PURSUE YOUR HIGHER EDUCATION IN ONE OF THE US UNIVERSITIES
The United States is the world's leading student destination. It offers unparalleled scope for students from all streams to study and excel in their chosen fields. Coupled with an economy that requires new talent every year, it is the ideal destination for students looking to study and make a life after graduation. With a US student visa, it is possible to study in USA.
VERSATILE INDIA offers authoritative support students need to study in US universities with a US student visa. Our understanding of the US education system and vast experience with its student visa process make us your best bet to study in the US.
WHY STUDY IN THE USA?
The US universities are able to provide the best possible platform to international students with a student visa. This is evident from their high rankings making it worthwhile to study in USA. The country's education system offers the most comprehensive coursework to students with an equal.
Affordable Education
Diversity and Flexibility
Outstanding support system for overseas students
Healthy and Safe Communities
Access to internships
Exciting Campus Lifestyle
COST OF STUDYING IN THE USA
The US Universities fall under two major categories: public-funded and private institutions. International students’ tuition expenses at state schools are based on non-resident costs, which are still usually less expensive than those of private universities. This is excluding the student visa fees. You will need approximately $10,000 to $55,000 annually to cover your tuition fees when you study in USA.
| STUDY PROGRAM | APPROXIMATE TUTION FEES IN USD$(per year) |
|---|---|
| Undergraduate Bachelor Degree | $15,000 to $40,000 |
| Graduate Programs | $20,000 to $40,000 |
| Doctoral Degree | $25,000 to $40,000 |
UPCOMING INTAKES IN THE USA
US universities have 3 intakes.
Students have the option of choosing the term of their study from three main flexible intakes, Spring (January), Fall (September) and Summer (May) when they study in USA.
Intake 1: Fall Semester — It commences in August/September and is the major intake.
Intake 2: Spring Semester — It commences in January/February intake is also available.
Intake 3: Summer Semester — It commences in May/June and is available.
You will have to choose an intake that best suits your requirements and make your application accordingly. Remember the deadline to submit applications are usually a few months before the starting date of the semester. You will also have to plan your US student visa application to syne with your college application process.
ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS FOR STUDENTS IN US UNIVERSITIES:
Student Applicant
Students must be over 18 years of age.
International students can work on-campus up to 20 hours/week or less during the academic terms and full-time during the academic break periods including the summertime
Off-campus employment requires some form of written or documented authorization issued by either the USCIS or OISS.
You must be currently in legal status and have been enrolled as a student on a F-1 student visa in the US for a minimum of one academic year to be eligible for any form of off-campus employment.
US STUDENT VISA REQUIREMENTS (F1 VISA)
You will generally need the following for your US Student Visa application for US universities:
A valid passport with a validity date at least six months beyond your period of stay.
Recent passport size photograph.
Confirmation page of DS-160.
Form I-20.
Payment of application fees for SEVIS.
Application as a non-immigrant.
Your University will make you aware of additional requirements if any prior to your application.
STEPS TO APPLY
Step 1: Apply to a US school and get accepted
The first step is to apply to (and eventually be accepted to) a US university. In the United States, most full-time undergraduate and graduate programs demand applications by December year. Admission notices are usually sent out in March and April.
Step 2: Get your school's Form 1-20 or DS-2019
After being accepted to a school, you'll receive one of two forms: Form 1-20 (Certificate of Eligibility Nonimmigrant Student Status) for F-1 and M-1 students, and Form DS-2019 (Certificate of Eligibilit Exchange Visitor (J-1) Status for J-1 students.
Step 3: Pay the SEVIS I-901 fee
Go online and pay the I-901 SEVIS fee once you receive your 1-20 or DS-2019 form from your school. The price is 350 USD for F-1/M-1 students and 220 USD for J-1 students once again. (Those in short-term J- 1 visa programs will only have to pay $35 USD.)
Step 4: Locate a US Embassy or Consulate in Your Area
You must apply for an international student visa at the US embassy or consulate nearest to you (ideally, in the city or region in which you live). The US Department of State offers an online search for US embassies and consulates.
Please know that depending on which embassy you apply through, the process for obtaining a student visa in the United States may fluctuate slightly
Step 5: Fill out the DS-160 form online
After that, fill out the Online Non-immigrant Visa Application (Form DS-160).
You will also select the US embassy where you will interview for your visa on this application.
Step 6: Make an appointment for your visa interview
Contact your nearest US embassy or consulate (preferably, the one you listed on your online application) to organize your visa interview after you’ve filed Form DS-160.
Step 7: Make payment for your visa application fee.
After that, pay the application fee of 160 USD. This charge is the same regardless of where you apply or where you are from.
It’s important to note that the exact date you pay this charge will differ based on your embassy.
Step 8: Attend your visa interview
The interview is the final major step in the visa application process. This interview will determine whether or not you are granted a student visa in the United States.
Step 9: Pay the visa issuance fee
After being authorized for a student visa in the United States, certain students are required to pay a visa issuance fee. Whether or not you must pay this fee is determined by your nationality and the reciprocity agreement your country has with the United States. You can use a chart on the US visas website to discover if you have to pay a visa issuance fee.
Step 10: Get Your Visa
Your embassy will return your passport to you with your new visa in it if you’ve completed all of the requirements above and gained approval for an international student visa to the United States. It’s worth noting that certain embassies will ask you to pick it up in person, while others will simply ship it back to you.
The length of time it takes for your visa to be processed varies by embassy.
AFTER YOU GRADUATE:
F1 Student Visa holders are eligible for up to 12 months of OPT (optional practical training) on completion of graduation. That means you can work for a year after you finish your studies.
It is temporary employment permission allowing students the opportunity to gain practical experience in their field of study.
After that, you’ll be required to apply for a work visa if you have to continue working in the US. You can remain in the US up to 60 days after the completion of your course in US universities even if you don’t have a job offer or haven’t applied for OPT
HOW VERSATILE INDIA CAN HELP YOU?
The US visa application process can be a daunting prospect. VERSATILE INDIA will be by your side and assist you throughout the process. VERSATILE INDIA experienced and well-versed with the intricacies of the US immigration process. Your dedicated consultant will help you:
Identify and collect all your documents
Complete the visa documents checklist
Create your application package
Help to fill the various forms and applications accurately
Updates & follow up
Interview preparations
TOP UNIVERSITIES IN US
| QS World University Rankings – Top Universities in the US | ||
|---|---|---|
| Serial No. | Global Rank | University |
| 1 | #1 | Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) |
| 2 | #3 | Stanford University |
| 3 | #5 | Harvard University |
| 4 | #6 | California Institute of Technology (Caltech) |
| 5 | #10 | University of Chicago |
| 6 | #13 | University of Pennsylvania |
| 7 | #14 | Yale University |
| 8 | #19 | Columbia University |
| 9 | #20 | Princeton University |
| 10 | #21 | Cornell University |