FAQs

Canada

Are there any travelling requisites announced due to COVID-19?

Yes, if you’re travelling by air, you need to follow all airline requirements and pass a health check conducted by airlines before you’re allowed to board your flight. Anyone who shows symptoms of COVID-19 will not be allowed to enter Canada by air.

Is there any latest COVID-19 related update with regards to immigration?

Yes, Canada’s immigration minister Marco Mendicino has stated that extended family members of Canadian citizens and permanent residents will be able to enter from 8

Is there any latest COVID-19 related update with regards to international students?

Effective from 20th October, international students enrolled at a Canadian Designated Learning Institution (DLI) will be able to enter Canada if their DLI has a COVID-19 readiness plan that has been approved by the province or territory where the DLI is located in.

What is the new two-stage study permit process all about?

Now aspirants of Canadian education can apply for study permit in 2 stages. You will be able to start your studies after completing the first pre-approval stage itself. If you have enrolled in a study program/course at a Canadian DLI for 2020, you can pursue their studies online from outside Canada till 30th April 2020 without having a final study permit.

Is studying online from outside Canada affect the chances of getting a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP)?

No, in fact, students who complete not more than 50% of their studies online will still be eligible for PGWP.

UK

Has the Tier 4 route now changed?

Yes, the Tier 4 route has now been updated to a student route.

Does the applicant need to show any financial evidence with the application?

No, the applicant does need to submit any financial evidence with application. If applicant or his/her dependent have been living in the UK for 12 months or more at the time of application in the UK, applicant will satisfy the financial requirements.

Is there any update regarding issuance of CAS?

Yes, CAS (Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies) can now be issued up to 6 months prior to the start of student’s program or course rather than the existing period of 3 months.

Do you need to prove the required level of English language multiple times?

No, after the update, applicants need to prove the required level of English language to the Home Office only once.

Is there any time limit for students studying at post-graduate level?

No, the time limits for those studying at postgraduate level have been removed. Currently, it’s 8 years and hence in future there will no longer be a limit on the time that an individual can spend studying postgraduate courses or programs in UK.

New zealand

What to do if you have applied for a student visa and are outside New Zealand?

Students who are outside New Zealand can study online without a visa. When New Zealand’s border restrictions are lifted, you can provide evidence of your online study to support your visa application. If you choose to study online in your home country first, you will still need to meet standard student visa requirements to be granted a student visa.

What are the updated standard student visa requirements for student visa?

Such updated requirements consist of being a genuine student, having sufficient funds for maintenance, and being of good health and character.

Student Visa

Canada

Post study benefits?

There are lots of opportunities for freshers in Canada on completion of their studies. Canada is currently the only country offering such wide range of facilities to students. On completing one year of full time study, students are entailed to one year of post study work permit. While with 2 years of study they get 3 years of post study work permit. On completion of minimum one year of work permit they get eligible to apply for Canadian Experience Class, Provincial Nominee Program and Express Entry Program.

Is student dependent visa possible?

Yes, student dependent visa or visitor visa is possible.

Which occupations are in demand in Canada?

At present there are wide range of occupations open for application. These are included in NOC- National Occupation Classification list 2011 including 0, A and B, inclusive of arts, business, computers, medicine, management, pharmacy, education, marketing and many more.

Can I call my parents to Canada?

Yes students can call their parents on visitor visa to Canada.

Can I study in Canada for programs of less than 6 months duration?

You can study in Canada for programs of less than 6 months but for this student visa is not mandatory. However for international students, to avail all the benefits and extension in visa its advisable to apply for full time regular minimum one year of program.

Are there any interviews for Canada Student Visa?

Mostly there is no interview for Canada student visa but if required embassy might request personal interview or may also conduct telephonic interview.

Australia

What is the difference between SVP and regular application processing?

Streamlined visa processing requires lesser documents and processing is quick while in regular application assessment level 3 document requirements are stringent and processing time is much more.

Can dependent accompany student in Australia?

In case of programs at masters level or above, student dependent can accompany them or can join them later. They are permitted to work full time in Australia.

What are the possibilities for getting permanent residency?

On completion of studies students can apply for Post study Work stream visa , students after this or if eligible can apply for General Permanent resident visa, State sponsorship visa, Provisional regional visa there are many options. Australia also has SOL – skill occupation list. You may be eligible for the Post-Study Work stream of the Temporary Graduate (subclass 485) visa. This may enable you to stay in Australia following your studies to gain practical experience working in your field.

Is extension of student visa possible?

Yes students can extend their visa for higher education programs from within Australia and can later on apply for Skilled Graduate Visa.

What is OSHC and how to pay for it?

OSHC is Overseas Student Health Cover. It is a medical and health insurance which is mandatory. The student needs to pay through TT directly to the college or to the insurance company mentioned on the college website.

Is IELTS /TOEFL mandatory?

Yes English proficiency is mandatory and if required universities or colleges might interview students, in case if student is found to be suboptimal, then they are given ELICOS program to improve the competency before beginning the full time regular program.

New Zealand

Is IELTS mandatory?

Streamlined visa processing requires lesser documents and processing is quick while in regular application assessment level 3 document requirements are stringent and processing time is much more.

Can students work during studies and for what duration job search visa is valid?

Students can work for 20 hours per week.

Students applying for level 8 courses can apply for their spouse/dependent visa at the time of application or they can even join the student later. Spouse/Dependent can work full time during this period and usually, an equal duration of visa is granted to both of them.

There are many programs considering credits of previous studies within New Zealand?

Yes Education system in New Zealand is very flexible there are exchange programs and credits of certificates, diploma from VET are considered by Universities in New Zealand and by educational institutes across the world.

Can dependent /spouse accompany the student or can join the student later?

Students applying for level 7 courses can apply for their spouse/dependent visa at the time of application or they can even join the student later. Spouse/Dependent can work full time during this period usually equal duration of visa is granted to both.

What are the long term prospects available in New Zealand?

New Zealand has an immigration system and it is open for a skilled worker from any part of the world. There are a long term and short term skilled list of occupations. Students currently get post study work visa and if found eligible, can apply for immigration.

Can students apply for New Zealand student visa if there is a gap of more than 5 years after previous qualification?

Yes you can apply for student visa even if there is a gap of 5 years or more provided there is work experience to support the gap period.

USA

When can I apply for USA Student Visa?

Once accepted, educational institutions will provide each applicant with the necessary document of approval to be submitted when applying for a USA student visa. Students can apply within 120 days from the commencement date of I-20 and can travel within 30 days from such commencement date of I-20.

What are the requirements for USA Student Visa?

A valid passport with a validity period of at least six months beyond your period of stay, Confirmation page of DS-160, Form I -20, Payment of application fees for SEVIS and an Application as a non-immigrant is required for USA student visa.

Can I work while studying in USA?

Yes, international students can work in the USA while studying but there are a few restrictive regulations for the same. International students who have an F-1 and M-1 visa are allowed to work on-campus and in specified training programs, that too only for 20 hours a week. Other than that, students are not allowed to work off-campus.

What are the chances of work visa after completing graduation in USA?

You get to stay in the US for 1 year after completion of your course on an F1 visa. For students studying STEM courses (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics), a new rule allows a 24-month extension which means that you can continue to stay in the USA for three years after finishing your course of study. The job you get after finishing your course must be directly related to your field of study. You have to find a job within 90 days from the date of your graduation.

What are the types of programs most popular in USA?

All the programs relevant to SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, ENGINEERING and MANAGEMENT are considered as the most preferred programs because the STEM programs provide an opportunity to extend the OPT to 3 years.

What is the age limit to apply for USA Student Visa?

There is no age bar to apply for USA for studies. As part of the visa application process, an interview at the embassy consular section is required for visa applicants from age 14 through 79, with few exceptions. Persons aged 13 or younger or persons aged 80 or older generally do not require an interview unless requested by the embassy or consulate.

Dependent Visa

Canada

If I Am An International Student/Working In Canada, Can My Spouse Work Full Time On Open Work Permit?

Yes, your spouse can work legally for full time on open work permit.

Should My Spouse Appear For English Proficiency Test Like IELTS etc?

No, it is not mandatory to appear for English proficiency test.

How Much Duration Of Stay Is Allowed To My Spouse On Open Work Permit?

Your spouse is eligible to stay in Canada until the validity of your permit is in Canada.

Can My Spouse Extend His/her Permit In Canada?

Yes, your spouse is allowed for extension if you have valid permit of stay in Canada.

What Are The Chances Of Getting Open Work Permit Visa?

If the documentation is complete and you meet all the basic requirements of inviting him/her as per the CIC guidelines, then there are higher chances to get visa.

What Is The Processing Time For Open Work Permit?

Tentatively it takes 2-3 months for the procedure depending on case to case basis.

Australia

What are the eligibility requirements for Australia spouse visa?

You and your spouse must be into a legal relationship with each other. You will need to provide evidence of marriage to apply for Australia spouse visa

Can you work in Australia?

Yes, you can start working in Australia once your spouse’s study program/course officially begins.

For how many hours can you work in Australia?

You can work for up to 40 hours per fortnight (i.e. a period of 14 days) in Australia. If your spouse is enrolled into a master’s degree or a doctorate degree in Australia, you can work for full-time once your spouse’s study program/course officially begins.

Can you apply from outside Australia?

Yes, you can apply for Australia spouse visa from outside Australia.

Visitor Visa

Canada

Do I need a visa to visit Canada?

Depending on your citizenship, you may need an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) or a visa to travel to Canada.
Transport companies, such as airlines, must ensure you have proper, valid travel documents when you travel to Canada. If you do not have the proper documents, including an eTA or visa, you may be delayed or denied boarding.

How long can I stay in Canada as a visitor?

A border services officer at the port of entry in Canada will determine how long you can stay in Canada. Most visitors are allowed a six-month stay from the day they entered Canada. If the officer authorizes a stay of less than six months, they will indicate in your passport the date by which you must leave Canada.
If you want to stay longer than your authorized stay, you should apply for an extension at least 30 days before the authorized end of your stay.

I am currently living in or visiting a country that I am not a citizen of. Can I apply for a visitor visa at the local visa office?

If you are applying on paper we recommend that you apply for a visa from your home country. However, if you are legally admitted to the country you are currently in, you can apply at your nearest visa application centre (VAC). The VAC can help make sure your application is complete and that all proper documentation is included. You must state clearly on your application why you have not applied in your normal country of residence.

You can also apply for a visa online.

My application for a permanent resident visa is currently being processed at the Embassy. Can I go to Canada as a tourist and wait for my visa there?

You may travel to Canada as a tourist before you get your permanent resident visa. However, Citizenship and Immigration Canada strongly advises against making any definitive arrangements for your stay in Canada until you have received your permanent resident visa.

You will need to apply for a visitor visa to travel to Canada as a tourist.
Please note that having a valid visitor visa does not guarantee your entry into Canada. A border services officer will decide if you can enter Canada and how long you can stay.

Do I need a Canadian visa if I have a United States visa?

Yes, you will still need a Canadian visa (temporary resident visa) to enter Canada if you are from a visa-required country. A visa from the United States does not permit entry to Canada.

UK

Do I need a visa to Visit UK ?

Yes you need a Standard visa if you want to visit UK.

You can apply for a Standard Visitor visa if you want to visit the UK:

  • for leisure, for example on holiday or to see your family and friends
  • for business, or to take part in sports or creative events
  • for another reason, for example to receive private medical treatment
When can I apply for Standard visa to travel to UK ?

The earliest you can apply is 3 months before you travel.

How long can I stay in UK on the basis of Standard Visa?

You can usually stay in the UK for up to 6 months.

You might be able to stay for longer if:

  • you’re coming to the UK for private medical treatment – up to 11 months
  • you’re an academic on sabbatical and coming to the UK for research – you, your spouse or civil partner may be able to stay for up to 12 months