Acceptance rates of student visas in the US

Recent data has shown a drop in student visa acceptance rates. Despite this, many eligible students continue to find opportunities to pursue their education in the country, maximising their top-notch educational system. Notably, Indian students benefited in the last few years with an over 43% increase in student visas issued from 2021 to 2022. The US government granted F-1 visa status to over 115,000 students from India.

What affects student visa acceptance rates?

Several factors affect student visa acceptance rates in the US. Here’s a list of the things that applicants should keep in mind.

Intention

Student visa applicants must demonstrate a genuine intent to pursue education in the US—and then return to their home country after their studies. This ensures that the student visa is used for its actual purpose, and not solely as a gateway to stay in the US.

Financial ability

Students applying for a student visa must prove that they’re financially capable of sustaining their education in the country. That means showing that they have sufficient funds to cover tuition fees and living expenses. The amount should typically cover at least one year’s costs.

English proficiency

Since the US academic system, particularly the higher-level education sector, is primarily taught in the English language, student visa applicants must provide proof of their proficiency. Most applicants must pass a standardised language proficiency test like IELTS or TOEFL. An exception applies if they’re from an English-speaking country like Australia or the UK

Academic eligibility

Student visa applicants should enrol in an academic program that qualifies them for a student visa. An eligible institution must accept them under a recognised course based on relevant GPA requirements. For this, students must do proper research. For instance, if they’re considering a school like Trine University, they may want to look up queries like “Trine University visa acceptance rate” or “Is Trine University a good school for international students?”

Why do student visa applications get rejected?

There are several reasons why a student’s visa application may be rejected. Understanding these may help students avoid common pitfalls when applying.

Insufficient financial support

International student visa applications can be rejected because of a failure to prove adequate financial capacity. The US government considers applicants who are unable to show that they can sustain their tuition and living expenses while studying in the US as a risk. This is because they’re more likely to engage in activities that aren’t allowed under the provisions of a student visa.

Inadequate ties to home country

Countries that host international students want to make sure that student visa applicants intend to return to their home country after their studies. If the applicant is unable to show their intention to return home, then their student visa application may be rejected. They can exhibit this either through strong ties or obligations (e.g. family, job offers, property ownership, investments, etc.)

Incorrect or incomplete application

Applications with mistakes or omissions may be rejected. Thus, applicants must review their forms thoroughly and provide all the requirements and supporting documents.

Poor visa interview performance

A student visa application comes with an interview with a consul officer. If an applicant can’t clearly explain why they’re studying in the US or articulate their plans after completing their education in the country, their student visa application may be rejected. For instance, if a student can’t properly illustrate how their chosen program fits their career plans (e.g. they hope to work for a tech company but are taking a program in Nursing), then they may be refused a student visa. Dishonesty or uncertainty during the interview may also be grounds for rejection.

Security risks

Applicants with a history of criminal activity, who may be perceived as a security risk or are engaging in illegal actions or are considered illegal entrants may be denied a student visa.

How to improve chances of a student visa approval in the US

Being knowledgeable about and thoroughly prepared for the student visa application process can improve one’s chances of getting approved. To help applicants heighten their prospects, here are some tips to follow.

Apply early

Beginning one’s application early gives students enough time to tick off all the boxes in their application, from completing required forms to gathering necessary documents. Plus, it gives them the advantage of being able to pivot should there be any unexpected changes in the process.

Research

It helps to look into the student visa application process, particularly how the steps go and what best to do to ace each one. It’s also good to read testimonials from other students. One can learn a lot from the experiences of others, including what to do (and what not to do!).

Practice for the interview

The interview is one of the most crucial parts of the student visa application; its importance can’t be overstated. So students should practice their interviews. Look for a list of common questions online, anticipating each one and preparing answers that can adequately address them. It’s important not to memorise answers though, or else the conversation might seem too canned.

Be genuine

As mentioned, intention is one of the biggest factors affecting the turnout of a student visa application. Students must be genuine in their purpose to obtain an education in the US, and they should be able to back-up their plans with concrete evidence.

Seek guidance

Finding help from consultants like upGrad GSP and its recruitment partners can help students improve their chances of getting an approved US student visa. We can give you guidance that’s based on industry knowledge and experience to help best prepare you for the process.

Get US student visa help from upGrad GSP

Getting a US student visa is easier with help from experienced professionals who know the ins and outs of the process. upGrad GSP can help you provide tips to international students looking to the US for their education. Contact our business development experts to know more!

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What is the F-1 student visa?

The F-1 student visa is one of the two nonimmigrant visa categories for persons wishing to study in the US. According to the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), an F-1 visa (Academic Student) allows the holder to enter the United States as a full-time student at an accredited college, university, seminary, conservatory, academic high school, elementary school or other academic institution or in a language training program. They must enrol in a program or course of study that culminates in a degree, diploma or certificate. Their school must also be authorised by the US government to accept international students. 

US F-1 visa latest news 2024

Immigration bodies regularly refresh their rules to protect the goals and interests of its stakeholders. Because of this, students must always stay up to date with the latest announcements that may concern their status and affect their goals. In a landmark policy update released just last December 2023, the USCIS has announced significant changes affecting international students on F visas. Here are some the latest updates: 

F-1 visa students must maintain their foreign residence

The USCIS states that “F and M students must have a foreign residence that they do not intend to abandon.” But they are now allowed to apply for permanent residency. 

F-1 visa students are now eligible for immigrant visas

For the first time, F-1 visa students can now directly apply for immigrant visas under the Employment-Based (EB) category. According to the statement, “such students may be the beneficiary of a permanent labor certification application or immigrant visa petition and may still be able to demonstrate their intention to depart after a temporary period of stay.” 

F-1 visa students can work for startups

The USCIS states that “F students seeking an extension of optional practical training (OPT) based on their degree in a science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) field may be employed by startup companies, as long as the employer adheres to the training plan requirements, remains in good standing with E-Verify and provides compensation commensurate to that provided to similarly situated [US] workers, among other requirements.” 

What do these new F-1 student visa rules mean?

These updates represent positive developments for international students pursuing education in the US. Firstly, it allows F-1 visa holders to directly apply for immigrant visas under the EB category. This offers a pathway to long-term residency and even potential citizenship. Plus, it provides more opportunities for career advancement and offering greater stability. 

Moreover, permitting F-1 visa students with STEM degrees to work for startups during their OPT extensions fortifies their professional horizons. This allows them to gain valuable experience and contribute towards innovative industries. It not only enhances their skillset but also enriches the US workforce with diverse talents and perspectives. 

These changes signify a recognition of the contributions and potential of international students to the US economy and society. Furthermore, it helps foster a welcoming environment for global talent. Overall, these latest updates on the F-1 student visa empower aspiring international students to pursue their academic and professional goals in the US. 

To stay updated on the latest visa news and gain more tips on supporting international students, contact our business development experts today!

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The Subclass 500 Student visa

The Australian student visa, officially known as the Subclass 500 Student visa, permits international students to participate in an eligible course of study in Australia. It allows them to travel in and out of the country and work up to 48 hours per fortnight during their course of study, for a duration of up to five years (aligned with the applicant’s enrolment).

To be eligible for a Subclass 500 Student visa, the applicant must:

• apply online in or outside of Australia
• be six years old or older (or pass the age requirement of their course)
• be enrolled in a course of study in Australia
• meet English language requirements
• hold Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) or fall in one of the exemption categories
• have enough money for their stay
• be a genuine temporary entrant (i.e. pass the GTE requirement)
• meet character and health requirements
• sign the Australian values statement
• prove they have a welfare arrangement (if under the age of 18)
• have no debt to the Australian government (if any, they must have paid it back)
• hold an eligible substantive visa (if in Australia; note that any substantive visa ceases to be in effect if another is granted)
• have not had a visa cancelled or an application refused.

Australian student visa requirements

The Australian Department of Home Affairs provides a list of Australian student visa requirements. Typically, students must submit the following:

• completed Australian student visa application form
• payment of the student visa application fee
• copy of passport biodata page (some applicants may be required to provide their physical passport)
• certificate of enrolment or letter of offer from an Australian institution
• evidence of sufficient funds to cover tuition, travel and living costs (minimum AUD 24,505 in savings)
• English proficiency test results
• evidence of good health, along with health insurance coverage
• criminal record check results (and, if necessary, a penal clearance certificate or police statement and a character statutory declaration)
• passport-sized photos.

How to get an Australian student visa

Here’s a step-by-step guide to the Australian student visa application process:

1. Get accepted into an Australian study program

Before a student applies for a Subclass 500 Student visa, they must already be accepted into an Australian educational institution. After receiving a letter of acceptance, the individual must pay the tuition fee. They will receive a Certificate of Enrollment (CoE), which is required for the student visa application.

If the student is doing multiple programs, they must obtain a CoE for each one.

2. Create an ImmiAccount

Australian student visas are typically processed online through the Australian Department of Home Affairs immigration platform. The ImmiAccount is where applicants must submit all their requirements and where they can track their visa application status.

3. Gather all requirements

Gather all the requirements needed for the student visa application. When applying online, all documents must be digitised (i.e. scanned and uploaded in a digital format). Everything must also be in English. If the documents are in another language, they must be translated by a certified translator.

If the student is missing some documents, they can save their application and then continue later on.

4. Complete the visa application

Applicants must complete their Subclass 500 Student visa application at least eight weeks before their program starts (as stated on their CoE).

5. Pay the visa application fee

After completing their application, the student must pay a fee of AUD 710.00. This won’t be refunded whether or not the student visa is accepted. After paying, the applicant will receive a Transaction Reference Number (TRN) that they can use to rack their application online.

6. Prepare for a possible health checkup and interview

Depending on the details of the student’s application (e.g. where they’ll live), they may have to undergo a health checkup and/or interview. The student will know if they need to do this after they submit their application and pay the fee. It’s important not to proceed with the health checkup prior to completing these two steps. Health checkups must also be done by doctors approved by Australian immigration.

7. Wait for the visa decision

Processing an Australian student visa typically take a few weeks, but the Australian government has recently announced faster processing times for visa applications, including an improved turnaround time of as quick as 16 days (previously it took up to 49 days) for student visa applications. This may be longer or shorter depending on the quality of the application and how busy the Australian immigration authorities are.

After an Australian student visa is processed, the applicant will get an email notification of the result. The visa is electronic, but students may print the visa grant letter and show this with their passport when they travel to the country for their studies.

Stay updated on the Australian student visa process

It’s important to keep international students updated about the Australian student visa process, especially since the country’s immigration authorities may impose changes from time to time (e.g. an increase in fees, shorter processing times, etc.). Connect with Global Study Partners (GSP) to stay up to date with important requirements and processes to enable foreign students to pursue education in Australia!

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Staying informed about all the Australian study visa updates and adjustments is imperative to secure a successful and compliant study experience in the Land Down Under. In this article, we’ll go through the latest 2023 updates for Australia study visa that could affect students applying in 2024.

The Australian student visa: subclass 500

The subclass 500 visa stands as the gateway for international students pursuing educational endeavours in Australia. The importance of comprehending the nuances of the subclass 500 visa cannot be overstated, as it forms the bedrock of a student’s legal stay in the country.

Before applying for this visa, students will first need to be accepted in a course at an Australian education or training provider. They can then use the confirmation of enrolment (CoE) issued by the provider to apply for a subclass 500 visa.

As detailed in the Australian government’s official website, this visa allows holders to:

• study a course at an Australian education provider
• include family in your application
• stay in Australia for the duration of your course (maximum five years) and travel in and out of Australia
• work up to 48 hours a fortnight while your course of study is in session.*

* Students who have started a master’s degree by research or Doctoral degree have no work hour limits.

The subclass 500 visa covers the following types of study:

• higher education
• Vocational and Education Training (VET)
• pathway courses
• English Language Intensive Courses for Overseas Students (ELICOS)
• primary and secondary school
• secondary school exchange programs
• postgraduate research
• non-award courses (such as Study Abroad and Exchange semesters)
• postgraduate research programs

It also applies to international students sponsored by the Australian Government’s Department of Foreign Affairs (DFAT) or Defence.

Australia study visa updates in 2023

As highlighted earlier, the Australian government is continuously taking measures to administer changes to the Australia study visa process as needed. To provide thorough guidance to aspiring international students, it’s crucial to stay updated on all the changes concerning the visa they need to apply for.

Last year alone, the Australian government announced three major Australia study visa updates:

New working hours cap: July 2023

A pivotal change in the Australian student visa policy is the reintroduction of a capped limit on working hours. Effective 1 July 2023, international students can only work a maximum of 48 hours per fortnight (or 24 hours per week) during study terms and semesters. The limit on working hours was previously relaxed during the lockdown. This allowed students to work unlimited hours to account for workforce shortages. The new measure aims to strike a balance between academic commitments and part-time employment opportunities, while providing students with eight more hours to work compared to their pre-pandemic limit of 40 hours per fortnight.

Expedited visa processing times: August 2023

In a positive turn of events, the Australian government has streamlined the processing times for student visas. As of August 2023, student visas are being processed within an impressive 16 days. This marks a notable improvement from the earlier processing period, which could take up to 49 days at the beginning of the year. The expedited processing times reflect the government’s commitment to providing a more efficient and responsive visa application system. Prospective students can now anticipate quicker turnaround times, facilitating better planning and preparation for their academic pursuits in Australia.

Increased financial requirements: October 2023

Acknowledging the rising living expenses in Australia, the government has announced an increase in the financial requirements for student visa applicants. Starting 1 October 2023, international students must demonstrate evidence of AUD$24,505 in savings, representing a 17% increase from previous levels. This adjustment accounts for indexation since 2019 and aims to align financial criteria with current living standards.

Staying informed about the latest updates in the Australian student visa landscape is extremely important when supporting prospective students through their study abroad journey. To better understand the Australia study visa updates, connect with Global Study Partners’ business development experts today.

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Visas to key study abroad destinations

The types, requirements and process of getting a student visa vary per country. Thus, it’s best to check with your desired region’s immigration resources for specific details. That said, here’s a quick rundown of student visas in popular study-abroad destinations:

United States

Students can apply for four types of visas to study in the US: the F1 visa, the M1 visa, the J1 visa and the Q1 visa.
The F1 visa is the most common option. It’s granted to students enrolled in an approved school in the country’s Student Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP). It’s only valid for one year, so if a student’s program lasts longer than that, they will have to renew the visa for the next cycle.

The M1 visa is for students interested in vocational studies, including cooking, cosmetology, flight training, etc.—still at an eligible SEVP institution. Both the F1 and M1 visas require an I-20 form given by an educational institution before a student can apply for them.

The J1 visa is a two-year exchange visa that is available to those who’ve applied to a J1 program. It’s ideal for those who are hoping to do short-term work.

The Q1 visa is a cultural exchange visa for students who will work in the US to share their culture and traditions. This is only applicable to those who apply for a program managed by the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).

Canada

A Canadian student visa is a combination of a Canada visitor visa or an electronic travel authorization (eTA) along with a study permit (i.e. a student will need both to pursue education in the country). One is eligible to get a visa and a study permit if they are enrolled in one of Canada’s Designated Learning Institutions (DLIs) and meets the financial requirements of studying in the country. In some cases, students with a Canadian student visa are allowed to stay and work in the country after graduation. This can be a viable pathway for citizenship in the country in the future. Otherwise, the visa is valid for the duration of the student’s program plus 90 days after.

Australia

Australia offers the Subclass 500 visa for students who are enrolled in a course of study in Australia and have provided the required language certificate. Aside from participating in an eligible education program, this visa also allows the applicant to travel in and out of Australia and work up to 48 hours a fortnight while school or training is in session. The visa is valid for up to five years and is in line with the student’s enrolment.

United Kingdom

The UK student visa, known as the Student Route, is available to students who have

• been accepted into an approved institution
• met the set course requirements (based on whether they are full-time or part-time students)
• proven their financial capability and passed a designated English proficiency test.

The validity of the student visa shall correspond to the student’s course. This could be up to five years for a degree-level program or two years for a below-degree-level course.

After a student finishes an undergraduate degree, they can apply to stay in the UK to work or look for work for up to two years (or up to three years for Doctoral qualifications). This post-study work option is applicable to students who are in the country and currently hold a Student visa or Tier 4 (General) student visa. Their college or university must also have informed the Home Office that the applicant has completed their course.

What do I need to prepare for a student visa?

As mentioned, the requirements for a student visa will depend on the country one is applying to. But to give you an idea, here’s a list of general requirements that an applicant will likely need:

Passport

An applicant must have a valid passport to apply for a student visa. For some applications, the validity of the passport must last until the end of the course. Some countries also sometimes require passports to have at least two blank pages left to accommodate the visa.

Admission letter

A student must prove that they have been admitted to an eligible university by providing an admission letter that explicitly confirms their acceptance into their chosen course.

Language proficiency test

If a student is hoping to study at a university where the primary language differs from their home country’s, they must prove their proficiency in that language. For English-speaking countries, the most commonly accepted language proficiency tests include the TOEFL, IELTS or PTE. If a student’s course is being taught in another language (for instance, Spanish), they must also comply with certification requirements for that language.

Proof of financial ability

Students typically need to prove their financial capability to study and live in the country where they’re applying for a student visa. In some cases, there’s a specific number for the living expenses, but other countries may provide vague guidelines. Students on scholarships need to include details of their financial support here as well.

Civil documents

Some student visa applications require applicants to submit certain civil documents. These could include a birth certificate, a notice of clean criminal record, a resume, etc.

Health insurance

Applicants are usually required to purchase a health insurance plan that covers the entire period of their studies in case of emergency medical situations. Every institution employs its own standard for this. Some mandate students to avail themselves of a policy from the school itself and others requiring health insurance to be taken out from an accredited third-party agency.

How to apply for a student visa

Applying for a student visa is a straightforward process. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to do it:

Apply for a study program

To be eligible for a student visa, an applicant must have been accepted into a valid study program in a foreign country. They must apply for a course and enrol in it as some immigration offices ask for confirmation of enrolment (COE) during the visa interview.

Make an appointment with the Embassy or Consulate

Once a student has been accepted to a university, they must make an appointment with the embassy or consulate of their study destination.

Gather the requirements

As part of securing an appointment, a student must submit the visa requirements. If necessary, they may have to prepare photocopies and have original documents certified. Some countries also need certain requirements to be translated into the country’s official language.

Pay for the student visa fee

Student visas are not free. Applicants must pay the fee, either before or during their appointment.

Attend the student visa interview

Most student visas require applicants to attend an interview with an immigration officer. These meetings often involve verifying information on one’s documents and ensuring that the student is applying for a visa to pursue education.

Wait for the results

After the interview, an applicant may be informed of their visa status immediately, so they just have to wait for the return of their passport with the approved permit. Otherwise, they may have to wait a certain period before they know their results.

What happens if a student visa is rejected?

Just because a student is accepted into a foreign university doesn’t mean that they will automatically be granted a student visa. One may be denied for the following reasons:

• an incomplete visa application
• missing proof of financial ability
• existence of a criminal record, or
• an invalid passport.

If an applicant’s student visa is rejected, they may re-apply. However, some countries require a minimum period after rejection before they can submit another set of requirements. In this case, the student may have to forfeit or defer their spot in a program until they get their visa settled.

If re-applying for a student visa, one should identify the reasons for the initial denial and address them on the next try.

Support student’s study abroad dreams with Global Study Partners

Global Study Partners and its recruitment partners are dedicated to helping students on the right path toward their study abroad dreams. Take advantage of our platform to support young learners, from applying to their dream courses to obtaining their student visas to getting that university degree!

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