5 countries offering student visas for Indians right now

As India faces travel restrictions from major economies, which countries still offer student visas for Indians? Australia, China, and Japan may have temporarily closed student visa applications for students from this country due to its COVID-19 outbreak, but other countries still have their doors open. Students will soon be able to make their appointment for the Canadian student visa, too. Check out five countries offering student visas for Indians, along with where you can apply according to VFS Global.

Appointments will be available for all Canada student visa customers. To access the webform, visit: https://t.co/A41Q1xvCYx
Due to the high volume of pending applications, we may take up to 2-4 working days to confirm your appointment. Thank you for your patience & understanding. pic.twitter.com/SQjZnNJOg1

— VFS Global (@VFSGlobal) June 16, 2021

Germany

The European hub of automotive and engineering studies offers student visas for Indians and other nationalities, particularly the D visa. This visa type is for students with a full scholarship to attend a German university, as well as master and doctorate students who have been accepted into a German institution. After securing an appointment with VFS, you may apply for the long-term D visa at Bangalore and Cochin visa centres.

Italy

Students are welcome to apply to study in Italy, which is also issuing visas for seamen and businessmen. Student visas for your Italian study abroad adventure are issued by Italian Embassies and consular posts in your country of origin or permanent residence. Indian students may therefore apply from Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Hyderabad, Kochi, and Bengaluru.

Portugal

In Portugal, the Embassy-issued student visa is temporary; it is only valid for three months, inwhich time you must travel to Portugal. You must then obtain a residence permit, which you should apply for a month ahead. Residence permits must be renewed yearly. Student visas for Indians may be verified at Mumbai, Chennai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, New Delhi, and Kolkata visa centres.

A passenger stands by a window to observe the landscape from the Presidential Train during its trip to Douro, north of Portugal. Source: Patricia De Melo Moreira/AFP

Latvia

Starting from August 2019, all student applicants from India must verify their documents with Hello Verify India before submitting their application to VFS Global Latvia. Like Portugal, a student visa for Latvia is only valid for three months. Upon entering the country, you must apply for a residence permit at the Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs of Latvia (OCMA). Student visas for Indians can be obtained from Delhi, Mumbai, Kochi, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and Chennai.

USA

Looking beyond Europe? Then you will be pleased to hear that the US is now welcoming students to its universities. The US Embassy in India has been processing student visas for Indians since June 14, though students should expect possible delays due to months of backlog. The embassy will therefore not be able to expedite requests for fall 2021; appointments are still on a first-come, first-serve basis. You may apply in Chandigarh, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, Pune, and New Delhi, but note that Hyderabad only accepts emergency cases.