Whether you are aiming for a short-term or full degree program, Here is the 6 step-by-step process for your US Study Journey:
- Research your options: Research the best options available to study in USA such as top universities etc., before making this vital decision. Also, explore funding options or check out university financial aid options.
- Plan your finances: The costs of studying in the USA vary- a bachelor’s degree ranges from $15000-$ 55,000 USD (INR 12.47 to 45.73 lakhs) yearly, while the master’s program is around $15,000-$30,000 USD (INR 12.47 to 24.94 lakhs) per year.
- Prepare your application: Plan your application process well in advance. Focus on your overall student profile with emphasis on a statement of purpose, letter of recommendation, personal essay, and the interview process.
- Standardized exams: Give exams like IELTS/TOEFL/PTE or similar tests to show English language proficiency. Also, apply for the GRE/GMAT, and SAT/ACT which might be needed based on course requirements
- Apply for the USA Visa: After receiving the university offer letter along with the I-20 form, apply for the US student visa at your nearest embassy or consulate.
- Get ready for departure: Upon visa approval, inform your university, collect immigration compliance and pre-departure documents, pack your bags, and prepare to board the flight to America.
Intakes to Study in USA
It is important to know about upcoming intakes in USA for your study abroad journey. Some universities may refer to the term “intakes” as semester. Unlike Indian universities, the American colleges and universities offer three intakes as follows:
- Fall Intake: Starts in the month of September. This is a popular intake among Indian students. Fall intake or September intake offers more courses and scholarships than other intakes.
- Spring Intake: Starts in January. Mostly preferred if the September intake is missed.
- Summer Intake: Usually starts around May. This intake is available for limited programs and colleges.
Admission Requirements to Study in USA Universities
International students need to meet the following general admission requirements to fulfill their dream of studying at USA Universities:
- Academic Transcripts
- Work experience letters (if any)
- Standardized test scores GRE/GMAT, SAT/ACT
- English Language test Proficiency Scores TOEFL, iTEP, IELTS, PTE Academic, Duolingo
- Statement of Purpose (SOP)
- Letter of Recommendation (LOR)
- CV
- Essay
- A copy of your valid Passport
- Proof of finances
For standardized tests and English language proficiency tests, the minimum accepted score will vary based on the university course you choose. Student’s academic transcripts would be converted to international standard scores and sent to US universities for admissions. This credential evaluation process is done by WES (World Education Services). Moreover, knowing about CGPA to GPA conversion helps students to see if they meet the academic requirements, especially in the American 4-point grading scale.
USA Student Visa Requirements for International Students
To study in USA, international students must know the USA Student Visa requirements. Here you will learn all the types of student visas, eligibility details, and how to apply.
The US Government offers three different types of student visas- 1. F-1 student visa, 2. J Exchange visa (J-1), and 3. M student visa (M1). F-1 student visa is the most popular one. To know more about it refer to the US Government’s Department of State website. A step-by-step guide is given below to follow while applying for a US student visa:
- Apply to the SEVP-approved schools and programs and get accepted by a Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) approved school in the US (6 to 12 months before studying in the US).
- Upon acceptance to a SEVP-certified institution, you will receive an I-20 or DS-160 form. This form is compulsory to apply for a US student visa.
- Pay the SEVIS fee at least 3 days before your US visa application submission. You can pay online or use the paper form. For more information, visit the US Immigration Customs Enforcement (ICE) SEVP’s official website.
- After obtaining the SEVIS form and paying the fee, schedule a US student visa appointment at your local or nearest consulate/embassy.
- Pay the Machine Readable Visa fee (MRV fee).
- Finally, schedule and attend a US student visa interview. Before attending check the embassy website to know the required documents you must carry at the interview.
- In all cases, you should complete the DS-160 Visa application form online. Choose your preferred application location and make sure you have all the documents required for the application form.
A simple suggestion: Make sure you arrive 30 minutes before your scheduled Visa Interview time.
Want to simplify and speed up the visa process? Check out the US embassy’s established Offsite Facilitation Center (OFC) details.
Now, Let’s check out the list of necessary documents required to apply for the US student visa:
- Name and Date of Birth.
- Contact mobile number (with country code: +91 for India) and address
- Passport details
- Details about your travel plans, previous US travel, and your point of contact in the US.
- Educational, work and family details
- English language proficiency test scores
- Medical health information. Proof of sufficient funds in the home country.
- SEVIS ID and address of US school/program you planned to enrol in (printed on I-20 or DS-2019 form)
When to apply for a US Student Visa?
The F-1 student visa is highly popular among Indian students in the USA. You can apply for the USA student visa 365 days before the course start date. Nevertheless, entry to the country is prohibited 30 days before the start of your classes.
What is the cost to apply for US Student Visa?
The cost to apply for an F-1 student visa is USD $510. Make sure you apply early so that authorities get ample time to process your application. It will also help you get enough time to arrange additional documents required for your visa application and further your university application.