Strict visa regulations students need to know before applying for US, UK, Australia and Canada

Modified On Jul 13, 2024 10:38 AM by Mahaveer, Views: 51

Starting in January 2024, the UK has introduced stricter rules for student visas, particularly affecting dependent visas and work visas for international students. Here are the key changes:

Dependent Visas:

• Restriction: Dependent visas are no longer permitted for most international student categories, except for PhD and postgraduate research students.
• Impact: This change means that spouses, partners, and children of international students pursuing undergraduate or master's degrees will no longer be eligible for dependent visas to join them in the UK.

Work Visas:

• Post-Study Work Visa: International students can apply for a work visa under the Graduate Route after completing their program. The Graduate Route allows:
  • Two Years: International students (excluding PhD and doctoral students) can work in the UK for two years post-study.
  • Three Years: PhD and doctoral students can work for up to three years post-study.
• Job Requirement: To apply for a work visa, students must secure a job with a start date post-course completion.

Canada has indeed implemented significant changes to its student visa regulations, impacting international students, including those from India. Here's an overview of the recent changes and their implications:

Changes to Student Visa Regulations in Canada (2024):

1. Intake Cap on Student Permit Applications:

   • Canada has introduced a cap on the number of applications for international student permits. This measure aims to manage the intake of international students more effectively.

2. Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL):

   • Undergraduate students applying for study permits in Canada now need to submit a Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) from a province or territory. This requirement ensures that the program of study aligns with provincial educational priorities.

3. Open Work Permits for Spouses:

   • Open work permits are now restricted to spouses of international students enrolled in master's, doctoral, and professional programs. This change limits work permit availability for spouses of undergraduate students.

4. Increased Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC) Requirement:

   • The required amount in a Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC) for living expenses has been raised from C$10,000 to C$20,635. This financial support ensures that students can sustain themselves during their stay in Canada.

5. Post-Study Work Permits (PGWP):

   • International students enrolled in master’s, doctoral, and professional programs are now eligible for three-year post-study work permits. This extended duration aims to encourage students pursuing higher education and professional qualifications in Canada.

Australia has recently implemented stricter policies affecting international students, particularly regarding visa requirements and financial obligations. Here are the key changes and their implications:

Recent Changes to Australia's Student Visa Policies:

1. Genuine Student (GS) Requirement:

   • International students must now fulfill a mandatory Genuine Student requirement, which includes demonstrating their genuine intention to study in Australia. This requirement aims to ensure that students are committed to their studies and not using the student visa as a means to enter the country for other purposes.

2. Increased Financial Requirements:

   • Students are now required to show proof of savings amounting to AUD 29,710 (approximately ₹16.3 lakh) to cover living expenses throughout their studies. This financial threshold is crucial for demonstrating financial capacity to sustain oneself in Australia.

3. Work Hour Limits:

   • International students are allowed to work up to 48 hours per fortnight during study terms and semesters. This limit ensures that students can balance their studies with part-time work opportunities to support their living expenses.

4. Visa Application Fees:

   • From 1st July 2024 onwards, the Australian government has increased the application fee for student visas to AUD 1,600, up from AUD 710. This significant increment of 125% reflects changes in administrative costs and visa processing requirements.

5. TOEFL Test Resumption:

   • The Australian Department of Home Affairs has resumed accepting TOEFL tests taken at testing centers for all visa-related applications from 05 May 2024. This reinstatement provides flexibility for applicants to demonstrate English language proficiency through TOEFL scores.

Here's a summary of the latest updates and factors influencing international students' study choices in various countries, particularly focusing on the United States and other growing destinations:

United States:

1. Document Authenticity:

   • The US embassy has emphasized the importance of genuine documents during visa interviews, advising against the use of forged documents.

2. Work Opportunities (OPT):

   • The Optional Practical Training (OPT) program in the US allows international students to work for up to three years after completing their studies. This opportunity is highly valued by Indian students seeking global work experience.

3. Visa Processing:

   • The US consular team in India is actively working to reduce wait times for student visas. With a record issuance of over 130,000 student visas in 2023, there is an expected increase in visa applications for 2024.

4. Indian Student Presence:

   • India is the leading source of international students in the US, with over 350,000 Indian students currently enrolled in US institutions. This represents nearly 30% of the total international student population in the US.