Study in the USA

An impressive number of international students go to the USA for their quality education, unique curriculum, multicultural environment, and abundant opportunities. Students aspiring to study in the USA for an undergraduate program need at least 65% (humanities) or 70-80% (Science or Commerce) in 12th grade. Alternatively, American universities also consider the Scholastic Assessment Test (SAT) or Common Admission Test (CAT) scores. IELTS is a standardised requirement in most of the universities. Typically, a minimum of 600-800 in SAT and 7.0 in IELTS is regarded to get admission to US universities. Some universities, however, may require student students to submit all of these with the application form and fee receipt.

Yes, students can apply for multiple courses and universities in the USA. Not only does it increase their chance of selection but also gives them the option to choose if they get into multiple universities. Students fill out multiple courses available at the university in their application forms. Additionally, they can apply to a maximum of 20 universities to keep their options open. The universities, of course, charge for each application between $50-$100. So, make sure to understand the admission criteria and acceptance rate of the course you’re applying for.

Tuition fees are a significant expense for international students aspiring to study in the USA. Indian students can expect an annual expense of INR 20 Lakh to INR 30 Lakh as the cost of education while that for a living could be estimated at around INR 6.7 Lakh to INR 13.5 Lakh. This excludes the travelling expenses when moving to the USA and the visa fee of INR 12,800. However, both these estimates are based on the student’s location, course, university and lifestyle. Students can manage these costs with scholarships, grants, sponsorships and other financial aids.

To obtain a USA student visa, students from English-speaking countries must demonstrate their proficiency in the English language. Students need language fluency to cope with the curriculum and instructions of the university. Therefore, IELTS is the most common test required by the universities. However, students who graduated from a school/college with their main language as English can present their academic records with a letter of confirmation from their prior institute. Some universities may require students to enrol on their English language preparation course. This ensures that they have a fundamental learning of the language and can excel in their academia.

The acceptance rate of a college/university determines how challenging it will be to secure admission to it. Not only do the top universities in the US have a low acceptance rate but the competition to get into any of them is fierce. Harvard University has the lowest acceptance rate of 3.43%, followed by Princeton University with 3.8% and Stanford University with 3.9%. Students must have a highly exceptional academic and personal record to even be on the waiting list. In fact, there are only a few universities that have a 100% acceptance rate. Among them are Colorado State University, Weber State University, and Cameron University.

Working outside the campus is not legal for international students with F1 visas in the US. Students can work on-campus for up to 20 hours per week during the term. Off-campus employment refers to the jobs inside the campus or at a location affiliated with the school. During holidays and vacation periods, students can also work full-time or 40 hours a week. The federal minimum wage for students in the USA is 7.25 USD per hour. Furthermore, as these jobs depend on skills, type and location, students can expect to get paid 15 USD per hour or more.

To pursue a full-time program in the USA, international students need an F1 visa. On the other hand, an M1 visa allows students to take vocational courses. All institutions in the US are certified by the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) and need to share their certificate with students to put in their visa files. Other than that, to apply for a US student visa, students also need a valid passport, results of an English proficiency test and proof of funds. They don’t necessarily need IELTS scores or Duolingo tests and can accept academic records from previous English-medium institutions. US F1 visa applications cost INR 15,390 and also require a minimum maintenance fund of at least INR 833,120.

The I-20 form is a certificate of eligibility issued by the universities in the USA. Universities are only eligible to issue this if they are verified by the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP).With the I-2p form, students their I-201 SEVIS fee. F1 student visas as well as M1 student visas are issued based on the expiration date of the program as mentioned in this form. Adhering to the duration, students must complete their course and earn the degree. Students need this document to travel to the USA for any course.

After completing a full-time course, graduates can apply for dual intent visa. Non-immigrant visas like H1Bs and L1s expressed dual intent, meaning individuals holding permanent residence in the US while also maintaining their nonimmigrant status. With this, you can eventually apply for a green card. USA hasn’t specified any duration of stay after holding this visa until they can apply for a Green Card, as it largely depends on the job specifics and country of origin. If you have someone who can put a petition on your behalf, it would help you appeal. Employers can also sponsor a green card for their employees through CPT (Curriculum Practical Training) or OPT (Optical Practical Training).

Yes, students’ families can accompany them during and after their studies in the USA. However, the type of visa varies as per the inclusion of students’ dependents as well as the type. Students coming to study in the USA by themselves need F1 visas for full-time courses and M1 visas for vocational courses. Dependents with full-time students can only accompany them with an F2 visa while those with vocational students need an M2 visa. However, both these visas are applicable only for spouses and children (under 21). Parents or other close family members of a minor student need to apply for a B2 visa. Workers with H1B visas can get their spouses and children to the USA by applying for a H4 visa.