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United States of America

Process to Study in the USA — Indian & International Students

Overview

Studying in the USA offers research-led learning, flexible curricula, internships, and strong career returns. Most degree programs are: undergraduate (BS/BA) — 3–4 years; master’s — 1–2 years; PhD — 4+ years. International students usually enter on an F-1 student visa. For fundamental rules on student employment and training, refer to official USCIS guidance.USCIS+1

#study in USA 2025, #study in USA from India, # F-1 visa 2025, #US university applications 2025.

3 Reasons to Study in USA

1. Top-ranked research & facilities — access to world-class labs and faculty.
2. Industry links & internships — strong co-op and internship culture.
3. Work & immigration pathways — on-campus jobs, CPT/OPT and STEM OPT extensions for eligible grads.Study in the States+1

How to Shortlist Universiites ?

Decide level (UG / PG / PhD), specialization, and career goal.

Filter by: program curriculum, faculty, industry ties, location, ROI, scholarship availability.

Use rankings + program pages (not just overall rank) for subject strength.

Typical Application Timeline (2025)

Stage Best target window (Fall intake)
Shortlist programs & register for tests Apr – Aug 2025
Take TOEFL/IELTS / SAT / GRE / GMAT Jun – Oct 2025
Prepare SOP, LORs, transcripts Jul – Nov 2025
Submit applications (Regular) Oct – Jan 2026
Receive decisions & accept offer Jan – Apr 2026
Pay SEVIS + Apply F-1 visa Apr – Jun 2026
Travel & start classes (Fall) Aug – Sept 2026
Note: many top colleges have Early Action/Decision deadlines in Oct–Nov 2025. Always check each university’s calendar.

Exams & Minimum Scores

Undergraduate: SAT/ACT (if required) + TOEFL 90+ / IELTS 6.5+

Master’s / PhD: GRE (if required) 310+ (program dependent) + TOEFL 90–100 / IELTS 6.5–7.0

Professional programs (MBA, MS finance) may prefer GMAT 650–720.

(Always verify program test policies; many are test-optional.)

Documents Checklist

Document Notes
Admission offer & I-20 (school issues I-20 after acceptance) Essential for visa & SEVIS payment
Passport (6+ months validity) Must cover entire stay
DS-160 confirmation & appointment letter For F-1 visa interview
I-901 SEVIS fee payment receipt ($350 for F students) Pay online; carry printout. ( ice.gov )
Academic transcripts & degree certificates Official & translated if not in English
Test score reports (TOEFL/IELTS, GRE/SAT) As required by university
Statement of Purpose, LORs, CV/Resume Strong, concise, program-specific
Financial documents / bank statements / scholarship letters Proof of funds for I-20 and visa
Passport photos Per consulate specs

Funding & Scholarships

1. University aid: merit & need-based scholarships (varies by school).
2. External scholarships: Fulbright (for grad research), private foundations, government schemes.
3. Education loans: Indian banks / NBFCs offer education loans; lenders often ask for collateral and co-applicant.

Tip: Apply early for university scholarships (many have Nov–Dec deadlines).

Apply & Accept Offer

  1. Complete online application + pay application fee.
  2. Upload SOP, LORs, transcript copies, and test scores.
  3. Track application portal; respond to additional requests quickly.
  4. When admitted, review financial offer; accept and pay any deposit.
  5. School issues Form I-20 — verify all details immediately.

Visa Process — F-1 Student Visa (India)

  1. Get I-20 from the university after acceptance.

  2. Pay SEVIS I-901 fee (F-1: $350) and keep receipt. ice.gov

  3. Complete DS-160 online (Nonimmigrant Visa Application) and print confirmation. Travel

  4. Pay visa application fee (MRV) and schedule biometrics & interview at U.S. Embassy/Consulate in India. U.S. Embassy in India

  5. Attend visa interview with: passport, I-20, SEVIS receipt, DS-160 confirmation, admission letter, financial evidence, academic transcripts, photos. (Bring originals.) Travel+1

  6. If approved, get visa stamped and follow travel instructions on the I-20 (program start date, reporting to DSO).

Pro tip: Prepare concise answers: program choice, funding source, post-study plans. Check embassy country pages for any additional documentary or social-media screening requirements. The Economic Times

Pre-departure & Arrival — quick checklist

  1. Book travel for orientation window; don’t arrive earlier than allowed on F-1 entry (30 days before program start).
  2. Carry: original I-20, passport + visa, SEVIS receipt, admission letter, financial docs, medical prescriptions, COVID/vaccination docs if required.
  3. On arrival, present documents to CBP officer and check I-94 entry record online.

Work Options During Study

On-campus employment: up to 20 hours/week while classes are in session (full-time during breaks) — DSO approval required. USCIS+1

Off-campus: only with authorization (CPT for curriculum-related internships; economic hardship authorization in special cases). Always get DSO / USCIS guidance before starting.

Post-Study Options — OPT & STEM Extension

      1. OPT (Optional Practical Training): up to 12 months post-completion work authorization in your field. USCIS
      2. STEM OPT extension: eligible STEM degree holders may apply for an additional 24 months (total 36 months) — employer and training plan (Form I-983) required. USCIS+1

      Estimated Cost (2025)

      Category Low estimate High estimate
      Tuition (public, in-state) $15,000 $35,000
      Tuition (private / top schools) $35,000 $80,000+
      Living & misc. $12,000 $20,000
      Health insurance $800 $2,500
      Total (typical) $28,800 $102,500+
      Costs vary widely by university, city, and lifestyle. Prepare a conservative budget and show proof of funds for the first year when applying for the visa.