Everything has gone digital in the modern era. Likewise, electronic visas have become travelers’ favorite because of their simple and convenient process. In this case, using this electronic visa for study and professional purposes is being debated.

You will have a solution to this question from this article.

What is the purpose of an e-Visa?

Above all, we must comprehend the exact purpose of an e-Visa. An electronic visa is a short-term visa which can be obtained online. Travelers planning overseas journeys for vacation, business, or transit can apply for an e-Visa. All e-Visas issued by each country have a validity period, number of entries, and length of continuous stay. They all arrive within a short period.

e-Visa for Study Purposes

Obtaining an e-Visa for academic purposes is challenging due to its long-term purpose. Additionally, during the duration of your trip or visit, you can have the opportunity to learn small courses and visit several institutions or libraries with prior permission using your tourism e-Visa.

However, they are not practical for long-term study for several reasons–

Duration of Period

The e-Visa is a short-term visa, as we previously stated. This allows for a maximum of 90 days of continuous stay.  Sometimes, 180 days in specific circumstances. However academic courses, research projects, and other academic activities take longer than that. If it’s a short-term one, then you can give it a try with prior permission.

Visa Requirements

There are student visas for so many nations. For example, students are eligible for F-1 and M-1 visas in the US, Tier 4 student visas in the UK, and so on. Each visa has a unique application process and requires various student documentation, etc. which are not covered under the e-Visa regime.

Legal Restrictions

The majority of nations officially forbid using e-Visas for any kind of academic purpose. Anyone intending to use an e-Visa for long-term academic purposes may be subject to legal action. This may impact their travel plans.

e-Visa for Professional Purposes

This solely depends upon the nature and duration of your professional visit-

Business or Conference visits

Certain nations permit foreign business professionals to travel there for conferences or business. For example, India offers both business e-Visa and E-conference visas, allowing visitors from other countries to stay there for a maximum of 30 to 180 days. However, this is not permitted for long-term purposes.

Long-Term Assignments

Professionals with electronic visas are limited to short-term travel and cannot visit another nation for extended periods. For individuals planning to travel abroad for work, assignments, or other purposes, there is a whole different kind of visa. These professional visas, which require many steps and document submission, are permitted in nations like the US and the UK.

Visas for Digital Nomads

Some countries have started to provide visas for digital nomads which has similar procedures like obtaining an e-Visa. But please do not confuse them with an e-Visa. E-visas are for those short-term visitors.

Therefore, electronic visas or e-Visas are not meant for students or professionals with long-term assignments except for short-term courses or business. Those who want to travel to a certain country for both academic & professional purposes please go for visas dedicated to students and professionals.