About USA

Study in USA

The United States of America is arguably the most favourite study destination of international students is a well-established fact. So much is the popularity of the country, and so much the rush to go there that for Indian students, “going abroad” has become synonymous with going to study in America. Living there is a dream for millions of students across the world. Working after graduation is a dream come true for them.

Education in USA

If you are planning to Study in USA, you must know about how the education system stands. There are no unanimous Education Structure across United states of America. USA does not follow any national education system. Federal Government only interferes in the matters of the funds it offers. There is no Education Board for the country unlike many other countries. However, every state has their own education system, and state graduation examinations.

One important grading factor across the country is GPA (Grade Point Average), and along with number of other factors, it is important when a college or University admission is considered.

For Graduation and Post-Graduation in USA, there are three type of institutions, Universities in USA, Community Colleges in USA, Liberal Arts College in USA. All 3 types of institution are discussed in detail below:

Universities in USA:

There are two types of Universities in USA: Public and Private. Public Universities are funded by US State Governments and are very affordable universities in USA when compared to Private Universities. While Private Universities are not owned by any government body, and they run on tuition fees.

Most of the Universities offer graduate, postgraduate and doctoral degree programs. Universities are larger than colleges and they offer more opportunities than colleges.

Community Colleges in USA:

These are vocational or certificate programs for students. Community Colleges are smaller than what universities are. Most of the programs on offer by this community college are two-years long. Community colleges can work as a bridge for students to reach to a higher level of academics in future.

Liberal Arts College in USA:

These are mostly undergraduate degree programs in USA and is for the students of liberal arts and sciences. These are mostly four-year long courses. Liberal Arts college can be both Public or Private by the nature of funding.

Top Reasons to Study in USA

Joy of living in USA

A big reason for students across the world to want to pursue higher education America is the joy of living that the country provides. Students who Study in USA get the opportunity to explore the vast country, full of natural diversities; and they also enjoy life by vising places like the famous Disney Land and Las Vegas.

A Refined Research Venture

The United States of America simply has the best research and development facilities, period. This is the reason that the country leads the world in literally almost all aspects of scientific existences. From research related to nuclear energy to space expeditions, America is always at the number one spot.

Academic Stature

It is a system which encourages students with different educational needs to study according to their needs and excel. Because of its high academic standard, a degree from any American University is not only recognized but revered all over the world. There is perhaps no other country where students with an academic bent of minds are encouraged in such strong manners.

Versatility:

There is versatility in the education. They will not only give you training in your own field as well as in different fields well. As for an example business undergrad should do some essential science lectures, engineering undergrad will do some essential business lectures. In this way student will have knowledge in different areas including theirs.

Financial support:

Most of the universities provide scholarships, stipends, loans for higher education to students so that they can finish their degrees. they provide the financial support on the basis of the merit rather than the financial need. On campus job facilities are also available for the students to work and earn money for their survival.

Career opportunities:

A degree from reputed universities widens the scope of careers. Due to the varied insight into different fields of study offered by universities in USA, it broadens the scope of career paths that the student chooses, and it is known that international companies look for candidates that offer them with a different take or perspective on their products.

Study in USA Requirements

There will be some basic requirements of Colleges in Universities that you should fulfil in order to secure your place in Top USA Universities.

A valid Passport

You will need a valid passport to pursue your study in the USA. Universities in the USA ask the international students to submit their passport number on their application. Without a passport, the institution will not be able to issue the essential forms for a USA student visa.

Academic qualifications

Verified copies of mark sheets of class X, XII, and the bachelor’s degree (if applying for post-graduation course). You should have good grades in previous academic study or high school diploma or an undergraduate degree which is equivalent to the minimum Grade Point Average (GPA) for entry in your selected college.

English Language Proficiency

Universities in USA are English speaking Universities. Therefore, it is important for international students who are coming from a non-English speaking country to prove their proficiency in reading, writing listening and speaking in English. Most of the Universities across USA will ask for IELTS or TOEFL scores before admissions.

Entrance Exam

Entrance exams like GRE, GMAT, SAT, etc. are required for special coursed. The test to be taken depend upon individual’s choice of course and Universities. GRE is taken for general admissions, while GMAT is a specialisation test for management students who want to apply for MBA of management programs. SAT is asked for undergraduate scores.

Specialisation Tests:

Specialisation

Required Tests

Undergraduate Studies

SAT

Graduate Studies

GRE (General or Subject)

Graduate Studies (Management)

GMAT

Fine Arts

TOEFL with portfolio

Medicine

MCAT

Pharmacy

PCAT

Dental

DAT

Veterinary

VCAT

Law

LSAT

Public Accountant

CPA (Certified Public Account Accountant Examination)

Medical Licensing

USMLE (United States Medical Licensing Examination)

Foreign Nursing School

CGFNS (Council for Graduate of Foreign Nursing Schools)

Letter of Recommendation (LOR)

The people who have been in contact with you professionally write Letters of Recommendation for you. It is written by the professors of your last academic institution, or your immediate supervisors from where you had worked. Teachers will write an LOR for bachelor’s degree aspirants. If you are pursuing Master’s or MS, it will be written by the professors at your college / university.

Statement of Purpose / Application Essay

The College / university you have applied to can ask one of these two. Both of them serve one purpose: An introduction about yourself and the reasons why you have applied to study in that particular institute. Statement of Purpose contains information about yourself, your long-term and short-term goals and passion.

Monetary Funds

Even after the university and college you have applied for have accepted you, there will be an intimidating process to prove to the university and the visa officials that you have enough monetary funds to sustain your studies and other expenses for one year without any other financial help.

How to Apply for Universities in USA

The most important thing to consider when applying for a Study permit in USA is the timing. Start with your preparations at least a year before you are planning to go. The application starts with shortlisting and choosing a program and a university that suits you the best. Go to their website and go through their admission criteria thoroughly.

The next thing is to prepare for the entrance or subject exam you are required to take for the university or the college you have chosen. It may be English Language proficiency tests like IELTS, TOEFL, PTE, or the specialisation tests like GRE and GMAT.
After you have shortlisted your scores, and you have the transcripts required for all the exams, start applying to the colleges of your choice. This is the time you might also want to start the documentation process. Start working on your Letters of Reference and Statement of purpose, start writing application essay if required.
Once that is done, you should line up your funds required. You will be asked to prove the sufficient funds with the visa application. Complete your application process with the college.
You should start working on a student visa for USA process 3 months before the departure. With visa process, research health insurance options for yourself. Start making travelling arrangements for your departure and make a pre-departure checklist for yourself.

Best Courses to Study in USA:

The most pursued after courses in USA have to be the business and management courses. The second most popular course is Engineering in USA, with students from all over the world looking forward to study in Universities like Stanford, Caltech and MIT. Other Courses to Study in USA include Computer Science and Information Technology. With places like Silicon Valley, USA is one of the most promising destinations for CS/IT. Natural Sciences and Social Sciences come after that, with the universities well equipped with best of the research facilities which are world-leading and pioneer in many ways.

Study in USA after 12th

Study in USA is not only about pursuing master’s and doctoral studies. Many of the students from all around the world also like to start early, right after they have finished their schooling. Just like Masters in USA, there is many bachelor’s programs in USA for international students. Whether one has a background of Science (PCM or PCB), Commerce or Arts. If you are looking for study in USA once you finish your schooling.

Study in USA bachelor’s degree

International Students studying a bachelor’s degree in USA will experience top-quality education in excellent and modern facilities.

International students have a variety of options for major studies, such as engineering, philosophy, business, architecture, fine arts, computer science, biology, design, economics, sociology, and psychology, among several others.
A bachelor’s degree in USA generally requires 4 years of duration to complete, however, there are also options for part-time and online studies for students that require flexibility in scheduling.

Study in USA master’s degree

Among international students, there are many students who wish to pursue their masters from the USA.

To get admission into a master’s degree in USA the basic requirement you will need is a good undergraduate or first degree in a relevant subject area.
Usually, most master’s courses in the USA take 2 years to complete when pursuing a full-time course.
USA universities lead in many subject areas, especially those in technology and engineering. MBA in USA, Computer Science courses in USA are also well known.
Although most master’s degrees fall into the category of Master of Business Administration, Master of Arts or Master of Science, many speciality degrees exist as well. Many international students focus on business management and medical professions as these courses offer a wide range of skills.

Student life in USA

Student life in USA is simply amazing! Whether someone is enrolled in a graduate programme, or is pursuing a Ms in us, or any other post graduate degree programmes, there is a life that is beyond academics and is of a very high quality. There is a lot of cultural diversity on American campuses, and a lot of places in America one can explore. Besides, the faculty members are very helpful and welcoming.

Students Safety in USA

Safety is always a concern for the students looking forward to study abroad. Fortunately, Colleges and Universities in USA are extra cautious about the student-safety on the campus.

Even in the remote towns and suburban areas, the institution will have a security staff, and the campus will be the safest place for the students.
Many larger universities have their own security unit on campus, too.

Students themselves must be aware of their belongings and surroundings while dealing in a new place. Be aware of the security measures and emergency contacts. In case of any troubling incident, students should reach out to nearest help available on campus. With few simple precautions, every unfavourable incident can be avoided. Remember, US colleges and Universities will have friendliest and the most helpful people out there

Study USA in English Language

Well, this certainly should not be a surprise to anyone reading this article. America is identified with the English Language, perhaps more than the United Kingdom is. Hollywood has placed a major role in making English synonymous with the country. English is the working language of the world, and the best universities in USA champion the process of getting educated in this language. All courses across all disciplines, in all colleges and universities are conducted in English, giving the students a beginners’ edge in all industries that have global presence.

Study in USA without IELTS

Though the Universities in USA teach the courses in English, in some cases it is not compulsory to prove your English Language Proficiency by taking IELTS test. This comes as good news to many, as there are some universities in USA, where you will get admission without IELTS. There are different ways to assess your English Language abilities other than IELTS.

Study in USA Cost:

Universities in the USA aren't exactly known for their affordability. In fact, USA is known to be one of the most expensive places for international students. However, compared to the quality of education and opportunities that come with studying in USA, the investment is worth every dollar.

The private universities, as it is the case with everywhere else in the world, are more expensive than the state universities in USA. According to the US Department of Education, the undergraduate studies at public universities will cost students around 17000$, whereas private universities will cost around 43000$ per year.

Here's How You Can Reduce Cost of Study in USA in 3 Easy Ways

1. Advanced Placement Exams & Credit Transfers:

For most of the subjects you will study in freshman and sophomore years, you can apply for AP exams while you are in your home country, most probably when you are in your +2. Not only that, but the credits from that AP exams can also be transferred to your course in USA. This will save you both time and money, as you will not have to appear for the same subjects and exams ahead. However, it is very important to ask the university you are applying to, if the credits are at all transferable. Students can save as much as 4000$ for a course, by taking the AP Exams.

2. Study in USA with Scholarship:

As we have mentioned before, there is several scholarships available for the international students looking to Study in USA. While some of them are from universities, some of them are from the government, and some are from the entities that provide the scholarships. They can be merit-based or need-based. Every year, thousands of students successfully apply for these scholarships which help them not only with the tuition fees, but also their day to day living expenses depending on the scholarship.

3. Other ways to Help Yourself with Cost of Study in USA:

Assisting at the Universities:

The best way to earn some money on campus, is being a teaching or research assistant. These parts can earn you up to 4000$ a course. You can be a teaching assistant for 2 to 3 courses and pick one topic of your interest in assisting for Research.

Work While Studying:

After a year of study in USA, students are allowed to work for 20 hours per week in the field of study. Working while studying is one of the best ways to support yourself. It helps you with your tuition fees, and can help you with day-to-day expenses.

See where you can cut down:

Rent books from the libraries, cook your own food rather than eating out, and live a slightly down-scaled lifestyle. As we mentioned, the cost of living largely depends on the place you decide to stay in. Be smart about your finances, and by setting small goals and little modifications, you can save big

How to Apply for USA visa

When you are accepted by the university or college, they will send you the I-20 form to be filled and apply for the student visa.
In the next step, apply for an online DS-160 form for USA visa.
Fill that form carefully and take a printout of the confirmation page to carry it to the visa interview.
Pay the Fees for Visa.
Schedule biometrics (a photograph is taken, fingerprints are scanned) and interview appointment.
Give the interview. It will consist of questions related to the choice of your college, course, and intent to come back to your home country. If you pass the interview, the passport will be taken to get the Visa Stamped.

Working While studying in USA

Working while studying is a big reason behind international students’ flocking to America to study. Although USA offers a large number of scholarships, sometimes to live a better life one needs more money. Various “earn while you learn” schemes, and the general law of the land allowing international students to work while studying helps a lot in this regard.

Working After Graduation in USA

For many international students, this is the happiest part of studying in America. The country offers its students the opportunity to work even after their courses are over, for a stipulated period, after getting necessary permissions from the relevant agencies. Many international students stay on in America for a long time after their courses are over.

Employment Prospectus in USA

After completion of the study program, students with F-1 visa can apply for Optional Practical Training. Shortly known as OPT, it is the most appealing option for the students who want to extend their stay in USA for 12-24 months

Moreover, in some cases, a few companies sponsor students for Temporary Workers Visa, if the student is working in that company.

For more information on the requirements to study in USA, or for the answers to your why and how, feel free to get in touch with us!

Know More About USA

The United States of America is the fourth largest country in the world and is the third most populous. It is a federal republic which comprises of fifty states, a federal district and five major self-governing territories. The capital of the country is Washington, D.C., and the most populous city is New York. The U.S. territories are scattered about the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea, and they stretch across nine time zones. This shows how vast the country is. The United States is the founding member of the United Nations, the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund. It is a highly developed country and has the fastest growing economy.

Study in USA for Indian Students:

USA has been and continues to be the most favourite study abroad destination for Indian Students. For year, the largest percentage of students going abroad choose USA. In fact, after China, Indian Students make the largest demographic of international students in USA. According to the Ministry of External Affairs of India, in the year of 2018, more than 210000 Indian students were studying in India across the Masters, bachelor’s and PhD programs in the USA. Recently, Education USA Advising Centre was opened in India along with a dedicated mobile app.

Best Cities to live in USA

With 50 states and a great a greater number of metropolis cities all around the country, USA has a plethora of geographical and academic treasures for students to choose from.

Top Courses to Study in USA

Master of Business Administration
Science
Arts
Management
Information Technology
Education & Training
Engineering
Medicine and Healthcare
Hospitality & Tourism
Banking & Finance
Media Films
Law

Types of VISAS

Visa Type / Purpose

Foreign government officials and diplomats

A1, G-1, NATO1-6

Visa renewals

A-2, NATO1-6

Military personnel of a foreign country stationed in the U.S.

B-1

Amateur and professional athletes who are competing for prize money

Business visitors

Nannies or domestic employees

B-2

Visitors for medical treatment

Tourists, vacationers and pleasure visitors

BCC

Mexican Border Crossing Card

Transit in the U.S.

Crew members serving on aircrafts

E-1

Treaty traders

E-2

Treaty investors

E-3

Australian professionals and specialty workers

F-1

Language and academic students

F-2

Dependents of F-1 Visa holders (Students)

G1- G5, NATO

Designated international organisation’s employees and NATO

H-1B1

Chilean Free Trade Agreement (FTA) professionals

Singaporean FTA professionals

H1-B

Physicians and highly specialised occupations requiring specific industry knowledge

H2-A

Temporary workers for seasonal agriculture

H2-B

Temporary workers for non-agricultural professions

Primarily non-employment training programs

H1-C

Nurses travelling to areas that has shortage of healthcare professionals

Information media representatives and journalists

Exchange visitors

International cultural exchange visitors

J-1

Au-pairs exchange visitors

Professors, scholars and teachers as exchange visitors

J-2

Children under the ages of 21/ Spouse of J-1 holder

K-1

Fiancé

Intra company transferees

M-1

Vocational students

M-2

Dependent of M-1 holder

O-1

Foreign nationals possessing excellent knowledge and abilities in the fields of art, science, education, athletics or business

Entertainers, artists and athletes

International cultural exchange visitors

Religious works

TN/TD

Mexican and Canadian NAFTA professional workers

T-1

Human trafficking victims

U-1

Victims of crime, criminal activity

Different Types of US Visas

The most common Types of US Visa from India are as follows:

Tourist or Business Visa: This tourist or business visa is available in two different forms. The two categories are frequently combined and issued as one Visa. You must demonstrate to the consular official that your stay in the country is temporary and that you have the means to pay for your costs there. Additionally, evidence of living outside the US is required. Under this visa, you cannot accept employment.

B-1 for business associates, those attending scientific, educational, business conventions, settling an estate or negotiating contracts.
B-2 for pleasure or for medical treatment. This includes tourism, visiting friends and family, medical treatment, social or service activities.

Work Visa To work temporarily in the US, you need a certain Visa based on the type of work you'll be doing. The USCIS must accept the petition of the applicant in order for them to be eligible for H, L, O, P, and Q. Form I-129 must be authorised before submitting a request for a work visa at the consulate. Form I-797, which serves as notice that your petition has been authorised, will subsequently be delivered to the employer. A copy of Form I-797 and Form I-129 must be brought with you when you visit the Consulate for your interview. The following list of work visas is provided:

H1-B for Specialty occupation : For you to be eligible for an H1-B visa, you must hold a Bachelor's degree or higher in the field of specialisation. USCIS will determine whether your employment falls within this category and whether you are qualified to offer the required service. The employer is required to file a labour condition application to the Department of Labour regarding the conditions of the employment contract with you.
H-1 B-1 - Work Visa on a Temporary Basis: Singaporean and Chilean citizens can apply visa in order to work in the U.S. on a temporary basis. However, individuals must already have a job offer in the US before they can apply for the visa.
H-2A for Seasonal agricultural workers: This Visa allows U.S. employers to bring foreign nationals to fill the temporary agricultural job for which U.S. workers are not available. Employer must file Form I-129 petition on your behalf. Indians are not eligible for this Visa.
H-2B for skilled and unskilled workers: This Visa is granted to those filling up a temporary or a seasonal job for which there is a shortage of U.S. workers. Indians are not eligible for this Visa.
H-3 for trainees: This is required if you are coming to the U.S. to receive training in any field from an employer for a period of up to two years. You can be paid for the training but it cannot be used to provide productive employment.
H-4 for dependents: If you are a holder of a valid H Visa, then your spouses and unmarried children under the ages of 21 may receive H-4 Visa so that they can accompany you to the U.S. But your spouse and children who hold this Visa are not permitted to work in the U.S.

L-1 for intra company transferees: f you work for an international firm and are temporarily transferred to the parent branch, an affiliate, or a subsidiary of the company, you need this visa. You must be at the managerial or executive level and possess specialised knowledge in the role you intend to occupy in the U.S. Company in order to be eligible for this visa. Within the three years before to submitting your application for admission to the United States, you must have worked continuously for one year for the multinational company.
L-2 for dependents: If you are a holder of a valid L Visa, your spouses and unmarried children under the age of 21 may receive L-2 Visa to enter the U.S. If your spouse wishes to seek employment in the U.S., they will have to submit a completed Form I-765 with the application fee. Your children will not be authorised to work in the United States.
Type O Visa: This type of Visa is offered to those with extraordinary ability in science, education, arts, business and athletics or extraordinary achievement in motion picture and television production.
Type P Visa: This Visa is offered to athletes, entertainer's artist, and essential support personnel who come to perform in the United States.
Type Q Visa: This Visa is required if you are travelling to participate in international cultural exchange program in the U.S. for the purpose of providing training, employment, sharing history culture and traditions of your home country. The petition must be filed by the sponsor and is to be approved by USCIS.

Student Visa

The institution or program must admit foreign nationals who come to the United States to pursue higher education. After being accepted, they will obtain the necessary permission documents to submit when applying for the student visa. The I-20's commencement date gives the students 120 days to begin the visa application process, and they have 30 days after that to leave the country. Students may obtain the following visas:

F-1 Visa: People who desire to engage in academic programs at universities recognised by the United States or in programs to improve their English are granted this visa. You need this visa if your course requires more than 18 hours per week. This visa is available to secondary school students who are registered at a public institution.
M-1 Visa: Those who intend to pursue non-academic, vocational training or training in the United States are eligible for this visa. They can be enrolled in public secondary and elementary schools by non-immigrant visa holders who have an A, E, H-4, F-2, G, J-2, L-2, or M-2 visa, among others. If a student takes a break from their studies abroad for five months or longer, they risk losing their F-1 or M-1 status unless the activity was necessary for their study.

Exchange Visitor Visa

Foreign nationals are welcome to visit the US to take part in exchange programmes. However, the official programme sponsor must accept and approve you before you may apply for the Visa. The J Visa, which is intended to encourage the exchange of information and talents across a variety of areas, is given to the exchange visitor. Participants may include -

Teachers
Students at academic levels
Professors
Research scholars
Professional trainees
Visitors coming for travel, consultation, research purposes, etc.

Ship Crew or Transit Visa: The two types of Visas offered for transit or ship crew are mentioned below:

Transit C Visa
Foreign nationals who are travelling to another country via the United States are eligible for this visa. The tourist must request layover privileges if he wants to visit his friends or relatives. He or she must meet the requirements for a B-2 visa.
Crew D Visa
A crew member who is working on a ship or an aeroplane is eligible for this visa. If a crew member is working aboard a ship within the Outer Continental Shelf, he or she is eligible for a modified B-1 Visa rather than a crew Visa. Crew members typically use the combination of transit or crew Visas, which are C-1 or D. Crew members need a B-1 or B-2 visa if they are visiting the country between flights or cruises.

Religious Worker Visa
R type Visa is offered to those who wish to work in a religious capacity in the U.S. on a temporary basis. The religious worker includes people who are authorised by a recognised entity to conduct religious activities.

Domestic Employee Visa
Personal or domestic servants who accompany their employer to the U.S. are eligible for B-1 Visa. The domestic employees include: The domestic servants of a foreign diplomat or a government official is eligible for an A-3 or a G-5 Visa.

Housemaids
Valets
Footmen
Cooks
Butlers
Chauffeurs
Nannies
Mother' helpers
Gardeners
Paid companions

Media and Journalist Visa

Media (I) A non-immigrant who works for a foreign media outlet is given a visa to enter the country temporarily so they can carry out their line of work. However, they are required to have a home office abroad. A visitor's Visa is offered to the foreign citizen if he or she is travelling for the following purposes:

Attending a conference or a meeting
Guest lecture
Engaging in academic activities
Purchasing media equipment
Vacation

Spouses and children under the ages of 21 are allowed to accompany the principal Visa holder under the B-2 Visa.