How To Apply For A Student Visa To The US, UK & Canada

A Guide On How To Apply For A Student Visa To The US, UK And Canada

HOW TO APPLY FOR A U.S STUDENT VISA (F-1 VISA)

STEP 1:

Obtain admission to a SEVP-APPROVED INSTITUTION

1. You can apply and gain acceptance to a United States school that is Certified by the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP)
2. When you have been accepted, the institution will provide you will a form i-20 “Certification of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status”

STEP 2:

Pay the SEVIS I-901 Fee

1. Pay the SEVS I-901 fee online at fmjfee.com
2. For your record, you can keep the payment confirmation receipt.

STEP 3:

Complete the DS-160 Visa Application

1. Fill out the DS – 160 form online at the Consular Electronic Application Center ( https://ceac.state.gov/iv/ )
2. You must upload a passport sized photo that meets the specified requirements.
3. After submission, print the DS-160 confirmation page with the barcode.

STEP 4:

Pay the Visa Application fee

1. You will pay the non-refundable visa application fee, which is normally $185.
2. The payment methods and instructions differ by country; check the U.S embassy Consulate website in your country for details.

STEP 5.

Schedule and attend the visa interview

1. They will schedule an appointment for a visa interview at the U.S embassy or Consulate in your country.
2. Kindly bring the following documents to your interview.
3. Valid passport
4. DS-160 Confirmation page
5. Form i-20
6. SEVIS application fee receipt
7. Academic transcripts and standardized test scores.
8. Proof of financial support.

STEP 6.

Visa approval and travel to the U.S

1. If your application is approved, the Consular officer will inform you of the visa issuance process.
2. Upon receiving your visa, you can travel to the U.S up to 30 days before your program start date.

HOW TO APPLY FOR A UK STUDENT VISA

STEP 1:

Receive an unconditional offer: apply and receive an unconditional offer from a licensed student sponsor in the UK.

STEP 2:

Obtain a confirmation of Acceptance for studies (CAS)

After accepting the offer, your institution will issue a CAS, a unique reference number required for your visa application.

STEP 3:

1. You need to show that you have enough funds to cover the tuition fees and living expenses.
2. The amount required depends on your course length and location in the UK.

STEP 4:

1. Complete the Online Visa Application. Apply online at the UK Government website.
2. You will pay the visa application fee (€490 as of April 2025) and the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS), which will grant you access to the UK’s National Health Service.

STEP 5:

Attend a Biometric Appointment: they will schedule and you will attend an appointment at a Visa Application Centre (VAC) to provide your fingerprints and photograph.

STEP 6:

Receive your visa decision

1. Your will receive a decision on your visa application, typically within three weeks.
2. If your application is approved, you will receive a Vignette Sticker in your passport and a Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) upon arrival in the UK

HOW TO APPLY FOR A CANADIAN STUDY PERMIT

STEP 1:

Obtain a letter of Acceptance: your need to apply and receive a letter of acceptance from a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) in Canada

STEP 2:

Prepare required documents.

1. Gather necessary documents, including
2. Valid passport
3. Letter of acceptance
4. Proof of financial support
5. Passport sized photographs
6. Letter of explanation (if applicable)
7. Certificat d’ acceptation du Que’bec (CAQ) if you are studying in Quebec.

STEP 3:

Apply online.

1. You can create an account and apply online at the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website.
2. Pay the application fee (CAD $150 as of April 2025)

STEP 4:

Provide Biometrics: after you have submitted your application, you will receive instructions on providing biometrics (fingerprints and photography) at a Visa Application in Centre.

STEP 5:

Wait for processing: processing time vary by country. Check the IRCC website for current estimates.

STEP 6:

If you application is approved, you will receive a part of Entry (POE) Letter of Introduction and, if required, a temporary resident visa or electronic Travel Authorization (CTA)

STEP 7:

Travel to Canada: you will present your POE letter of introduction and other required documents to the border service officer upon arrival in Canada to receive your study permit.

Note:

The visa application procedures and requirements are subject to change. It is important to consult the official immigration website of the respective countries for the most up-to-date information.

If you need further assistance or have specific questions about any part of the application process, feel free to ask.

See also:

Top 10 Affordable Countries To Study Abroad in 2025

Best Countries To Study Abroad For High-Paying Jobs After Graduation