Student visa news from major destinations abroad

One of the major impacts of the pandemic was border closures, which directly affected the study abroad dreams of thousands of Indian students. Now that we are learning to live with the pandemic, India is relaxing the rules and regulations, and slowly letting things get back on track. International flights have once again started operating from India. We bring you the study visa news from the popular destinations so that you can plan your study abroad journey better.

As per the details from February 2021, India have bilateral air bubble agreements with 27 countries, including the USA, the UK and Canada. Under this agreement, international flights can operate between India and these countries with certain restrictions. This is a welcome move as it opens the gates for students to commence or resume their studies abroad. Universities abroad are also doing their best to support international students. Let’s get up to date with the latest developments from major study abroad destinations.

Latest study visa updates from the UK

Some positive news for international students

• The universities in the UK are looking to resume face-to-face learning as early as possible. They are working with the government towards this goal. However, international students are advised not to travel to the UK unless if your course demands you to be physically present in the campus. Online learning from your home country should be preferred if your course can be done virtually.
• Most of the UK visa processing centres in India are currently open. This includes centres in Chennai, Bengaluru, Pune, Hyderabad and New Delhi. You can fix an appointment and visit these visa application centres.
• Existing students will be eligible for PSW visa even if they had been doing their courses online. They will have to be in the UK by 6 April to avail this benefit.
• If you are doing a one-year master’s programme online, you will be eligible for PSW, provided you come to the UK before 27 September 2021.
• From the 5^th of October 2020, the UK has introduced the point-based system for student visas, which is expected to make the visa process smoother for students. This will add to the list of the many reasons why students prefer to study in the UK.

What is the UK point-based system for student visas?

The point-based system already exists in countries like Australia, Canada and New Zealand. Here are the key points about the student route:

• You require a total of 70 points to study in a UK university.
• You can earn these 70 points by demonstrating that you have the following:
  • An offer from an approved university
  • English language proficiency
  • Financial support for your duration of stay in the UK
• You can start applying from 5^th October 2020.
• You can apply for visa up to six months before the course start date.
• You do not have to submit proof of academic qualification while applying for the visa.

How does this benefit you?

• The requirements are clear.
• The process is streamlined.
• It treats all applicants equally, whether they are from within the EU or outside EU.
• There is no limit to the number of international students who can come to the UK.                           

What’s more?

• If you complete the degree at any of the UK universities or other Higher Education Providers with a track record of compliance, you will be eligible to stay in the UK for two years while looking for permanent employment.
• If you are a PhD graduate, you can stay up to three years.

If you are interested in studying in institutions in the UK and need some professional guidance, you can contact our counsellors who can guide you in the right direction.

Student visa updates from the U.S.

The U.S. remains the top destination for Indian students. It has the highest number of top ranking institutions globally, as per the QS World University Rankings 2021. If you are applying for student visas to join a college or university in the USA, you need an F visa. An M visa is required if you want to enrol in a vocational or other recognised non-academic institution.

Some positive news from the USA

• As per the bilateral air bubble agreement with the USA, any Indian citizen holding a valid U.S. visa can travel to the USA.
• The U.S. embassy in New Delhi has started limited processing of all visas including student visas, as reported by NDTV.
• More flexibility is allowed under the Optional Training Programme. OPT grants international students the opportunity to work in the U.S. for 12 months after graduation and it should be completed within 14 months of completion of their programme. With the new flexibility, the 14 months will be calculated from the date of approval of Form I-765 if you apply for OPT between 1 October 2020 and 1 May 2021.
• There has been delays in the processing of OPT applications and hence USCIS (US Citizenship and Immigration Services) has confirmed that greater flexibility will be given to students in completing their OPT.

COVID-19 related requirements for travelling to the U.S.

• All passengers 2 years and above will have to submit a negative result for COVID-19 test. Testing facilities are available throughout India and results will be available within 24 – 48 hours.
• It should be taken within 3 days before travel.
• If you were affected by COVID-19 you will have you submit a proof of recovery

The U.S. might forever remain the most popular study abroad destination. Reach out to our counsellors and follow your dreams of studying at the top institutions in the U.S.

Student visa updates from Canada

Canada was one of the first countries to relax its border restrictions for international students. The country have been making every effort to bring in international students and provide a seamless study experience. Statistics also prove that the popularity of Canada as a study abroad destination is also on the rise, especially as Canada have several top-ranking institutions.

Some positive news from Canada

• Several of the Canadian universities are planning in-person classes, however, this will depend on the regulations by the health authorities.
• As per the bilateral agreement, Indian nationals with a valid visa will be allowed to travel to Canada. Before issuing a ticket or boarding pass, the airlines will have to ensure that there is no travel restriction for Indian nationals to enter Canada.
• The Canada Visa Application centres in India are open and you can get a visa to travel to Canada for your studies.
• Students can complete their programme online from their home country and still be eligible for PGWP (Post-graduation Work Permit).

Starting in late October, international students attending a designated learning institution that has been identified by their provincial or territorial government as having a COVID‑19 readiness plan will also be able to enter Canada.

— Marco Mendicino (@marcomendicino) October 2, 2020

Starting from the 20^th of October 2020, international student can enter Canada provided they meet the following requirements:

• Students should be travelling for an essential purpose. That is, travelling for tourism or entertainment is not allowed.
• Travel will be considered essential only if:
  • It is necessary for you to be in Canada for effectively completing your programme. This includes laboratory work, workshops etc.
  • Your institution is not offering online studies.
  • You will not be able to continue your studies in your home country because of internet and bandwidth limitations.
  • You will not be able to actively participate in online classes because of the difference in time zone.
• Students should have a valid study permit or be approved for a study permit before the 18^th of March 2020.
• Students should be enrolled in a Designated Learning Institute (DLI). All the major universities in Canada are Designated Learning Institutes recognised by the government.
• The DLI should have an approved Covid-19 readiness plan. The government will release the list of DLIs with approved Covid-19 readiness plans before the 20^th of October. Your institution should be on the list.

Bear in mind that, if you are already in Canada, these regulations are not applicable to you. However, should you choose to leave Canada and come back, you will then have to adhere to these requirements.

If your institution is not on the list, it might not be possible for you to come back to Canada. You will have to be in quarantine for two weeks after you reach your destination within Canada. Ideally, you should have time to complete your quarantine and then attend classes. Alternatively, you should be able to study online during the quarantine period.

You can contact the Canadian government’s Border Service Agency before travel so that you have all the necessary information.

Students can also continue to apply for study permits online. While submitting your application, make sure you have included all the necessary documents to support your application. If any document is missing, you will have to attach a letter explaining the reason for missing documents.

The applications will be processed in two stages if you submitted the request before the 15^th of September 2020 or if your course begins or began in spring, summer or autumn 2020. In the first stage, your eligibility will be assessed. In the second stage, your application will be assessed for admissibility.

How does the new processes benefit you?

• You can submit your study permit application as soon as you can. You needn’t wait till you get hold of all the documents. For example, given the Covid-19 situation, it might not be possible for you to get your mark lists or certificates on time. Just the letter of acceptance would be enough to make the application. However, you will have to provide reasons as to why the other essential documents are not submitted.
• You will be given an extension for submitting the documents if you have a valid reason for non-submission the first time.
• Your application will be processed sooner as it is done in stages. The government aims to push maximum number of applications past the stage one.
• Once your application clears both stages and you are approved for a study permit, you will be able to travel to Canada when the border restrictions are lifted.
• If the immigration officer clears your application as ‘approved in principle’, you will be allowed to begin your studies from your home country.

As of the 22^nd of September 2020, Canada has approved 56,000 study permits. Do you want to experience student life in Canada? Speak to our experts and they’ll guide you in the right direction.

COVID-19 related requirements for travelling to Canada

• Passengers will have to take a COVID-19 PCR test at the airport
• This will be followed by a 3-day quarantine at any hotel authorised by the Canadian government. The 3-day period is for the test results to arrive
• Passengers will have to bear the expenses for the 3 -day stay.
• If you are tested negative, you can continue the remaining 11 days of quarantine at home.
• If tested positive, you will have to continue quarantining at the government approved facility.

Student visa updates from Australia

Australia has remained a welcoming destination for international students. However, the pandemic has forced the government to implement border restrictions considering the wellbeing of its citizens.

Some positive news from Australia

• As soon as the border restrictions are lifted, students who already have visas can travel to Australia.
• Given the Covid-19 situation, the government has come up with several temporary measures and these will continue to be in place until the situation changes.
• Australia has introduced visa fee waiver for students who have to submit a further student visa application. If you held a student visa on or after the 1^st of February 2020 and you couldn’t complete you studies due to Covid-19 related issues, you can apply for a visa again, without paying the fees.
• It is worth mentioning that the Australian government has confirmed that student visa holders in Australia will have access to the COVID-19 vaccine for free.

You are eligible for visa fee waiver if you are a:

• Student who was unable to travel to Australia due to the border restrictions.
• Student who had to opt for a part-time study load.
• Student who could not complete your work-based training or placements.

Your university in Australia should also attest to your claims. Note that this leverage is not applicable for students who are applying for student visas for the first time or applying again due to reasons other than that mentioned above.

Additional time will be given for the following processes if it has been impacted by Covid-19:

• To provide English Language Proficiency test results
• Biometric collection
• Health checks

How do Australia’s student visa measures benefit you?

• Your visa remains valid and the status of your visa will not change even if you return home or defer your studies.
• Some institutions are providing fee deferrals, food and accommodation support, mental health and medical support which you can access.
• You have more time to prove your English language proficiency.

Student visa updates from New Zealand

The year 2019 saw a 37 per cent increase in the number of Indian students enrolled at institutions in New Zealand. The country is aiming at improving the ties with India and the first-ever New Zealand-India education week was a part of this effort. New Zealand also plans to establish a dedicated centre at Indian Institute of Technology, Delhi.

New Zealand has been effectively handling the pandemic and has suspended processing of temporary visas at the moment, which includes student visas. The government has clarified that student visa applications will not be processed until further notice. Hence there are efforts to improve the online learning experience. New Zealand is planning to partner with Ed Tech platforms for this purpose.

Some positive news from New Zealand

That aside, as per the update in January 2021, New Zealand is planning to reopen its borders to 1000 international students in the coming months. It will be a phased approach and will begin with a cohort of 300 students. However, the fate of this plan is not clear at the moment.

Priority will be based on whether students have to be in the country for their practical learning and research. Their arrival will depend on the availability of space in the government managed quarantine facilities.

The eligible students must:

• hold or have held a valid visa in 2020
• Studied in New Zealand in the year 2019 or 2020
• Their course demands that they are physically present in the campus for completing their studies
• They will have to submit proof of a negative COVID-19 test result

Study visa news from Ireland

As per the information available on VFS global, Ireland has suspended visa services and are not accepting visa applications. The government has advised against all non-essential travel. However, they, like every major study-abroad destination, are doing their best to support international students already in the country or continuing virtual learning.

Some of the measures taken to curb the spread of COVID-19 include:

• Travellers should provide proof of negative COVID-19 test result, taken not more than 72 hours before travel
• Travellers should complete a Passenger Locator Form. You will have to complete this even before you arrive in Ireland.
• Newly arrived people will have to restrict their movement for 14 days.
• Free access to the healthcare system and COVID related treatment for international students

Bear in mind that you will need to have a valid study visa for online courses too.

The pandemic should not stop you from chasing your dreams. Governments and institutions are working hand-in-hand to ensure a seamless study experience for students as much as is possible. Your focus should be on getting the perfect scores for applying to universities. Speak to our counsellors if you need more clarity on how to apply for courses abroad. Also check out our International Student Advice page for the latest updates from these destinations.

Reference: India.com, The Hindu, IRCC, edeXLive, TheWeek, Civil Aviation, U.S. Embassy

Editor's note: This article was originally published in October 2020. We have included up-to-date information and made it comprehensive.