Preparing Your Student Visa Documents

Always start with the official source

Student visa requirements are set by each country’s government and change regularly. Use this guide to organise your preparation, and confirm the current list of documents on the official website for your destination before you apply.

Documents most applications need

• A valid passport
• Proof of admission — for example a CAS (UK), Form I-20 (USA), letter of acceptance (Canada) or CoE (Australia)
• Proof of funds for tuition and living costs, in the form the country accepts
• Academic documents and English test results, if required
• Health insurance or health surcharge payment, depending on the country
• Passport-size photographs and biometrics as instructed

Financial documents

Most countries specify how funds must be shown — for example how long money must have been held, which accounts are acceptable, and whether education loan sanction letters can be used. Read these rules carefully; this is a common reason for delays.

Keep everything consistent

Names, dates of birth, course details and amounts should match across your offer, financial documents and visa form. If something has changed — such as a name spelling — address it before applying.

Interviews

Some routes, such as the US F-1 visa, include an interview. Be ready to explain your course choice, how you will fund your studies and your plans after graduation, honestly and clearly.