
Not every study abroad student needs a visa. You may need a visa depending on where and when you study abroad and your legal citizenship.
Is it hard to apply for a study abroad student visa?
Applying for a Study Abroad Student Visa T he application process for a study abroad student visa can be confusing because it’s different for different countries. With that being said, if you follow these basic guidelines as well as those from the state department of the country where you’re going to be studying, you should have no trouble.
Do I need a student visa to study abroad in Italy?
Depending on your IES Abroad program and citizenship, you may need a student visa to study abroad in Italy . We’ve outlined citizenship options below to help you learn more about your visa requirements. If you will be going on a Customized & Faculty-Led Program, you may need a student visa depending on the length and nature of your program.
What do I need to study abroad with IES Abroad?
More detailed instructions are available in your myIESabroad account once you are accepted to an IES Abroad program. Depending on your study abroad program and legal citizenship, you may need a student visa to study abroad. Every country has their own process, requirements, and fees for applying for a visa.
Do you need a visa to study in the US?
Overview Generally, a citizen of a foreign country who wishes to enter the United States must first obtain a visa, either a nonimmigrant visa for temporary stay, or an immigrant visa for permanent residence. You must have a student visa to study in the United States.

How do you get a visa for studying abroad?
Student visa application processStep 1: Find the exact requirements for the country, university, and program. ... Step 2: Apply to the univeristy or enroll in the program or exchange. ... Step 3: Complete your student visa application.
Do you need a student visa to study in Europe?
Do you need a visa to study in Europe? Almost everyone that holds a non- EU/EEA nationality needs a visa when he or she wants to stay in Europe for a longer period of time. Students are often required to apply for a student visa (or temporary resident visa for students).
Do I need a student visa to study in Germany?
You don't need a student visa to study in Germany. You don't need a student visa, but you have to register within two weeks at the local Residents' Registration Office and the Aliens' Registration Office.
Do you need a student visa to study in Italy?
As of December 2020, only students whose program of study exceeds 150 days must apply for a permit to stay (Permesso di Sogiornno). The student visa must be obtained prior to departure and the permit to stay application must be submitted within 8 days of arrival.
How do I get a student visa for Europe?
How to Apply for a Student Schengen VisaCheck if you need a Student Schengen Visa.Figure out where you need to apply.Figure out the best time to submit your visa application.Fill the application form for a short-stay visa.Collect the required documents for a Student Schengen Visa.Make an appointment.More items...
What are the requirements to study abroad in Europe?
The EU university that you are planning to study in would require you to appear for aptitude tests – IELTS, TOEIC or TOEFL for language skills and GRE, GMAT, SAT or PAT for academic and intellectual skills. These tests follow a fixed format and pattern.
Which European country gives student visa easily?
While there are several countries offering easy permanent residency programmes to international students graduating from their universities, some of the top European countries offering easy student immigration include Germany, Ireland and the United Kingdom.
Which European country does not require visa?
Visa free accessAfricaCountryVisa not requiredNotesGuyanaAustria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, Ireland, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Portugal, Spain, Sweden.3 months.ParaguayAll states.90 days.PeruAll states.90 days(183 for Ireland).113 more rows
What is a student visa?
Typically, a visa is an endorsed sticker or stamp placed on the inside pages of your passport. Your student visa is as important as your passport; without it you will not be able to study abroad if your program requires a student visa.
Who determines the visa requirements?
Visa processes and requirements are determined by the government and consulate of each country, not by IES Abroad. While our team of visa specialists regularly updates information on our website, the most up-to-date and official information can be found on government and consulate websites.
How long does it take to get a visa?
Visas Require a Specific Timeline. Most consulates accept visa applications 90 to 120 days before your program start date. When requesting an appointment, account for your program start date, the 90 to 120-day timeframe, and the processing time required for the consulate to issue your visa.
Do you need a visa to study in Australia?
Australia requires U.S. citizens to obtain a student visa before studying abroad for a semester or longer or interning abroad.
Does Ecuador require a student visa?
Lucky you! Ecuador does not require U.S. citizens to obtain a student visa before studying abroad for a semester or longer.
Do you have to appear at the consulate for a visa?
Visa processing procedures vary by country. In most cases, students are required to appear in person, with a scheduled appointment, at the consulate.
Do You Need a Student Visa to Study Abroad?
Not every study abroad student needs a visa. You may need a visa depending on where and when you study abroad and your legal citizenship. Once you are accepted to an IES Abroad program, more detailed instructions are available in your myIESabroad account to determine if you need a visa, what type of visa you need, and what the process will be to apply for your visa.
Student visa requirements
The requirements study abroad students need to meet to get a student visa will vary widely on the country they are studying in. However, there are a few general requirements you should be aware of. These include:
Student visa application process
Once you've determined the country you want to study in and the path you'll take, it's time to prepare for the actual application process. As mentioned, this will vary by country, but the general steps you need to take will remain the same.
Student visa costs and funding options
There are many costs to studying abroad outside of tuition or program fees. Some of which will be incurred in the student visa application process.
Getting a students visa is a lesson in international travel
While the process for applying for a student visa can be stressful, it's also a great introduction to the world of long-term international travel. You will gain experience in dealing with another government and will know what to expect if you ever decide to take a gap year, intern abroad, or work overseas.
How long does it take to get a student visa?
If your student does not already have a passport, they will need to apply through the U.S. Department of State. Typical processing is 8 weeks.
When is it important to plan time for visa processing?
It is important to plan time in for visa processing, particularly for students who are applying to study abroad in the spring semester when the time between finding out they have been accepted to go and leaving is very close together.
When should you apply for a student visa?
You should always apply for a visa before you travel to your study destination. You will normally have to wait until you have a confirmed offer from a university before you can submit your visa application and you may have to apply in person at an embassy.
What type of visa do you need?
The exact name and type of visa you require will vary from country to country but it is likely you will need a non-immigrant student/study visa.
What is a visa?
A visa is a document that gives you permission to enter a foreign country. A student visa is only given out to people who have a confirmed place of study at a registered institution for a set period of time.
How long will it take to get your visa?
Visa processing can take as little as a couple of days to several months depending on the country and your nationality. Make sure you leave enough time to get your visa sorted as trying to rush an application is not advised – and can even mean you miss out on your place.
How to apply for a visa in a country?
In some countries, applications can be done in a number of ways, by post, courier, in person or online for example. If you are unsure, visit the embassy or consulate of your host country and ask how you can apply for a visa or search their website.
Can you extend your visa while you're there?
This completely depends on where you study. In some countries extending your visa is very simple, while in others it is challenging and you may even have to leave the country to extend/renew your visa.
How far in advance can you get a student visa?
New Students – Student (F and M) visas for new students can be issued up to 120 days in advance of the start date for a course of study. However, you will not be allowed to enter the United States on your student visa more than 30 days before the start date.
Where to apply for a student visa?
After you receive the Form I-20 and register in SEVIS, you may apply at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate for a student (F or M) visa. You must present the Form I-20 to the consular officer when you attend your visa interview.
What happens after a visa interview?
After your visa interview, the consular officer may determine that your application requires further administrative processing. The consular officer will inform you if this is required.
How long does a passport need to be valid for a visa interview?
Gather and prepare the following required documents before your visa interview: Passport valid for travel to the United States – Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your period of stay in the United States (unless exempt by country-specific agreements ).
What is a B visa?
After you are admitted to the United States by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officials in visitor (B) visa status, you must separately apply to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) for a change of status to student (For M) status prior to the start of your program.
What documents do consular officers need to interview you for a student visa?
A consular officer will interview you to determine your qualifications for a student visa, and may request additional documents, such as evidence of: Your academic preparation, such as: Transcripts, diplomas, degrees, or certificates from schools you attended; and. Standardized test scores required by your U.S. school;
Where to schedule a visa interview?
You should schedule an appointment for your visa interview at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in the country where you live. You may schedule your interview at another U.S. Embassy or Consulate, but be aware that it may be more difficult to qualify for a visa outside of the country where you live.
What is a student visa in Italy?
A student visa for Italy is a legal document adhered to one of the inside pages of your passport that you must have before entering Italy. The visa serves as approval from the Italian government for you to legally remain in Italy for the duration of your study abroad program. The Italy student visa is called National Visa D and is a long-term visa, meaning you plan to be in Italy for more than 90 days.
Where to apply for an Italian student visa?
The consulate that serves your jurisdiction is where you will apply for your Italian student visa. Use the tool below to determine your jurisdiction (s). Each consulate has specific instructions on applying for an Italian student visa that may differ from other Italian consulates.
How long before Italian visa application?
You cannot apply for your visa until 90 days before your program starts per Italian consulate requirements. If you are applying through ACCeSS, check out the upcoming ACCeSS deadlines.
Where to get a visa for Italy?
If you are a non-U.S. and non-EU citizen, refer to the Consulate General of Italythat services your country of citizenship to determine your visa application process. Contact yourIES Abroad Advisorwith further questions.
How many hours can an international student work?
As a government-sponsored international student who attends a course for 6 months or longer, you’re allowed to work up to 20 hours per week. However, make sure your university is listed on the list of recognized higher education providers in the UK. At this link is the full list of these recognized bodies.
How long do you have to stay in the UK to get a visa?
If you are not working and you are staying for less than 6 months, then you may get either a student visitor visa or a Tier 4 (General) ...
How long is a Tier 2 visa valid for?
You can only seek this visa if there’s a Tier 2 licensed employer who’s offering you a job. This type of visa is valid for up to 5 years.
What is a visa national?
Visa nationals are those who are citizens of the countries that are included in this list (which can also be found on the UKBA website ).
How long do you have to be in the UK to work?
If you plan to be in the country for 6 months or more, or you want to work in UK (either as an unpaid internship or in order to make a living), you must obtain what is called a Tier 4 (general) student visa. If you are in the country for less than 6 months, and are not working, then you can apply for entry to the UK as a student visitor.
Do universities have to inform the Home Office of Tier 4 visa?
As the current rules state, your University must inform the Home Office if it’s aware that you’re not respecting the conditions and terms of your Tier 4 visa.
Do you have to check visa policy before applying for UK visa?
Always have in mind that visa restrictions and requirements in the UK change regularly. Therefore, you must always check the official visa policy guidelines before initiating an application.
