Study In USA
The USA is renowned for its diverse and dynamic education system, offering a wide range of programs and cutting-edge research opportunities. Its prestigious universities attract students worldwide, driven by a commitment to academic excellence and innovation.
According to the Institute of International Education (IIE), during the 2022-23 academic year, there were over 10,00,000 international students in the USA, with Indian students making up the second-largest group with over 2,00,000 enrolments.
1200+
Academic Institutions
40,000+
Programs
Why Study In USA?
Studying in the USA can be a highly rewarding experience for Indian students. Here are several reasons why the USA remains a top choice for higher education:
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World-Class Education System
The USA is home to many of the world's top universities and colleges, renowned for their academic excellence, research facilities, and innovative teaching methods. Institutions like Harvard, MIT, Stanford, and Caltech consistently rank among the best globally.
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Diverse Range of Programs
American universities offer an extensive variety of programs and majors, from engineering and business to arts and humanities. This diversity allows students to find programs that perfectly match their academic and career interests.
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Cutting-Edge Research and Innovation
The USA leads in research and development across various fields. Students have access to state-of-the-art laboratories, libraries, and research opportunities, enabling them to work on groundbreaking projects and contribute to significant advancements.
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Cultural Diversity
The USA is a melting pot of cultures, providing a unique opportunity to interact with people from diverse backgrounds. This cultural exposure enriches students' global perspectives and enhances their social and professional networks.
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Scholarships and Financial Aid
Many universities in the USA offer generous scholarships, grants, and financial aid packages to international students, including those from India. These can significantly reduce the financial burden of studying abroad.
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Flexibility in Education
The US education system is known for its flexibility. Students can often tailor their coursework to their interests, switch majors, and explore interdisciplinary studies. This flexibility encourages a well-rounded education and personal growth.
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Post-Study Work Opportunities
The USA provides attractive post-study work options through programs like Optional Practical Training (OPT) and the H-1B visa, allowing students to gain valuable work experience in their field of study after graduation and providing a pathway for permanent settlement.
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Strong Career Prospects
Graduating from a prestigious US university can open doors to numerous career opportunities worldwide. American degrees are highly respected by employers globally, and universities often have strong connections with industry leaders.
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Global Alumni Network
US universities have extensive and influential alumni networks that can provide mentorship, career guidance, and job opportunities. These networks are valuable resources for students during and after their studies.
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Personal and Professional Development
Studying in the USA can foster personal growth, independence, and resilience. The experience of living abroad, navigating a new culture, and meeting academic challenges can significantly enhance one's self-confidence and adaptability.
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Technological Advancements
The USA is at the forefront of technological innovation. Students have access to the latest technologies and advancements in their fields, preparing them for future careers in an increasingly digital world.
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Support Services for International Students
American universities typically offer robust support services for international students, including orientation programs, academic advising, counselling, and career services. These resources help students adjust to their new environment and succeed academically and personally.
Studying in the USA offers Indian students a unique combination of academic excellence, cultural diversity, and abundant opportunities for personal and professional growth. The country’s commitment to innovation, flexibility in education, and supportive learning environments make it an attractive destination for higher education.
Life In USA?
Living in the USA as an international student can be a transformative experience. Here are several key aspects to consider:
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Cultural Adjustment
The USA is culturally diverse, and you'll have the opportunity to meet people from various backgrounds. Embrace this diversity to learn about different cultures and perspectives. It's normal to experience culture shock initially. This can include differences in food, social norms, and communication styles. Being open-minded and patient will help you adjust.
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Accommodation
Many universities offer on-campus housing options, which can be convenient for first-year students as it simplifies the transition to living in the USA. Renting an apartment or house off-campus might provide more independence.
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Cost of Living
The cost of living varies widely depending on the location. Cities like New York and San Francisco are expensive, while smaller towns may be more affordable. Create a budget to manage expenses like rent, food, transportation, and entertainment. Take advantage of student discounts on public transport, museums, and other services. Universities often provide resources to help students find discounts and deals.
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Transportation
Many cities have reliable public transportation systems, including buses, trains, and subways. Research the options available in your area. In some college towns, biking and walking are convenient and popular ways to get around. If you plan to drive, you'll need to obtain a driver’s license. Be aware of local driving laws and parking regulations.
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Healthcare
Health Insurance: International students are required to have health insurance. Universities often provide plans, but you can also explore private options. Familiarize yourself with the campus health centre and local healthcare providers. Know how to access medical services in case of illness or emergency.
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Academic Life
US universities often encourage active participation, critical thinking, and collaboration. Be prepared for a different style of teaching and learning. Take advantage of academic support services, including libraries, tutoring centres, and writing labs. Advisors can help you navigate your academic journey.
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Social Life
Joining clubs, societies, and student organizations is a great way to meet people and pursue interests outside of academics. Universities host numerous events, including cultural festivals, sports events, and workshops. Participate to enhance your social experience and make new friends.
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Legal and Visa Requirements
Ensure you maintain your F-1 visa status by complying with enrolment requirements and working restrictions. Be aware of travel regulations and requirements for re-entering the USA after trips abroad.
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Safety and Well-being
Campus Safety: Familiarize yourself with campus safety resources and emergency procedures. Most universities have campus security services.
Mental Health: Utilize counselling services and wellness programs offered by your university to support your mental health and well-being.
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Work Opportunities
International students can work on-campus for up to 20 hours per week during the academic year and full-time during breaks. With Curricular Practical Training (CPT), you can look for internship opportunities to gain practical experience. Optional Practical Training (OPT) allows you to work in your field of study for up to 12 months (or up to 36 months for STEM graduates) after graduation.
Living in the USA as an international student involves navigating a new cultural, social, and academic environment. Embrace the opportunities for personal growth, education, and global networking. Being proactive in seeking support and engaging with your community will enrich your experience and help you make the most of your time in the USA.
How it Works ?
Here's a simplified breakdown of how our expert career guidance process works with our online student application portal:
Early Enquiry and Evaluation
Begin by reaching out early for an evaluation of your profile.
Assigned Expert Counselor
Get paired with a dedicated counselor through our online platform, accessing progress tracking via your assigned dashboard.
Application Assistance
Expert help in arranging and uploading necessary documents to our portal for verification.
Our experts will guide you through every phase of the visa application process, ensuring a smooth experience
Visa Process Support
More About USA
The USA offers a high quality of life with its diverse landscapes, robust economy, and excellent educational institutions. Known as the land of opportunity, the USA provides vast professional and personal growth possibilities. With world-class healthcare facilities, a wide range of cultural experiences, and a dynamic lifestyle, the USA is a top choice for immigrants. Cities like New York, Los Angeles, and Chicago offer bustling urban experiences, while national parks and suburban areas provide serene living options. The country's commitment to innovation and diversity makes it an appealing destination for people worldwide.
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Admissions and Visa Expertise
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Types of USA Study Visa
There Are Three Main Student Visa Types Available for those looking to Study In The USA:
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F1 Visa for Students:
Students looking to pursue a program of study that will last longer than 18 hours per week will need to apply for an F1 visa to enter the United States. This type of visa is necessary for any student wishing to enroll in an undergraduate degree or graduate-level programs, such as a Master's degree or MBA program. Those accompanying an F1 visa holder as a spouse or child must apply for an F2 visa. Please remember that although spouses are not allowed to work with this type of USA student visa, they may still be able to accompany their partner and apply for access study in the United States.
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J1 Visa for Students:
J1 visas are for students looking to participate in an exchange program in the United States. This can include Au Pair, Summer Work Travel, or Internship programs. Those accompanying a J1 visa holder as a spouse or child need to apply for a J2 visa, which will allow them to also participate study opportunities in the United States.
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M1 Visa for Students:
M1 visas are for students seeking to enrol in a vocational or non-academic program at a US institution. This can include culinary arts, cosmetology, or mechanic training programs. Those accompanying an M1 visa holder as a spouse or child must apply for an M2 visa, allowing them to also participate study opportunities in the United States.
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CPT –
Curricular Practical Training (CPT) is a type of off-campus employment authorization for F-1 visa students in the USA. Check FAQS on CPT which has information regarding eligibility criteria, application process, and key points.
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OPT –
Optional Practical Training (OPT) is a type of employment authorization for F-1 visa students in the USA, allowing them to gain practical experience in their field of study. Check FAQS on OPT which has information regarding eligibility criteria, application process, and key points.
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H-1B Visa –
The H-1B visa is a popular non-immigrant visa that allows U.S. companies to employ foreign workers in specialty occupations that require theoretical or technical expertise. This visa is commonly used by international students who complete their master's degrees in the USA and wish to stay and work in the country. Check FAQS on H-1B which has information regarding eligibility criteria, application process, and key points.
FAQs
The H-1B visa is designed for foreign workers in specialty occupations, which generally require a bachelor’s degree or higher in a specific field. The visa is employer-sponsored, meaning you must have a job offer from a U.S. employer who will file the petition on your behalf.
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Job Offer: You must have a valid job offer from a U.S. employer.
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Specialty Occupation: The job must qualify as a specialty occupation, typically requiring a bachelor’s degree or higher in a related field.
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Educational Qualification: You must possess the required qualifications, which for master's students, typically means holding a U.S. master’s degree or an equivalent advanced degree from a foreign institution.
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Employer's Requirement: The employer must demonstrate that there is a need for the specialized skills and that no qualified U.S. worker is available for the position.
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The initial duration of the H-1B visa is up to three years, with the option to extend it for an additional three years, reaching a maximum of six years. Further extensions beyond the six-year mark are possible with an approved I-140 (Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker) as part of the green card application process.
The initial duration of the H-1B visa is up to three years, with the option to extend it for an additional three years, reaching a maximum of six years. Further extensions beyond the six-year mark are possible with an approved I-140 (Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker) as part of the green card application process.
There are three intakes for USA universities: January/Spring, May/Summer and September/Fall intake. New students choose any one intake for higher education depending on the course availability, scholarships and post-study work opportunities. These students graduate a semester in the second half of the academic year and start applying for internships.
The three intakes in USA 2024 are:
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Fall (September/Autumn) intake - The academic term duration is September to December.
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Spring (January) intake - The academic term duration is January to May. It's the best intake to study popular programs like MBA, MS and MA.
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Summer (May) intake - The academic term duration is May to August (It offers limited programs and colleges).
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Based on your interest, future goals, course availability and readiness to join, you can choose a suitable intake in the USA. For full-time courses like MS or MBA, choose the Fall intake. Similarly, for short-term courses, you can take the Spring season intake.
Out of all intakes in the USA, the Fall or September intake is the best for offering more courses and scholarships for students. It starts in September and ends in December. Students who have missed the Spring or Summer intake will take the fall intake.
All students must apply as early as November of the previous year for the Fall intake 2024.
The fall intake is considered the best intake among USA universities and colleges because it provides almost all professional courses like MS, MBA, etc. And it provides more scholarships for international students.
In a year, more than 322,880 Indian students go to the USA to study.
Fall intake is the best for MS in the USA. The US universities take nearly 8 - 10 weeks to process the applications. Unfortunately, not all universities and colleges in the US offer MS courses.
To join in January intake in the US, you need to apply between June and September 2024. Those who have missed the Fall intake can apply for January intake.
A student visa is categorized as F, J and M.
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F Student Visa: To study at a U.S. college or university or to learn English at an English language institute.
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J Exchange Visa: For participation in an exchange program, including high school and university study
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M Student Visa: For non-academic or vocational study or training in the United States
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The SEVP-approved school will issue you a Form I-20.
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After you receive the Form I-20 register in SEVIS and Pay I-901 SEVIS fee
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Fill DS-160 form
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Create a login in CGI federal and make payment of the visa fee
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Schedule an appointment at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate for a student (F, J or M) visa.
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When applying for a student visa in the United States, you will typically need A passport that is valid for at least six months beyond your stay in the United States (unless exempt by country-specific agreements) Acceptance into a SEVP-approved school and the completion of Form I-20. Application fee payment for the SEVIS.
There is no fixed minimum bank balance for US student visa, but you should have sufficient amount ranging from 12,000 USD and above.
The first step is to apply to a school in the United States that is SEVP-approved. You will be enrolled for the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) and must pay the SEVIS I-901 fee after the SEVP-approved school confirms your registration. A Form I-20 will be issued to you by the SEVP-approved school.
As a broad rule, everyone is allowed to apply for a nonimmigrant visa, student or other temporary visa, at any visa-issuing U.S. consulate or embassy – its only that you cannot apply from within USA.
You can't apply for an F-1 or J-1 visa from within the United States. Visas can only be obtained at a US Embassy or Consulate located outside of the US. Unless circumstances or travel plans make this impractical, it is recommended that you apply for the visa at a US embassy in your native country.
A student visa application costs $185. You must pay the money and receive a receipt, which you will need for your interview materials later. Depending on your place of origin and the US Embassy from which you apply, you may have to pay additional expenses.
An F-1 visa is issued for up to 5 years. However, the residence status in the United States is valid for the entire duration of the study and is noted on the I-20 form.
You are authorized to travel globally outside the United States and domestically within the United States while studying in the United States as an international student with an F-1 visa.
Yes, you should begin your studies at the school specified on your I-20 if you have an F-1 visa. You can, however, change schools at any moment and for any reason if you become dissatisfied with it.
Yes, a foreign student's dependent(s) may accompany them to the United States at any time. Spouses and/or unmarried minor children are considered dependents. Children over the age of 21 are not permitted to accompany a foreign student (F-1 or J-1 student).
On-campus employment for full-time F-1 visa students is limited to 20 hours per week. After the first year of student status, an applicant may apply for off-campus employment through CPT or OPT. For more information, a student should contact their on-campus student counsellor.
If you apply for OPT after graduation, you can work and train in the US for up to 12 months to an extended OPT of 24 more months for STEM courses.
Yes, you surely can – Scholarships depend on holistic profiles and universities are very open for Indian students.
Only extremely selective courses will give a waiver for English Proficiency Exam.
IELTS is not a mandatory requirement for a USA student visa for those who have completed an international baccalaureate or previous studies from an English-speaking country.
Yes, they are eligible to apply for a dependent visa. As an international student, you may want to consider bringing your dependents to live with you in the United States. Students on F-1 and M-1 visas may be able to bring their unmarried children under the age of 21 and/or spouse to reside with them while studying in the United States.
Yes. You may obtain several different versions of your I-20s while you are in the United States if there are changes to your program or other information. Keep all copies for future reference. For travel, job, or other purposes, always utilize the most recent I-20. Each school that accepts you will give you an I-20. You only need to choose one before applying for your visa, and then use that I-20 throughout the visa application process.
After 3 business days, you can reapply. You do not need to wait for six months or more. You can apply for an F-1 visa, if you learn from your previous mistakes, gather the necessary evidence and go in confident.
OPT allows F-1 students to work in the United States for up to 12 months (or more for STEM students) in a job directly related to their major area of study. OPT can be used before completing a degree (pre-completion) or after graduation (post-completion).
Pre-Completion OPT:
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Can be used while you are still studying.
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Part-time (20 hours or less per week) while school is in session.
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Full-time during summer or other breaks.
Post-Completion OPT:
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Begins after you complete your degree program.
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Can be full-time.
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Must be completed within 14 months after completing your degree program.
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STEM OPT Extension:
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Available to students with degrees in Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics (STEM) fields.
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Extends OPT by an additional 24 months, making a total of 36 months.
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Requires employment with an employer enrolled in the E-Verify program.
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Important Considerations
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Application Timing: Apply early, as processing times can vary. You cannot begin working until you receive your EAD card and the start date on the card is reached.
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Unemployment Limits: You are allowed up to 90 days of unemployment during your initial 12 months of post-completion OPT. STEM OPT extension students have an additional 60 days.
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Some countries that take the PTE exam include Australia, the United States, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Singapore, Canada, and New Zealand, which are popular among non-native hopefuls looking to study or immigrate. PTE is a popular choice for professionals looking to work in the USA. As well as being accepted by professional associations and organizations across the United States.
CPT allows F-1 students to engage in practical training that is directly related to their major field of study. It can take the form of internships, co-ops, practicums, or any other type of work experience that is integral to the student's curriculum.
Eligibility Criteria
F-1 Status: You must have been lawfully enrolled on a full-time basis for at least one academic year. Graduate students in programs requiring immediate CPT may be exempt from this requirement.
Major Requirement: The practical training must be directly related to your major field of study.
Academic Requirement: CPT must be an integral part of your academic program, such as a requirement for your degree or a course for which you will earn academic credit.
Authorization: You must receive authorization from your Designated School Official (DSO) before starting employment. Unauthorized work can jeopardize your F-1 status.
Eligibility Criteria
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F-1 Status: You must have been lawfully enrolled on a full-time basis for at least one academic year. Graduate students in programs requiring immediate CPT may be exempt from this requirement.
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Major Requirement: The practical training must be directly related to your major field of study.
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Academic Requirement: CPT must be an integral part of your academic program, such as a requirement for your degree or a course for which you will earn academic credit.
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Authorization: You must receive authorization from your Designated School Official (DSO) before starting employment. Unauthorized work can jeopardize your F-1 status.
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What are the types of CPT
Part-Time CPT: Employment for 20 hours or less per week. You can still maintain full-time student status while working part-time CPT.
Full-Time CPT: Employment for more than 20 hours per week. If you engage in full-time CPT for 12 months or more, you will lose your eligibility for Optional Practical Training (OPT).
Curricular Practical Training (CPT) provides a valuable opportunity for F-1 visa students to gain practical experience in their field of study while still pursuing their academic programs.
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F-1 Status: You must be in valid F-1 status at the time of applying.
Full-Time Enrolment: You must have been enrolled full-time for at least one academic year.
Field of Study: The employment must be directly related to your major area of study.
Program Completion: You can apply for post-completion OPT up to 90 days before your program end date and up to 60 days after.
CPT allows F-1 students to engage in practical training that is directly related to their major field of study. It can take the form of internships, co-ops, practicums, or any other type of work experience that is integral to the student's curriculum.
