Breaking Down the New Visa Policies: What International Students Need to Know

In recent years, visa policies for international students have undergone significant changes across key study destinations like the U.S., U.K., Canada, and Australia. Staying informed on these developments is essential, as they impact not just your study plans but also future career opportunities. This blog will guide you through the recent visa policy updates and why destinations such as Dubai, New Zealand, and Germany are growing in popularity for international students.

1. Post-Study Work Opportunities

Post-study work opportunities have become a major consideration for students looking to gain international experience.

United States: The Optional Practical Training (OPT) program offers up to 12 months of work authorization, with an additional 24-month extension for STEM graduates. Though discussions about revising these policies continue, the OPT remains a key incentive for international students.
United Kingdom: The reintroduced Graduate Route allows international students to stay for two years post-study (three years for doctoral graduates), which has made the U.K. an attractive option for those seeking work experience after completing their degree.
Canada: The Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) allows students to work for up to three years. Recent updates now allow part-time students to apply for PGWPs, making the system even more inclusive.
Australia: Australia continues to offer flexible post-study work rights, especially for graduates in high-demand sectors like healthcare and engineering. Depending on the degree level, students can work for up to four years post-graduation.

2. Length of Study and Popular Fields

The duration of study and the availability of programs in specific fields of study influence students’ decisions about where to study.

United States: Bachelor’s programs typically take four years, and master’s degrees usually last one to two years. The U.S. remains a top destination for fields such as technology, business, and engineering, with renowned institutions like MIT and Stanford leading the way.
United Kingdom: The U.K. offers shorter degree programs, with bachelor’s degrees typically completed in three years and master’s programs in just one year. Fields such as law, business, and creative arts are particularly popular.
Canada: Bachelor’s degrees usually take three to four years, while master’s degrees last one to two years. Popular fields in Canada include environmental science, engineering, and IT.
Australia: Australian universities offer three- to four-year bachelor’s degrees and one- to two-year master’s programs. Students often pursue courses in healthcare, engineering, and hospitality management.

3. Visa Processing Times

Visa processing times have become a critical factor for international students, with many countries introducing measures to streamline the process.

United States: Students face challenges in securing visa appointments, often waiting months for an available slot. Furthermore, U.S. visa approval can be uncertain, and physical interviews are required in most cases, adding an additional layer of complexity.
United Kingdom: Most U.K. student visas are processed within three weeks, although delays can still occur during peak application seasons. With Priority and Super Priority the visas can be processed within 7 and 3 working days respectively
Canada: Canada's Student Direct Stream (SDS) has significantly reduced processing times for eligible students, with an average wait of 20 days. Non-SDS applications may take longer, but overall processing times have improved post-pandemic.
Australia: While Australia has made efforts to reduce visa processing times, it is recommended that students apply 3-6 months in advance, especially during peak seasons. As of July 1, 2024, the application fee for an Australian student visa is AUD $1,600, reflecting a more than 125% increase from the previous fee and putting a cap of 2,50,000 Visa approval for international students

4. Financial Requirements and Sponsorships

Countries have revised their financial requirements to ensure international students can meet the cost of living.

United States: Students must provide proof of funds for at least one year of tuition and living expenses
United Kingdom: Starting January 2, 2025, students will need to show proof of living expenses reflecting the increased cost of living in London (£1,483 per month) and outside London (£1,136 per month), up from £1,334 and £1,023, respectively. These new requirements make financial planning even more important for students aiming to study in the U.K.
Canada & Australia: Both Canada and Australia require students to provide evidence of sufficient funds to cover tuition and living expenses. Canada’s SDS program simplifies this process, while Australia has significantly increased its visa application fee, making it vital for students to plan accordingly.

5. Health Insurance and Safety Protocols

Health insurance is mandatory for international students across most major study destinations, with each country having its own requirements.

United States & Canada: Both the U.S. and Canada require students to obtain health insurance. Coverage options vary based on the institution and the province in Canada. The Health insurance is included in the tuition fees for USA Universities
United Kingdom: Students are required to pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) in addition to their visa fees. The IHS is £776 for each year of your course, plus an additional £388 for the extra time granted on your visa before and after your course. For a standard course, this totals £2,716. For master’s students, the cost is typically £1,035 per year.
Australia: Australia’s Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) is mandatory for all international students. The cost is AUD $1,557.15 for two years of coverage and AUD $2,493.00 for three years.

Conclusion: Stay Informed and Explore New Opportunities

As visa policies continue to change, it’s vital for students to stay informed and explore all their options. While traditional destinations like the U.S., U.K., Canada, and Australia remain popular, emerging destinations such as Dubai, New Zealand, and Germany are gaining traction for various reasons:

Dubai: A rising global business hub, Dubai offers world-class educational institutions and partnerships with renowned international universities. Fields like business, finance, and hospitality are particularly attractive, and Dubai’s thriving job market makes it an appealing destination for international students.
New Zealand: Known for its excellent education system and relaxed visa policies, New Zealand has become a top choice for students interested in environmental science, agriculture, and engineering. With affordable tuition fees and post-study work rights, it is an increasingly popular destination.
Germany: Germany offers low or no tuition fees at its public universities, especially in fields like engineering, automotive design, and renewable energy. The EU Blue Card scheme allows graduates to stay and work in Germany for up to 18 months, with the possibility of obtaining permanent residency.

As these emerging studies abroad destinations grow in popularity, students are encouraged to consider their specific needs—whether it’s post-study work opportunities, length of study, or affordability—and make informed decisions about where to pursue their education.