Migrants of Opportunity: Tourist Visa to Student Visa

The concept of student migration has dramatically increased over the past twenty years as the world becomes more interconnected, and “migrants of opportunity” has emerged as a popular term to describe those who seize advantages like better education and economic opportunities. The traditional understanding of a student migrant is one who comes to a country with the intention of studying, but the term is starting to encompass a broader range of activities. One form of this is the tourist visa to student visa pathway (also known as ‘student-tourist’), where a person initially enters a country on a short-term tourist visa but then applies for a longer-term student visa for the purpose of study.

Tourist visas are typically easier to obtain in comparison to student visas, as countries are often more willing to grant a visa for a specific period of time during which a person can stay with minimal expense. Thus, a tourist visa can be seen as a relatively straightforward way of temporarily gaining access to a host country. From this position, the tourist can then apply for a student visa once the initial visit has expired, allowing for a longer stay for study or related activities. This method is often employed by would-be students who have difficulty getting a student visa due to restrictions in their country of origin, such as age or financial restrictions.

It’s important to note that ‘migrants of opportunity’ are not necessarily trying to stay illegally in a host country. In fact, they are often making more effort to gain lawful access since they apply for student visas. However, transitioning from a tourist visa to a student visa can be a lengthy and costly process, as the documentation and processes are often strict. Moreover, once a student visa is granted, the visa holder may still have to meet specific requirements to remain in the country, such as passing language tests or passing courses above a certain academic standard.

Overall, ‘migrants of opportunity’ are becoming more and more common, pushing countries to adjust immigration policies regarding student visas and other pathways through which people can come and study. While the process of seeking to remain in a host country can be tedious and costly, this trend can be beneficial to immigrants, as well as the host country, as it allows individuals to gain an education and pursue a better quality of life.

Photo Courtesy: Historyextra.com