Visa 

A visa is a grant of permission to enter a counter it is mandatory for students entering the United States (US) or the United Kingdom(UK) to obtain appropriate non-immigration visas. Visas are issued by the consulates of these countries and stamped on one's passport. Passports are issued by the Ministry of External Affairs through the Regional Passport Offices. An important point is that a visa is not a guarantee of entry into the US or  the UK.The permission to enter and duration of stay is indicated by the immigration official at the point of entry into the US or UK.

     Student Visa to UK

For a student entry clearance, one should submit form IM2A which can be obtained from the British High Commission. The application form is to be submitted along with:

1.Passport
2.Two recent passport-sized photographs
3.The entry clearance fee which is non-refundable
4.Any relevant diplomas or educational certificates
5.A letter from the University confirming one's acceptance for a course in the UK and a statement
of charges for the course
6.Evidence of financial support for both tuition and living expenses), including proof of 
scholarships or financial aid received, if any.

Basic Rules:
You must be able to support and accommodate yourself and any dependents, and pay for your studies without working in the UK and without recourse to public funds. Your course of study should be full-time, i.e you will devote at least 15 hours per week to organized study. you must intend to leave the UK when your studies are completed. 

Student Visa to USA

There are three types of student visas for entry into the US:


F1 Visa:
The F1 visa is for full-time students enrolled in an academic programme in a college or university. As an F1 student you maintain a full time course of study and complete your study by the expiration date listed on the I-20 form.

J-1 Exchange Visitor visa: 
The J-1 visa is issued to students who require practical training that is not available in the home country in order to complete their academic programme.

M-1 Vocational Student visa:
The M-1 visa is issued for those students attending non-academic or vocational colleges and is valid for a maximum period of one year. An M-1 visa cannot be converted to a F-1 visa

Requirements for obtaining a student visa:
The following documents are required in order for you to apply for a student visa at the US consulate.
a valid passport.
Two recent passport-sized photographs. 
A US visa application form(OF-156)
Form I-20(in case of F-1 students) or form IAP-66(in case of J-1 students) of Form I-20M(in case of M-1 students). These forms are issued by a certificate of Eligibility for Non-immigration student status.
The required visa application fee 
Evidence of proficiency in English language- the TOEFL.
Evidence of sufficient financial resources to cover both your tuition fees and living expenses for your educational programme.

Permission to work:
On an F-1 student visa you are not permitted to accept any off-campus employment by applying for social security number and by completing a Form I_9(Employment Eligibility).
After the first year of study, an F-1 student visa holder can apply to the immigration and 
Naturalization Services(INS) for off-campus employment by submitting form I-538(Certificate by designated college offical),and Form I-765(Application for Temporary Employment Authorization).
This authorization will  be valid for a period of one year.M-1 students may not accept any form of employment except an internship fro practical training purposes.

Visas for spouse/dependents:
Spouses and dependents of students may apply for an F-2,or M-2 visa. They are not allowed to accept any form of employment. They may study on a full-time or part time basis but not allowed to receive financial aid.

College Transfers:
College transfers are permitted during one's course of study. This can be done by obtaining a fresh Form I-20 from the new college. Permission from the INS is not required.