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Wish to continue your studies in USA or planning to immigrate to USA? What’s the right course for you? What’s the procedure? What’s the pathway? Which visa should you apply for? How long it may take? Can you get a PR? How to apply? This comprehensive guide will answer all your queries and will take you through a journey to get a better knowledge on USA.

Why Study In USA?

The USA is a top destination for study with over 1.1 million international students. It’s renowned for excellent universities and degrees, making it a preferred choice. Diversity and abundant work opportunities make the USA an appealing choice for international students pursuing higher studies.

There are a wide variety of reasons that highlight the importance of studying in USA some of them are given below.

1. World-Class Education In The USA: There are over 5,000 universities in the USA, and many of them rank high globally. Here’s the list of Ivy League universities in the USA:
   • Harvard University
   • Yale University
   • Brown University
   • Princeton University
   • Columbia University
     
2. Internationally Accepted Degrees: The outstanding academic standards and transformative curriculum in the USA have attracted students and opened up exceptional career opportunities worldwide.
   High in-demand programs that the USA provides are mentioned below:
   • Business Management
   • Engineering
   • Computer Science
   • Medical Science
3. Diverse Career Opportunities: An international degree broadens global exposure and opens up multiple opportunities. Many students, after studying abroad, return to their home countries in search of highly lucrative jobs. US universities also offer internships, allowing students to gain hands-on experience and access better-paying jobs.

Benefits Of Studying In USA

1. The USA is home to some of the best educational institutions globally, with degrees recognized worldwide.
2. The higher education system in the USA is flexible, allowing students to decide on the structure and courses.
3. US colleges and universities offer a vibrant student life, providing a variety of activities beyond academics on their campuses.
4. Ample research and training opportunities are available for international students, equipped with the latest technology for up-to-date education.

Education System In USA

In the USA, after completing high school (12th standard), students go to colleges and universities for higher education, benefiting from a diverse educational landscape.

There are around 4,500 accredited higher education institutions that offer three types of degrees

Undergraduate Degree

Full-time undergraduate degree is referred to as a Bachelor’s Degree, and it typically takes four years to complete.

Associate Degree

An Associate Degree in the USA is taken at an undergraduate level, equivalent to a diploma. It is offered by community colleges and typically takes 2 years to complete.

Graduate Degree

A Graduate or Master’s Degree in the USA typically covers 2 to 3 academic years in university.

Doctorate Degree

A Doctorate Degree in the USA takes a total of 5 to 8 years to complete.

The detailed view of different types of institutions for higher studies in USA is provided below

Types of Institutions	Key Points
State College or University	Subsidized by the local or state government
Private College or University	Run by private groups or organizations
Community College	Offers 2-year associate degrees or certificates
Institute of Technology	Offers graduate and short-term programs in science and technology

Credit System In USA

All universities in USA follow the same credit system. The credits that a student earns during the course are taken into consideration to calculate the final result.

Qualification	Credits Required Per Course	Total Credits Required
Undergraduate/Bachelor’s	3-5 credits	120-130 credits
Master’s	3-4 credits	30-64 credits

Popular Universities In USA

USA has several best universities known for their academic excellence. Some of the top ones include:

University	QS World Ranking 2024	Annual Tuition Fees/year (USD)
Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)	1	USD 50,000 – USD 55,000
Harvard University	4	USD 25,000 – USD 51,000
Stanford University	5	USD 25,000 – USD 55,000
University of California, Berkeley (UCB)	10	USD 30,000 – USD 50,000
University of Chicago	11	USD 55,000 – USD 59,000
University of Pennsylvania	12	USD 60,000 – USD 62,000
Cornell University	13	USD 56,000 – USD 60,000

Top Courses In USA

If you’re interested in studying in USA, you should start your research early. There are many factors to consider, such as the cost of tuition, the availability of scholarships, and the immigration process. However, there are various programs that top the list of courses in USA. 

Business Management Programs

In these courses, students learn about how to manage businesses. They cover topics such as accounting, finance, marketing, and operations management.

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Career Opportunities	Client Services Manager, Sales Representative
Salary	USD 50,000 to USD 60,000 per year
Companies that hire	Accenture ZS Associates Amazon

Information Technology (IT) & Computer Science Programs

In these courses students are taught about how to design, develop, and maintain computer systems. They cover topics such as programming, data structures, and algorithms.

Career Opportunities	Computer programmer, Network administrator, IT technician
Salary	IT professional- USD 55,000 to CAD 85,000 per year
Companies that hire	AT&T Dell Technologies SAIC

Human Resources Programs

The major components that are covered in these kinds of courses are recruitment, training, and compensation.

Career Opportunities	Chief Human Resources Officer, Management Analyst
Salary	HR managers- USD 70,000 to USD 90,000 per year
Companies that hire	Capgemini Cognizant Deloitte

Engineering Programs

This course teaches about how to design, build, and maintain physical systems and includes topics such as mechanics, electrical engineering, and civil engineering.

Career Opportunities	Petroleum Engineer, Civil Engineer
Salary	USD 105,067 per year
Companies that hire	ACCIONA Thales Empyrean Amazon

Project Management Programs

This course is all about planning, executing, and controlling projects along with topics such as risk management, scheduling, and budgeting.

Career Opportunities	Project Manager, Datacenter Project Manager, IT/Network
Salary	USD 12k to CAD 147per year
Companies that hire	IBM Microsoft Amazon Google

Admission Requirements For International Students

Step-by-Step process of how to study in the US:

1. Decide the course you want to pursue and start searching for the best universities offering that course.
2. Once the universities are shortlisted, check out the official university websites of each university and gather information about the requirements and eligibility criteria.
3. Start your application process. Fill out the application form and upload all required documents and certificates. Once done, pay the required application fees.
4. Once selected, you will be sent an I-20 form. It is the document that you need to acquire your student visa.

Associate Degree

Qualification	Requirements
High School	Transcript or equivalent with an average of C
12th Standard	Minimum GPA of 2.50 to 3.60 required

English Proficiency Test

Test	Minimum Score Required
TOEFL (High School)	60
TOEFL (12th Standard)	61

Bachelor’s Degree

Qualification	Requirements
Bachelors	Minimum CGPA of 2.50 to 3.60 required

English Proficiency Test

Test	Minimum Score Required
TOEFL	78 to 100
SAT/ACT	Scores required

Master’s Degree

1. SOP, LORs, CV
2. GRE/ GMAT

Best Cities For Students In USA

With 50 states hosting world-famous universities, the USA offers many options of cities for you to choose from. Each of them is equally excellent in terms of education and exposure. 

City	Average Cost of Living (USD)
Boston	USD 22,000/year
Chicago	USD 20,000/year
New York	USD 21,000/year
Los Angeles	USD 20,000/year
San Francisco	USD 20,000/year

Do We Require A USA Study Permit?

Want to study full-time in the U.S.? You’ll typically need a student visa. There are two types: F and M visas.

To get an F-1 or M-1 visa for studying in the U.S., here’s what you need:

1. Enroll in an approved academic, language, or vocational program.
2. Your school must be recognized by the Student and Exchange Visitors Program.
3. Be a full-time student.
4. Have English proficiency or be taking courses to improve it.
5. Show you have enough funds for your studies.
6. Plan to maintain a home abroad you don’t intend to abandon.

F-1 Student Visa
The F-1 Visa is for full-time students entering the U.S. for accredited programs leading to a degree, diploma, or certificate. Your school must be authorized to accept international students by the U.S. government.

Step	Description
1	SEVIS fee and I-20 form collection – Pay SEVIS fee, receive I-20 form from school, and fill it out for the F-1 interview.
2	VISA fee and form collection – Pay visa fee, collect visa form, and fill it out for the interview.
3	D-160 Form – Fill out the D-160 form, submit the confirmation, and gather documents for the visa interview.
4	VISA interview – Attend the visa interview at the US embassy. You may be eligible for a waiver if you’re a previous visa holder. Return for the stamped passport.

M-1 Student Visa
The M-1 Visa is for vocational studies like flight schools or professional courses, excluding academic programs. If you want to pursue academic courses, you should apply for an F-1 Student Visa.

Employment
F-1 students can’t work off-campus in the first academic year, but they can take on-campus jobs. After the first year, they have three options for off-campus employment.

1. Curricular Practical Training (CPT)
2. Optional Practical Training (OPT) (pre-completion or post-completion)
3. Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Optional Practical Training Extension (OPT)

Eligibility For USA Student Visa

The requirements for an F-1 visa are:

1. Apply and get accepted into a SEVP-approved school in the U.S.
2. Enroll as a full-time student.
3. Be proficient in English or take courses to improve.
4. Show enough funds to support your studies.
5. Demonstrate ties to your home country, indicating you plan to return.
6. Apply while residing outside the United States.

Which Documents Are Required?

Here are some other important documents other than the obvious ones that are important to apply for USA Visa:

1. Valid Passport: Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your intended stay in the US, unless exempt by specific country agreements.
2. SEVP Approved School Acceptance: Obtain acceptance at a school approved by the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) and receive your Form I-20.
3. SEVIS Application Fee Payment: Pay the application fee for the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS).
4. Visa Application: Complete the non-immigrant visa application and obtain the Form DS-160 confirmation page.
5. Photograph: Provide a photograph in the requested format, along with the corresponding number.
6. Optional Practical Training (OPT): If opting for OPT, apply to the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) for an Employment Authorization Document (EAD), in addition to the Form I-20.

English Language Requirements

Test	Minimum Score Required
IELTS	6.5

F-1 Visa Interview

You will generally be required to attend an interview at a U.S.:

1. Unexpired Passport: Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your planned entry into the United States. Remember, each person requiring a visa must submit an individual application, including family members mentioned in your passport.
2. Form DS-160 Confirmation Page: This is a crucial step. Make sure you have the confirmation page from your completed Form DS-160.
3. Application Fee Payment Receipt: Keep the receipt for the application fee payment handy.
4. Photograph: Provide a photo that adheres to the U.S. State Department’s specifications.
5. Form I-20: This is the form issued to you by your academic institution and is an important part of your documentation.

You should also be prepared to bring evidence of:

1. Educational Documents: Bring transcripts, diplomas, degrees, or certificates from the schools you attended.
2. Standardized Test Scores: Provide any required standardized test scores specified by your U.S. school.
3. Proof of Ties to Home Country: Show evidence of your ties to your home country.
4. Financial Proof: Bring documents demonstrating that you have enough funds to support yourself and cover your study expenses in the United States.

Do We Have To Renew The Study Permit In USA?

To renew your F-1 visa, you have to follow the same steps you did when you initially applied for the visa:

1. Fill in your visa application. Even when you apply to renew your visa, you have to fill in the online visa Form DS-160 and print the confirmation page.
2. Schedule an appointment at the embassy or consulate. Afterward, you should make an appointment at your local embassy or consulate so you can do your visa interview as quickly as possible. However, you may be eligible for a waiver of the interview requirement, if you meet the exemption conditions.
3. Assemble the required documents. You have to prepare the original documents that were required when you first applied for your F-1 student visa, and if needed, get apostille stamps for your documents and translate them.
4. Pay the application fee for the visa. If you are required to pay the fee before your interview, make sure you do so since you have to prepare the fee receipt.
5. Go to your visa interview.  Finally, you can attend the interview for your F-1 visa renewal. If you meet the same requirements you did when you applied initially for your F-1 student visa, you will most likely receive your visa renewal.

What Are Some Dos And Don’ts of Visa Interview?

Dos

1. Smile:
   • Keep a cheerful and positive demeanor.
   • Your journey is toward achieving your dream, so maintain a happy disposition.
2. Good Posture:
   • Demonstrate confidence through good posture.
   • Take a deep breath to project assurance.
3. Dress Appropriately:
   • Choose attire suitable for the occasion and the setting.
   • Opt for a simple and professional look when meeting visa experts.
4. Speak English:
   • Fluency in English is crucial, especially if you plan to settle abroad.
5. Clear Communication:
   • Avoid using fillers like ‘Like’, ‘Um’, or ‘I guess’.
   • Pay attention to the counselor’s questions and respond clearly.
6. Eye Contact:
   • Maintain eye contact with the interviewer.
   • Lack of eye contact may be perceived as a lack of confidence or honesty.

Don’ts 

1. Getting Nervous:
   • Avoid unnecessary nervousness.
   • Remind yourself of your well-planned international journey for studies or career opportunities.
   • Practice breathing exercises before the interview to stay calm.
2. Speaking English with a Forced Accent:
   • Be natural in your communication.
   • Avoid putting on forced American accents.
   • Speak clearly and confidently without artificial accents.
3. Avoid Making Eye Contact:
   • Maintain eye contact, but avoid constant staring without blinking.
   • Natural eye contact conveys confidence, while staring may make others uncomfortable.
4. Offering Documents Unprompted:
   • Wait for the Visa Officer to ask for documents.
   • Avoid offering to show documents unless specifically requested.
5. Providing Insufficient Documentation:
   • Ensure all required documents are complete and authentic.
   • Read and understand prerequisites, and organize your paperwork for a positive impression.

Documents Required

1. Passport:
   • Ensure your passport is valid for at least 6 months.
   • Verify that the biographical information in the new passport is correct.
2. Proof of Fee Receipts:
   • Bring all fee receipts, including SEVIS and Visa receipts.
   • Occasionally, visa offices may request fee receipts.
3. Appointment Confirmation Letter:
   • Have a letter confirming your visa appointment.
   • Display this letter before entering the consulate building.
4. Confirmation Page for the DS-160:
   • Ensure you have the confirmation page for the DS-160 form.
5. I-20 and Admission Letter:
   • Sign the I-20 in the required location before the interview.
   • Bring your admission letter.
6. Physician’s Letter:
   • Include a physician’s letter if required for your application.

Top Scholarships In USA

There are numerous scholarships available for international students in the USA, ranging from government-funded to university-specific, often based on merit or excellence in extracurricular activities.

Top scholarships to study in Canada are discussed below

Fulbright Foreign Student Program

1. Awarded to: International Students for Graduate programs.
2. Amount/Benefit: Covers tuition fees, accommodation fees, health insurance, and airfare.

Rotary Peace Fellowships

1. Awarded to: International students pursuing a Certificate Program or Masters’ Degree related to peace and conflict resolution. 
2. Amount/Benefit: Covers fees, accommodation, transportation, and all internship and field-study expenses.

Clark Global Scholarship Program

1. Awarded to: International students pursuing a bachelor’s degree and demonstrating financial need.
2. Amount/Benefit: USD 15,000 – USD 25,000

Rotary International Ambassadorial Scholarships

1. Awarded to: Students for Undergraduate and Postgraduate Programs.
2. Amount/Benefit: USD 12,000 – USD 25,000

University Scholarships

1. Awarded to: Fully-funded scholarships offered by individual universities for both graduate and undergraduate programs. Most universities including Stanford, Yale, and Harvard offer these scholarships 
2. Amount/Benefit: Varies with the university and program

Job Opportunities In USA

International students in the USA can opt for part-time jobs, adhering to the 20-hour work-per-week rule. It’s a great way to gain valuable work experience while pursuing your degree.

There are two types of student employment:

On-Campus

1. Work within the college/university campus.
2. Convenient for students as it’s on-site.
3. Opportunities may include roles in libraries, cafeterias, or administrative offices.

Off-Campus

1. Work affiliated with the institution but not on-site.
2. Provides broader work experience.
3. May include internships or jobs with external organizations linked to the university

Off-campus jobs can be undertaken by students under 4 categories

1. Curricular Practical Training (CPT):
   • Work directly related to the student’s major field of study.
   • Often part of the curriculum, providing practical experience.
2. Optional Practical Training (OPT):
   • Temporary employment related to the student’s major.
   • Can be pre-completion (before graduation) or post-completion (after graduation).
3. Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) OPT Extension:
   • Extension for STEM students allowing additional work authorization.
4. Off-Campus Employment for Economic Hardship:
   • For students facing severe economic hardship preventing them from continuing their studies.

Some popular part time student jobs in USA for international students are:

Part-Time Jobs	Average Salary Per Hour (USD)
Library Assistant	USD 14
Research Assistant	USD 17
Tutor	USD 12
Campus Tour Guide	USD 13
Department Assistant	USD 16
Food Runner	USD 12
Receptionist	USD 13

Frequently Asked Questions

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