US Visa, British Visa

Obtaining visa is an often complex procedure, with the US Visa & BritishVisa regulations being different for different countries and for which one should be prepared well in advance. The actual process begins after one’s admission has been confirmed by the institute for which one has applied by way of a letter of acceptance if one intends to study in the UK or upon receiving form I-20 in case one wishes to study in the US after which one may contact the consular section of the embassy of the respective country.

The type of visa that one applies for will depend on the nature of the course like for example in the US the F-1 visa is issued to students who intend to pursue a full time course while the M-1 visa is issued to students among others who require practical training in relation to their course.

The application forms that are to be filled while applying for a British Visa are IM2A while in the case of the US it is Form no 156, both of which are available at their respective embassies. The forms are to be filled only after one has carefully read the rules regarding duration of one’s stay based on the course length, one’s eligibility to work (part-time) in the country and other related details for instance accommodation and the like.

Some of the required documents to be submitted along with the forms and visa application fees are valid passport, passport size photograph, admission confirmation letter, academic certificates and proof of ability to bear the expenses that one would incur in the form of bank balance statements, proof of funding and scholarships obtained if any as well as declaring one’s and/or one’s parents annual income.

An essential part of the procedure is the interview during which the Consular Officer questions you to clarify the details mentioned like the reason behind studying abroad, the financial details stated and one’s future plans. In case one’s application is denied one can ask for written clarification for the same and accordingly apply at a later date.

Resources :
http://www.ukvisas.gov.uk/students
http://www.unitedstatesvisas.gov/studying.html