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Introduction
New chances for academic advancement, cultural exchange, and starting your career flare up when you study abroad, but you always need to comply with your visa guidelines. A small violation can put your status, opportunities to study, or visa eligibility at risk. In this blog, we outline the main steps international students should take to legally maintain their visas and get the most from their stay abroad.
Why Visa Compliance Matters
According to a report from the International Education Institute in the same year, studying abroad has become very popular, with 5.3 million students now studying in other countries around the world, and visa violations account for one of the top three main reasons for deportation. Rules for students are becoming intense, which means they must focus on being proactive and well-prepared.
Dos for Staying Visa Compliant
1. Stay Enrolled Full-Time – International students usually need to stay enrolled in full-time classes while they study. A visa can be terminated if the required amount of credit is not maintained without prior approval.
2. Track Visa and Document Expiry Dates – Students have to track their records and the dates of their documents, such as their visa, I-20 (USA), and CAS (UK), for expiration. Miscalculating dates or not applying for a renewal or extension may lead to passing the immigration date and cause issues with legal challenges.
3. Report Any Major Changes Promptly – You need to notify immigration authorities of any changes to your address, your academic program, or the university within the required time, usually in 10 days. Reporting late can cause your immigration file to look suspicious.
4. Understand and Follow Work Regulations – Working while studying is allowed for most students, though there are limits to the hours (e.g., 20 hours per week in Canada and Australia). If you work after permitted hours or without being allowed, your visa can be revoked right away, or you may be prevented from getting a new visa in the future.
Don’ts That Can Risk Your Visa Status
1. Don’t Overstay Your Visa Validity – Continuing to live in the country for just one day after your visa expires can influence your desire for a new visa negatively. Check your visa status early and make arrangements for either a visa extension or your departure in plenty of time before your visa ends.
2. Don’t Work Illegally or Off the Books – Receiving wages directly or doing jobs you are not allowed under your visa is illegal in many countries. Many times, these violations escalate, and they may end in the loss of a visa, fines, or being sent home.
3. Don’t Miss Classes or Go Silent – Infrequent check-ins, not attending class, or not being present at your international office might draw attention from compliance officials. Many times, when someone’s academic record is inactive, universities will bring this to the attention of immigration.
4. Don’t Ignore Immigration Policy Updates – Visa regulations are subject to change, often triggered by events happening globally or in the workforce. Not keeping up with updates can accidentally lead you to go against the rules.
How Agile Consultancy Helps You Stay Compliant
Our services at Agile Consultancy cover all the visa guidance that students might require, from preparing for travel to after they arrive at their destination. We take care of staying in touch with our international students to keep them knowledgeable and compliant regarding visa laws.
We define the visa rules for students, help them confirm what is permitted, and guide them through renewals, extensions, and important updates. The team regularly monitors changes in immigration policy across the world to assist with compliance and let students concentrate on their studies.
