If you're planning to study abroad, you'll need to apply for a student visa. The process can feel long and confusing if you're not sure what to do or when to do it.
This essential checklist guides you through everything you need to know and do when applying for a student visa.
Save this guide and check off each step as you complete it to stay organized and on track.
In this guide we'll cover:
How to apply for a student visa: Each step of applying for your student visa, including preparing and submitting your application, attending a visa interview, and receiving your visa
Documents you need to apply for a student visa: Essential documents for your student visa and why they're important
How to apply for a student visa
Stage 1: Prepare for visa application
- Accept your university offer
You can only apply for a student visa once you have an official acceptance letter from your university. Once you’ve accepted your offer of admission, you’re ready to begin! Even if you haven’t received an offer yet, it’s a good idea to think about all the steps below and start preparing early.
- Research visa requirements
Check the government or embassy website of your study destination for any specific student visa requirements and documents you need to know about. Contact your university's international student office or a student advisor if you need guidance.
- Gather your documents
Gather everything you need for your visa application early to avoid delays. Leave plenty of time to resolve issues such as missing documents or incomplete requirements.
Stage 2: Submit visa application and pay fee
- Complete and submit your application form
Complete the visa application form online or on paper. Submit it with your documents to the correct embassy or consulate, or bring them to your interview if needed.
- Pay the visa application fee:
You’ll need to pay a fee when applying for a student visa, and the cost will vary depending on the country you’re traveling to. Make sure you can afford it and pay on time.
Be aware that student visa prices can increase or change based on embassy regulations.
| Country | Visa Application Fee |
|---|---|
| Australia | $1,600 AUD |
| Canada | $150 CAD |
| France | €50 EUR for Etudes en France (EEF) countries; €99 EUR for non-EEF countries |
| Germany | €75 EUR National D-Visa; €90 EUR Schengen Visa |
| New Zealand | $750 NZD |
| Spain | €80 EUR |
| United Kingdom | £490 GBP |
| United States | $350 USD SEVIS fee; $185 USD application fee |
You should submit your visa application at least 2-3 months before your program start date so you have plenty of time to resolve any issues, pay fees, attend required appointments, and receive your visa. There may be the option to fast track your visa application, but be aware this can have additional costs.
Stage 3: Visa interview and appointments
You could be asked to attend an online or in-person interview with your embassy or consulate. This is a standard process, and visa officers are not there to interrogate you. They just want to learn more about you and your reasons for studying in that country. Answer their questions clearly and simply, keeping your responses relevant—they don't need to know everything about you.
- Research and prepare for potential interview questions
Check out our guide on what to expect at a student visa interview for tips and practice examples.
- Take a practice interview
Take a mock interview or ask a friend or family member to ask you common interview questions. Practice your interview skills so that you’re ready to speak confidently and professionally on the day of your interview.
- Attend visa interview
For your visa interview, make sure to wear appropriate attire and arrive early, whether it's at the embassy, consulate, or an online meeting room. Have all required documents ready to present. During the interview, use positive body language, maintain good eye contact, and provide clear, concise, and relevant answers to the questions.
The time it takes to book and attend your interview depends on the availability of the embassy or consulate, so make sure to allow at least three weeks to plan accordingly.
- Attend biometrics appointment
You may need to schedule an appointment to give your fingerprints and have your photo taken. This could be part of your visa interview or a separate appointment at a visa application center.
This is a normal process when entering certain countries, whether you're staying long-term or just for a short holiday.
Stage 4: Wait for processing and receive visa
- Wait for processing
Visa processing times can vary, so apply for your student visa as early as possible to avoid delays. Make sure to leave enough time for it to arrive before your travel date.
- Receive your student visa
You may receive a decision on your visa application right after your interview or within a few days or weeks. Once approved, your visa will be mailed to you, or you can pick it up at the embassy or consulate. It will either be stamped in your passport or issued as a separate document.
| Country | Average Visa Processing Time |
|---|---|
| Australia | 53 days |
| Canada | 15 weeks |
| France | 15 days |
| Germany | 25 days |
| New Zealand | 6 weeks |
| Spain | 30 days |
| United Kingdom | 3 days |
| United States | 21 days |
Documents you need to apply for a student visa
Check the specific requirements for your study abroad destination. Common documents you may need to obtain include:
Visa application form: This can be submitted online or in-person at an embassy or consulate depending on the country’s requirements
Proof of acceptance: This could be in the form of an acceptance letter, email, or an I-20 document
Financial proof: You must show that you have enough funds to cover expenses like tuition fees, living costs, and travel for at least your first year of studies. This can include recent bank statements, scholarship or loan letters, deposit certificates, financial guarantees, and proof of income. Make sure all your documents are up-to-date and properly formatted
Passport: In most countries, your passport needs to be valid for at least six months after you graduate. However, this can vary depending on the country, so make sure to check the specific passport validity requirements for your visa application
Photographs: Recent passport-sized photographs of your face
Academic transcripts and certificates: Diplomas or certificates to provide evidence of test scores, grades, and qualifications from previous schools and universities
Proof of English language proficiency: Check university or visa requirements to find out what type of English Language Test (ELT) you need to take and what minimum score you need to achieve
Proof of residence: Some countries require you to provide proof where you plan to live during your studies. This could include a tenancy agreement, student residence reservation, or letter from your host
Personal statement: Explain why you chose that particular university, program, and country, what you know about each, what your personal interests and hobbies are, and what your plans are after graduation
Health insurance: If you need to apply for health insurance to receive healthcare abroad, you may be asked to present proof of your coverage to obtain a student visa
It can take time to meet requirements and obtain all the necessary documents. For example, to take an ELT and receive your test score, it can take anywhere between 48 hours and 4 weeks depending on which test you take. Additionally, a passport could take up to 13 weeks to arrive depending on your country of residence.
For more information on student visas, read our guide on how to prepare for your visa application, or contact us at [email protected]