United States (USA)

The United States has always been a magnetic hub for international students seeking higher education. Renowned for its economic and academic prowess, the USA offers an education system consistently regarded as one of the best worldwide. Numerous compelling reasons make the USA an attractive destination for study abroad, including the following:

Global Academic Standing:

American universities consistently maintain a strong global presence, thanks to robust funding, academic rigor, and high standards. These institutions are renowned for instilling excellence in their students.

Quality of Life:

The USA offers an enviable quality of life that appeals to students worldwide. Studying in the USA provides an opportunity to explore the vast nation, replete with natural diversity, and to relish life's pleasures, including iconic destinations like Disneyland and Las Vegas.

Leading Research Facilities:

The USA boasts superior research and development facilities, excelling in various scientific domains. From nuclear energy research to space exploration, the country stands at the forefront of scientific endeavors.

Adaptive Academic Structure:

The US education system accommodates students with diverse educational needs, allowing them to tailor their studies to excel in their chosen fields. The high academic standards ensure that a degree from any American university is not only recognized but highly respected globally.

Versatility:

Education in the USA is versatile, providing training not only in specific fields but also in complementary areas. For instance, business undergraduates might engage in essential science courses, while engineering students may explore fundamental business concepts. This approach equips students with a broad understanding of various subjects.

Financial Support:

Many universities offer scholarships, stipends, and loans to support students in pursuing higher education. This financial aid is often merit-based, allowing students to fund their degrees. On-campus job opportunities are also available to help students earn money for their living expenses.

Career Opportunities:

A degree from a reputable US university opens up a world of career possibilities. The diverse range of subjects offered by American universities broadens students' horizons, making them attractive candidates to international companies seeking fresh perspectives on their products.

In summary, the USA's allure for international students lies in its world-class education system, vibrant quality of life, cutting-edge research, adaptable academic structure, and financial support options, all of which combine to offer promising career opportunities and a well-rounded educational experience.

If Students are applying to any university in the USA, they need to meet certain requirements. They need to submit some of the important documents while applying. These documents serve as proof of their skills, abilities, nationality, and identity. Universities ask for documents depending on the student's study level and course of study. However, to study in the USA, they will need the following documents:

Transcripts :

A transcript is a single document issued by an institution. It contains the scorecard of the concerned student along with full details about the courses student studied in a concise format. Students applying to the universities in USA need all the scores available to that date.

Resume/Curriculum Vitae :

This will carry information about student's objective, education qualification, internships (if any), work experience (if any) milestone scores (yearly aggregates and 10th,12th final aggregate), projects undertaken during their internships/full-time job as well, and mention of co-curricular and extra-curricular activities.

Marksheets and Pass Certificates :

Students also need to produce copies of their relevant mark sheets and pass certificates. They need mark sheets of 10th,

12th, all semesters, and passing certificates. Each application requires at least one (sometimes 2) sets of copies. All the copies should be attested.

Letters of Recommendation :

One of the most important documents required for applying to US universities’ undergraduate and graduate programs is the Letters of Recommendations (LOR). A LOR has to come from students’ professors or managers and should describe their skills, achievements, and experience at the college or professional level. The content of the LOR has to be printed on the organization’s header paper, sealed inside the official envelope with stamps and signature on the seal. This is to prove that the letters are confidential and were not revealed to the applicant.

Entrance Exam Scorecards :

Universities in the USA require students to take certain entrance exams for admission. Check for the program student are applying for. Students should keep their scores ready before applying to the universities of their choice. Some important entrance exams are :

• SAT
• ACT
• GRE
• GMAT
• MCAT
• LSAT

English Proficiency Test Scores :

Students coming from non-native English-speaking countries are also required to produce scores of an English language proficiency test. This is important because students will study in the US in English and Universities need to know that language won’t be a barrier in their studies. The most popular among these tests are TOEFL and IELTS.

Statement of Purpose :

A Statement of Purpose, reflects the personality of the students that they portray in front of the admission committee for getting enrolled in universities abroad. It is the chance of impressing the committee by presenting a profile strongly through an essay that describes students’ personality traits, which are not covered in academic documents.

Work Experience letters :

If students have interned or worked then the experience letters from the concerned organizations, make sure to attach their letters of experience.

Passport :

To prove their identity student may need to provide their passport number. Having an up-to-date passport is also essential.

Note: This document checklist may vary on the requirements of different Universities.

Once the students get their Offer letter from the University of USA, they can start the Visa Process. It is advisable to start the Visa process as soon as possible so that they can reach the USA on time before their classes begin. Here is the Visa process- step by step guide:

How to Apply for US Student Visa (F1 Visa)

There are several steps to apply for a USA Study Visa:

• Apply and get accepted to a US school
• Receive Form I-20 (for F-1/M-1 students) or Form DS-2019 (for J-1 students) from the American school
• Pay the I-901 SEVIS fee online
• Find the nearest US embassy or consulate
• Submit Form DS-160 (the online visa application)
• Contact the embassy to schedule their visa interview
• Pay the visa application fee
• Attend the visa interview
• Pay the visa issuance fee (if required)
• Obtain the visa from their embassy

Documents Required for F1 Student Visa Application

Student visas require students to carry a lot more documents than they would for a tourist visa, by comparison. They need the mandatory documents along with supporting documents of financial and academic records. Here are the documents required:

• A valid passport with a validity date at least six months beyond the period of stay.
• A printed copy of DS-160, the online application form
• SEVIS Fee Receipt
• Interview appointment letter (original and copy)
• Form I-20 sent by the college
• Visa fees payment confirmation receipt
• Bank statement for at least three years showing that they have enough assets to pay for the first year (could be of parent or guardian)
• Pay/salary slips
• Original mark sheets/provisional certificates
• Score sheet of exams like TOEFL, GMAT, IELTS, etc.

Supporting Financial Documents required for F1 Visa

For the USA, students need to show proof of the number of funds they need to cover for the first year's total expenses. It includes tuition fees, living expenses, and other expenses (like books). Apart from this, students also need to show proof of the readily available funds for the rest of the tenure of their education.

Evidence of Financial Resources required for F1 Visa

• Tax returns for the past 3 years (Form 16)
• Bank statements/passbook for the past 3 years
• Original pay/salary slips and letters of employment
• Statement from certified CA
• Scholarship letter (If the applicant has received it)
• The loan approval letter by the bank or the concerned authority

F1 Visa Processing Time

The processing time for F1 Student Visa for USA usually depends on the university student is applying to. The usual F1 visa processing time is four to six weeks from the application. However, some institutions can take months to process their F1 visa. After the DS-160 application, the consulate takes about two months to get back to the students with an interview appointment. Therefore, for the ones applying for Student Visa in the USA, it is handy to have ample time for the visa, so students should not miss the beginning of the semester and arrive late in the country itself.

Working on USA Student Visa

During the first year while studying, students cannot accept off-campus employment. They are not allowed to work more than 20 hours per week. During holidays and breaks, they may work up to 40 hours per week. The student can work for a commercial firm that provides services to the college, such as a bookstore or cafeteria.