Study in USA
The USA offers a very broad choice of universities and colleges in technology, business, engineering, healthcare, arts, sciences and professional fields.
Visa process
F-1 for academic/language study; M-1 for vocational/non-academic study. Admission leads to Form I-20, SEVIS payment, DS-160 and the visa appointment/interview process.
Government / visa fees - subject to change
F/M student visa application fee: US$185. I-901 SEVIS fee for F/M students: US$350.
Financial requirement
Students should be able to demonstrate funds for tuition and living expenses shown by the institution and required for the visa process.
Student rules & regulations
Maintain full-time student status, attend the approved programme and comply with employment authorisation rules. Unauthorised employment can cause immigration problems.
Work rights during study
F-1 students may have limited on-campus employment and, where eligible, CPT/OPT. Off-campus employment normally requires specific authorisation.
After study
Eligible F-1 graduates can generally receive up to 12 months of post-completion OPT. Qualifying STEM graduates may be eligible for a 24-month STEM OPT extension.
PR / settlement options
Possible long-term routes include employer sponsorship or other qualifying immigration categories. Graduation does not automatically provide permanent residence.
Documents required
- Passport
- Academic certificates/transcripts
- English test, if required
- Admission letter
- Form I-20
- SEVIS fee receipt
- DS-160 confirmation
- Financial documents
- Visa appointment/interview documents
Visa fees, financial requirements, work permissions and post-study/settlement rules can change. This guide is a general reference and does not guarantee admission, visa approval, employment or permanent residence. Always verify the final checklist with the relevant university and official immigration authority before submission.
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