Studying abroad comes with wonderful opportunities for expanding a student’s academic, cultural, and intellectual spectrum. However, it is more than just packing your bags, picking a foreign institution, and booking the next flight to that country.

Sorry for giving you a reality check but it requires some major efforts from your side!

It necessitates procedures like holding a passport that validates your citizenship and identity, along with a visa for the respective country. So, why not step into this cumbersome progression together and get into your preferred foreign institution for higher studies? It’s essential to know everything about studying in the UK beforehand.

Breaking down the procedure with some clever visa application tips

1. Take the test for English language

Visa applications often ask the English test scores to check your proficiency on the language. Therefore, ensure those scores don’t meet their expiry date soon after submitting the application form for visa. If the validity doesn’t extend up to the completion of your admission procedure, then prepare to re-appear in the examination. Test scores of IELTS and TOEFL have a validity of two years.

2. Check whether the country obliges students to hold visas

Each state facilitates different requirements for visas. It primarily depends on the applicants’ origin country that acts as a determining factor concerning entry to their host countries.

Double-check each country’s precise requirements for immigration and visa on its official national immigration site for a clearer idea. Even if it states that you don’t require permits, you will probably need student accreditation or pass of some kind. This acts as a certification while you’re studying at an international university.

3. Make sure to carry cash in your visa interview

Applying for your host country’s visa will probably necessitate you to pay processing fees. This part of the procedure usually arrives after submitting the application and completing its interview.

Most countries enable applicants to apply online and pay via debit or credit cards. Nonetheless, some of them will require you to visit their office for submitting documents and collecting the visa in person. In such circumstances, check if you have to pay additional fees for the procedure and take the money accordingly to pay that amount in cash.

4. Have you read the document requirements carefully?

You may think you will not falter but missing out even one photo may make you go through all the procedures one more time. That’s a lot of hassle!

So, it is better to thoroughly read the document specifications before submission. Also, ensure to check disclaimers for passport photos as some countries are strict with these, and often reject applications as well.

5. Blank pages on your passport

A minimum of 4 to 6 blank passport pages are necessary while applying for student visas. While the latter will take up a page entirely, consulates want candidates to have two functional blank pages at the least.

Remember: Not having enough blank passport pages call for its renewal that extends your abroad studying preparation procedure to more than two weeks. It incurs additional fees too.

6. Re-check those translations

Translate all application documents into English; also, ensure all of them carry an appropriate authority’s signature. Consulates often help in doing this essential step for you, but they must do so before submitting your visa form.

7. Keeping photocopies of all documents

The most crucial credentials are your national ID and passport. Hence, photocopying all of them and keeping up a backup during the interview is always helpful. You can also keep digital copies of the same while travelling overseas.

8. Early application, a safety precaution

Visa may take more processing time than you were expecting or can even be subject to unruly administrative procedures. So, to ensure you enter your host country before the classes start, apply keeping ample time in your hands. As visas are set in alignment with your course programme’s commencement, you don’t have to worry about expiry dates.

9. Staying informed is vital

Most UK universities require you to appear for an interview where they ask you minutes about your course and why you want to study in that particular university. Keeping these answers ready will provide a sure-shot chance for admission.

10. Take a deep breath and stay calm

Applying for a student visa and international study programmes are super-stressful. But, keeping all the necessary documents and payments in order can save you from all the tension.

Don’t appear too defensive or argumentative during your immigration procedure but stay calm. Consulates even offer their help if you face a problem. Now that you are equipped with all the information on visa application procedure, start planning your overseas education venture.