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How to write SOP for Visa: Tips to write best Statement of Purpose

Sushant Gulia
Sushant Gulia
Updated May 30, 2024

SOP or statement of purpose for a student Visa, popularly searched as SOP for Student Visa, is a written and self-attested document the students require for visa approval.  The SOP for a student visa is required to convince the authorities that you are eligible for the student visa for the country you are applying to. The SOP is required for student visas and other courses like management and engineering.  Countries like Canada, the US, Australia, etc., demand SOP and visa applications. The SOP is generally attached to the Visa application submitted by the students. The main contents of an SOP for a student visa include why you are eligible to gain education in that country and the student's past experiences.  Therefore, every SOP is unique and has reasons based on the relevance of the student.

Importance of SOP for VISA

The SOP for Visas is critical for students to gain admission to foreign universities. Various aspects of the student application are inspected before they are finalized for Visa.  The different types of certificates, exam scorecards, and other academic transcripts are very objective, and the application's SOP for Visa is very subjective.

Dos and Don’ts of SOP

The SOP is very different from the resume or Biodata. SOP is a detailed story of the student providing information regarding the profile of the student and contains information like,

  • Life visions
  • Desire to study abroad
  • Career goals
  • Beliefs of the student
  • Knowledge of the subject
  • Career plans to do so after completing the course in a foreign country.

In short, a high-quality SOP helps provide information regarding the student's overall personality and general outlook. SOP is a crucial document for the student as it would be scrutinized by the visa officer and the university for admission into a foreign country.  Therefore, the SOP should be considered a marketing opportunity for the students to provide their purpose to the authorities, promote their story, and impress them by expressing themselves with excellent writing skills.

As there are large numbers of applications to compete with, it becomes necessary that the SOP is impactful and should be able to paint a picture highlighting all the reasons that make you the most eligible candidate for providing the visa over other applicants.  For instance, if the academic background needs to be improved, a well-written SOP can help cover up slight drawbacks by highlighting the future goals and vision of the candidate.

 

Guidelines for formatting SOP

Although there is no fixed format for writing an SOP, a well-written and structured SOP can help increase students' chances of a Visa. Some of the major points that should be taken care of when preparing a SOP food Visa are:

  • The SOP is generally written in paragraph form. It should be concluded in 5 to 7 paragraphs, with 180 to 250 words in each paragraph.
  • Although using bullet points is allowed in the SOP, it should be kept to a minimum, and cloud use should be avoided if possible.
  • The SOP should be written by following the general essay writing rules.
  • The font size of the essay should not be more than 12; it should be double-spaced and placed in normal margins. Therefore, an SOP is generally written in 800 to 1000 words, depending on the type of font used while writing.  The permissible length of SOP is 1000 words; however, it should not be more than 1200 words.
  • The SOP should not include multi-color images, text, or font. The text should be written in the default black color.


Things to remember when drafting SOP

  • Firstly, mention the important academic achievements that showcase that you are an asset to the university to which you are applying.
  • Secondly, mention the passions regarding the course and how you look at your future after choosing it as a career.
  • Thirdly, highlight the different things that make the candidate stand out by highlighting their skills and talents.
  • Using high-quality vocabulary when writing an SOP for a Visa is important.
  • Also, when writing an SOP, preparing and revising a rough draft before submitting it is advisable. Add the missed points and edit the points if necessary. It is not advisable to submit the SOP before preparing a rough draft.

 

The layout of SOP for Visa

The information below indicates the writing of a high-quality SOP for a Visa.

  • Address

The SOP should begin with the applicant's name, address of the applicant, and email of the applicant on the top-right corner. Below the name on the left side, address the SOP to the visa official of the country for which the application was made.

  • Subject

The section includes the reason for the SOP, which should be written in the format used to write an email or letter. The section is the heading of the SOP and should provide information regarding the purpose of the Visa. For instance, SOP for master's, SOP for grad school, and SOP for MBA.

  • Introduction

It is the first paragraph of the SOP and is not a self-introduction. Instead, the section should be used to describe the student and provide a brief insight into what will be discussed in the SOP. The introduction section may include the long-term goals of the candidate, an understanding of the subject selected, and the contributions that the students in the selected field can make. The section should also contain information regarding the student's background and how it connects with the candidate's future goals.  Generally, students start providing information regarding their childhood. However, it is important to remember the purpose of writing the SOP in the starting paragraph.

  • Academic details and backgrounds

This is considered the second paragraph of the SOP and provides information on the applicant's qualifications, accolades, and academic background. The section should also contain information regarding the different things done by the students and the current education of the students. Various academic strengths and projects completed by the students or industrial training. If the student's grades are not very impressive, it is important not to highlight the negative aspects of the SOP without being dishonest in the application.  It is important to emphasize the positive aspects of the academics in the SOP.

  • Professional experience

The third paragraph of the SOP cosmos is about the professional experiences acquired by the candidate. Thai helps in providing better opportunities for career aggression. A well-maintained career graph is an advantage for the student and adds to the student's positives.

  • Reasons for selecting the particular course

It is the fourth paragraph of the SOP and should provide information regarding the different reasons for selecting the particular course. The section should provide in-depth information regarding the course selected by the students and the different modules taught during the course. The section should also provide information regarding the skills gained from the course and how they could help achieve the candidate's future goals.

  • Career Goals

 This is the first paragraph of the SOP and should be highlighted, especially if it is being made for a visa. The section should provide short-term and long-term goals.

The students' short-term goals may include the companies and jobs the students wish to get after completing the course. It is important to provide the names of some good MNCs, not to limit them geographically. Long-term goals include dream aspirations and goals after 10- 15 years from now. Also, it includes plans such as expanding the family business.

  • Reasons for selecting the university

It is the sixth paragraph of the SOP and should help in convincing the university that you are the most suitable candidate for the university. The paragraph should provide information regarding the benefits of experienced faculty, curriculum, fieldwork, research, internship opportunities and other facilities provided by the university. It is also important to highlight the importance of these facilities in the growth of the candidate's knowledge. Also, mentioning how you are fit for the college and how you can contribute to it is important.

  • Closing paragraph

This will be the last paragraph of the SOP and should conclude the purpose of the Visa. The conclusion can start by stating the passion, readiness, and willingness to pursue the desired course in the desired college. The paragraph should also showcase the candidate's preparedness to face the challenges during the course.  The paragraph should provide information regarding the zest of the candidate to work and succeed and the willingness of the student to make a difference in the industry and on the global platform.

 

Conclusion

Therefore, SOP is important for students when applying for a VISA for educational purposes.  The SOP is the student's voice reflecting dreams, determinations, and skills. Creating a well-crafted SOP provides a chance to stand out among others. It helps demonstrate the candidate's commitment to contributing to the selected field and global platform, making it an important aspect of studying abroad.