An international education is an experience that may be enriching and rewarding for your future. A study program in the USA may help you experience new cultures, learn new ideas, and free your mind to discover the global society in which we live. The United States, a vast country traversing six time zones, is considered the land of opportunity and an exceptional education provider. It’s also a popular destination for international students seeking to study abroad in USA for undergraduate and graduate programs.
Students who study in the States may spend time in diverse regions of America while earning credit towards a degree through volunteering, taking classes, interning, and much more. Studying abroad in America might be a highlight of your university career, and may equip you with amazing and challenging experiences that allow you to develop both professionally and academically.
Looking to earn your full degree in the US? Check out our directory of undergraduate and graduate programs here.
REASONS TO STUDY ABROAD IN USA UNIVERSITIES
Depending on your current education plan, you may also want to consider the various alternatives to study abroad in USA universities. For instance, you could finish your current program and pursue a graduate degree in the United States. A variety of diverse graduate programs may offer varying completion schedules or costs compared to a domestic program while giving you the experience of studying abroad in America that you desire. If you are considering pursuing your degree studies in the USA, studying abroad makes complete sense. It may present you with the contacts and network to accomplish your goals.
BENEFITS OF STUDYING IN THE USA
Earning a degree from an American university may boost your professional opportunities. America hosts the most international study abroad students for many reasons: the desire to immerse yourself in American culture, use of the latest innovative technology, myriad research opportunities, academic excellence, extensive variety of study programs, and gaining unparalleled work experience in your field of study.
A principal advantage of studying abroad in America is the potential for learning the nuances of the English language. You may find that you want to enroll in an intensive language program in conjunction with your study program in the USA if you are not fluent in English. Even if you don’t have immediate plans to utilize the English language after you graduate, the skill may prove beneficial in the future.
STUDENT VISA REQUIREMENTS FOR THE US
APPLYING FOR A US STUDENT VISA? HERE’S HELP!
The US Government provides an opportunity to all Indian students to study in the country but as a prerequisite, you’ll have to obtain a student visa first. The visa you need will depend on your age and the type of study you wish to pursue in the US. Here’s an overview of the types of study visas and their application requirements:
| S.No. | Types of student visa | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | F-1 Student Visa | to study at an accredited US college or university or to study English at an English language institute |
| 2 | J Exchange Visa | for participation in an exchange program, including high school and university study |
| 3 | M Student Visa | for non-academic or vocational study or training in the US |
*For detailed information, please visit the US Government’s Department of State website.
As a primary step, you must first apply and be accepted by a US school or university that is certified by the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP). Once accepted, you will receive a Form I-20 from the institution’s international student office, which is a paper record of your information in the database called the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS).
DOCUMENTS REQUIRED FOR A US STUDENT VISA
When applying for your student visa for the US, you will generally need:
- A valid passport that is valid for at least six months beyond your period of stay in the US (unless exempt by country specific agreements)
- Acceptance at a SEVP approved school and your Form I-20
- Application fee payment for the SEVIS
- Non-immigrant visa application and the Form DS-160 confirmation page
- Your photograph in the requested format, and number
Some additional documents that might be required include:
- Academic preparation documents such as transcripts, diplomas, degrees or certificates
- Evidence that you have sufficient funds to maintain your living expenses throughout the period of your stay in the US. This may include:
- 1. Bank statements
- 2. Financial undertaking by a sponsor to cover your accommodation and living costs
- 3. A scholarship program
- Evidence that you will leave the US once you have completed your course of study. This can be in the form of an air ticket out of the US to your home country
You may also have to appear for a personal interview at the US embassy or consulate.
APPLYING FOR YOUR VISA ONLINE
You’ll have to apply for your student visa application online using the US Embassy and Consulates India website. You can apply up to 120 days before your intended date of program’s start date. Remember, your application date is the date when your application fee is paid.