Indian students planning to move to English-speaking countries may have to do a rethink, with the UK, Canada revising rules to seek admissions to universities.
The Canadian government in December 2023 issued revised requirements that said are “to better protect international students”. The most important was to upwardly revise the Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC) amount from 10,000 Canadian dollars, which amounts to Rs 6.15 lakh, to over double at 20,635 Canadian dollars, close to Rs 12.7 lakh. Germany and Australia too have gradually increased the GIC amount by 10% annually.
As on May 2023, a minimum deposit of €11,208 is required when applying for a German study visa, according to the German Federal Foreign Office.
Let’s look at the visa changes in other countries:
US
According to the US embassy in India, F, M, and J visa applicants must use their correct passport information for profile creation and visa scheduling, failing to do so will lead to appointment cancellation at visa centres.
Canada
Designated learning institutes (DLI) must directly verify every applicant’s letter of acceptance with IRCC to combat acceptance fraud. This process aims to protect students, and ensure only those with genuine letters get study permits. Canada will also look into post-graduation work permit criteria. Moreover, the minimum cost of living requirements for students will increase from 10,000 to 20,635 Canadian dollars, starting January 1, 2024.
UK
The UK Visas and Immigration department has introduced the foremost change involving modifications in fees. The UK visa fees have surged from £363 to £490, an increase of 35%. There have also been revisions in Immigration Health Surcharge from £264 to £1,035. The UK has also announced that international students from 2024 will be restricted from bringing in dependant family with them as they pursue their studies. The US sees over 7.50 lakh annual student arrivals.
Australia
Australia has raised score for a Test Graduate visa from IELTS 6.0 to 6.5, and for a student visa, from 5.5 to 6.0. International students should have saving of $24,505 to show as evidence to be eligible for a visa. According to the government, a two-year extension of post-study work rights is available for international graduates with select degrees that are in areas of verified skill shortage.
France
The country has extended its post-study work visas for five years for master’s degree graduates. Also, those who spent a semester studying in France for master’s can now avail a five-year short-stay Schengen visa to explore job opportunities.
Ireland
It allows international graduates with bachelor’s or master’s degree to stay for two years on a post-study work visa. PhD students can stay in the country for up to three years.
Italy
A student can stay in Italy even after completing his graduation for 12 months. Around 5,897 Indian students were in Italy in 2022 on study visas. The country also provides enhanced post-study internships, extracurricular internships, training to improve students’ experience.
New Zealand
The country has allowed IELTS One Skill Retake option, providing flexibility to students to retake test for any of the four skills if needed.
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