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Free · 10 destinations · official sources

Your study‑abroad paperwork,
sorted.

Every document for your admission and your student visa, with a dated plan from today to your intake. Tick things off as you go. Then ask an adviser to check your list, free.

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10destinations
238documents, from official sources
21 Sep 2026last verified
United States0%Tick your first document

Step 1 · About you

Where, what and when?

Four quick answers. Your plan and your checklist update instantly, and they’re saved on this device.

Destination
Level
Where are you now?

Step 2 · Your plan

12 months to your October 2027 intake.

Worked back from your intake. This is our planning guide, not an official deadline: universities and visa offices set their own dates.

  1. Oct 2026
    Shortlist courses

    Pick 3–5 courses and check each one’s entry and English requirements.

    You are here
  2. Dec 2026
    Gather documents and book your English test

    Transcripts, passport, references and a test date that leaves time for a retake.

  3. Feb 2027
    Submit your applications

    Popular courses fill early. Some routes have fixed deadlines (the UK’s UCAS, for example).

  4. May 2027
    Accept an offer and pay the deposit

    The university then issues the document your visa needs: CAS, CoE, I-20, LOA or offer letter.

  5. Jun 2027
    Prepare your funds evidence

    Some visas need money held for a set period before you apply. The UK asks for 28 days, for example. Check the official rule.

  6. Jul 2027
    Apply for your visa

    Biometrics, medical checks and processing all take time. Apply as early as the rules allow.

  7. Sept 2027
    Book travel and accommodation

    Wait for the visa decision before you pay for non-refundable flights.

  8. Intake
    Arrive and enrol

    Carry your originals: passport, visa, offer, funds and academic documents.

Step 3 · Your documents

Tick off what you already have.

United States: 12 admission documents and 14 for the F-1 student visa (USA). Your ticks stay on this device.

Printable copy ↗
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  4. If applicable
  5. If applicable
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  10. If applicable
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Free adviser check

Send us your list. We’ll tell you what’s missing.

An adviser reviews your checklist for United States and replies within one working day with:

  • Which “if applicable” documents apply to you
  • A realistic, dated plan to your October 2027 intake
  • Courses at our partner universities that fit your profile
  • The common mistakes that delay United States applications
United StatesOctober 20270% ready18 required to go

Free. Your checklist summary is sent with your message, so you don’t have to type it. We give general guidance on official checklists; we do not prepare visa applications.

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More about studying in United States:Country guide →Full 2026 guide →Compare with other countries →
How we help with visas. Luminous International is an education consultancy. We are not licensed immigration consultants (RCIC) or lawyers, and we do not represent anyone to any immigration authority. We provide general guidance and document checklists. For Canadian study permits, visa guidance is free and general only. Our paid services cover admissions documents, not immigration documents. We do not offer paid visa document preparation for any destination.

Next in your story

Next: apply with an adviser.

Send us your checklist and your course. An adviser checks your documents and applies for you. No service charge on your first 3 applications to partner universities and colleges.

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