Visa glossary
Every acronym in a visa application explained in one line: ETA, e-visa, sticker visa, biometrics, CAS, CoE, I-20, LMIA, sponsor licence and VFS.
Visa terms explained
| Term | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Biometrics | Fingerprints and a photo taken at a visa application centre; required for most sticker visas |
| CAS | Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies, the UK university reference needed before a Student visa |
| CoE | Confirmation of Enrolment issued by Australian institutions for a student visa |
| I-20 | The US form a school issues so a student can apply for an F-1 visa |
| ETA | Electronic Travel Authorisation, a pre-clearance for visa-free travellers, for example the UK and Canada |
| E-visa | A visa applied for and issued online, linked to the passport number with no sticker |
| Sticker visa | A visa printed and placed in the passport after biometrics at an application centre |
| Visa on arrival | A visa issued at the border on landing, usually for a fee in cash or by card |
| LMIA | Labour Market Impact Assessment, the Canadian employer approval that precedes most work permits |
| Sponsor licence | The UK Home Office permission an employer needs to sponsor Skilled Worker visas |
| VFS and TLScontact | Outsourced visa application centres that collect documents and biometrics for consulates |
| Schengen | The 29 European states that share one short-stay visa and a 90-in-180-day rule |
| Proof of funds | Bank statements or sponsorship letters showing you can pay for the trip or the course |
| Refusal | A formal decision not to grant the visa, with reasons; most routes allow a fresh application |
Why the vocabulary matters
Application forms and consulate letters use these terms without explanation. Knowing whether a destination issues an e-visa or a sticker visa changes the timeline by weeks; knowing what a CAS or LMIA is tells you which document to chase first. Each destination page on Vistolane uses the same vocabulary and links to the official source for every rule.
Questions, answered
What is the difference between an e-visa and an ETA?
An e-visa is a visa issued online for travellers who need one; an ETA is a travel authorisation for travellers who are visa-exempt but must register before flying.
What is a sticker visa?
A visa printed on a label and placed in your passport at a consulate or visa application centre, usually after biometrics. Schengen, UK and most embassy visas are sticker visas.
What does VFS do?
VFS Global runs visa application centres on behalf of governments: it checks forms, collects documents and biometrics and returns passports. It does not decide applications.
How many Schengen states are there?
29: the 25 EU members in the area plus Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland. Bulgaria and Romania joined fully in January 2025.
What is the difference between an e-visa and an ETA?
An e-visa is a visa issued electronically after a review of your application. An ETA (electronic travel authorisation) is a pre-screening for travellers who are already visa-exempt; it is quicker but not a visa.
What does a sticker visa mean?
A visa printed and fixed into the passport after you submit it at a visa application centre or embassy, usually with biometrics. The UK, Schengen states and the USA issue sticker visas.
What are biometrics in a visa application?
Fingerprints and a digital photo taken at a visa application centre. Many countries keep them for several years so repeat applicants do not have to attend again.
What is a CAS, CoE or I-20?
Documents a school issues to a sponsored student: CAS for the UK, CoE for Australia and Japan, I-20 for the USA. The visa application cannot start without the matching one.