A study visa, also known as a student visa, is a legal immigration document issued by a country to students who wish to study there for a certain period of time. It is required for individuals who want to pursue studies in a degree-related program at a college, university, or specialty school in a foreign country. However, having a student visa doesn't grant the same rights as citizens in the host country, for instance, the right to vote.
To obtain a student visa, you must first be accepted and enrolled in a school and be able to support yourself financially while studying. Each country has its own rules for maintaining the status of the student visa. Some countries provide both full-time and part-time study options, whereas others may only allow full-time enrollment.
It's important to understand that being approved for a student visa doesn't guarantee entry into the host country, and the taxation responsibilities may vary by country. Short-term recreational courses usually do not require a student visa. For instance, in the United States, a specific F-1 visa is issued for students to live and study temporarily.