The United States of America has now become the most aspired country for international students all around the globe. But, one may well dwell upon the question that why US, with all the other options that we have .The answer is quite simple.US has around 4900 accredited universities. The lifestyle, the quality of education and the overall experience in the country is unparalleled.
Students who aspire to gain employment after completing their higher studies from a foreign university can be assured to get jobs after their studies. They can get the job of their dreams with a decent remuneration too. Individuals are also given the chance to opt for permanent residency after the completion of their course.
US have always been at the forefront of innovation and development. Whether it’s in the field of business or in the field of science and technology, it has always been reputed for the changes that are taking place in the respective fields.
An individual who aspires to study abroad, but does not have the adequate funding, despite impeccable academic records can surely count on US Universities which provide scholarships and financial aid to deserving students.
US ACADEMIC SYSTEM
The length of pre-schooling in the US is about 2 to 3 years. Then, the students start with their elementary education i.e. from kindergarten to 6th grade, which takes 6 years in general. Once a juvenile completes his or her elementary studies, they are put into middle school from 7th grade to 9th grade, which is for 3 years on the whole. Then on, they start their high school from 10th grade till 12th, for duration of 2 years, after which they start with their undergraduate courses of 4 years and then move on to complete their graduation.
APPLYING TO US UNIVERSITIES
Most of the Universities in US prefer their candidates to submit their application online. They would have to fulfill some pre requisite criteria, based on the course that they are opting for, and provide essential credentials such as their statement of purpose , Curriculum – vita ,a letter of recommendation, transcripts or a degree certificate and their 12 marks card plus certificate as well. Other documents requested would be a Bank statement, Affidavit of Support,1 passport size Photograph,10th certificate, IELTS/TOEFL score card, Passport 1st & last page Xerox, Experience letter (If applicable).
STAYING IN US
1. The expense that one incurs while his or her stay in us is quite marginal. An individual coming from a foreign country can choose out of the 3 available options: On campus residency, off campus residency or a home stay (which means to live with a local family). Cost ranges between USD 7,000 and 10,000 a year.
2. International Students can acquire part time jobs as they are studying, which helps them to take care of their personal as well as academic costs as well. They may opt for a job on or off campus. Individuals having a F1,J1 visa can work ,while attending their classes at the university. But students who hold a M1 are not permitted to work at all, and cannot change their visa status to a F1 as well.
In a scenario wherein an international student would want to work on campus, the total number of hours should not be more than 20 hours a week and full-time on weekends or any other offs. The jobs include, working in the library of the university, role as a help desk support in the university cafeteria. Those with FD1 visa cannot start working on campus, more than a moth before the first day of classes.
If a student wants to earn some money by doing a job off-campus, they would have to abide by some of the rules that have been put forward for the same. Students having F1/J1 status can work off-campus in but on the contrary, students with OPT (optional practical training) and AT(Academic training). To work Off-campus students have to enroll for US citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS).The working hours should not exceed more than 20 hours a week.
US STUDENT VISAS
International students are issued with 3 types of visas as discussed below:
F1 Visa – is given to students who want to do a full time academic course in US, and would have to complete their studies within the date that is mentioned on their I20 Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student).Students having a F1 status can be given a 60 days extension, within which they can opt foe a new academic course or gain an employment. To stay back and work in a US organization would require the employer to sponsor their employees for an H-1B non-immigrant visa.
J1 Visa – is an Exchange Visitor Visa, given to international students who come to a university on an exchange program and includes summer employment, aupair programs etc. For J1 students, the time period is shown on #3 of the DS-2019.Students having J1 status are given an extension of 30 days ,within which they may join another course or find a suitable employment. They are required to apply for an Academic training (AT)to gain employment ,and cannot work until they receive the new DS-2019 and written consent from OIE.
HOW TO APPLY FOR A US STUDENT VISA
While making a payment for the visa, one would have to create a profile on https://cgifederal.secure.force.com/?language=English&country=India.
The fee charged for the whole visa process is $100 with an additional service fee of $200.Please refer to the link given below to find DS 160 forms:
https://ceac.state.gov/GenNIV/Default.aspx
LIST OF DOCUMENTS REQUIRED FOR VISA INTERVIEW
Valid Passport,DS 160 confirmation page, Visa appointment Confirmation letter,Sevis receipt,I-20,Academic certificates 10th, 12th, Bachelors, Masters or whichever is applicable, Score reports like GRE, GMAT, TOEFL, SAT, IELTS,Work experience letter (If applicable),Sponsor Affidavit of support, Student Affidavit of Support,6 Months Bank statements of sponsor, Balance Confirmation certificate from Bank, Income proof validated from CA,Property valuation certificate.
Visa offices where individuals can be issued visas from in India are: New Delhi, Chennai, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Mumbai, Bangalore (Virtual Consulate).
Links : Profile evaluation for MS in USA (Version 1) , Shortlisting universities for MS in USA ( Version 2)
Questions to Prepare for the F1 Visa Interview
Here is the list of 65 Questions to Prepare for the F1 Visa Interview