In recent times, students intending to study in countries like the US, UK, Canada, Australia, and China are encountering delays in obtaining visas, causing distress due to new regulations. For instance, appointments for US visas are taking three to four months to secure. Similarly, changes in the UK visa policy are causing difficulties for students. Meanwhile, Canada has tightened its visa policy due to political relations, resulting in increased visa rejection rates.
Visa Roadblocks: Students Grapple with Delays and Rejections Amidst New Regulations
It has been reported that the visa rejection rate in Canada has increased by up to 20%. Additionally, the required security deposit for admission to universities, which was ₹6 lakhs, has now been increased to ₹12 lakhs.
Moreover, students are facing significant challenges due to regulations imposed by the National Medical Council of India. The revised rules have led to a significant decrease, up to 55 to 60 percent, in the number of medical students going abroad over the past three years.
Students Confront Challenges in Obtaining Foreign Student Visas
Obtaining slots for student visas is also proving to be difficult in major countries. In the US, it takes three to four months to secure a slot, with the embassy indicating that appointments may open in June or July. China is also tightening visa regulations, while the conflict in Ukraine has halted students’ travel there.
According to information, the UK has made it mandatory for work visa applicants to have a package of at least ₹38 lakhs from January 2024. This means that only those with a minimum package of ₹38 lakhs can now go to the UK, whereas previously it was ₹26 lakhs.
These challenges highlight the complexities faced by students in obtaining visas for studying abroad, necessitating a reassessment of visa policies and procedures to ensure smoother processes for aspiring students.