The merit of your visa application lies in the veracity of your intent to study abroad, the ability to provide sufficient documents of proof and your confidence in clearing the interview.
Applying for a student visa, officially called the Tier 4 (UK), F1 (USA) and so on, can appear to be a straightforward affair. However, it can sometimes get a little tricky. Here are some of the major reasons why student visas are refused:
- Incorrectly filled out form
The Visa application form is the main document and it is important that all information be entered correctly.
Quite a few applications are refused when the applicants entered information incorrectly; this can range from Passport numbers, Date of birth or even recording CAS information on the form.
- Insufficient research
It is surprising how often the students have limited information about their courses, structures or even University campus locations — vague answers to these questions at the time of credibility interviews are also a cause for refusal.
- Missing documents
Compiling all the documents is necessary and absolutely crucial part of your application process. Failure to submit a particular supporting document could lead to delays or even outright rejections, requiring you to start from square one.
Make sure all your supporting documents are translated into English and arranged in a systematic way before you submit them.
- Documents not as per the standards
Applicants often (mistakenly) do not place enough importance on the format of the documents. For instance, any document in a regional language is required to be translated to English and the translation must contain a date, signature, name and contact details of the translator.
If the translation date is missing, it might seem like a trivial thing, but the whole document might be considered void. Some countries require some original documents to be submitted with the application, which students refuse to do out of fear. Be rest assured these will be returned to you with your passport.
- Presenting financial information
Firstly, you have to be able to pay all the fees involved in the visa application process as well as to support yourself in the country. Once you have the finances to meet all these requirements, it is of imperative that you be able to provide evidence of these funds.
You’ll need to provide documents proving that the required funds have been present in you or your guardian’s accounts. You must prove you have enough funds to pay for one year of tuition fees, or the tuition fee of the entire course if it lasts less than one year.
- Appearing for credibility interview
The student interview could be one of the most important aspect of the student visa process as it is the only way for the entry clearance officer to judge the not so objective qualities of an applicant, like the candidate’s desire or determination.
The interview is where an immigration officer decides if the applicant does indeed intend to come to their country to study and not for any other purpose. Applicants are asked to answer a number of questions about their choice of university and programme, the course content and the future plans after graduation.
They might also be asked about how they finance the studies. The immigration officer also evaluates if applicant’s English skills are sufficient to study in the desired country.
- Taking advice from non-qualified experts
Taking advise from non-qualified consultants or relying on information from family and friends can lead to mistakes.
Each application is unique in its way and what worked for one person may not always work for others. Many Visa refusal cases happen because the adviser is not qualified or experienced enough.