Booking an international trip is all fun until you get to the part where you have to figure out what kind of visa you need. If you’re already shuffling between visitor visas, student visas and work permits, you are not alone. This is why many travellers seek assistance from a professional Visa consultancy in Ahmedabad to eliminate this confusion and receive step-by-step guidance. But before you reach out for help, it’s also helpful to know a little bit about yourself.
So, in this blog, we are going to break them down for you in a very basic and friendly (and of course non-technical) manner so that you understand what aligns with your travel purposes.
1. Tourist Visa
A tourist visa is your legal ticket for leisure travel.
You can wander, chill out, go to festivals, eat photogenic food and return home with memories.
Who needs it?
Those preparing for a vacation, family visit or brief recreational trip.
What you can’t do on this visa :
- Work
- Study long-term
- Do business activities
Tourist visas typically include a pre-set duration of stay, such as 15, 30 or even 90 days, depending on the country at issue.
2. Business Visa
This is for those folks who are on the road (or in the air) for meetings, conventions, trade shows or networking events.
What it allows :
- Client meetings
- Attending exhibitions
- Business negotiations
What it doesn’t allow :
Actual employment. You can speak business, but you can’t make a profit from the country you’re visiting.
It’s ideal for entrepreneurs, corporate workers and professionals growing their global networks.
3. Student Visa
This is the key for students wishing to study in countries such as the USA, UK, Canada, Australia, Germany and other countries.
What you can do on a student visa :
- Study full-time
- Work part-time (in most countries)
- Stay during academic breaks
- Post-study work visas (vary between countries according to their rules)
Many universities need the approval of the visa before they confirm your admission, so it is essential to apply in time.
4. Work Visa
If you are offered a job in another country, then this visa is for you.
Key points :
- An official job offer letter is often required
- The visa is often sponsored by your employer
- Policies differ by country and type of work
Work visas can be more or less temporary, long-term, such as 90 days up to a maximum of 7 years, or permanent.
5. Dependent or Family Visa
If you have a spouse, parents or children living overseas, you may be able to move in with them on this visa as ‘dependent’ or ‘family’.
Why this visa helps :
- Let you remain in the United States legally with your family
- Dependents can study and sometimes work in some countries
- Provides, based on the status of the prime visa holder, for long-term residency possibilities
This visa prioritises keeping families together, so it is a popular choice when one partner has already moved away.
6. Immigration / PR Visa
If you intend to live permanently in a country, this visa is the key.
The favourite PR destinations are Canada, Australia, New Zealand, the UK and a few European countries.
Why do people prefer PR visas?
- Long-term residency
- Right to work, study and live
- Healthcare and social benefits
- Pathway to citizenship
There are points, documents and skills assessments needed for this visa, so most people seek professional help from a migration agent to help smooth their way.
Which Visa Should You Choose?
Picking the proper visa doesn’t have to make you pull your hair out, but Madhavi’s British Academy can ease your process. Begin by figuring out what you want to do in the country: vacation, study, job hunt, visit relatives or immigrate. And each under it has its own set of rules, stay limits and required documentation.
If you’re not sure, that’s perfectly fine. Visa regulations vary from place to place, and failing to provide the tiniest detail can cause delays. This is where seeking out an expert can save serious time, effort and heartache.
Knowing the types of visas brings you clarity, but expert assistance provides accuracy. When planning a fun holiday, career move, or even as a taxpayer immigrant, selecting the right visa is the first step for a trouble-free international passage.
