, therefore, advisable to prepare well before applying for a visa in order to minimize the chances of a rejection.

Types of Student Visas

Most non-US citizens who wish to study in the US will seek an F-1 (non-immigrant) student visa. However, there is another visa type that is sometimes authorized for those who intend to study in the US towards their MBA. Here is a short description of the different types of academic visas:

F-1 (Student Visa)

This visa is the most common of them all. It is for those who wish to engage in academic studies in the United States. It is for people who want to study at an accredited US college or university and are either funding their studies on their own or have been provided a fellowship or funding support, either in full or in part by the institution. An ‘F’ status is for students while they are enrolled in a full-time programme. It permits a student to work during the summer and to work for up to 12 months following the completion of their degree programme if the work is directly related to their field of study.

J-1 (Exchange Visitor)

This visa is for people who will be participating in an exchange visitor programme in the US. The ‘J’ visa is for educational and cultural exchange programmes. To be eligible for a ‘J’ status you must be sponsored for a substantial portion of your tuition (over 50 per cent). Personal or family funds cannot be used for the substantial portion for this visa status. All loans are considered personal funds for visa purposes and therefore individuals with substantial funding from loans are not eligible for the ‘J’ visa. Students applying for a ‘J’ visa must certify finances for two years. In some cases, this visa carries with it a ‘two-year home country residence requirement’ which obligates exchange visitors to return to their home country for two years before being eligible to apply for an immigrant visa or change into another visa status.

Applying for a Student or Exchange Visitor Visa-SEVIS Requirements

In order to apply for a visa at a US embassy or consulate, you must first have a SEVIS (Student and Exchange Visitor Information System)-generated document (either an I-20 or DS-2019) issued by a US college or university or a sponsor organization designated by the Department of State. You will be required to submit this form when you apply for a visa. The US academic institution or programme sponsor will provide you with the appropriate SEVIS-generated form only when you have been academically admitted to the institution or accepted as a participant in an exchange programme. The institution or programme sponsor will also send you additional information about applying for the appropriate visa, as well as other guidance about beginning your academic programme in the United States. Once you have all the documentation that is required, you may apply for the visa, even if you do not intend to begin your programme of study for several months. It is best to apply early for the visa to make sure that there is sufficient time for visa processing.

SEVIS

The Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS), administered by the Bureau of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) within the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), is an Internet-based system that maintains data on foreign students and exchange visitors before and during their stay in the United States. For more information about the SEVIS programme, visit the ICE Web site (http://www.ice.gov/graphics/sevis/index.htm).

In order to enroll students from other nations, US colleges and universities have to be approved by the School Certification Branch of the Student and Exchange Visitor Programme (SEVP). Most US institutions of higher education have received this approval. If you wish to confirm that the institution that you are interested in attending has been approved to admit international students, please view the list of approved schools on the ICE Web site.

Plan Ahead

One of the most important things you can do to ensure that you will be able to arrive in time for the start of your educational programme in the United States is to plan well in advance, not only for the academic portion of your US programme, but also for the visa process. This means you will need to request and receive the appropriate visa-qualifying document (either an I-20 or DS-2019) from the US institution or programme sponsor well in advance of your planned departure to the United States. You will also need to make an appointment for your visa interview. Please consult the US embassy or consulate nearest you to find out how long it may take to get an appointment.

The Top of the Mind Instructions

Among the first things you’ll need to do is pay the SEVIS fee. There is a $100 SEVIS processing fee for F-1 and J-1 visas. Complete the online form I-901 through the Internet at http://www.FMJfee.com to receive a payment receipt which needs to be produced at the time of applying for a visa as well as at the port-of-entry into the US. Pay the visa-processing fee (the procedure will differ from one US embassy/consulate to another, so visit the Web site of the US embassy in the country where you are located), and make an appointment for the visa interview (again, procedures will differ, so visit the Web site of the US embassy). You should also make sure that you have all the documents that you will need when you go for the interview, including the visa-qualifying document (I-20 or DS-2019), financial support documents, proof of payment of the SEVIS and visa fees, and a completed visa application form. Ensure that you complete the visa application correctly by following the Department of State Web site procedures carefully.

There are two additional bits of information that are useful to know. The first is that the US embassy/consulate cannot issue a visa more than 90 days before the actual start of the programme in the United States. However, visa applicants are encouraged to apply for their visa as soon as they are prepared to do so. Thus, if the college or university to which you have been admitted states on the I-20 or DS-2019 that the programme will start on 1 September, a visa cannot be issued before 1 June. Second, even if you have been issued a visa to enter the United States, you will not be allowed to enter the country more than 30 days before the start of your programme, if you are an initial- entry student. Returning students do not have to meet this requirement. Using the earlier example, if the programme of study starts on 1 September, you will not be permitted to enter the United States until 1 August or later.

Arriving and Studying in the US (Immigration Clearance)

US immigration law governs the entry of all visitors to the United States, including students and exchange visitors. It details what they are authorized to do during their stay in the country. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is the agency responsible for ensuring that these visitors comply with US law and regulations. When you arrive in the United States, you, too, will come under the authority of the Department of Homeland Security, and one of the three units within DHS responsible for non-US citizens: the Bureau of Customs and Border Protection; the Bureau of Immigration and Customs Enforcement; and the US Citizenship and Immigration Services Bureau. You should follow the guidelines below to ensure a trouble-free entry into the United States.

Plan Your Arrival

You may be refused entry into the United States if you attempt to arrive more than 30 days before the programme start date listed on your SEVIS I-20 form. So be sure to time your arrival in a proper manner.

Always Hand-carry Your Documents

Do not put the following documents in your baggage. If your baggage is lost or delayed, you will be unable to present the documents at your port-of-entry. As a result, you may not be able to enter the United States.

1. Your passport, valid for at least six months beyond the date of your expected stay.
2. SEVIS Form I-20.

In addition, it is strongly recommended that you also hand-carry the following documentation:

1. Evidence of financial resources
2. Evidence of student status, such as recent tuition-fee receipts and transcripts
3. Paper receipt for the SEVIS fee, form I-797
4. Name and contact information for your ‘Designated School Official’, including a 24-hour emergency contact number at the school.

For comprehensive information on procedures for travelling and arriving in the United States, visit: http://educationusa.state.gov/predeparture/travel/customs.htm

Complete Your Paperwork

If arriving by air: Flight attendants will distribute Customs Declaration Forms (CF-6059) and Arrival-Departure Record Forms (I-94). These must be completed prior to landing.

If arriving by land or sea: The CBP Officer at the port-of-entry will provide the necessary Customs Declaration Forms (CF-6059) and Arrival-Departure Record Forms (I-94) to be filled out upon your arrival.

At the Port-of-Entry

Proceed to the terminal area on arrival. Have the following documents available for presentation: your passport; SEVIS form (I-20); Arrival-Departure Record Form (I-94); and Customs Declaration Form (CF-6059). The Form I-94 should reflect the address where you will reside, not the address of the school or programme.

All visitors entering the United States must state their reason for entering the country. You will also be asked to provide information about your final destination. It is important that you tell the CBP officer that you will be a student. Be prepared to include the name and address of the school programme where you will enroll/participate.

Once your inspection is successfully completed, the inspecting officer will:

• Stamp your SEVIS Form for duration of status (‘D/S’) for F visa holders
• Stamp the Arrival-Departure Record Form (I-94) and staple it in the passport

Additional Information on Secondary Inspection Requirements

If the CBP officer at the port-of-entry cannot initially verify your information or you do not have all the required documents, you may be directed to an interview area known as ‘secondary inspection’. Secondary inspection allows inspectors to conduct additional research in order to verify information without causing delays for other arriving passengers.

The inspector will first attempt to verify your status by using the Student and Exchange and Visitor Information System. In the event that the CBP officer needs to verify information with your school or programme, it is strongly recommended that you have the name and telephone number of the foreign student advisor at your school. In case if you arrive during non-business hours (evening, weekends, holidays), you should also have an emergency or non-business hour phone number available for this official.

Failure to comply with US government entry-exit procedures may result in you being denied entry to the United States. Under certain circumstances, the CBP officer may issue a ‘Notice to Student or Exchange Visitor’ Form (I-515A), which authorizes temporary admission into the United States. Work with your school to submit the proper documentation without delay.

• US-VISIT Programme: All non-immigrant visitors holding visas—regardless of race, national origin, or religion—participate in the US-VISIT programme, a comprehensive registration system tracking entries to and exits from the United States. For more information visit: www.dhs.gov/dhspublic/interapp/editorial/editorial0440.xml
• NATIONAL SECURITY ENTRY-EXIT REGISTRATION SYSTEM (NSEERS): Some individuals may be asked to provide additional information under the National Security Entry-Exit Registration System (NSEERS). A packet of information will be available at the port-of-entry explaining the registration procedure. For more information visit: www.dhs.gov/dhspublic/interapp/editorial/editorial0440.xml

To obtain answers to questions that you may have regarding your stay in the United States (for example, travel outside the United States, employment, and much more) visit the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) Web site (http://uscis.gov/graphics/student). After you arrive in the US, you may wish to direct your questions to the office at your educational institution that is responsible for services to international students. This office should be able to provide you with the answer(s) you need or refer you to a person or office that can help you.

On Arrival at the College or University in the US

Once you arrive on the campus, you should report immediately to the office that is responsible for assisting international students and scholars. It may be called the Office of International Services, the Office of International Education, the International Programmes Office, or some other similar name. Whatever the name be, that office can help you with any question(s) or concern(s) you may have about immigration rules and regulations. Moreover, that office must report your arrival within the SEVIS system. If this report is not submitted, you may be considered to be in violation of your status in the United States. So be sure to make the international student office one of your first stops on campus.

The US Visa Application Process in India

Most of the procedures and requirements for applying for the various types of student visas, as well as for the Exchange-Visitor visa, are standardized. However, some procedures vary from country to country (for example, how to pay the visa application-processing fee and how to make an appointment for an interview). For details on applying for a Student or Exchange-Visitor visa in the country in which you are located, please visit the US embassy or consulate nearest to you. The procedure for India is outlined below. You should contact the VFS (for Mumbai, Ahmedabad and Pune, apply online at www.visa-services.com) and TT Services (for Delhi, Kolkata, Chennai, Bangalore and Hyderabad, apply online at www.ttsvisas.com) for interview appointments.

Documents to be submitted by students to the US embassy/consulate are:

1. A valid passport with a validity of at least 6 months
2. Form DS-156
3. Form DS-157—for males between the ages of 16–45
4. Form DS-158
5. One-colour photograph as per specifications
6. Prevailing visa-application fee (this needs to be confirmed by the students)

Along with the prescribed forms students must present to the US consulate documents regarding two principal issues:

• The student’s means of support during his or her stay in the US, which must be sufficient to assure that all expenses are covered without the need to engage in employment.
• The student’s intention to maintain a foreign domicile and leave the US upon completion of his/her studies—to prove ‘bonafide non-immigrant intent.’

Student’s financial resources

The student should be prepared to produce the following to show finances to cover the full amount of expenses as reflected in the I-20 issued by the institute.

1. Financial aid or scholarship disbursed by the institute
2. Financial aid provided by the Government of India
3. Financial aid from private organizations
4. Personal funds of the student
   1. Bank statements
   2. Proof of ownership of real and personal property
   3. Evidence of securities and other liquid assets available to student
5. Proof of available funds from the student’s family
6. Proof of available funds from other person(s)

Evidence of student’s non-immigrant intent

• Family relationships
• Community ties
• Property and economic ties
• Career potential

Visa Refusal

In case your visa is refused after an extensive preparation involving all of the above, you should ask the consular official to give you the reason for refusal. You are entitled to ask to it and this will help you to prepare yourself better for your next visit. Unless specifically stated in a case, you can usually apply for a visa any number of times, three working days after a refusal. Be careful and plan to the smallest detail so that your next visit to the visa office bears fruit and results in you getting a visa.

Legalities to be Observed by the Student in the US on a Student Visa

Following are the US government regulations students must follow in order to maintain legal F-1 status:

1. Maintain a valid passport at all times.
2. Attend the college/university USCIS has authorized in the SEVIS Form I-20.
3. It is necessary to complete an official transfer whenever the student changes educational institutions. An immigration transfer must be completed within 45 days of the beginning of classes during the first quarter/semester at the new school (Important: An immigration transfer is a completely separate process from transferring academic credit from one school to another. An immigration transfer is not complete until a certified official, from the school to which the student transfers, endorses the I-20 authorizing the transfer).
4. Complete a full course of study during normal enrollment periods. The USCIS does not require students to enroll in classes during the summer sessions. However, it is advisable to check with the department to see if they have any requirements for summer enrollment (sometimes to complete required credits for a degree it may be necessary to enroll in summer courses).
5. Apply for an extension of the study programme if it is not possible to complete the degree by the ending date listed in Form I-20. An application for an extension can be made up to 60 days in advance. Please note that not extending the date in a timely manner will render the student ‘out-of-status’/illegal’ in the US.
6. Obtain a new Form I-20 whenever there is a change in degree levels. This includes changing from a bachelor’s to a master’s from a master’s to a doctorate degree, from Optional Practical Training to a new degree, from one major to another major within the same degree level (e.g., Master of Science in Engineering to Master of Science in Computer Science), etc.
7. Students should not work off-campus unless he/she has first received authorization from a certified official and/or USCIS. On-campus work does not require authorization, but is limited to part-time (20 hours or less per week) during normal enrollment periods and it is advisable to obtain permission from a certified official.
8. Before travelling outside the US with the intention of re-entering, the student must have a certified official sign the back of the current Form I-20 authorizing re-entry into the US. The endorsement has to be within 6 months preceding date of re-entry.

Additional Resources

• http://www.unitedstatesvisas.gov/
• http://travel.state.gov/visa
• http://educationusa.state.gov/usvisa.htm
• http://exchanges.state.gov/

Visa to Study in Canada

International students are foreign visitors who have been approved by an immigration officer or visa officer to study in Canada. The approval has to be obtained at a Canadian visa office before entering Canada. Canadian Immigration Act and Regulations govern admission to Canada. They are a complex set of rules, which are subject to interpretation by the individual visa officers, who by law, are the only people authorized to issue visas (and study permits) to those who wish to live and/or work in Canada.

A Study Permit

All applicants wishing to study in Canada must satisfy the visa officer that they will leave Canada at the end of the period authorized for study. They must further satisfy the officer that they will not contravene the conditions of admission and must prove that they do not belong to a category of persons inadmissible to Canada under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act. The student must convince the officer that he/she:

1. Has a valid letter of acceptance from the educational institution
2. Has adequate funds available to pay for the tuition and living expenses while in Canada and to pay for the return to the country of residence
3. Is in good health
4. Is law-abiding and has no criminal record
5. Will not be a security risk to Canada.

Application for a Study Permit

Step 1: Print the application for a Study Permit. (If you are from India, the Officer will process your application for a Temporary Resident Visa as well as a Study Permit. You do not need a separate application).

Step 2: Collect the documents you need to apply for as listed below.

Step 3: (For those who are applying to study in the province of Quebec only) If you are applying to study in Quebec, you will also need a Certificat d’acceptation du Québec (Quebec Certificate of Acceptance, or CAQ) issued by the Ministère des Relations avecles citoyens et del’ Immigration(MRCI). Please see Quebec’s immigration web site (http: //www.immigration-quebec.gouv.qc.ca/anglais/immigration/students/step.html) for more information. Your school will also have information about applying to study in Quebec.

Step 4: Complete the application for a Study Permit. Fill in the forms carefully and completely.

• Follow the instructions
• Use a typewriter or print clearly, using black ink.
• Add appropriate characters for languages that do not use the Latin alphabet, such as Chinese, Arabic, Cyrillic, Japanese, Hebrew, etc.
• Sign and date your application forms.

Step 5: Include the correct application fee. There is a processing fee to apply for a Study Permit. For current rates, see the fee schedule for CIC Services (http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/applications/fees.html#study) or contact the nearest Canadian embassy, High Commission or consulate. Verify acceptable methods of payment with the office where you submit your application.

Step 6: Using the document checklist make sure that your application is complete. Consult the visa office to see if you need to fill out any additional forms or provide any additional documents.

Step 7: Submit your application, fees, and required documents to a visa office at the Canadian embassy, High Commission or consulate in the country in which you are living.

Step 8: Supply additional information or documents when the visa office requests it. This may include medical-examination results. A visa officer will advise you if you need to take a medical examination, and will provide you with instructions on how to proceed. If you need a medical examination, processing your application could take at least three extra months.

Step 9: Police Certificates/Certificate of Good Conduct: A visa officer may request a police certificate to prove to Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) officers that you are a responsible person and that you do not have a criminal record. Police agencies may do a criminal or security-background check. These checks may be done on anyone over 18 years of age and applying for a Study Permit.

If you move or change your address, your telephone or FAX number before your application has been processed, you must advise CIC of this new information. Contact the visa office where you submitted your application.

When you apply for your Study Permit, there is no guarantee of acceptance. You should not take any final steps, such as purchasing plane tickets or quitting your job, until your Study Permit is approved. If you have any questions about your application, please contact the visa office where you submit your application.

Documents Needed to Apply for a Study Permit

Although the documents listed below are normally needed to support your application, local requirements may also apply. Visit the Web site of the visa office (http://www.dfait-maeci.gc.ca/new-delhi) responsible for your region to check that you have all the necessary documents before submitting your application.

Note: If you are not a citizen of the country to which you are applying, you may need to provide proof of your present immigration status in the country of application.

You may also need to provide additional documents to the ones listed below.

Proof of Acceptance

If you are going to attend a university, college or technical institution in Canada, you will need a letter from that institution showing:

• The name of the institution
• Confirmation of your acceptance and/or registration as a student
• The course of study
• The duration of the academic programme
• The latest date by which you may register

If you are to attend a primary or secondary school in Canada, you will need a letter from the school board that has jurisdiction for the school you would like to attend. If you are to attend a private school, the school itself must issue the letter. The letter from the school board or school must show:

• The name of the school
• The level of your course of study
• The duration of the course

Proof of Identity

You will need:

• a valid passport or travel document which guarantees re-entry to the country that issued it. Citizens and permanent residents of the United States, St. Pierre and Miquelon, and Greenland do not need a passport, but do need proof of status and citizenship, such as a national identity card or an alien registration card.
• two recent passport-size photos for you and each accompanying family member. The name and date of birth of the person should be written on the back of each photo.

Proof of Financial Support

You will need to have evidence that you can support yourself and your accompanying family members while you study in Canada. Such evidence may include:

• Proof of a Canadian bank account in your name if money has been transferred to Canada
• Your bank statements for the past four months
• A bank draft in convertible currency
• Proof of payment of tuition and residence fees
• Proof of funding paid from within Canada if you have a scholarship or are in a Canadian-funded educational programme

 

Table 15.1 Minimum Amount Needed for a Stay in Canada for an MBA Degree

	All Provinces (except Quebec)	Quebec
Single Student	USD 10,000 for twelve-month period, plus the cost of tuition, pro-rated at USD 833 per month	USD 9,600 for twelve-month period, plus the cost of tuition, pro-rated at USD800 per month
+ One family member	USD4,000 for twelve-month period pro-rated at USD333 per month	60% of student base or USD 5,740 for twelve-month period, pro-rated at USD 478 per month
+ Each additional family member	USD 3,000 for twelve-month period per dependant child of any age, pro-rated at USD 255 per month	40% of student base or USD 3,840 for twelve-month period, pro-rated at USD 320 per month

 

Table 15.1 shows the minimum amounts that you may need. You can prove that you have sufficient funds to support yourself in Canada by showing:

1. A letter from your bank or credit union
2. A bank draft
3. A letter from the person or institution providing you with your money

Letter of Explanation

There are benefits of having a Study Permit, even if you do not require one.

If you have a valid Study Permit, you can:

• Work part-time on campus at the college or university at which you are registered as a full-time student
• Apply to renew your Study Permit from within Canada, if you decide to continue studying in Canada

If you are applying for a Study Permit even though you do not need one, you should include a letter saying why you are applying for a Study Permit, so that the visa officer is certain that you understand your options.

After You Apply—The Status of Your Application

The visa office will review your application to make sure you have completed it correctly and that it contains all the required documents. After reviewing your application, an officer will decide if an interview is necessary. If it is, the officer will inform you of the time and place. If Citizenship and Immigration Canada does not accept your application, they will notify you of the reasons for refusal in writing. Study Permit applications may be refused for the following reasons:

• You have not shown proof of financial sufficiency
• You have not passed the medical examination
• You have not satisfied the officer that your primary intention in Canada is to study
• You have not satisfied the officer that you will leave Canada at the end of the period of study. Please note that you are allowed to apply to study in Canada even if you are applying or considering applying to immigrate permanently to Canada now or in the future. However, the officer must still be satisfied that you will leave Canada at the end of the period authorized for your stay (in the event that your permanent resident application is refused).

If you have questions about your refusal, you must contact the visa office that issued you the refusal letter.

If your application is approved, you will receive:

• A letter of introduction confirming the approval. This letter is not your Study Permit. Bring this letter with you to show to immigration officials when you enter Canada.
• A Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) in your passport. Check the Temporary Resident Visa (if applicable) that the officer puts in your passport. It will tell you the date by which you must enter Canada, and how many times you can enter Canada. You must arrive in Canada before your TRV expires.

Arriving in Canada

When you reach Canada, you will first pass through Canada Customs, where you must show your travel documents and tell the officer that you are there to study. Next, you will talk to a Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) Officer at the port-of-entry.

Be prepared to produce the following documents when you arrive in Canada:

1. The letter of introduction from CIC that you received when your Study Permit was approved. This letter shows your permit reference number
2. Your valid passport
3. A valid Temporary Resident Visa (if required)
4. An original or copy of a letter of acceptance from the school at which you are permitted to study
5. Evidence of financial support
6. Letters of reference or any other documents recommended by the Canadian embassy, High Commission, or consulate in your country

Carry these items and all other valuable papers, cash and traveller’s cheques with you at all times rather than with your checked baggage. You may not be allowed in Canada if any of your documents are missing or if any of the information on your application or letter of reference is wrong.

If there are no problems at the port-of-entry, the CIC Officer will authorize you to enter Canada and will issue your Study Permit. You should:

• Check the Study Permit to make sure that your personal information is printed correctly
• Check the date that is stamped in your passport telling you when you must leave Canada. Do not stay beyond this date.

Understanding Your Study Permit

The conditions listed on your permit will tell you:

1. How long you can stay in Canada
2. Where you can study
3. At what level you can study
4. Your programme of study
5. The date by which you must leave Canada
6. If you need to report for medical examination or observation
7. If you need to report to provide evidence of compliance for certain conditions
8. If you are permitted to work on-campus at your institution

If you wish to change any of the other terms and conditions on your Study Permit, you must submit an application to change conditions or extend your stay in canada.

Exiting and Re-entering Canada

In order to return to Canada, you must be in possession of:

• A valid passport or travel document
• A valid Study Permit if you are returning to study in Canada
• A valid Temporary Resident Visa. If your Temporary Resident Visa has expired, or was for single-entry only, you will have to submit a completed Temporary Resident Visa application to a Canadian embassy, High Commission, or consulate abroad in order to re-enter Canada

Possession of these documents does not guarantee re-entry. All persons must establish that they meet all the requirements of The Immigration and Refugee Protection Act and Regulations before being authorized to enter or re-enter Canada.

Changing Conditions or Renewing Your Study Permit

While in Canada, you may need to renew your Study Permit or change the conditions on your Study Permit.

• Renewing your Study Permit: Check the ‘valid until’ date on your Study Permit. Make sure you apply early if you need to renew it. Apply to change your permit at least 30 days before your current permit expires. If your Study Permit expires and you have made an application to renew it, but have not had a decision yet, you can continue studying until you receive a decision. You must leave Canada once your permit expires or if you have not followed its conditions. In some cases, you may apply for a restoration of status. You should apply to renew your Study Permit visa if you intend to travel outside Canada and it will expire during that time.
• Changing conditions: Are you changing schools or programmes of study? Check the terms and conditions listed on your Study Permit to see if you need to apply to change the conditions.

Applying for a New Temporary Resident Visa (if needed)

Renewing your Study Permit will not affect your Temporary Resident Visa (TRV). To get a TRV, you must apply outside of Canada. If you travel outside of Canada, it is your responsibility to ensure your TRV visa remains valid to re-enter Canada.

Work Opportunities for Foreign Students

You must come to Canada with enough money to live and pay your bills while you are studying, without working. In certain situations, you may be able to work while you are studying. Working will help you earn extra money and gain Canadian work experience. Do not work without being authorized to do so. If you do, you may be asked to leave Canada. You will need a Social Insurance Number to work in Canada.

Working on Campus

You may work on campus at the institution where you study without a work permit if:

• You are engaged in full-time studies at a Canadian university, a community college, a CEGEP, a publicly funded trade or technical school or a private institution authorized by provincial statute to confer degrees; and
• You have a valid study permit.

Working Off-campus

Off-campus work is only available to full-time students studying in provinces that have signed agreements with CIC. These provinces are:

• Manitoba
• New Brunswick
• Quebec (The census metropolitan areas of Montréal and Québec are currently excluded. The agreement will soon be amended to include them.)

CIC is negotiating agreements with interested provinces and territories to make the option of off-campus work more widely available. As new agreements are signed, more provinces and territories will be added to the list. The provinces and territories will then sign agreements with the institutions interested in participating.

To work off-campus, you must apply for a work permit. Do not begin to work off-campus until you have received your work permit. The work permit allows you to work up to 20 hours a week during regular academic sessions (15 hours a week in Quebec), and up to 40 hours a week during regular breaks (e.g., winter or summer holidays and spring break).

To be eligible for an off-campus work permit, you must:

• Have a valid Study Permit.
• Be studying in a province or territory that has an agreement with CIC.
• Be a full-time student at a participating public post-secondary institution that has an agreement with one of those provinces or territories.
• Have been a full-time student for at least one year (two consecutive terms) at one of those institutions.
• Be in good standing at your institution.
• Sign a consent form that allows CIC, the institution and the province to share your personal information.
• Complete a work permit application provided by your institution.
• Include with your work permit application an official receipt to show you have paid the appropriate application processing fee.

You cannot apply for an off-campus work permit if you are:

• Participating in a Canadian Commonwealth Scholarship Programme funded by Foreign Affairs Canada.
• Participating in a Government of Canada Awards Programme funded by Foreign Affairs Canada.
• Receiving funding from the Canadian International Development Agency.
• Attending a public post-secondary institution to complete an English- as-a-second-language or French-as-a-second-language programme.

For more information about the programme and the application process, contact your institution’s international student advisor. Remember, a work permit authorizing you to work off-campus does not guarantee that you will find a job. It is your responsibility to find a job for yourself. Even if you work off-campus, your studies must remain your primary purpose for being in Canada.

Co-op and Internship Programmes

For some academic programmes, work experience is part of the curriculum. Foreign students who wish to participate in a co-op or internship programme must apply for a work permit (there is no fee for this application).

To be eligible for a work permit, the following conditions must be met:

• You must have a valid Study Permit (unless you are a minor highschool student who does not require a study permit).
• Your intended employment must be an essential part of your course of study in Canada.
• Your employment must be certified as part of the academic programme by a responsible academic official of the institution.
• Your co-op or internship employment cannot form more than 50 percent of the total programme of study.

Post-graduation Work Permits

The post-graduation work programme is designed to provide graduating students with Canadian work experience in their field of study. Students may work in Canada for up to two years after graduation.

Length of the programme of study matters towards grant of work permit. The work permit cannot be valid longer than the length of time the student studied. For example, students graduating from a four-year degree programme might be eligible for a one-year work permit or, if they meet the criteria, then maybe a two-year work permit. Students graduating from an eight-month certificate programme would only be eligible for a work permit of eight months.

To be eligible for a post-graduation work permit of up to one year:

• You must have graduated from a programme at a Canadian university, a community college, a CEGEP, a publicly funded trade or technical school or a Canadian private institution authorized by provincial statute to confer degrees.
• You must have studied full-time for at least eight months.
• You must have completed and passed the course of study or programme (whether you have received a degree, diploma or certificate is not an issue).
• You must have applied for a work permit within 90 days of receiving written confirmation (transcript, or letter) from your institution indicating that you have met the requirements of your programme.
• You must have a job offer from an employer for a job that is related to your field of study.
• You must have a valid Study Permit when you apply for the work permit.

You cannot have previously been issued a work permit for post-graduation work following any other course of study. To be eligible for a post-graduation work permit for up to two years, you must meet the criteria mentioned above for a one-year work permit. You must also have

• Successfully completed a programme of at least two years of fulltime studies
• Studied at and graduated from an institution located outside of the Communauté Métropolitaine de Montréal (CMM), the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) or the Greater Vancouver Regional District (GVRD)
• Found employment outside of the CMM, GTA or GVRD.

Note: If you complete your studies at a campus located inside the CMM, the GTA or the GVRD, but at an institution whose headquarters for that campus are located outside those areas, you are not eligible for a two-year work permit under this programme. If you graduate from an institution located inside one of those areas, you are not eligible for a second year of work, even if the employment is located outside of those areas.

If you currently hold a one-year post-graduation work permit and you meet the eligibility criteria for a two-year permit, you can apply for a one-year extension of your work permit. To be eligible for a post-graduation work permit of up to two years, you cannot

• participate in a Canadian Commonwealth Scholarship Programme funded by Foreign Affairs Canada.
• participate in a Government of Canada Awards Programme funded by Foreign Affairs Canada.
• receive funding from the Canadian International Development Agency.

Send your work permit application to the Case Processing Centre in Vegreville, Alberta, along with written confirmation (transcript, letter, etc.) from your institution indicating that you have met the requirements of your programme, a job offer from an employer for a job that is related to your field of studies, and an official receipt which shows you have paid the appropriate processing fee.

When you apply for a work permit under the post-graduation work programme, you do not have to get a labour-market opinion from Human Resources and Skills Development Canada (HRSDC). If you want to extend your work permit beyond the one- or two-year limit, then you will have to apply for an HRSDC opinion.

Work Permits for Students at Private Institutions

Students and graduates of private institutions may apply for a work permit to work in Canada. The following conditions apply:

• You must have a job offer that has been confirmed by HRSDC, and
• You must have a valid study permit in order to apply for a work permit from within Canada.

Work Permit for Your Spouse or Common-law Partner

Your spouse or common-law partner may apply for work permit if:

• You are a full-time student at a university, a community college, a CEGEP, a publicly funded trade or technical school or a private institution authorized by provincial statute to confer degrees, and
• You have a valid Study Permit.

Summary of Documents to be Submitted for the Study Permit

The students who have been admitted into a Canadian educational institution should use the Study Permit Kit that the Canadian High Commission prescribes. It is available on the Internet. The Study Permit Kit includes a document checklist, which is very helpful when compiling the documents to submit with the application. No original documents should be submitted with the application. If called for a personal interview the applicant should carry all the originals. The following is an indicative list of important documents:

1. The duly filled in application form.
2. A personal information form (if applicable).
3. A passport that is valid for at least one year. The Canadian High Commission does not accept additional pages inserted into passports. If there are no empty pages, the applicant should obtain a new passport before submitting it for a visa stamp.
4. Three recent original passport-size photographs.
5. Letter of acceptance from a Canadian educational institution confirming tuition fees, living expenses and the date of admission. This student authorization document also identifies the level of study and length of time the individual may study in Canada.
6. Educational certificates, diplomas and degrees.
7. A personal study plan: a description of the student’s proposed programme of studies as it relates to his/her academic, technical or vocational background
8. Proof of accumulated funds to support the student and his/her dependents (if any). These can include but are not limited to tax returns (for the past 2 years), bank statements and/or evidence of fixed deposits.
9. Confirmation of scholarship (amount in dollars and duration) from the institution or other sponsors.
10. Proof of tuition fees already paid to the educational institute.
11. If the sponsor is someone other than parent of the student the following additional evidence is required:
    1. Letter of explanation as to the reason they are assisting the student.
    2. Number of persons living in the sponsor’s household.
    3. Evidence of their financial ability (if sponsor is from Canada the student should include the sponsor’s Revenue Canada Notice of Assessment for the past two years).
    4. Proof of their relationship to the student, which may be by birth, marriage or school certificate.
    5. If sponsor is a resident of Canada, his/her proof of immigrant status—copy of citizenship card/IMM 1000/Permanent Resident Card.

The student should apply for the visa as early as possible once he/she receives the acceptance letter from the educational institute. An application for a Student Permit that is submitted in person will be adjudicated the same day it is received or a request for further information will be given to the applicant. If the application is mailed in then the visa decision or request for further information will be issued in two weeks. This does not include the mailing time.

Additional sources of information on studying in canada:

• http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/study/info-students.html
• http://www.lsi-canada.com/Content/student-visa-canada.asp
• http://canada.usit.ie/tracking/student/index.asp
• http://www.usacanadavisa.com/

Visa Procedure in the UK

The United Kingdom’s laws concerning visas and immigration are contained in the Immigration Act 1971 and the periodic Statements of Changes in the UK Immigration Rules. Under these provisions most students going from India to study in the UK need a visa. The visa should be applied for before traveling to the UK. There is no specific classification or category for student visas.

Even when a student holds a visa (issued by a High Commission or Deputy High Commission in India) he/she will need to pass through immigration control on arrival at UK borders. If you hold a valid visa you will not be refused permission to enter the country unless there has been some change in circumstances. In addition, entry may be refused if the student has provided false information or withheld important information and facts at the time of applying for the visa. Holders of visas may also be refused entry on medical grounds, if they have a criminal record or for other exceptional reasons making them ineligible to enter.

When you arrive in the UK, an Immigration Officer may question you, so take all relevant documents in your hand luggage. You must be able to show that you have been accepted for a course of study at an educational establishment that is on the UK’s department for education and Skills (DfES) Register of Education and Training Providers. Search the register on the DfES Web site at www.dfes.gov.uk/providersregister. You must be able to show that you are going to follow:

• A recognized full-time degree course.
• A course run during the week involving at least 15 hours of organized daytime study each week.
• A full-time course at an independent fee-paying school.

You must also:

• Be able to pay for your course and support yourself and any dependants, and live in the UK without working or any help from public funds and
• Intend to leave the UK when you complete your studies.

If you are a degree student and you successfully complete your studies, you may be able to take work permit employment if you meet the requirements. If you graduate in an approved science or engineering subject you can apply to stay in the UK, to look for or take up work for an additional year after your degree course finishes, without getting a work permit. To extend your stay you will need to apply for a residence permit at the Immigration and Nationality Directorate. If you have any doubts about whether you qualify for entry, you should apply for a visa before you travel to the UK.

Applying for the Visa

You will need to fill in a visa application form (VAF1 — Non-settlement). You can download the form from this Web site-http://www.ukvisas.gov.uk-or get one free of charge from the visa section of your nearest British Mission Overseas.

To apply for a visa you will need the following:

1. Application form VAF1. Non-settlement, which you have filled in correctly.
2. Your passport or travel document.
3. A recent passport-sized (45mmx35mm), color photograph of yourself. This should be:
   • Taken against a light colored background
   • Clear and of good quality, and not framed or backed
   • Printed on normal photographic paper
   • Full face and without sunglasses, hat or other head covering unless you wear this for cultural or religious reasons
4. The visa fee. This cannot be refunded and you must normally pay it in the local currency of the country where you are applying.
5. Supporting documents relevant to your application.

You should include all the documents you can to show that you qualify for entry to the UK as a student. If you do not, they may refuse your application. As a guide, you should include:

• A letter from the university, college or school confirming that you have been accepted on a course of study in the UK, and statement of charges for the course.
• Evidence of government sponsorship (if appropriate).
• Any relevant diplomas or educational certificates that you have.

The following documents may also be of help:

• Bank statements, pay slips or other evidence to show that you can pay for your stay and your course of studies in the UK.
• A letter from your host or sponsor in the UK to say that they will support you and provide accommodation for you during your studies, with evidence that they can do so.

The application would be summarily refused if any document is found to be forged. The Entry Clearance Officer will try to make a decision using your application form and the supporting documents you have provided. If this is not possible, they will need to interview you.

Please check your visa when you get it. You should make sure that:

• Your personal details are correct.
• It correctly states the purpose for which you want to come to the UK, and
• It is valid for the date on which you want to travel. (You can ask for it to be post-dated for up to three months if you do not plan to travel immediately.)

If you think there is anything wrong with your visa, contact the visa section immediately. If you enter the UK with a student or prospective student visa, or you want to study on a course at degree level or higher, you can apply for an extension of stay to the Immigration and Nationality Directorate, which is a part of the Home Office. (Contact details are at end of this guidance.)

The Immigration and Nationality Directorate will charge you a fee for any extension to your stay. The maximum period of time that a student can stay in the UK on short courses one after the other, below degree level, is two years. If you did not enter the UK with a student or prospective student visa or are not studying for a degree level course or higher, you will not be allowed to extend your stay.

Work Permit

You can take part-time or holiday work, but you must not

1. work for more than 20 hours per week during term time unless it is part of your studies, has been agreed with your education institution, and leads to a degree or qualification awarded by a nationally recognized examining body.
2. do business, be self-employed or provide services as a professional sportsperson or entertainer.
3. work full-time in a permanent job.

You may be able to switch to employment work permit if

1. you have completed a recognized degree course at either a UK publicly funded institution of further or higher education, or an approved private education institution that has satisfactory records of enrolment and attendance.
2. you hold a valid work permit for employment.
3. you have the written consent of any government or agency that is sponsoring you, and
4. you have not broken immigration law.

Pre-MBA Visits to the UK

You can travel to the UK as a prospective student six months prior to your course to arrange your studies. You will need to show that

• you intend to enroll in a course of study within six months of arriving in the UK.
• you can pay for your course, support yourself and your dependants, and live without working or needing any help from public funds.
• you intend to leave the UK when you finish your studies or when your permission to stay ends if you do not qualify to stay in the UK as a student.

Note: You should not buy a ticket, or pay all or part of the cost of a study course because if your visa application is delayed or refused it would mean that you lost your money.

Other Important Aspects to Remember

• Health Insurance: If you come from a country with a health care agreement with the UK, or you are enrolled for a course for more than six months, you may be able to get medical treatment on the National Health Service (NHS). Short-term students who are in the UK for six months or less are not entitled to free medical treatment, and you will have to pay for any treatment you get. Please make sure you have enough health insurance for the whole period of your stay.
• Drugs Warning: Anyone found smuggling drugs into the UK would face serious penalties. Drug traffickers may try to bribe travellers. If you are travelling to the United Kingdom avoid any involvement with drugs.
• Forged or destroyed documents: Travellers to the UK may commit an offence if they do not produce valid travel documents or passports for themselves and their children. People found guilty of this offence face up to two years in prison or a fine (or both).

Student Visa Application Procedure for Indian Students

A student who wishes to study in the UK must apply for a visa on the prescribed form. The British Deputy High Commission in Mumbai provides visa services in Mumbai through the Visa Facilitation Services (VFS). These are centers that accept visa applications and provide guidance and advice where necessary. All visa applications are then assessed by Entry Clearance Officers at the British Deputy High Commission. Most students need to appear in person for an interview unless they fall into one of the listed ‘exempt’ categories. For applicants exempted from the interview process the passport with the visa stamp is returned by courier to the applicant. Student visas are normally granted for an initial period of one year or determined by the length of the course to be studied.

While preparing the application along with supporting documents, the student must establish the following:

• That the student is able to support the expenses for tuition and accommodation for himself/herself and any dependents for the duration of the course.
• That he/she is enrolled in a course requiring at least 15 hours per week of study in a single subject or directly related subjects towards a determined qualification.
• That the student fully intends to leave the UK at the end of the studies (he/she can also show proof if applicable that he/she intends to return ‘home’ at the end of the studies).

In addition it is necessary to show proficiency in English particularly if English has earlier not been the medium of instruction in school and college. If the entry clearance officer considers that the student’s English is inadequate the student may be asked to take the International English Language Proficiency Test (IELTS) at the British Council.

The following documents should be submitted/shown at the time of presenting the application:

1. Passport with required validity.
2. The letter of acceptance from the UK university, school or college where the student intends to study. The letter should set out the cost of the entire course and its duration.
3. Original examination certificates and mark sheets from school/college/university in India.
4. Official receipt of any fees paid to the educational institute.
5. Bank draft for visa application fee.
6. Evidence of financial status.

If the student’s parent is paying for the course the student should bring proof of income and savings. Following are some of the acceptable proofs:

1. A letter of support from the company/business/individual.
2. Tax returns for the last 3 financial years.
3. A bank letter confirming that the balance is sufficient to cover the cost of studies along with original statements and bank pass book(s) for the last six months.
4. Fixed deposit receipts, and/or
5. Shares/account papers.

If the student is being sponsored by a UK resident the student should carry:

1. A photocopy of the passport of the sponsor or other evidence of immigration status.
2. A letter of sponsorship.
3. Evidence of sponsor’s income and other financial commitments, including photocopies of bank statements or building society passbooks for the last 6 months.

If the student is being sponsored by an entity in any other country, the student should provide:

1. A letter from the sponsor.
2. A letter from the sponsor’s bank confirming that the balance is sufficient to cover the cost of studies along with a photocopy of the bank pass-book/statement for the last 6 months.

If the student is taking a loan, the letter of sanction from the bank should be provided to certify:

1. The amount that has been sanctioned.
2. The details of repayment arrangements.

Students are required, in practice, to spend at least 15 hours a week in study. However, those on student visa can work 20 hours per week during term time and 40 hours per week during holidays. Due to the intensive nature of British courses, there is often little time for work while studying. However, contrary to popular belief, students are able to obtain part-time employment. Normally there are no restrictions on the spouse and children from working in the UK if the student will be studying longer than one year.

Additional sources of information on studying in the UK:

• http://www.ukcosa.org.uk
• http://www.britcoun.org/education/qdu/index.htm
• http://www.ukvisas.gov.uk
• http://www.ind.homeoffice.gov.uk
• http://www.iasuk.org
• http://www.hmrc.gov.uk

The Schengen Visa (for European Union Member Countries)

The name ‘Schengen’ originates from a small town in Luxembourg. In June 1985, seven European Union countries signed a treaty to end internal border checkpoints and controls. More countries have joined the treaty over the past years. At present, there are 15 Schengen countries (for travel purposes), all in Europe. Travelling in Europe has been simplified with the introduction of the Schengen visa. As a visitor to the Schengen area, you will enjoy many advantages of this unified visa system.

With Schengen visa, you may enter one country and travel freely throughout the Schengen zone. Internal border controls have disappeared; there are no or few stops and checks. This means that internal air, road and train travel are handled as domestic trips, similar to travel from one US state to another. Those who travelled in Europe before Schengen know the difference.

Germany, Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Greece, Iceland, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Spain and Sweden have acceded to the Schengen Agreement and are thus Schengen states. These are the ‘old’ EU member states (with the exception of Britain and Ireland) plus Iceland and Norway. The countries that joined the European Union on 1 May 2004 did not immediately accede to the Schengen Agreement.

Holders of valid Schengen visas (text on the visa reads ‘valid for Schengen states’ in the respective language of the issuing country) or a residence permit of a member state can stay in the entire Schengen area for up to three months per half year (usually without having to go through passport checks at internal borders).

Below we cover the visa application procedures for France. The other countries have similar procedures and depending upon the country in which you wish to commence your studies, you must apply at the embassy or consulate of that particular country. You apply at the embassy or consulate responsible for the state where you live.

If you intend to visit several Schengen countries, you must apply for a visa at the embassy or consulate of the country, which is your main destination. If you intend to visit several Schengen countries but do not have a main destination, you should apply for a visa at the embassy or consulate of the country, which is your first port-of-entry.

Visa Requirements for France

Given below are the standard requirements when applying for a French student visa. Please note that different consulates have variations of these rules, so be sure to check first with the local French embassy or consulate General for exact procedures. There are three kinds of student visas available, depending upon the length of studies in France as indicated in the letter of enrollment:

• A Schengen visa (multiple entries), for a stay of up to 3 months: The student should use the short stay visa application form.
• The temporary long stay visa (from 3 to 6 months, multiple entries), is valid for the whole stay. The student does not need a residency card. The student uses the long term visa application form.
• One-year visa (stay over 6 months): The visa is valid for 3 months (single entry). The student should use the long-term visa application form. Within this period, and after arrival in France, the students must complete the proper documentation with the French school or university; go for a medical check-up to a doctor from the Office des Migrations Internationales. Then they should contact the Prefecture de police in order to obtain the student residency card (carte de sejour) and present there the visa, the original documents previously required for the visa, a birth certificate and the medical results.

For MBA you would need to apply for the one-year visa as described above. The general requirements for a student visa are as follows:

• Passport signed and valid for a period of three months beyond the applicant’s last day of stay in France.
• The visa application forms signed and legibly filled out (consult your consulate for the number of copies received, and do note that you cannot make a copy of your application. Each application received must be filled out individually). Please print in black. Indicate your phone numbers and e-mail ID. Indicate the dates of stay.
• A passport-size photograph glued on each form. (Always have extra photos on hand just in case).
• Student visa fee: payment by credit card (Visa, MasterCard) (especially for files sent by mail) or money order made out to ‘consulate General of France’ or certified cheque. Cash is accepted only if you apply in person. Do not assume you can pay by cheque.

You will need to furnish the original and one copy of:

• A proof of studies and degree granted in your country of residence.
• A letter of admission from the school which the applicant plans to attend in France.
• Financial guarantee such as a notarized statement certifying that the applicant has sufficient funds to cover the cost of studies and living expenses.
• Proof of medical insurance. For a stay of up to 6 months, the students should present a letter from their insurance company stating that the coverage is valid in France. For a stay over 6 months, students under 28-years old and enrolled in a French school, which is affiliated to the French Social Security, must join this social security. Students over 28-years old, or enrolled in a French school, which is not affiliated to the French Social Security, cannot join and must show proof of insurance valid in France when they apply for the residency card.
• A scholarship recipient needs to present a letter granting and indicating the amount of the scholarship and the length of stay in France. The applicant will also have to go for a medical check-up to a doctor accredited to this consulate. The scholarship recipient pays for the medical checkup, but the visa is free of charge.

Application for Long-Stay Visa (for a Period of More Than Three Months)

The file must contain all the documents indicated. You may be required to present your file in person. Presentation of a complete file does not necessarily mean that a visa will be issued. The consulate will indicate if any additional documents to the ones mentioned below are required. Where the file contains a copy of a document, you will be required to present the original when you present yourself at the visa service:

1. Application form for a long-stay visa (two).
2. Recent passport size photograph (two).
3. Valid travel document such as passport (valid for at least three months longer than the visa applied for).
4. Overseas medical insurance (including medical expenses, evacuation and repatriation amounting to a minimum of 30000 Euros or equivalent).
5. Copies of your degrees, diploma and/or certificate.
6. A brief résumé.
7. Proof of provisional admission or pre-admission certificate at the relevant academic institution, public or private professional training institutes considered sufficient (2 copies).
8. Proof of financial resources for daily expenses for the period of your stay amounting to 430 Euros per month or proof of sufficient funds with an accommodation certificate from a respondent in France totalling to 215 Euros per month.
9. Documentary evidence of means of support:
   • For persons holding French government grants/scholarships, foreign government grants/scholarships, or grants/scholarships from international organizations, and for participants in EU programmes: Official papers detailing the amount and duration of the grant or certificate of participation in an EU programme.
   • For other applicants: Bank certificate or certificate of assumption of responsibility for payment by a guarantor in France, presented together with the following documents: photocopy of the guarantor’s identity paper (national identity card, passport, residence permit for France), and documentary evidence of his/her financial resources (e.g. most recent pay slips, and most recent income tax assessment).
   • For a guarantor in the applicant’s country of residence such as parents, relatives or employer, evidence of availability of funds through bank certificates, IT returns, investments and property valuations. The student must demonstrate that a bank account has been opened into which the necessary funds will be deposited and produce a promise of payment, translated into French and bearing the authenticated signature of the individual responsible for making the payments, or a statement of payment of funds from the authorities of the student’s country of origin.
10. For holders of a French Government grant/scholarship: Medical certificate issued by a doctor approved by the French representation which is processing his/her visa application.

Additional sources of information on studying in France:

• http://www.ambafrance-in.org
• http://www.consulfrance-pondichery.org
• http://www.consulfrance-bombay.org
• http://www.France-in-india.org
• http://www.afindia.org
• http://www.vfs-france.co.in
• http://www.intstudy.com/visafran.htm
• http://www.eurovisa.info/
• http://gofrance.about.com/

The Required Documents—A General Summary

The following list would help you to prepare all the documents generally required for any visa interview, for any country. Remember to double check with the embassy or consulate or the external agency handling the visa processing (such as VFS or TTS) about any other specific requirements.

1. Passport: Valid for at least six months beyond the duration of your intended stay in the foreign country.
2. Passport size photographs: For size requirements as well as number, please check with the related embassy or consulate.
3. Proof of admission: Admission letter, I-20 for US and other equivalent documents for other countries. If admitted to more than one university, it is advisable to carry those admission letters as well so as to establish credentials if asked.
4. SEVIS fee payment receipt in case of US.
5. Visa application forms: Form 156, 157 and 158 for US and similar requirements for other countries.
6. Visa fee: Payments through bank drafts made in the name of the specific embassy or consulate. Please check for details.
7. Application credentials: SoP, recent résumé.
8. Student credentials: Originals of degree certificates from college and school and mark sheets. Original transcript from graduate degree with course listing and grades. GMAT and TOEFL score reports in original should be carried.
9. Own financial status: IT returns of last three years, bank statements.
10. Parent’s financial status: IT returns, bank statements.
11. Funded by family resources: Carry an excel sheet print-out of all family savings accounts, FDs, stocks, bonds and LIC investments, stamped and signed (verified) by a CA. Also, carry few of the original documents with you (FDs and account passbooks, bonds and LIC certificates). Convert the total amount available for support into US dollars or the currency of the country you are headed to on a summary statement, again verified by a Chartered Accountant (See Chapter 14 for a discussion on how much funding is required to be shown during your visa interview).
12. Family ties: Provide a property declaration of the family along with current market valuation, if substantial in investments. The same can also be shown for an operational business, if you fall in the direct line of legal heirs to the owners.
13. Outside funds: An affidavit or letter of support showing readily available funds for the purpose of financing the studies, on a stamp paper notarized by an authorized person, should be presented. The sponsor should also provide you supporting documents to establish the availability of funds through IT returns, bank statements or a business balance sheet.
14. Visa refusal: Prepare the documents required as indicated by the consular official and carry the old documents pertaining to visa refusal along. If you are careful and prepare well, you will not face a refusal more than once.

The Common Mistakes

The biggest mistake that people make is to assume that the consular officials will refuse their visa application during the interview and thus get so afraid that they end up making a mess of the entire process. If you have prepared all the documents and have been correct and truthful about the facts, then there is absolutely no reason to be afraid. The officials have an important role of determining the genuineness of your stated purpose and making sure that you do not pose any threat to their national security or are not using the student-visa route to become an illegal immigrant. If you are well prepared and confident, you will be able to establish beyond doubt the authenticity of purpose and to convince the official about your intentions. Be very careful when presenting financial details. It is very important to present a realistic picture to the consular officials who are used to seeing bank statements as well as property details. Avoid the trap of transferring large sums of money from relatives for short periods. Instead, if required, take an affidavit of support from a relative, which is more genuine and truthful, if the intent to support is real.

The other important detail to remember is to separate facts from fiction. A lot of stories and rumors float around about the visa process. No one consulate offers a better chance of getting a visa than another. No visa official acts with a bias towards applicants and hence the supposed value of going to a particular official simply does not exist (and in most cases is not even in your hands). You should first deal with your fears and address them. A look at statistics would show that in the case of US alone the number of students has increased from around 35,000 in 1995 to more than 76,000 in 2004, a more than two-fold increase. If visa refusal was as big a deal as is made out to be, the statistics would have shown an entirely different picture. You should apply at the consulate as early as possible but within the mentioned time limit, in order to allow enough time for processing of the visa and forgetting any clearances that might be required in specific cases (medical verification or police check). Be very clear about your goals and pursue them relentlessly. Do not give up on your dreams just because of a perceived difficulty. However, base your decisions on actual experience.