Student Visa Services
Our specialized student visa services help international students pursue their educational goals at institutions around the world.
Whether you're planning to study for a bachelor's degree, master's program, vocational training, or language courses, our expert consultants will guide you through every step of the student visa application process.
Eligibility
A Student Visa is granted to foreign nationals pursuing full-time academic studies in Sri Lanka at recognized institutions. The visa is valid for the full duration of the course.
Students under 16 years of age may also apply for visas for their parents or guardians to remain in Sri Lanka.
Entry to Sri Lanka for students requires an approved Entry Visa from the Department of Immigration in Colombo. Diplomatic Missions abroad do not issue student visas without prior approval.
Do not travel on a Tourist Visa, Business Visa, or use the Online ETA system. Visa type changes are not allowed after arrival.
Application Procedure
The process to obtain a Student Visa involves three key steps:
- Obtain Entry Visa approval from the Department of Immigration in Colombo
- Collect Entry Visa endorsement from the nearest Sri Lankan Diplomatic Mission
- After arrival, obtain Student Visa endorsement at the Department of Immigration in Colombo
Student Entry Visa applications are now accepted at our Immigration Visitor Services Center in Colombo. This center is fully approved by the Department of Immigration and offers a streamlined process with optional value-added services.
We offer additional convenience including:
- Document collection and delivery
- Application submission and follow-up
- Discounted rates for visa extensions
Documents Required
- Admission confirmation from a recognized Sri Lankan education provider
- Entry Visa approval request submitted by the institution to the Department of Immigration
- Notification from Immigration Department to the relevant Sri Lanka Diplomatic Mission
- Endorsed Entry Visa on the passport from the Diplomatic Mission
- Travel to Sri Lanka with approved visa; entry granted for a specified period
- Before the visa expires, obtain final Student Visa endorsement at the Department of Immigration in Colombo
Visa Fee
Rs. 20,000.00 per year — Standard fee for student visa applicants.
Rs. 10,000.00 per year — For students enrolled in Government Universities.
*Fees are subject to change based on policy updates.How to Apply
Entry Visa approvals can be applied through the following centers:
- ETA via online services - Click Here
- ETA at Immigration Services Center in Colombo - Click Here
We recommend applying through the Immigration Visitor Services Center in Colombo for a more efficient and guided process.
Please visit our Immigration Services Center located in Colombo.
Call our helpdesk at +94 777 777 777 or email your request to [email protected].
Our trained support team will help you with:
- Application preparation and document review
- Submission and follow-up with the Department of Immigration
- Visa endorsement assistance upon arrival
Service fees vary based on individual cases. All charges will be clearly communicated before proceeding.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about student visas
We recommend starting the student visa application process at least 3-6 months before your intended program start date. This timeline accounts for:
- University application and acceptance (2-3 months)
- Document preparation and authentication (1 month)
- Visa processing time (2 weeks to 3 months, depending on the country)
- Pre-departure arrangements (1 month)
Some countries allow you to apply only within a specific window before your course start date (e.g., no more than 3 months prior), while others encourage early applications. Planning ahead is particularly important for popular intake periods (fall/autumn semester) when application volumes are higher and processing times may be longer. Our consultants provide country-specific timelines based on current processing trends.
Work rights for international students vary significantly by country:
- Canada: Up to 20 hours per week during academic sessions and full-time during scheduled breaks
- Australia: Up to 40 hours per fortnight during term and unlimited hours during vacations
- UK: Up to 20 hours per week during term-time for degree-level students (less for below degree level)
- USA: On-campus employment only during the first year (up to 20 hours/week), with possible off-campus work authorization through CPT/OPT later
- EU Countries: Typically 20 hours per week, though regulations vary by country
It's important to note that student visa work rights are designed to provide supplementary income rather than as a primary means of financing your studies. Most countries require you to demonstrate sufficient funds for your entire course of study regardless of potential work income. Additionally, exceeding authorized work hours is a serious visa violation that can lead to visa cancellation. Our consultants provide detailed guidance on the specific work rights associated with your student visa and how to maintain compliance while working.
If your student visa application is rejected, there are several options to consider:
- Appeal or Request for Reconsideration: Some countries allow you to appeal the decision or request a reconsideration if you believe the decision was incorrect or if you can address the specific concerns raised.
- Reapplication: You may submit a new application addressing the reasons for the initial rejection. This is particularly appropriate if the rejection was due to incomplete documentation or insufficient information.
- Alternative Destination: Consider applying to educational institutions in countries with different visa requirements or higher approval rates for your specific circumstances.
- Pathway Programs: Some countries offer alternative entry routes, such as studying first in an affiliated institution in your home country before transferring abroad.
The most common reasons for student visa rejections include:
- Insufficient financial documentation
- Concerns about genuine student status or intention to return to home country
- Incomplete or inconsistent application documents
- Inadequate academic or language qualifications
- Security or health concerns
Our consultants can assess the specific reasons for rejection, recommend the most appropriate course of action, and help strengthen your application for resubmission if that's the best option.
Many countries allow immediate family members (spouse/partner and dependent children) to accompany international students, though policies vary:
- Eligibility Criteria: Often dependent on your level of study (graduate programs typically have more favorable dependent policies than undergraduate or certificate programs), length of program, and financial capacity.
- Financial Requirements: You'll need to demonstrate additional funds to support your family members (typically 30-50% more than for a single student).
- Work Rights for Dependents: Vary significantly by country - some allow full work rights for spouses/partners, while others have restrictions or prohibit dependent employment.
- Education for Children: Access to education for dependent children also varies, with some countries providing free public education and others requiring international student fees.
Country-specific considerations include:
- UK: Dependents generally allowed for postgraduate programs longer than 9 months
- Australia: Dependents allowed for most higher education programs
- Canada: Open work permits often available for spouses of full-time students
- USA: Dependents may accompany students but spouses typically cannot work except in limited circumstances
Our consultants provide comprehensive guidance on dependent visa options specific to your destination country and help prepare applications for your family members.
Language proficiency requirements serve two purposes: they're both an academic prerequisite for admission and a visa requirement in many countries. The specific requirements vary by:
- Destination Country: Each country sets its own language proficiency standards
- Level of Study: Higher-level programs typically require higher language scores
- Field of Study: Some disciplines (e.g., medicine, law) may have higher language requirements
- Institution: Universities often set their own thresholds above the minimum visa requirements
Common language tests and typical minimum scores for higher education include:
- IELTS Academic: Typically 6.0-7.0 overall (with minimum subscores)
- TOEFL iBT: Typically 80-100
- PTE Academic: Typically 50-65
- Cambridge English: Typically B2 First or C1 Advanced
- Duolingo English Test: Increasingly accepted, typically 100-120
Some exemptions may apply if you:
- Completed previous education in the language of instruction
- Are a citizen or long-term resident of a country where the language is officially spoken
- Have worked professionally in an environment where the language is used
Our consultants advise on specific language requirements for your chosen programs and help you prepare for language testing as needed, including recommending appropriate preparation resources or courses.
Ready to Start Your Immigration Journey?
Contact our expert consultants today for a personalized assessment of your immigration options.