Changes in Student Visa Requirements for Popular Destinations You Should Be Aware Of

Nearly 13 lakh Indian students participated in or were enrolled in study abroad programs in 2023, setting a record and showing a notable recovery from the epidemic. In 2023, a number of events took place in different nations, which resulted in modifications to the procedures for obtaining student visas as well as the technical specifications, which included paperwork and application procedures among other things. 

Notably, the international visa processes for Canada and the UK have undergone significant modifications. Other nations, meanwhile, are still dedicated to improving their educational systems for students who wish to study there. 

Moreover, tendencies in application assessment have changed. Australia, the United Kingdom, Canada, and the United States are among the countries where Indian students most often choose to study abroad. 

New Zealand 

A significant change to the technical standards was made by New Zealand, which now permits test-takers to repeat any one of the four skills if necessary. This alternative is known as the IELTS One Skill repeat option. 

When thinking about study abroad locations, prospective foreign students should be aware of recent modifications to the requirements for financial aid, post-study options, and visa processes. The dynamic terrain underscores the significance of remaining knowledgeable and modifying strategies to optimize the advantages of global education.

Who can apply for visa

1 You must be of good character.  
2 You must be in good health.  
3 You must pay for your healthcare.  
4 You must be a genuine tourist who plans on leaving New Zealand at the end of your stay.  
5 You must have enough money or an acceptable sponsor to stay in New Zealand.  
6 You must have a ticket to travel out of New Zealand unless a sponsor pays for your onward travel. 

Ireland 

International graduates with bachelor's or master's degrees are granted a two-year post-study employment visa to Ireland. PhD holders have a three-year stay. The previous period of time for undergraduates was one academic year.

Who can apply for visa  
One Ireland Visa Application Form.  
2 A passport that is currently valid.  
Three passport-sized photos.  
4 Evidence that the Ireland visa cost has been paid.  
5 Documentation proving you are a lawful resident of the nation you are applying from.  
6 Letter explaining why you are traveling.  
7 Evidence of lodging in Ireland.

Italy 

Italy gave Indian students more chances by extending their stay after earning their degrees by a full year. In this country, opportunities for professional training and internships improve the post-study experience. 

Australia 

Australia increased the savings requirement and the English proficiency test score for student visas. In addition, the age range for work visas was lowered, and the examination of applications for second visas was tightened. 

Australia used measures including expanding post-study work privileges for certain degree holders and temporarily eliminating working hour limitations. "A two-year extension of post-study work rights is available for international graduates with select degrees that are in areas of verified skill shortage," reads a statement from the Australian government. "This extension will give eligible international graduates of higher education an additional two years on their Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485)," the statement continued. For qualified students who live, study, and work in a regional area, there is an additional year or two of work rights available. This is on top of the current extension. 

France 

For master's degree holders, France has extended its post-study work permits to five years. Furthermore, individuals who completed a semester of study in France are now eligible for a five-year Schengen visa for short-term travel in order to look for employment.

Who can apply for visa

1 Be a genuine traveller-You must have a valid and good intention behind travelling to the country.  
2 Eligible to bear all expenses -You must possess sufficient funds to support yourself and any dependents throughout the stay.  
3 Reasons to return - You must have strong ties in your home country that will ensure that you will return after your stay.  
4 Be of good character - You must have a clean criminal track record and be of good character. You may have to provide PCC (Police Clearance Certificate) for the same.  
5 Be in good health -You must at least meet the minimum health requirements required by the authorities. 

Canada 

Two big modifications in 2023 changed the game, even though the technical criteria and immigration processes for studying in Canada stayed mostly unchanged. First off, there has been a significant change to the financial criterion for studying in Canada. Students now need to show twice as much money in their accounts. This change is a reaction to the nation's rising cost of living. In an additional significant move meant to combat acceptance letter fraud, Canada's accredited educational institutions are now obligated to confirm each applicant's letter of acceptance (LOA) with Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) immediately. 

Additionally, the Post-Graduation Work Permit Program is being examined. Canada has implemented measures that grant international students an additional work visa, valid for a maximum of 18 months following their graduation.

Who can apply for visa

1 have a valid travel document, like a passport  
2 be in good health  
3 have no criminal or immigration-related convictions  
4 convince an immigration officer that you have ties—such as a job, home, financial assets or family—that will take you back to 5 your home country  
6 convince an immigration officer that you will leave Canada at the end of your visit  
7 have enough money for your stay 

Americas 

All F, M, and J student visa applicants must now utilize their passport information when creating a profile and making appointments for visa processing, as part of stricter changes to the US visa application procedure.

Who can apply for visa

1 Must not have any prior criminal cases or any ongoing cases  
2 The applicant will need to have a letter of acceptance from any university if applying for a student visa or a letter of 3 confirmation by an employer in case of a business visa  
4 Must have a flight ticket to the US along with a return ticket to India  
5 Must have fulfilled all the requirements to obtain a US visa for Indians  
6 Must have sufficient resources to financially cover yourself during your stay in the US.