USA

7 Reasons To Study In The USA

Before taking the leap, it is necessary to look and analyse the requirements, benefits or losses or even the consequences that may occur while preparing to study abroad. Once you go to higher education abroad, it is important to make an informed choice. The USA has emerged as a leading nation renowned for its educational opportunities according to the new QS university rankings survey. The U.S. provides various choices to choose from, based on education and cultural experiences. Here are just a few factors why you should want to study in the United States:

1. Top Universities And Academic Institutions

The United States boasts some of the best colleges in the nation, with over 4000 colleges around the country. The universities and colleges in all academic fields offer a wide range of degrees and courses. Excellent courses can be pursued at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. US degrees are honoured and acknowledged for their achievements around the globe. According to the new rankings, 16 US universities are among the best 20 in the world.

List of subjects popular among students who choose to study in the US:

The following subjects are most popular among the 10 lakh+ international students who chose to study in the US in the year 2016 :

2. Academic Freedom Regarding The Choice Of Subjects

The US higher education program provides students with customisable choices according to their preferences and desires. Students will select various courses at the undergraduate level before announcing their preference for major at the end of the second year. This allows the students room to discuss their desires and choices. And if you're unsure regarding your area of study, it's completely perfect.

You can still apply stating your major is undecided. Even, once you have already chosen what you would like to learn, you can also research another topic and achieve a "double major," i.e. a degree in two subjects during the usual four-year learning cycle. At the graduate level, i.e. master's degree, you can adapt your course to suit your learning objectives according to your coursework. You still have the opportunity to integrate relevant ideas and viewpoints into your field of academics.

3. Vast Career Opportunities To Broaden Your Talent

A foreign degree opens up a wide variety of job opportunities, and a degree from prestigious institutions further widens the reach. Because of the varied insight into the different fields of study offered by U.S. universities, it broadens the scope of the career path chosen by the student.

4. Intern Or Research & Training Opportunities

American universities offer opportunities for research and training to graduate-level international students. A student may support a professor by being their classroom assistant, which also helps to finance their research and also allows them to expand their range of experience and skills. Students may help teachers study various assignments and also allow them the chance to work with the best in their particular field of interest.

5. Technically Advanced Educational Facilities

The U.S. takes pride in the progress in technology and has maintained that all spectrums in the education system are fully matched for the newest technologies. Through quick access to data and other technologies, this allows the student's existence even easier.

Technology is said to play a crucial role in science and advancement, and American institutions have made sure that they will not slip behind when it comes to improving their facilities and their students by incorporating modern approaches and techniques into the learning curve.

6. Glimpse Into The American Culture & American Education.

The American culture is also claimed to be the epitome of independence, leisure and wealth, and that is very real. When an applicant wants to attend an American institution, it carries a great deal of excitement and independence from the first go. When a student steps foot on American soil, it's said they begin to imbibe the community that US of A carries with its tag.

Studying in the U.S. will give you chances to know about different countries and discuss your experience with your peers from across the world. University college life is not just about classes and tutorials but an extension of your personality. You will consider other fun mediums for making friends and celebrating college life. Treat yourself to a pottery class, and unlock your creativeness or if you are an ambitious journalist, enter the magazine team at the college. You will get a variety of means to consider other hobbies to broaden your understanding according to your desires.

Many of the colleges provide offices for foreign graduates. Staff and faculty members ensure international students receive better support and guidance. You may also learn important life skills throughout your time in the U.S., such as communication and social skills.

7. All Guidance & Help Offered To Foreign Students

International students are expected to switch to or grow used to, the daily school experience at a foreign university. Many colleges in the United States, however, offer strong advice and help to all students if they are linked to housing, immigration status, job opportunities etc.

Conclusion

If that was enticing enough for you, select the degree of your dreams and apply to a U.S. Bachelors or Master's Program Right Away!

How To Apply For USA Student Visa

If you are one of those who aspire to study abroad, then applying for a student visa is the most important thing. The universities will then provide an acceptance form which is to be submitted during the visa process.

This student visa guide will provide you with the detailed process of applying for a Student Visa applicable to both bachelor's and master's students.

Types of USA Student Visas

F1 Visa

An F1 visa is a non-immigrant visa for students planning on entering the USA to attend a university or college. In general, anyone who intends to stay in the USA to study must obtain a non-immigrant visa called an F1 and can choose to attend one university.

Visa Application Process

The process of visa application to the US comprises the following steps :

Student and Exchange Visitor Program Approved Institutions :

• Prepare a list of Universities that are classified under the SEVP program.
• Send your applications to universities of your choice separately considering each institution's admissions requirements.
• Once you get an acceptance letter, you will be enrolled in the SEVIS. A SEVIS generated document called Form I-20 will be sent to you in case you are eligible for F-1 or an M-1 visa.

Payment of the SEVIS Fee

You have to pay a SEVIS fee at least 72 hours before the visa application. The mode of payment can be either online or offline.

Online Visa Application: Form DS-160

Probably in all cases, you have to complete the online visa application form DS-160. Here, you need to select the location you want to apply for and make sure that you have all the details you need when you are filling out the application.

Later, after selecting the security question and answering it, you will be redirected to the different pages that make up the entire form. You will see the application ID at the top, (note it down somewhere) you will need it to get your application form in case you have to disconnect from the portal early and finish the rest of the application later on.

Personal Details you must have to finish the DS-160 form are :

• Name
• Date of birth
• Address
• Phone
• Passport
• Details of travel plans
• Details of previous US travel
• Family, work and education details
• Your point of contact in the US
• SEVIS ID and address of US school/program you want to enroll in
• Security, background and medical health information
• Recent photograph (look for photograph requirements)

After you have completed the online visa application, you will need to sign your DS-160 electronically by clicking the “Sign Application” button at the end of the web page.

Payment of MRV Fee

This fee cannot be refunded and is non-transferable in nature. The receipt that is generated after the payment of this fee is called the MRV Receipt number of the receipt.

There are several ways to pay this fee. They are listed below :

Ways to pay :

• Online banking
• Physical bank

Schedule and Attend a Visa Interview

The last step to get a US visa is attending an interview. You have the ability to make an appointment for your interview online, or you can do so by giving a call to the US embassy or consulate.

Checklist

• A valid passport with an expiry date beyond six months of the stay period.
• Confirmation page of Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application (DS-160).
• Form I – 20 sent by the University/College in the USA.
• IELTS, GRE, GMAT, TOEFL, etc. score sheets.
• Recent passport-sized photographs.
• Receipt for payment of MRV fee ($160).
• Receipt for payment of SEVIS fee ($200).

Documents Required for the Visa Interview

• A valid passport with an expiry date beyond six months of the stay period.
• Confirmation page of Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application (DS-160).
• Appointment letter for the interview (Original and Xerox).
• Appointment letter from the university.
• SEVIS fee receipt.
• I-20 form.
• DS-2019 form for a J Exchange student.

This is how a US student visa application is made. Ensure the above-mentioned guidelines are strictly followed for your successful application so that you get your visa and depart for the USA.

Corona virus/ COVID-19 Update

Since the world is suffering from this Pandemic COVID-19, Immigrations and Customs Enforcement Department has permitted Universities to dispatch Forms I-20 to the respective email addresses that are listed on SEVIS. For minors, the email address can be of their parents or legal guardian.