The difference between student visa, work visa, and investment or entrepreneurship visa: Migration to other countries for various reasons, including student visa, work visa, and investment visa, has become a major and popular topic. Each of these reasons has its own specific features and conditions that applicants must be fully aware of. This article will examine the differences and benefits of student visa, work visa, and investment or entrepreneurship visa. The student visa is for those who wish to continue their education at universities and educational institutions abroad. This type of visa allows students to study in a new environment with different cultures and gain new experiences. On the other hand, the work visa is for individuals looking for job opportunities in other countries. This visa allows applicants to work in international environments, expand their skills and experiences, and achieve a suitable income. Finally, the investment or entrepreneurship visa is for those who wish to contribute to the economies of other countries by investing in businesses or starting new companies. This visa enables applicants to create job opportunities and economic development in the host country using their financial and managerial skills. Each of these visas has its own advantages and challenges, which will be discussed in detail.

Difference between student visa, work visa, and investment or entrepreneurship visa

Student visa

A student visa is given to individuals who want to study in a foreign country. To obtain this visa, you must receive admission from a recognized university or educational institution and show that you can cover your tuition and living expenses. One advantage of a student visa is that you can study in a new environment with different cultures and gain new experiences. Additionally, in many countries, international students can work part-time to help cover some of their expenses. After graduation, some countries allow you to convert your student visa to a work visa and work in that country. This helps you easily enter the job market and take advantage of available job opportunities after completing your studies.

Purpose: Pursuing education in a foreign country.
Requirements: Admission from a recognized educational institution, proof of financial ability to cover tuition and living expenses, and in some cases, a language certificate.
Benefits: Ability to study at reputable universities, the possibility to work part-time in some countries, and in some cases, the option to convert to a work visa after graduation.

For more information, refer to the student visa guide in Iran.

Work visa

A work visa is given to individuals who want to work in a foreign country. To obtain this visa, you typically need a job offer from a reputable employer in that country. This job offer shows that the employer needs foreign labor. One advantage of a work visa is that you can gain international work experience and enhance your professional skills. Working in different environments helps you become familiar with new cultures and working methods and expand your professional network. Additionally, in many countries after working for a certain period, you can apply for permanent residency and live in that country permanently. Work visas are divided into temporary and permanent types. A temporary work visa is valid for a specific period after which you must return to your home country. A permanent work visa allows you to work and live permanently in the host country. Each type of visa has specific conditions and requirements that should be carefully reviewed.

Purpose: Working in a foreign country.
Requirements: Job offer from a reputable employer, proof of relevant skills and work experience, and in some cases, a language certificate.
Benefits: Ability to work and earn income, potential for long-term residency, and in some cases, the option to convert to permanent residency.

Investment or entrepreneurship visa

An investment or entrepreneurship visa is given to individuals who want to invest or start a new business in a foreign country. To obtain this visa, you must demonstrate that you have sufficient funds for investment and provide a solid business plan. One advantage of this visa is that you can live long-term in the host country and benefit from its economic opportunities. By investing or starting a business, you can earn income and even create job opportunities for others. This not only helps you succeed in the new country but also contributes to its economy. Some countries allow individuals with an investment or entrepreneurship visa to apply for permanent residency after a certain period. This means you can live permanently in that country and enjoy the benefits of residing there. This visa is a great option for those with financial and managerial capabilities who want to create new opportunities in a new country.

Purpose: Investing or starting a business in a foreign country.
Requirements: Proof of financial ability for investment, providing a business plan, and in some cases, management experience.
Benefits: Ability to live long-term, earn income from investment or business and in some cases, the option to convert to permanent residency.

Comparison table of student visa, work visa, and investment or entrepreneurship visa

Characteristics	student visa	work visa	investment or entrepreneurship visa
Purpose	Continuing education	Work	Investment or starting a business
Main conditions	Academic admission, financial ability, language proficiency	Job offer, skills, language proficiency	financial ability, business plan, managerial experience
Duration	Duration of study (usually 1-4 years)	depending on the work contract (usually 1-3 years)	depending on the type of investment (usually 1-5 years)
Work possibility	Yes, part-time	Yes, full-time	Yes, full-time
Permanent residency possibility	In some countries after graduation	Yes, after a few years of work	Yes, after successful investment
Advantages	Studying at reputable universities, new cultural experience	Earning income, international work experience	Earning income, creating job opportunities, helping the destination country’s economy
Challenges	Tuition and living costs, need for language proficiency	Need for a job offer, high competition	Need for significant initial investment, business risks

This table gives you a better understanding of the differences and benefits of each visa, allowing for better decision-making.

Difference between student visa, work visa, and investment or entrepreneurship visa + comparison table between the 3 visas