The BEST Study Abroad Visa Phrases to Know
If you’re planning to study in the U.S. or another country, you’ll quickly notice one thing: the visa process comes with a lot of unfamiliar terms. From “sponsor” to “biometrics,” understanding these key phrases ahead of time can help you feel more confident and avoid visa delays or mistakes.
In this post, I’ll break down some of the most essential student visa terms that you will likely encounter as you move forward in the application process.
1. Sponsor
Your sponsor is the individual, institution, or organization that financially supports your education abroad. This might be a parent, a relative, a government agency, or a scholarship provider.
You’ll often need to submit proof of sponsorship, not limited to, but likely bank statements and/or an award letter if you are receiving a scholarship. When applying to a school or for your visa.
Note: The U.S. does not require a “sponsor letter” like some other countries, but financial documentation is still crucial for your I-20 and visa approval.
2. Admissions Approval Forms
Before you can even start your visa application, you need an admissions approval document from your school. In the U.S., this is the Form I-20, issued by a SEVP-certified school.
Without this form, for example, you cannot apply for a student visa. Other countries may issue different forms or letters, so always check your school’s international student portal.
3. Immigration System
Every country uses a central immigration system to manage student data these include SEVIS (USA), IRCC (Australia), CAS (UK) just for example. You can think of them as the holding place for all your overall records that you have all your visa documents live in with the government entity where you are planning to study.
4. Visa
Your visa is the sticker or stamp placed in your passport that allows you to enter a country for study. It is important to know that your visa is not the same as your status. You can be “in status” while studying, even if your visa has expired. This something to consider given that many countries have buttoned down on visa violations.
5. Biometrics
Many visa applications include a biometric appointment, where you provide your fingerprints and a photograph. This step helps verify your identity for background checks and entry approval.
Interested in MORE Study Abroad Visa Terms? Watch The Video Below:
Have you heard any of these terms before? Did any of them surprise you? LEAVE A COMMENT BELOW!
Until the next one,
-K
Known as The Study Abroad Specialist, I am a serial-study abroader turned International Education coach and expert. Since 2014, I have been helping students navigate their semester away journey from the coastal areas of Spain to China and every place in between through (mostly free) online content and low-cost advising.
I hold two Master's degrees from two well-respected London-based universities and have experience working in the US, UK & and Italy.
In my spare time (what's that again?), I enjoy leisure travel city breaks, any snow-based activity, skeet shooting (not that greatly though!), and attempting to learn new languages.
kimber
Known as The Study Abroad Specialist, I am a serial-study abroader turned International Education coach and expert. Since 2014, I have been helping students navigate their semester away journey from the coastal areas of Spain to China and every place in between through (mostly free) online content and low-cost advising. I hold two Master's degrees from two well-respected London-based universities and have experience working in the US, UK & and Italy. In my spare time (what's that again?), I enjoy leisure travel city breaks, any snow-based activity, skeet shooting (not that greatly though!), and attempting to learn new languages.
