If you’re a Singaporean aspiring to study in Canada, you might be wondering whether you need a Canadian visa or if there’s an alternative pathway. The good news is that Singaporeans do not require a traditional Canadian visa to pursue their studies in Canada. However, study permits will be required for some individuals. Here’s a breakdown of the study permit requirements and the benefits they entail:
Study without a permit for up to six months: If your study programme lasts for less than six months, you can pursue your studies in Canada without a study permit, provided you hold valid visitor status. This requires either a visitor visa (temporary resident visa) or an electronic travel authorisation (eTA). And if your academic pursuit takes you to Quebec and your duration of study is under six months, you needn’t apply for a Quebec Acceptance Certificate (CAQ).
Study longer than six months: If your study programme surpasses six months, securing a study permit becomes mandatory. It’s important to note that a study permit isn’t a visa; upon approval, you’ll also receive a visitor visa (temporary resident visa) or an eTA based on your passport or travel document. Also, studying in Quebec mandates obtaining a CAQ.
Extending your study permit or changing status: When your study permit nears expiration, you have the option to:
Extend your study permit: If you wish to continue your studies, you can extend your study permit. Apply at least 30 days before the permit expires or even sooner if your plans are set.
Post-graduation work permit (PGWP): After completing your study programme, you may be eligible to apply for a PGWP, allowing you to gain valuable work experience in Canada.
Change to visitor status: If you’re not pursuing further studies or applying for a PGWP, you can apply to change your status to visitor.
The visa you need will depend on the type of study you want to do, and how long you want to stay in Australia. You can find out more about each type of visa on the Australian Government’s Department of Immigration and Border Protection (DIBP) website.
You will need to create an account using DIBP’s online application system – ImmiAccount – to complete and submit your student visa application. You can also track the status of your visa through ImmiAccount once you have submitted it.
The information you need for your visa application will depend on your nationality and which course you’re studying. You will generally need:
Proof of enrolment (your Electronic Confirmation of Enrolment)
Your health insurance (Overseas Student Health Cover) policy details
Your Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) statement
Evidence of your English skills
A valid passport
Your visa application fee
If you are under 18 years of age, you will also need to provide additional documents such as parental consent.
You can get a full list of what’s needed for your visa application from your IDP adviser or by using the Document checklist tool on the DIBP website
You should submit your application no later than six weeks before your course starts, and no earlier than 12 weeks.
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Singaporeans can visit the UK without a visa. Passport must be valid for the duration of your stay (We recommend that travellers should have at least six months passport validity). If you’re planning to visit the UK for more than six months, or for any purpose other than tourism, please refer to the UK Visas and Immigration website at https://www.gov.uk/browse/visas-immigration to ensure you apply for the appropriate visa.
As visa requirements often change at short notice, we advise you to contact your travel agency, or the British High Commission in Singapore for up-to-date information.
The UK is not part of the Schengen area, and a passport is required to travel between the UK and other European countries, including Ireland.
From 20 May 19, Singaporeans are eligible to use eGates at 15 air and rail ports in the UK for quicker automated immigration clearance into the UK. However, not everyone should use the eGates. In this regard, please check the UK Visas and Immigration website at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/coming-to-the-uk/faster-travel-through-the-uk-border.
UK airports administer extensive security screening for passengers. If you are flying to the UK, allow extra time for extended screenings and luggage checks at your airport of departure. Check the UK Visas and Immigration website at https://www.gov.uk/browse/visas-immigration/arriving-in-the-uk for further information on these measures and on current hand luggage restrictions at UK airports.
You must declare to Customs:
If you’re planning to stay in the US for more than 90 days or if your visit involves work, study, or other activities that require a different visa, you’ll need to apply for the appropriate US visa.
The visa you need will depend on the type of study you want to do in the United States.
The U.S. Government offers three different student visa types:
F Student Visa: used to study at an accredited U.S. college or university or to study English at an English language institut
J Exchange Visa: for participation in an exchange program, including high school and university study
M Student Visa: for non-academic or vocational study or training in the U.S.
You must first apply and be accepted by a U.S. institution that is certified by the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP). Once accepted, you will receive a Form I-20 from the institution’s international student office, which is a paper record of your information in the database called the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS).
A valid passport that is valid for at least six months beyond your period of stay in the U.S. (unless exempt by country specific agreements)
Acceptance at a SEVP approved school and your Form I-20
Application fee payment for the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System
Non-immigrant visa application and the Form DS-160 confirmation page
One or two photographs in the requested format
Academic preparation documents such as transcripts, diplomas, degrees or certificates
Evidence that you have sufficient funds to maintain your living expenses throughout the period of your stay in the U.S. This may include:
Bank statements
Financial undertaking by a sponsor to cover your accommodation and living costs
A scholarship program
Evidence that you will leave the U.S. once you have completed your course of study. This can be in the form of an air ticket out of the U.S. to your home country
You may also have to appear for a personal interview at the U.S. embassy or consulate. You can find out more about each type of visa on the U.S. Government’s Department of State website.
Not enter the U.S. more than 30 days before your study program begins
Contact your designated school official when you first enter the U.S.
Contact your designated school official again, no later than the program start date listed on your Form I-20
Making sure your visa remains valid
Fulfilling the purpose for why the Department of State issued the visa
Following the regulations associated with that purpose
You must attend and pass all of your classes. If you are finding your studies too difficult, you should speak with your designated school official (DSO) immediately
If you think you will be unable to complete your program by the end date listed on your Form I-20, you must talk to your DSO about requesting a possible program extension
You must take a full course of study each term. If you cannot study full-time, contact your DSO immediately
You cannot drop below a full course of study without consulting with your DSO
For students enrolling in full-time courses in New Zealand, the Fee Paying Student Visa is the most common choice. Applicants must have an offer from a recognised institution, proof of paid tuition, and evidence of sufficient funds for living expenses. Typically valid for the length of your course or up to four years. Extensions can be applied for if you’re progressing to a higher level of study.
This visa allows students to undertake up to three consecutive courses in New Zealand on a single visa. An offer from a Pathway Education Provider is required. The student must also have necessary funds for tuition for each course. Only specific institutions offer this type of visa programme. The courses should be one after another with minimal gaps between them.
Tailored for students participating in approved student exchange schemes. An offer through a recognised student exchange programme is essential. Students don’t need to show proof of funds. Partnered schools or universities should be part of approved exchange schemes. The visa duration aligns with the exchange programme, typically for a year.
For students who are being sponsored by their home government. A confirmed scholarship or financial undertaking from a foreign government is needed. Specific programmes sponsored by foreign governments qualify. The duration generally depends on the length of the supported programme.
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