Study in the USA

To study in the USA, an international student must be granted either an F-1, J-1, or M-1 student visa by the US government. Knowing which visa to apply for is essential before entering the country.

On-campus

F-1 Visa

The F-1 visa is the most commonly issued visa for international students applying to study full-time at a recognized U.S. university or college. Anyone enrolling in a bachelor's or master's program will typically have a course load of 18 hours per week and must apply for an F-1 student visa. This visa also allows the student to work part-time both on and off-campus, as well as participate in Optional Practical Training (OPT) for up to three years.

Retail

J-1 Visa

The J-1 visa is typically issued for individuals participating in the Exchange Visitor Program in the U.S. It is a short-term visa valid only for the duration of the exchange program.

Hospitality

M-1 Visa

The M-1 visa is issued to students who are enrolled in vocational or non-academic study programs. With this visa, students are not allowed to work part-time, whether on-campus or off-campus, while in the U.S.

Why Should Students Choose the USA?

Everyone has his own reasons for choosing the USA for higher education, but the charm of studying there remains the same. The USA is home to 17 of the top 50 universities in the world. Degrees awarded by these institutions have worldwide recognition, and the quality of education is considered among the best globally. Here are a few other aspects to consider when applying for higher education in the USA and working with the best consultant for USA student visa can make the entire process smoother, from selecting the right university to securing your visa successfully.

Career Opportunities

U.S. universities and colleges often assist students in securing internships, providing valuable market experience and globally recognized certificates that enhance career prospects. Professors at these institutions are also available for discussions and debates, offering valuable advice and career counseling. Additionally, career fairs and seminars are frequently organized, featuring guest speakers from well-established firms. These events provide students with opportunities to build professional connections and expand their networks.

Job Opportunities

Upon completing your degree, the U.S. government permits international students to work in their field of study for up to one year through Optional Practical Training (OPT). To take advantage of this, students must apply for OPT Employment Authorization. Often, international students are offered full-time positions at the companies where they interned during their OPT period, with the company sponsoring their H-1B or work visa. Once granted an H-1B visa, you can work in the U.S. without the need to return to your home country.

Commitment to Excellence

The leading institutions in the U.S. admit only the most exceptional students from around the world, providing them with a top-notch education. Students benefit from a faculty who has undergone extensive training and is committed to delivering the highest quality of instruction.

Flexible Education System

Compared to the Indian education system, the U.S. offers greater flexibility in course selection. Students can choose courses that align with their interests without being required to complete unrelated coursework. Additionally, many courses are offered multiple times throughout the academic year, allowing students to enroll in classes at their convenience within that period.

Financial Support

Many universities in the U.S. offer financial assistance to help students with daily expenses and tuition fees through loans, grants, and stipends. Numerous scholarships are available specifically for Indian students. Additionally, universities often provide assistantships based on merit rather than financial need. Thus, students who demonstrate academic excellence may have the opportunity to receive substantial financial support, potentially making their U.S. education fully funded.

Cultural Diversity

The USA is home to people from a wide range of cultures and backgrounds, providing you with the opportunity to interact with individuals from diverse traditions. Engaging with people from various cultural backgrounds can offer valuable collaboration experience, which is highly sought after by employers in our increasingly interconnected world.

Education System of the USA

The higher education system in the USA offers various qualifications, including:

Associate’s Degree

In the USA, after completing Grade 12, students can apply to community colleges to pursue an Associate’s Degree, which typically takes 2 years to complete and is equivalent to a diploma course. Upon earning an Associate’s Degree, students can then transfer to a college or university to study for an additional 2 years in order to earn a Bachelor’s Degree.

Bachelor’s Degree

Students can enroll in full-time undergraduate programs at colleges or universities in the USA to pursue a bachelor's degree. These programs typically span four years and include core courses, major requirements, minors, and electives. Each institution offers its own list of courses, allowing students to choose a major that aligns with their academic and career goals.

Master’s Degree

Postgraduate degree programs generally last 2 to 3 years. Upon completion, students receive a master’s degree. International students must take the GRE or GMAT exams, if required, to meet the necessary qualifications before applying for a master’s degree program.

Doctoral Degree

A Doctorate or PhD is the highest level of academic degree offered by US colleges and universities. The program is supervised by a faculty advisor. To earn this degree, students must successfully complete a thesis and defend it before a panel of faculty members. The process typically takes 5 to 8 years. Students have the option to pursue their doctoral studies at public universities, community colleges, private universities, or Ivy League institutions.

Public Universities

Each of the 50 states in the USA has at least one public university and public college. These institutions are state-funded and operate as not-for-profit organizations, supported by public taxes. Public universities offer a range of degree programs, including bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees with various fields of study available.

Private Universities

Private universities are not state-funded and are operated by private groups or organizations. Their tuition fees are typically higher than those at state universities and community colleges. This category includes top Ivy League schools which are all private institutions.

Community Colleges

Community colleges in the USA offer two-year associate's degree. These colleges admit students with a high school diploma or GED certification and provide low tuition prices. Community colleges offer academic, technical, and vocational degrees, and they award certificates, diplomas, and associate degrees. Some community colleges have established automatic enrollment agreements with local four-year colleges or universities, allowing students to complete the first two years at the community college and the last two years at the university. These programs are known as 2+2 programs and help students transition their associate’s degree into a bachelor’s degree.

Ivy Leagues

The Ivy League is one of the oldest, most reputable, and famous groups of private universities in the USA. This is one of the main reasons why studying in the USA is so appealing. All Ivy League institutions are located in the Northeast region of the USA. The tuition fees at these private universities are among the highest in the country, and the admission process is highly competitive. The eight historic universities in the Ivy League are the University of Pennsylvania, Harvard University, Yale University, Princeton University, Brown University, Dartmouth College, Cornell University, and Columbia University.

Intakes in the USA

Fall Intake

Fall intake is the most preferred intake session for most universities and colleges in the USA. The fall intake session goes from August to December.

Winter Intake

Spring intake is from January to April. It offers opportunity to those students who are unable to enrol into Fall intake.

Summer Intake

Summer intake runs from May to August. Courses are typically offered in two-month sessions: from May to June and from July to August. The courses available during the summer intake are often limited, as universities in the USA offer only a restricted selection of courses during this period.

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Fall Intake

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Fall Intake

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Winter Intake

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Winter Intake

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Summer Intake

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Summer Intake

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Fall Intake

Fall intake is the most preferred intake session for most universities and colleges in the USA. The fall intake session goes from August to December.

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Winter Intake

Spring intake is from January to April. It offers opportunity to those students who are unable to enrol into Fall intake.

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Summer Intake

Summer intake runs from May to August. Courses are typically offered in two-month sessions: from May to June and from July to August. The courses available during the summer intake are often limited, as universities in the USA offer only a restricted selection of courses during this period.

Documents Required for Admission into Colleges and Universities

When applying to colleges and universities in the USA, certain documents must be provided along with the application. These are the primary documents required for smooth application processing. Additionally, universities or colleges may request additional documents on a case-to-case basis.

Documents Required for the Application Process

Transcript: Master's/Bachelor's/Diploma/12th/10th

Transcripts must be sealed in an envelope and attested by the Registrar, Examination Controller, or Principal.

Degree Certificate for Master's, Bachelor's, or Diploma

The degree certificate must be attested by an authorized person, such as the Institute or University Registrar, Examination Controller, Principal, or Head of Department (HOD).

Provisional Degree Certificate/Bonafide Certificate: Bachelor’s/Master’s/Diploma/12th

Provisional Degree Certificate or Bonafide Certificate must be attested by an authorized person from the particular institute or university, such as the Registrar, Examination Controller, Principal, or Head of Department (HOD).

Recommendation Letter – 3

The Letter of Recommendation (LOR) must be on the letterhead of the college, university, or school and placed in a sealed envelope. It must be attested by an authorized person. The provider of the LOR should sign the document and include the designation. Additionally, the provider's contact information and email address are required. Acceptable signatories include the Professor, Assistant Professor, Principal, Registrar, or Head of Department (HOD).

Statement of Purpose

University and program specific SOP's are required.

Resume

The resume must include the student's personal information, educational background, and work experience (if any).

Passport

Xerox copy of the passport (front and back) with at least six months' validity.

Work Experience Letter (if applicable)

Work Experience Letter (if available)

Extracurricular Documents

Any certificate of extracurricular activities can be presented.

IELTS/ TOEFL/ DUOLINGO/ GRE/ GMAT/ SAT

The admissions process requires either a score report or confirmation of the test date. Official score reporting is needed.

WES Evaluation (if required)

A few highly ranked universities and certain courses may require higher scores. English requirements vary from university to university and by course. Entry requirements also differ between departments and courses.

Student Visa Requirements for the USA

Once the student receives the letter of acceptance from the university or the college, he/she is then eligible to apply for a student visa.

A Valid Passport

Printed DS-160 and SEVIS Payment Confirmations

Visa Fee Payment Receipt

Photocopy of Passport Biopage

I-20 Form

School Transcripts

English and Other Official Test Scores as Listed in Your University Application

Bank Statements or Other Proof of Finances

Provisional or Degree Certificate

Work Experience Letter with Last Three Months' Pay Slips (if applicable)

Detailed and Updated Resume

Cost of Studying and Living in the USA

The average cost of studying in the USA is around $48,000. However, the actual tuition fee may vary depending on the chosen program, university, state, and the amount of scholarship a student receives.

The average cost of living is approximately $15,000 to $18,000 per year. This amount varies depending on the type of accommodation and the state in which one resides.

Top Courses to Study in the USA

Computers and Artificial Intelligence

Electrical

Mechanical

Civil Engineering

Chemical Engineering

Management/MBA

Pharmacy

Physiotherapy/Kinesiology/Exercise Science

Health Science

Law

Microbiology

Top Universities to Study in the USA

Princeton University

Johns Hopkins University

Brown University

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

University of Pennsylvania

Vanderbilt University

Harvard University

California Institute of Technology

Rice University

Stanford University

Duke University

Cornell University

Yale University

Northwestern University

Columbia University

University of Chicago

Dartmouth College

Scholarships for Indian Students in the USA

Foreign Fulbright Student Program

Humphrey Fellowship Program

Graduate Scholarships

AAUW International Fellowships

Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship Programme

Early Birds Scholarship

Job Prospects in the USA

Upon graduation, students can legally work in the US in a field related to their education for up to a year. Graduates need to apply for Optional Practical Training (OPT) employment authorization. Often, international students are hired by the companies where they intern, which can lead to sponsorship for an H-1B visa or work visa. Once international graduates secure an H-1B visa—typically granted by employers in specialty areas such as software, engineering, accountancy, teaching, or marketing—they are allowed to work in the US without having to return to their home country.

Locations

USA Student Visa Consultant in Ahmedabad

Ahmedabad has students aiming to pursue studies in the USA each year. As a top USA student visa consultancy in Ahmedabad, we guide students through every stage of the process. With a strong track record of successful applications, our consultant provides counselling to the students who wish to study abroad. Whether you’re aiming for undergraduate, postgraduate, or PhD programs, we make sure you receive expert guidance and a smooth visa process.

USA Student Visa Consultant in Vadodara

Vadodara has talented students with ambitions to study in the USA. Our role as a student visa consultancy in Vadodara is to bridge any gap by assisting in university applications, documentation, financial planning, and visa approvals. We understand the desire of students and their families, and make sure that every application is handled with perfection.

USA Student Visa Consultant in Surat

Surat, known for its entrepreneurial spirit, has seen a rise in students choosing the USA for their education. As a leading consultancy in Surat, we offer comprehensive guidance on the entire process. Our team at Surat helps students not only to secure admission at reputed universities but also to clear their visa process smoothly.

USA Student Visa Consultant in Rajkot

Rajkot is a city with students who want international exposure and seek career opportunities abroad. As an experienced USA student visa consultancy in Rajkot, we help students understand the complexities and requirements of US universities. From test preparation (IELTS, TOEFL, PTE) to detailed visa counselling, we offer complete support to students in Rajkot. Our approach ensures that each student is matched with the right university and course, leading to a successful academic journey in the USA.

FAQs

Get All Your Answers Here

Visa applications are made stress-free! Discover expert insights, valuable tips, and get ready to embark on an enriching educational journey. Still have more questions? Reach out to our knowledgeable team—we’re here to guide you every step of the way!

What is the F-1 student visa?

The F-1 student visa is a temporary visa designated for non-immigrant international students who want to study full-time at SEVP-approved U.S. universities or schools, including language programs. Study abroad consultants for USA are there to help you in the entire procedure, like issuing Form I-20, demonstrating financial capacity, and preparing for the visa interview.

What are the US intakes for international students?

The main US university intakes for study in USA for Indian students are Fall (August/September, primarily with most programs), Spring (January, good for late applicants), and Summer (May/June, limited options).

Does Global Colliance offer for both UG and PG programs?

Undoubtedly! Global Colliance is extending its full support for UG and PG programs, comprehensively offering the Indian students the USA study visa for Indian students through a personalized approach in applications, university selection, and visa processes.

Can Global Colliance help me choose the right university?

Indeed, Global Colliance, which is one of the best overseas education consultants for the USA, provides the service of choosing the right university by means of one-on-one counseling adapted to your academic profile, financial plan, and professional objectives.

Can I Extend my OPT?

Yes, if your degree is in a STEM area, you may be eligible to extend it by 24 months.

Is GRE/GMAT/SAT/ACT mandatory for admissions?

Admission requirements vary from university to university. There are a few institutions available that do not require aptitude tests for admission purpose.

Can I transfer to US universities while doing my bachelor’s in India?

Yes, you can transfer to U.S. universities while pursuing your bachelor's degree in India. To facilitate the transfer, you'll need a WES evaluation (Credential Evaluation) for the coursework you have completed. If you have finished your first or second year in India, you may be eligible for exemptions from certain subjects based on the curriculum at U.S. universities.

What are the work options available for international students?

For international students who want to gain experience in their field of study, there are two programs designed specifically for them: Optional Practical Training (OPT) and Curricular Practical Training (CPT).

What factors are considered during the U.S. F-1 visa interview?

During the U.S. F-1 visa interview, students must be able to demonstrate:

- Their intent to study their chosen program
- Their financial ability to cover living expenses
- Their intention to return to their home country

What is SEVIS?

SEVIS, or the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System, is a web-based platform managed by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Its purpose is to monitor information about SEVP-certified schools and the F-1 and the M-1 students who come to the United States to study at these institutions.

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Voices of Our Achievers

Our students share how we helped them navigate the visa process and achieve their international education goals.

Lisa Nebhnani

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