What are the steps for a US F-1 student visa?
Admission to an SEVP-approved school, which issues a Form I-20 and registers you in SEVIS; payment of the SEVIS I-901 fee of US$350; the online DS-160 application with a photo; the US$185 application fee; an interview at the US embassy or consulate with passport, DS-160 confirmation, fee receipt and I-20, and possibly transcripts, test scores, funding evidence and proof of intent to depart; fingerprints at the interview. The visa can be issued up to 365 days before the course, but entry is allowed no more than 30 days before it starts.
How much money do I need to show for a UK Student visa?
The first year’s course fee as stated on your CAS, plus living costs of £1,529 a month for up to nine months for courses in London or £1,171 a month outside London, held in your account for 28 consecutive days ending within 31 days of the application. Loan or sponsorship evidence can substitute. The visa fee is £558 and the Immigration Health Surcharge £776 a year.
What does a Canadian study permit require?
A letter of acceptance from a designated learning institution, a provincial or territorial attestation letter in most cases — obtained through the institution after accepting the offer and paying tuition — a valid passport and photos, proof of funds for the first year’s tuition, transport and living costs, a letter of explanation, and a medical examination if staying more than six months. The living-cost requirement is C$23,448 for a single applicant for applications from 1 September 2026, and the fee is C$150.
What is the Genuine Student requirement for an Australian student visa?
Applicants for the subclass 500 must show that studying in Australia is the primary purpose of the visa, with a statement and evidence about their circumstances, the value of the course and their history. They must also hold a Confirmation of Enrolment and Overseas Student Health Cover, show 12 months of living costs of AUD 29,710 plus course fees and travel or a parent’s or partner’s income of at least AUD 87,856, and meet the English requirement with a listed centre-based test. The fee starts at AUD 2,500.
Which English tests are accepted for student visas?
The UK accepts an approved Secure English Language Test at CEFR B2 for degree-level study, or a UK or English-taught degree, or the university’s own assessment. Australia publishes a table — IELTS 6.0, PTE Academic 47, TOEFL iBT 67, CELPIP 7, OET on its own scale, lower where an English course is packaged — and does not accept any test delivered at home. Canada and the US leave English to the institution. The Duolingo English Test is widely accepted for admission but rarely for a visa.
How early should I apply for a student visa?
The UK accepts applications up to six months before the course and usually decides within three weeks. A US visa can be issued up to 365 days before the start date, and interview slots should be booked as soon as the I-20 and SEVIS fee are in hand. Canada and Australia accept applications once the offer documents exist and publish variable processing times. In every case the financial evidence should be assembled months earlier, since the UK’s funds must be held for 28 days.
What can I do after the course ends?
The UK Graduate visa allows two years’ stay for applications on or before 31 December 2026 and 18 months from 1 January 2027, three years for a doctorate. Canada offers a post-graduation work permit subject to programme and timing rules. Australia offers the Temporary Graduate visa, subclass 485, for qualifying graduates. In the US, F-1 students may apply for Optional Practical Training related to their field.
