Visa Process & Procedures Explained
Visa processing isn’t as complicated neither does it take as long as feared and the myth about securing a visa is unfounded. Whether you are planning to visit or study in the UK (Europe) or United States (America), we will support and guide you through the visa application phase to make sure you exercise due 
diligence in obtaining your visa and make it stress-free by following officially recommended steps and meeting the expected requirements.
Your purpose for travelling will determine what type of visa you will need. There are mainly three types of visas to apply for in this category, visitor visa (B2 Visa in U.S.), short term study (M-1 Visa in U.S.) and student visa (Tier 4 Visa in UK and F-1 Visa in U.S.). Once the student has been issued with CAS letter (Confirmation of Acceptance of Study – UK) or I-20 Form (Certificate of Eligibility for Non-immigrant Student Status – U.S.) from the prospective institution (or sponsoring institution – as in the case with UK) or letter of invitation in the case of a delegate. The next step is to follow the stipulated procedure for each country as this sometimes varies.
THE U.S
- SEVP Approved/Certified School
Before you can apply at a U.S. embassy or consulate for an F or M student visa, you must first apply to and be accepted by a SEVP (Student and Exchange Visitor Program) certified school. Schools and institutions which have received United States government approval to enroll foreign students have the authority to issue these form. The visa cannot be issued without this form. When you are accepted by the U.S. school you plan to attend, you will be enrolled in the student and exchange visitor information system (SEVIS); you must pay the SEVIS I-901 Fee ($180). The U.S. school will provide you with a Form I-20 to present to the consular officer when you attend your visa interview. If your spouse and/or children intend to reside with you in the United States while you study, they must obtain individual Form I-20s, but they do not pay the SEVIS fee.
- Complete the Online Visa Application
Fill the online nonimmigrant visa application (Form DS-160) and bring the confirmation page to bring with you to interview. You will upload your photo while completing the online Form DS-160; your photo must be in the format explained in the photograph requirements. Student visas can be issued up to 120 days in advance of your course of study start date. However, you will not be allowed to enter the United States in earlier than 30 days before your start date.
- Schedule an Interview
You must schedule an appointment for your visa interview, generally, at the U.S. embassy or consulate in the country where you live but be aware that it may be difficult to qualify for a visa outside of your place of permanent residence.
- Prepare for Your Interview (Documentation)
Fee – Pay the non-refundable visa application fee ($160) before your interview.
Passport – Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your period of stay in the United States.
Nonimmigrant Visa Application (Form DS-160) confirmation page
Application Fee Payment Receipt
Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant (Form I-20)
Additional Documentation – Certificates, proof of tuition fee & funds, test of English, proof of local ties, health insurance etc.
Attend Your Visa Interview – During your visa interview, a consular officer will determine whether you are qualified to receive a visa, and if so, which visa category is appropriate based on your purpose of travel. You will need to establish that you meet the requirements under U.S. law to receive the category of visa for which you are applying. Ink-free, digital fingerprint scans will be taken as part of your application process. They are usually taken during your interview, but this varies based on location. After your visa interview, your application may require further administrative processing. You will be informed by the consular officer if further processing is necessary for your application. When the visa is approved, you will be informed how your passport with visa will be returned to you.
THE U.K
Similar to the U.S, the U.K and European process are about the same procedure; the status of the institution, online application, interview, documentation and available funds. Students come under Tier 4 visa category which is a point based system. A student needs to score a minimum of 40 points to obtain visa. 30 points are awarded by getting the confirmation of acceptance for studies (CAS) from the universities/colleges and 10 points for the maintenance of funds.
- Highly Trusted Sponsor
Before you can apply at a U.K embassy or consulate for a Tier 4 (General)student visa, you must first apply to and be accepted by a licensed sponsor. These are schools and institutions which have received UKVI (United Kingdom Visa and Immigration) approval to enroll foreign students and have the authority to issue CAS (Confirmation of Acceptance of Study). The visa cannot be issued without CAS. There are several categories of license the sponsor could have but out of them all it is advisable to apply to and be accepted by a highly trusted sponsor. Your education provider will send you a reference number called a confirmation of acceptance for studies (CAS) once they’ve offered you a place on a course; you’ll need to enter this on your visa application. Having a CAS is not a guarantee that the student will be granted visa but it is easy to conclude that the requirements for visa is no different to that of CAS but payment for tuition fee (part or in full) is required upfront before CAS is assigned; unlike the I-20 Form.
- Complete the Online Visa Application
You can apply from 3 months before the start of your course; you must be over 16 years of age, have been offered an unconditional place on a course and enough money to support yourself and pay for your course. You’ll usually get a decision on your visa within 3 weeks. At the point of online application you’ll have the choice to select an interview and submission date. Visa application fee (£322) is required to be paid online and you’ll need to take a print-out of confirmation page to the embassy on interview day.
- Schedule an Interview
The interview will be at the U.K embassy or consulate in the country where you live, it is probably going to be a video call on skype and should normally last around 30mins. The applicant is expected to meet all requirements and submit all the documents used to obtain CAS.
- Prepare for Your Interview (Documentation)
Confirmation of Visa Application
Passport – Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your period of stay.
Passport Photo – Two passport size photos
Application Fee Payment Receipt
Healthcare Surcharge and Tuberculosis Screening
Test of English (IELTS)
Confirmation of Acceptance of Study (CAS)
Proof of Maintenance Funds (UKVI Compliant Bank Statement)
Additional Documentation – Certificates, proof of accommodation,evidence of income and/or assets andevidence/proof of local ties.
Your documents will usually be sent back within 14 days. Unless canceled or revoked, a visa is valid until its expiration date. Therefore, a valid U.S. visa in an expired passport is still valid. If you have a valid visa in your expired passport, do not remove it from your expired passport. You may use your valid visa in your expired passport along with a new valid passport for travel and admission to the United States. Average cost of study in U.S could cost up to $50,000 and in the region of £25,000 for U.K to cater for at least the initial year of study.
