Visa Information Guide | Detailed Explanation of Required Visas and Application Methods by Type of Study Abroad
Published: 2024-08-31 | Updated: 2024-08-31
Whether it’s a short-term study abroad, long-term study abroad, or a working holiday, the necessity and type of visa required differ depending on the type of study abroad and the destination country. This article provides a detailed explanation of the basics of visas, application methods, and the visas required for major study abroad destinations.
CONTENTS
- Basic Visa Information: Types and Application Methods
- Visas Required for Studying in the USA
- Visas Required for Studying in Canada
- Visas Required for Studying in the UK
- Visas Required for Studying in Australia
- Visas Required for Studying in New Zealand
- Visas Required for Studying in Ireland
- Visas Required for Studying in Malta
- Visa Application Process and Required Documents
- Frequently Asked Questions about Visas
- Conclusion: Prepare for Visa Applications Well in Advance
Basic Visa Information: Types and Application Methods
A visa is an official document issued by a country that grants a traveler permission to enter, stay, or leave the country. It acts as a permit for entry, and must be applied for before departure. Once approved, the visa is issued for the respective country.
The type of visa required varies depending on the destination country, purpose, and duration of the stay. For short stays with tourism purposes, some countries may not require a visa.
Visas include tourist visas, student visas, work visas, and more. Here, we’ll introduce visas related to study abroad.
Tourist Visa
For Japanese citizens, a Japanese passport is highly trusted globally, allowing visa-free entry to over 190 countries, including the USA and the UK, for short stays. However, some countries require registration with an "Electronic Travel Authorization System" even if a visa is not needed. Without prior registration, entry may be denied, so be sure to apply.
Student Visa
Required when attending a school abroad for a long period (about 3 to 6 months or more). The name varies by country; in the USA, it is called the "F-1 Visa." Some countries have more specific classifications based on the purpose of the study. For example, in the UK, a "Student Visa" is needed for university or vocational school, and a "Short-term Study Visa" for language courses lasting 6 to 11 months.
Working Holiday Visa
Issued by countries that have a working holiday agreement with Japan, this visa allows a high degree of freedom, enabling travel, study, and work in the host country. It can generally only be used once in a lifetime, and applicants are usually between 18 and 30 years old.
Visas Required for Studying in the USA
| Study Period | Required Visa | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Within 90 days, less than 18 hours/week of classes | Not required | Online registration with ESTA required in advance |
| More than 18 hours/week of classes or 12+ credits/semester | Student Visa | Pre-application and embassy interview required |
Within 90 Days, Less Than 18 Hours/Week of Classes
For study abroad that lasts less than 90 days and involves less than 18 hours of classes per week, a student visa is not required. However, an online application for ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) is necessary (recommended at least 72 hours before departure).
More Than 18 Hours/Week of Classes or 12+ Credits/Semester
For full-time study at a language school, university, or vocational school (more than 18 hours per week or 12+ credits per semester), a student visa (e.g., F-1, M-1, J-1) is required, regardless of the length of stay. The application fee varies by visa type.
Special Measures Until December 31, 2023
Currently, if applying for or renewing a student visa for the first time, you may apply by mail without an interview if you meet the following conditions:
- Japanese nationality
- Residing in Japan
- Applying for a student visa (F-1, M-1, J-1)
- No criminal record
- Previous use of ESTA for entry to the US
- Previously issued any US visa after age 14
Refer to the US Embassy & Consulate in Japan website for details on mail-in applications.
Working Holiday Visa
There is no Working Holiday Visa available between the US and Japan.
Visas Required for Studying in Canada
| Study Period | Required Visa | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Less than 6 months | Not required | Online registration with eTA required in advance |
| More than 6 months | Study Permit | Pre-application required |
| Working Holiday | Working Holiday Visa | Pre-application required (limited spots) |
Short-term Study (Less Than 6 Months)
A student visa is not required. However, online registration with eTA (Electronic Travel Authorization) is necessary.
Long-term Study (More Than 6 Months)
For study periods longer than 6 months, a Study Permit is required. Applications are generally submitted online, but if you haven’t registered your biometrics (fingerprints), you will need to visit a Canadian visa application center for a photo and biometric registration.
Working Holiday Visa
The Working Holiday Visa is issued to about 6,500 people annually, and selection is by lottery. Applications for the 2023 Working Holiday Visa began on January 9th. Refer to the International Experience Canada website for details.
Visas Required for Studying in the UK
| Study Period | Required Visa | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Short-term Study (Less Than 6 Months) | Not required | Documents to be presented at entry |
| Long-term Study (More Than 6 Months) | Short-term Student Visa, Student Visa | Pre-application required |
| Working Holiday | Youth Mobility Scheme Visa (YMS) | Only available twice a year |
Short-term Study (Less Than 6 Months)
No visa is required for short-term study under 6 months, but you must present the necessary documents at entry to have your passport stamped.
Long-term Study (More Than 6 Months)
Short-term Student Visa: Required for language courses of 6 to 11 months.
Student Visa: Required for long-term study at a language school for 11+ months or university-level study for 6+ months.
VFS Global Centre, responsible for UK visa applications in Japan, has resumed operations but only for those with prior appointments. Check the visa center's website or contact Study Abroad Journal for details.
Working Holiday
For a working holiday, a Youth Mobility Scheme (YMS) visa is required. Applications are only accepted twice a year. Refer to the UK Embassy website for details on the 2023 Youth Mobility Scheme (Japan Nationals) – First Lottery.
Visas Required for Studying in Australia
| Study Period | Required Visa | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Less than 3 months | Not required | Pre-registration with ETA required |
| More than 3 months | Student Visa | Pre-application required |
| Working Holiday | Working Holiday Visa | Pre-application required |
Short-term Study (Less Than 3 Months)
No student visa is required, but pre-registration with ETA (Electronic Travel Authority) is necessary.
Long-term Study (More Than 3 Months)
A student visa is required for study periods longer than 3 months at an Australian educational institution.
Working Holiday
Working Holiday Visas are issued year-round. They are generally valid for one year, but you can extend your stay up to 3 years using the Second and Third Working Holiday Visa programs. The restriction on working for the same employer for more than 6 months has been temporarily lifted until the end of June 2023.
Refer to the Australian Government website for details on the Working Holiday Visa.
Visas Required for Studying in New Zealand
| Study Period | Required Visa | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Less than 3 months | Not required | Pre-registration with NZeTA required |
| More than 3 months | Student Visa | Pre-application required |
| Working Holiday | Working Holiday Visa | Pre-application required |
Short-term Study (Less Than 3 Months)
No visa is required for short-term study of less than 3 months, but pre-registration with NZeTA (New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority) is necessary.
Long-term Study (More Than 3 Months)
A student visa is required for study periods longer than 3 months.
Working Holiday
Working Holiday Visas are issued year-round. The standard stay is one year, but you can extend it by 3 months if you work in specific jobs like fruit picking for more than 3 months.
Refer to the complete guide on the New Zealand Working Holiday.
Visas Required for Studying in Ireland
| Study Period | Required Visa | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Less than 90 days | Not required | Passport stamp required at entry |
| More than 3 months | Student Visa | On-site application required |
| Working Holiday | Working Holiday Visa | Applications only accepted twice a year |
Short-term Study (Less Than 3 Months)
No visa is required for stays of up to 3 months.
Long-term Study (More Than 3 Months)
For studies longer than 3 months, you must apply for a student visa locally, initially online, and then visit the local police for issuance.
Working Holiday
Applications are accepted twice a year and are selected by lottery. The second round of applications for 2023 will be open from July 20th to August 10th, for those planning to travel between October 1, 2023, and March 20, 2024.
Refer to the Irish Embassy website for details on the Working Holiday Program.
Visas Required for Studying in Malta
| Study Period | Required Visa | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Less than 90 days | Not required | Pre-registration with ESTA required |
| More than 90 days | Student Visa | On-site application required |
Short-term Study (Less Than 90 Days)
No visa is required for stays of up to 90 days, but online registration with ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) is necessary.
Long-term Study (More Than 90 Days)
For study periods longer than 90 days, you must apply for a residence permit on-site.
Visa Application Process and Required Documents
Visa Application Process Overview
The visa application process generally follows these steps:
STEP 1: Prepare Required Documents
First, check the appropriate visa and required documents for your study abroad purpose on the respective country's embassy website. The following documents are typically needed for student visa applications:
- Proof of Enrollment: Submit an application to the educational institution abroad.
- Bank Balance Certificate (in English): The required amount varies by destination.
- Visa Application Form (in English): Downloadable from the immigration office or embassy website of each country.
- Overseas Study Insurance Certificate: Not always required, but advisable.
- Medical Certificate: Requirements vary by country.
STEP 2: Schedule an Appointment at the Embassy or Visa Application Center and Apply
Once your documents are ready, make an appointment to visit the embassy or visa application center. The embassy may conduct an interview, take photos, and register your biometrics (fingerprint authentication), depending on the country.
STEP 3: Receive Your Visa
If your application is approved, you can receive your visa in about a month. Methods of receipt include direct collection at the embassy, postal delivery, or online download.
The visa application process and required documents vary by destination and visa type, so check the details on the respective country's embassy website. Since visa issuance may take time, early preparation and application are crucial.
Frequently Asked Questions about Visas
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a student visa always required for studying abroad?
It depends on the country and duration of your study abroad.
In some countries, a student visa is not required for short-term study of 1 to 3 months. However, even if a student visa is not necessary, registration with an electronic travel authorization system may be mandatory, so be sure to check the specific requirements for your destination.
Can I work with a student visa?
In some cases, yes, if you meet certain conditions.
While most countries do not allow work on a student visa, the following major study abroad destinations do permit work under specific conditions:
- USA: If you hold an F-1 visa and meet certain conditions, you can work on campus. Additionally, the OPT (Optional Practical Training) program allows you to work off-campus for up to one year after graduation.
- Canada: Students enrolled full-time at a Canadian university, vocational school, or college can work part-time (up to 20 hours per week). *Work restrictions have been temporarily lifted until December 31, 2023.*
- Australia: From the start of your studies, you can work up to 48 hours every 2 weeks (with increased limits reintroduced from July 2023).
- New Zealand: If you are studying English full-time for at least 14 weeks at a government-approved school, you can work part-time (up to 20 hours per week, and full-time during holidays).
- Ireland: If you are enrolled in a government-recognized language school for at least 25 weeks, you can work part-time (up to 20 hours per week, and up to 40 hours per week during holidays).
Refer to the respective immigration websites for detailed guidelines:
When should I apply for a visa?
It's best to apply at least 2 months before your study abroad date.
Visa issuance typically takes 1 to 4 weeks. However, during peak periods, processing times may be longer, and scheduling an interview may be difficult. To avoid any delays, it's advisable to apply as early as possible.
What if I can't handle all the necessary documents by myself?
Consider using a study abroad agency that offers visa application assistance.
Applying for a student visa can be complex, with varying requirements depending on the country. If you're unsure about handling the process on your own or are short on time, many study abroad agencies offer visa application services to assist with the paperwork and submission.