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New Changes in US Student Visa Applications

This year, International Students planning to study in the United States should be aware of a few policy changes. These modifications include the ability to pay higher visa application fees, new consular guidance, and the extension of an in-person interview waiver.

Key Takeaways:

US student visa processing fees could be raised by 53%.

International student visa applications are granted with greater discretion by US Consular Officers.

To improve processing times, in-person interviews for student visa applications have been waived for 2022.

According to the US State Department, there is a proposal to raise application fees for F, M, and J visas—the types of visas required by students to Study in USA. Students must currently pay US$160. If the proposal is approved, the new rate will be $245, a 53 percent increase. The increase is intended to reflect better visa processing.

While international students may have to pay higher visa application fees, a new directive for US Consulates allows these officials to be a little more flexible in accepting or denying student visa applications, ensuring that the new visa conditions do not harm international education in the US.

Previously, Consular Officers made decisions about students based on residency requirements. This assesses how strong an international student's ties to their home country are.

Factors include whether or not they own property, their civil status (married or unmarried), and whether or not they have work or employment opportunities back home.

These, it was claimed, indicated whether they intended to leave the United States immediately after finishing their studies or stay and seek better employment opportunities.

The new policy will evaluate a student's visa application based on current circumstances rather than potential future intentions. This means that higher student visa acceptance rates are possible, which is great news for international education.

Finally, the State Department is expanding the ability of US Consular Officers to waive in-person interviews for student visa applications. F, M, and J visa applicants may not be required to attend an in-person interview until 2022. This is, of course, on a case-by-case basis, depending on the country's circumstances.

The move is intended to shorten visa application processing times, and it will encourage more international education in the United States.

Overall, the most recent US State Department policies are intended to help improve student visa application processing. This essentially means that in the coming years, more international students may be granted visas and permitted to study in the United States.

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The Global Education Sector Raises These Questions as the New Year Comes Around

Many people are optimistic about the coming year of 2022. Many people believe that things will improve. However, the unfortunate reality is that the COVID-19 pandemic is still ongoing.

Important Takeaways:

When the COVID-19 pandemic struck in March 2020, approximately 1.2 billion students were forced to miss class.

Students can now pursue international education without leaving their home country.

Investments in e-learning are expected to reach $350 billion by 2025.

The global increase in COVID-19 cases, exacerbated by the new and more transmissible omicron variant, has many people wondering what the future holds. International education is one such industry. Recent events have raised some concerns about the future of education. Here are a few examples:

1. Has the pandemic paved the way for hybrid learning?

Following the COVID-19 outbreak in March 2020, over 1.2 billion students were forced to attend school via computer. Distance or online learning became the norm overnight. Indeed, the $18.66 billion in edtech investments made in 2019 are expected to rise to $350 billion by 2025.

However, international education is all about the experience—studying in a foreign country and meeting new people from various cultures and backgrounds. On the other hand, virtual learning has enabled students from other countries to obtain an international education without leaving their homes.

So the question is, will it last after the pandemic?

2. Has the pandemic brought about diversification and internationalisation?

While there is no denying that the pandemic has closed borders and prevented many international students from travelling to study, the ongoing health crisis may have had a significant impact on education.

Panellists noted in an August webinar hosted by the Association of Indian Universities, the United States Embassy in New Delhi, and Harvard University that the pandemic had paved the way for more students to pursue international education without leaving their home or country. 

This has essentially resulted in educational institutions rethinking their teaching methods, taking e-learning or distance learning into account.

Previously, online learning was a one-way street in which a student would watch a video presentation to learn. Nowadays, the classroom has given way to the online environment.

3. Is all this merely a trend?

Of course, the only way to answer this question is through time and the events that will occur. However, if the trend toward remote work and learning, mobile learning, virtual reality and artificial intelligence, which began in March 2020, continues into 2022 as predicted, this may simply be an indication of where the education sector is headed.

Until then, the rest of the world, particularly the global education sector, is waiting for an answer.

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New Changes in US Student Visa Applications

This year, international students planning to study in the United States should be aware of a few policy changes. These modifications include the ability to pay higher visa application fees, new consular guidance, and the extension of an in-person interview waiver.

Important Takeaways:

US student visa processing fees could be raised by 53%.

International student visa applications are granted with greater discretion by US Consular Officers.

To improve processing times, in-person interviews for student visa applications have been waived for 2022.

According to the US State Department, there is a proposal to raise application fees for F, M, and J visas—the types of visas required by students to study in the US. Students must currently pay US$160. If the proposal is approved, the new rate will be $245, a 53 percent increase. The increase is intended to reflect better visa processing.

While international students may have to pay higher visa application fees, a new directive for US Consulates allows these officials to be a little more flexible in accepting or denying student visa applications, ensuring that the new visa conditions do not harm international education in the US.

Previously, Consular Officers made decisions about students based on residency requirements. This assesses how strong an international student's ties to their home country are. Factors include whether or not they own property, their civil status (married or unmarried), and whether or not they have work or employment opportunities back home. These, it was claimed, indicated whether they intended to leave the United States immediately after finishing their studies or stay and seek better employment opportunities.

The new policy will evaluate a student's visa application based on current circumstances rather than potential future intentions. This means that higher student visa acceptance rates are possible, which is great news for international education.

Finally, the State Department is expanding the ability of US Consular Officers to waive in-person interviews for student visa applications. F, M, and J visa applicants may not be required to attend an in-person interview until 2022. This is, of course, on a case-by-case basis, depending on the country's circumstances.

The move is intended to shorten visa application processing times, and it will encourage more international education in the United States.

Overall, the most recent US State Department policies are intended to help improve student visa application processing. This essentially means that in the coming years, more international students may be granted visas and permitted to study in the United States.

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Top Scholarships for International Students Studying in Canada

Scholarships are a sure-fire way to ensure your education in Canada! It relieves you of the financial burden and allows you to study at your desired institution without difficulty.

Introduction

If you already have the potential for international education, scholarships are a great way to get accepted into your dream university. If you have the right mindset and discipline, it is not difficult to obtain a scholarship.

When applying for a scholarship, research is your best friend because it is based on a combination of factors that a university looks for in a prospective student. In fact, even if your grades aren't stellar, you can still get a scholarship based on your other strengths and interests.

Government-funded scholarships 

These scholarships are funded by the Canadian government and are available to international students pursuing postdoctoral studies. Some government-funded scholarships for international students are as follows:

Banting Postdoctoral Fellowship

Vanier Graduate Scholarships

Ontario Graduate Scholarships

Quebec Provincial Government Scholarship

Canada- ASEAN SEED

Banting Postdoctoral Fellowship

It is a postdoctoral scholarship available to both domestic and international students. This scholarship is intended to attract and retain top-tier postdoctoral talent in Canada, both nationally and internationally. They will contribute to the development of future visionaries and researchers. The scholarship requirements are as follows:

The amount granted is CA$70,000 

Students must be enrolled in environmental science and social science or health studies degrees.

A good academic background

Students should already be admitted to an accredited Canadian institution

So that's the lowdown on the Banting Postdoctoral Fellowship. It is an excellent choice if you are pursuing a master's or doctoral degree.

Vanier Graduate Scholarships

It is a need-based scholarship that assists talented researchers in fulfilling their dream of studying in Canada. The grant is for three years and has a maximum value of CA$50,000. Students need to be nominated by the university or colleges that have the quota to host Vanier scholars. You will not be eligible for the Vanier Scholarship unless you have this.

Ontario Graduate Scholarships

Ontario Graduate Scholarships are ideal for Indian students because they are designed specifically for them. It is given yearly in order to attract the best masters' talent. It is a collaboration between the Ontario Provincial Government and the University. 

Normally, only permanent residents of Canada are eligible for this award, but some scholarships are available to students studying at the University of Toronto on temporary resident visas. 

It is necessary to have received an average of 80% in the previous two academic examinations. This scholarship is available for one year and is worth up to CA$50,000.

Quebec Provincial Government Scholarship

It is a scholarship given to Indian students in the province of Quebec. This scholarship is available to master's students every year. It is also based on merit and essay, so applicants with low grades are welcome to apply.

Non Governmental Scholarship

These are non-governmental institutions' private scholarships. These scholarships cover the entire cost of the student's expenses, including lodging, travel, and tuition. Among the scholarships of this type are:

1. Canada Memorial Scholarship

It is one of the fully funded scholarships available to Indian students in Canada. You cannot apply for this scholarship directly from India; instead, you must be accepted into a Canadian university and wish to study for a year in a UK university. 

They are given a stipend and their tuition is paid in full. As a result, it is extremely beneficial for Indian students in Canada to gain even more multicultural experience.

2. Trudeau Scholarships and Fellowships

It is only given to doctoral students enrolled in specific Canadian institutions who are conducting research in fields related to the organisation's themes. Human Rights and Dignity, People and their Natural Environment, and Responsible Citizenship – Canada and the World are the foundation's four themes.

Conclusion

Finally, don't let money prevent you from pursuing your dream of studying abroad. It is critical to recognize that your academic achievements do not determine your future. You are much more than your academic achievements! MSM unify assists you in researching and locating a scholarship that meets your needs.

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