How to Apply for Student Visa – What You Should Know

Generally, a citizen of Nigeria who wishes to study abroad must first obtain a student visa, either a non-immigrant visa for temporary stay, or an immigrant visa for permanent residence. You must have a student visa to study anywhere abroad.

Do you have the dream of  studying abroad or already got admission in an international university, you can easily follow the instructions below to obtain Student Visa for the achievement of your academic dreams. This includes students traveling to Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, students traveling for language training purposes, students wishing to study in Turkey and other countries

Requirements for Student Visa Application

1. At least 6 months valid passport, with enough blank pages for visa sticker (to be seen and returned to the applicant until the approval of application),

2. Copies of the relevant pages of the passport (data and extension pages),

3. Duly filled visa application form,

4. One (1) passport-size photograph,

5. Admission and Acceptance Letter by the University,

6. Payment receipt of school fees,

7. Confirmation letter from the school acknowledging receipt of payment,

8. If the travel purpose is language training, the certification of language course issued by the Turkish Ministry of Education,

9. Proof of basic education, copies of graduation diploma and certificates (W.A.S.C., S.S.C.E., Statement of Result, etc.) duly signed and approved by the Federal Ministry of Education and the Ministy of Foreign Affairs thereafter,

10. Proof of BA education, copy of university graduation diploma duly signed and approved by the Federal Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs thereafter.(For master students),

11. Guarantee letter signed by the sponsor and the student, stating that the sponsor will cover all the expenses of the student, and that the student will never apply to any person or institution (including university) for financial support or scholarship, certified by a notary public,

12. A copy of “Certificate of Company Incorporation” of the sponsor,

13. A copy of certificate of income tax clearance of the sponsor,

14. Original “personal” bank statement for the last three months of the sponsor together with original approval/reference letter from the bank branch manager

15. “Vaccination Card” for yellow fever and typhoid diseases.

NOTE: Students who will study in countries other than Turkey are granted with one-month valid transit visas.

Requirements for Seamen Student Visa Applications

1. Duly filled “seamen visa application form” (to be filled by the inviting agent in Turkey)

2. A guarantee letter signed by the Turkish agent and certified by the public notary. The letter must guarantee that seamen will pass through Turkey and that the Turkish agent will take responsibility for their passage.

3. Passports and copies of the relevant pages of the passports.

4. Seaman book of the applicants and copies of the book.

5. “Vaccination Card” for yellow fever and typhoid diseases.

Requirements for Obtaining US Student Visa

MANY Nigerians desiring to school in the United States of America most times, give up their dreams after failing to go through the stipulated process due to lack of adequate information.

Some others, as we noted in the previous edition, were denied visa for the above reason in addition to not supplying the required documents.

Prior to picking up of US students visa application form, with the intention of pursuing a degree program, complete a technical degree or participate in an exchange program, there are basics you should know to avoid complications leading to visa denials.

US student visas are non-immigrant visas under the US law and so, to qualify for this type of visa, applicants must clearly convince the US embassy that they have the intension and capability to pursue a full time course without financial constraints and be ready to come back to Nigeria, on completion of their studies. Your readiness to leave America after studies is best demonstrated by proving that you have a stable family, strong business and a well paid job.

There are two types of US student visa programs namely the F-1 visa and the M-1 visa. If you wish to attend universities, colleges, seminaries, conservatories and high schools, then you must pick up the F-1 visa while intending students for vocational studies like mechanics, fashion design etc should get the M-1 visa.

It is improper to get any of these forms before admission into any of the available institutions so, the first thing you need do is to locate a United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). This service enables you gather information on your choice school.

In as much as many American Universities, colleges and other academic institutions know much about the F-1 visa process, it is still very important to inquire first if the institution you intend to study in is approved by the government and currently accepting international students, so as not to waste time and money pursuing a school that is not approved.

Once you meet the admissions requirement of an approved program, the institution will issue you a certificate of eligibility, this you will present to the US embassy to obtain either the F-1 or M-1 student visa.