USA

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According  to USCIS (US Citizenship and Immigration Services), 3,37,630 Indian  students went to the USA for higher studies in 2024. The number of  Indian students in the US increased by 40.81% in 2024. Since admissions  were halted in 2025 internationally because of the latest social media rules for F1 student visas that were introduced, there are no concrete admission numbers for Indian students yet.

If you have decided to study in the US,  your choice of destination country needs no validation as the US is  aathe best study abroad destination. In this study guide to the  USA for international students, we will inform you of everything you  need to know for studying in the USA, from popular universities to  lifestyle tips and accommodations to the admission process. Not to  justify your choice but to strengthen your decision further, we have  compiled a few reasons why considering the US as your study abroad  destination is a wise decision.

Table of contents

• USA Country Highlights 2026
• Why Study in USA in 2026?
• USA Education System
• Top 10 Universities in the USA 2026
• Popular Student Cities in the USA - QS Rankings 2026
• Climatic Conditions in the US
• USA Lifestyle
• Accommodation in the USA
• How to Study in USA?
• How to Apply to US Universities from India?
• USA Application Timeline 2025
• Cost of Living in USA
• Cost of Studying in the USA
• Scholarships to Study in the US
• Education Loan to Study in the US
• What are the Visa types in the US?
• USA Part Time Work Rules for International Students
• USA Pre-Departure List for International Students
• After Arrival in the USA
• Post Study Work Permit in USA

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  International Students Studying in USA in 2024-25 1.72 million   Total Universities in USA 4,000+   Admission Criteria  

UG: High  school certificate/mark sheets + SAT / ACT scores (not mandatory if  optional) + ELP test scores of TOEFL / IELTS / Duolingo 

PG: Bachelor's mark sheet + GRE / GMAT + ELP test scores + SOP + LOR + Resume

Types of Financial Aid in US  Need-Based, Merit-Based and External Scholarships   Average Scholarship Offered in 2024 in USA USD 82,398   Part-Time Working Hours 20 hours a week    US F-1 Visa Fee USD 185   Procedure for Obtaining US Study Visa Obtain the I-20 Form upon  acceptance at US university, pay the SEVIS fee, apply for a visa  interview, attend the interview and obtain a study visa.   Post Study Stay Back Period 1 year | 2 years (for STEM Courses Applicants)   Average Pay Per Hour in USA USD 35.87   SCHOLARSHIP PREDICTOR

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Although the reasons for studying in a foreign country may differ  widely among students, a few standout features make studying in the USA  different from others. Below are a few of the reasons why going to the  US to study might be a good decision for international students:

• Every year, the USA registers the maximum number of applications  for admission and admits the highest number of international students.
• Around 1,500 US universities rank globally and have made a mark for being in the top 10 universities globally as per QS and THE World rankings annually.
• There are over 3,000 universities in the US from which to choose  for higher education. Also, the US is home to reputed Ivy League  schools.
• Along with the highest number of universities in the US, the course options are diverse, and many specialisations are offered.
• Home to some top MNCs, the USA is a popular choice for working after studying internationally. 
• International students can work while studying in US universities and earn experience plus money to support their living costs.

Despite challenges and changes in policies, check out Why International Students are Still Choosing to Study in the USA in 2026? Want to know more reasons to choose the US as your study abroad destination? 

Many students pursuing their higher studies in the US must be  surprised to know that the US has no education system. The federal  government can influence education only through the funding it offers,  but this is limited. Unlike CBSE board examinations in India, there is  no national high school graduation examination. There are, however,  state graduation examinations, and students must pass these. The US education system yet follows the below-given hierarchy of education:

• Elementary school
• Middle School
• High school
• Post-secondary (college) - level has various types of institutions in the US

There are a couple of colleges in the USA which are different from  the regular existing colleges in USA; some of these are as follows:

• State School/College/University: The US is  comprised of 50 states, and each state has at least one university or  college to provide quality higher education to students at low rates.  These universities are funded by the respective state governments and  are equipped with state-of-the-art facilities. Different public universities in USA have different selection criteria, and students need a certain minimum  percentage of admission to colleges in the USA. Some of the biggest US  university systems are as follows:       
  • California State University System
  • University of California System
  • University of Illinois System
  • University of Texas System
  • University of Wisconsin System
  • University of Massachusetts System
  • State University of New York System
• Private university/college: These institutions  are run privately and are considered costly compared to state schools.  Some of the popular private universities in USA include - Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Harvard, Stanford University and others. These private universities are also some of the hardest universities in the USA to get into since they record the lowest acceptance rates.
• Community Colleges: Community colleges offer two-year certification or associate degrees, which are transferable. Generally, Community college graduates transfer to universities or four-year colleges to complete  their degrees. They can transfer the credits they earned at the  community college. Community colleges offer ESL courses, associate degrees or other programs which prepare students for studying university-level courses.
• Technology Institutes: These institutes provide four-year courses related to science and technology.
• Liberal Arts College: Students pursuing a  liberal arts degree focus on a subject of their choice, a 'major', but  they are also required to take General Education courses in almost all  other subjects offered. Liberal arts schools usually offer one expansive  study area, whereas universities offer the same major in two or more  degree areas. A student can major in mathematics but can still choose to  pursue an engineering career.

There is a huge difference between the US and Indian education  systems. Indians are usually the top recipients of high-skilled H-1B  visas and the second-largest community of international students in the  US. The US government records claim that immigrants from India are  better educated, more likely to have strong English language skills,  arrive on employment-based visas, and are less likely to live below the  poverty line than the overall immigrant population. 

Many Indians work in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM). Most Indian immigrants stay in California, Texas, and New Jersey.

Some of the top universities in the US that are popular among international students are as follows:

  US Universities QS - World University Rankings 2026 THE - World University Ranking 2026   Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) #1 #2   Harvard University #4 #3   Stanford University #6 #6   California Institute of Technology (CalTech) #10 #7   University of Pennsylvania #11 #14   University of California, Berkeley #12 #8   Cornell University #16 #20   University of Chicago #21 #14    

Princeton University

#22 #4   Yale University #23 #10    

As per the QS rankings 2026, around four US universities ranked  among the top 10 universities globally. And as per THE's 2026 rankings,  six US universities reached the top 10. The top-ranking US universities  also make it to the top 30 universities annually per both QS and THE  global rankings. 

Apart from global rankings, there are also national rankings  released by US News & World Report. As per this, these are the top  10 US universities that have been ranked for 2026:

1. Princeton University
2. MIT
3. Harvard University
4. Stanford University
5. Yale University
6. University of Chicago
7. Duke University
8. Johns Hopkins University
9. Northwestern University
10. University of Pennsylvania

The area of New England on the east coast of the US is the centre  of all its renowned academic institutes. Most of the top-ranking  colleges in the USA are in the US cities of Cambridge, New York, Florida  and other areas. Let us have a look at the 10 Best Student Cities in USA as per QS in 2026:

  Best Student Cities in US  QS - Best Student Cities Ranking 2026   Boston #16   New York  #18   San Francisco #29   Los Angeles (LA) #37   Chicago #44   Philadelphia #65   San Diego #69   Washington DC #70   Atlanta #72   Pittsburgh #80    

For more details check out: Best Student Cities in USA

Based on the region, the climatic conditions of each of the US regions have been given below:

• Southwest - The Southwest has a hot desert  climate and covers cities like Phoenix, Las Vegas. The average  temperature in summers would be around 40°C to 25°C; in winters it would  be around 18°C to 4°C.
• Southeast - The southeast has a warm to hot,  humid climate and covers cities like Houston, New Orleans, Atlanta, and  Charleston. The average temperature in summers is around 35°C to 25°C;  in winters it is around 10°C to 0°C.
• Midwest - The Midwest, Northern Plains, Great  Lakes, and New England regions have a humid climate and cover cities  like Wisconsin, Michigan, and Ohio. The average temperature in summers  is around 28°C to 15°C; in winters it is around 0°C to -9°C.
• Atlantic Coast - The central plains and East  Coast have a temperate humid climate and cover cities like St. Louis,  Cincinnati, and NYC. The average temperature in summers is around 30°C  to 18°C; in winters it is around 4°C to -3°C.
• Pacific Northwest - The Pacific Northwest has an  oceanic climate and covers cities like Seattle, and Portland. The  average temperature in summers is around 30°C to 18°C; in winters it is  around 4°C to -3°C.

The United States is a dynamic country covering the breadth of a  continent. Many cultural currents exist and coexist within American  life. To mingle with the local crowd, you need to keep in mind that the  lifestyle of Americans is a lot different than Indians. You must include  more activities to get to know and meet new people.

• Know about Professional Sports - One way to  break the ice with the locals is to talk about professional sports like  NFL, NBA, or other local sports. Sports play an important role in  mingling with locals.
• Outdoor activities – Americans love  participating in outdoor sports and games. Their lifestyles are more  active, and they prefer meeting new people and trying out new and  different skills.
• Music Concerts, Nightlife –  Every weekend, people attend social events like concerts and  performances, or go to a bar to watch a game. Weekends are for  socialising and relaxing, so your friends or classmates might invite you  to a club. All you need is an open mind to meet new people and  socialise.

To learn more about the American lifestyle, you should explore the details of American culture. 

Firstly, you must decide whether to live in university-managed  accommodation or with a private landlord. Choosing a university-managed  accommodation can also give you a catered or self-catered option. The  catered accommodation offers the benefits of having your meals cooked  for you and a degree of certainty with meal costs.

Suppose you have an idea about what you prefer. In that case, the  accommodation office at your university will be able to tell you what  accommodation they have available - so that’s where to start. If you are  considering renting from a private landlord or if your chosen  university can’t offer you anything in its residential facility, the  accommodation office should be able to provide you with a list of  private properties and landlords in the area.

Regardless of where you choose to live, it is essential to  understand your contractual rights and responsibilities. In most cases,  you will be asked to enter into a tenancy agreement, which you should  read thoroughly before you sign. Also to understand what more student accommodation options in USA are available before travelling to US for studies.

Orientation week is mandatory for international students;  therefore, ensure you arrive before it begins. This is the time when you  will be introduced to the university and its services, as well as enrol  in your classes. You must read your guidebook, which the college  provides. The guide explains each part of the admission process.

Along with sports, colleges offer a range of extracurricular  activities that provide students with diverse experiences. Music, drama,  science, and literary societies in colleges offer opportunities for  outdoor education and other leisure activities. Visits to theatres,  concerts, and places relevant to the courses of study, such as art  galleries and museums, religious centres or historical sites, scientific  companies, and projects, are all part of college life. 

To study in USA, international students will have to have to start  their research work well in advance may be from school. The  international students who want to study in USA can start their research  like this:

• Know where the academic interest lies and start looking out for preferred courses for study. 
• Once the interest is in check, look out for what type of courses are available at UG or PG level.
• Next is researching for preferred US universities for admission.  Check in which US intake is the course available and what are the  deadlines.
• Also, another important point to check is to know eligibility and admission requirements. 
• If the courses fall under STEM education, then it is possible that they may be expensive for studying. 
• Based on your previous academic performance, assess if you can  get a scholarship to study in the USA. Look for merit or need based aid  or go for those courses where fully funded scholarships for US is available.

Those pursuing higher studies abroad generally prefer the USA.  However, students are unaware of the appropriate application process for  applying to universities in the USA. The application process will be  the same for most of the universities. However, there must be a separate  element for each university's application process. It varies between  different study programs and levels.

Before applying, students should know when to start the application process for US Universities.  When are the deadlines? What are the intakes for US universities? When  can a student go to study there? These are some important things  students should know before applying to US universities. There are two  main intake seasons for US universities: fall and spring. Unlike India, universities in the USA follow a bi-semester system where an academic year is divided into two semesters.

Students should decide which intake season to choose – fall or  spring. Students planning to pursue undergraduate or graduate-level  courses should be aware of the timelines for the September intake.  Whether public or private universities have rules for the application  process, candidates should know the minimum percentage required to get  admission to a master's program in the USA, as MS is the most popular  course in the USA.

The eligibility criteria vary for each study program and the levels  at which they are offered. For each course, Indian students are  required to meet a minimum English language proficiency standard. The  process of studying in USA is laborious, but if students fall under the  eligibility criteria, then they can apply for admission. 

US Undergraduate Eligibility Criteria for Indian Students

For admissions to undergraduate programs, international applicants  will have to fulfil the following criteria if applying to US  universities:

• A minimum percentage of 65% and above is required for the USA  after 12th for the humanities stream in class XII, and 70-80% and above  is required for the Science/Commerce stream in class XII.
• SAT or ACT scores (if not test-optional) may also be needed. If  the university is test-optional, applicants can choose to submit or not  submit scores.
• English language proficiency by submitting either TOEFL, IELTS,  PTE, or even Duolingo scores, whichever is suitable for applicants and  required at the specific university for admission.
• Some applicants may be required to appear for an interview as well.
• Those applicants applying for Arts-related courses may also be required to submit a portfolio. Check out some of the Trending Arts & Humanities Courses in USA.

There may be course-specific requirements that applicants must  fulfil when applying for undergraduate courses at US universities. Thus,  they should check all details and then apply.  

US PG Eligibility Criteria for Indian Students

For US university admissions for postgraduate courses, Indian  students must follow the given criteria for starters and apply according  to the university:

• Pathway or Bridge programs are available for students who have  secured below 60%. The student must be at least 18 years of age before  joining a degree program. (It is important to note that these  numbers are just for reference purposes; the actual numbers may differ  from university to university.)
• Submit GRE or GMAT or LSAT scores for admissions in case applicants are applying for PG courses in the USA.
• Applicants may also be required to submit LORs, SOP, or even  admission essays for master's admissions in US universities. Check out Sample Admission Essays.
• There may also be an interview requirement.
• Those applying for MBA in USA, will have to submit resumes as well. You can check out the format and a sample resume before applying.

Rest assured, some criteria may vary on the course-specific  requirements of the university. Applicants must thoroughly check the  requirements and then proceed with the applications. 

The following documents also need to be submitted for USA admission:

• Attested copies of mark sheets or transcripts of class X, XII, and the Bachelor's degree (if applicable)
• At least two academic reference letters from professors who have  taught you most recently. (The number of reference letters depends from  university to university)
• If you have work experience, then two letters of recommendation from the employer/manager who knows you well and can comment on your professional abilities
• Statement of Purpose (SOP)
• Resume
• Essays (If demanded by the university)
• Photocopied score reports of GMAT / GRE / IELTS / TOEFL
• Portfolio (in case of students applying for art and design courses and architecture programs)
• Others (certificates/achievements at the state and national level and extracurricular activities)
• Proof of funds

Application fee: All colleges require that you pay  an application fee while applying. The fee will vary depending on the  college and course being applied to, so please check with individual  colleges about their application fees. A couple of universities and  colleges in the USA may not require an application fee. Check out: US Universities Without Application Fee

The common steps to keep in mind while applying for US university admissions, irrespective of the level, are as follows:

• Search for colleges and courses
• Contact schools and visit websites for information
• Narrow down your list of schools
• Take the entrance exams like:      
  • UG admissions: SAT or ACT
  • PG admissions: GMAT or GRE
• English proficiency tests: TOEFL or IELTS
• Write SOPs and ask for LORs (share LOR sample with recommenders)
• Apply to the colleges which fit your interests
• Appear for video interviews of the colleges that shortlisted you
• If accepted, apply for a student visa

Essays are also required to be submitted by a prospective student. Essays are a crucial component of the university admissions process. Students  may be required to write one or two essays, along with a few optional  essays too. Common topics include career aspirations, strengths and  weaknesses, skills, experiences, and reasons for considering a  particular school.

A Statement of Purpose (SOP) is your introduction to the college  and admission officers. It is always written in the first person and  describes the reason for applying to a particular college. It must  highlight why you are a perfect fit for the college and why it should  accept you. The style of writing can vary from formal to casual, but it  is essential to remember that it should also reflect your personality.  Do check out Sample SOP for US before applying for US university admissions.

LORs for USA 

A letter of recommendation (LOR) is a reference letter written by a  third party describing the prospective student's qualities,  characteristics, and capabilities to recommend him to the college in  terms of that individual’s ability to perform a particular task or  function. The third party could be a professor, a direct manager, etc.  Check out, how to choose the right recommenders?

Most US colleges accept online applications and fall the spring  intake each year. You will have to visit each college's website to  apply. In most cases, you will have to make an account on the college  website to provide your basic information, submit the scanned version of  your documents, and pay application fees. This account will inform you  about the application process and its stages. Please refer to the  website of the college of your choice to learn about the application  process.

Read about:

• Study in the US: Fall Intake Timeline 2026
• Spring Intake 2026: Study in USA

There are two main intake seasons for US universities,  with sessions starting mainly in September and January. However, some  institutions have intakes in May, July, and October. The major intake  season for the top courses in the US is September, while the minor  intake season is January, which is typically reserved for a limited  number of courses.

You should begin your admission process at least six months before  the application deadline. Typically, most universities have two  deadlines, from October to January. It is up to the students to decide  which deadline to aim for, based on their convenience. You should finish  your language and aptitude tests three months before the deadline. The  last three months should be dedicated to completing the application form  correctly.

It is essential to ensure that the ‘complete application process’,  including appearing for interviews and the visa application procedure,  is completed by June or July for the September intake.

The main intake season for top colleges and courses is the fall  season, i.e. September. It depends on what course you want to pursue  because many courses don’t have the January intakes.

If you want to get admission into vocational courses, some courses  may have admissions open in January and perhaps even May or July.

The International English Language Testing System (IELTS), Test Of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), and Pearson Test of English (PTE)  are all standardized language tests, which are required to be taken to  get admission to colleges. These follow different formats, structures,  and result bands. These tests are all different in various ways but many  colleges ask for any one of the results. So it's up to the student to  decide which exam to appear for.

Repetition of exams: IELTS can be taken an  unlimited number of times. TOEFL can be retaken as often as wished but  cannot be taken more than once in 12 days. Same with PTE, it can be  taken as many times as desired. You must wait to receive your scores  before booking your next test.

Fee: The standard fee for these exams is:

• IELTS Fee: INR 18,000
• TOEFL Fee: INR 16,900
• PTE Fee: INR 17,000

Time to apply: Ideally, if you are aiming for the  September intake, you should take these exams by November so that you  can apply before the first deadline. The universities you will apply to  will mention which exam results they will accept. However, if they offer  you a choice between these options, then the decision is yours. The  time required to prepare for IELTS, TOEFL, or PTE would depend on the  individual's existing English language proficiency. You may require 2 to  4 months of preparation before the exam date.

The following standardised exams are required level-wise if applying as an international student to the USA:

GMAT - The Graduate Management Admission Test  measures the abilities of the potential MBA aspirant to undertake higher  education in business or management. It measures the student's  mathematical, English, and reasoning skills.

GRE - The Graduate Record Examination is another test required by students applying to graduate schools to  pursue MA or MS. Increasingly many business schools are also accepting  GRE scores to grant admission for MBA.

LSAT - The Law School Admission Test is a standardised test and is an integral part of the law school  admission process. It measures reading and verbal reasoning skills law  schools can use to assess applicants.

SAT - The Scholastic Assessment Test measures  literacy and writing skills needed for academic success in college. This  test assesses how well the test takers analyze and solve problems they  learned in school that they will need in college. High school students  typically take the SAT to get into undergraduate courses. Check out Top 10 SAT Accepting Colleges in USA 

The university you will be applying to will mention which exam  results will apply to the course of your choice. However, if they offer  you a choice between these options, then the decision is yours.

Repetition and Fee: You can take the GMAT as many  times as you want, subject to a maximum of five times a year and a gap  of a certain days between two tests. 

• GMAT Retake Fee: The cost of GMAT is USD 275 for GMAT at test centre and USD 300 for GMAT Online
• GRE Retake Fee: USD 228
• LSAT Retake Fee: USD 215

Ideally, if you are aiming at the September intake, you should  appear for these exams by November so that you can apply before the  first deadline. The preparation duration for these exams generally  ranges from 4 to 6 months.

Average Scores: The average GMAT scores accepted across universities is 645. The average GRE score is 155 for  Verbal, 167 for Quantitative, and 3.0-4.0 for Writing. The average LSAT  score accepted across universities is 162.

It is important to note that these numbers are just for  reference purposes; the actual scores may differ from university to  university.

On average, a student spends approximately INR 93,000 monthly to fulfil living costs in USA. The cost of living in the USA is 224.3% higher than in India. Also, the rent in the USA is 769.9% higher than in India. Thus, it is natural that the cost of living in the USA is very high for  an Indian student. The costs of living in the USA also heavily depend  on which part of the US you will be living in and how much extra expense  you will incur for socialising or personal expenditures. Some of the  basic elements for living as an international student in the US are:

  Items  Costs to be Incurred (Monthly)   Restaurant Meal for 2 USD 20   Cappuccino  USD 5   Soft Drinks USD 2.34   Water  USD 1.85   1 L Milk USD 1.03   500 gm Bread USD 3.53   1kg White Rice USD 4.22   Dozen Eggs USD 4.45   1kg Local Cheese USD 11.90   Chicken Fillets (1kg) USD 11.97   Fruits 1 kg USD 3.0 - USD 4.0   Transportation USD 301    Clothing  USD 100    Rent USD 1,300 - USD 3,050   Total Cost of Living in USA USD 3,600 approx in a month    

This is a monthly expense, based on miscellaneous or personal  expenses. Applicants may have to expend more or less, depending on their  requirements.

The cost of studying in the US is based on the applicant's choice of course and its level too. If the  applicant is Indian (or international), the cost of studying in the USA  may be slightly higher. If the applicant wishes to study an  undergraduate course in the USA, the tuition should cost around USD  15,000 to USD 60,000. A postgraduate course in the USA can cost  international students around USD 13,000 to USD 65,000. The cost of  studying at various types of US institutions can also vary, and students  should check this before applying for admission. 

An insurance policy is mandatory for international students and accounts for part of the cost of attendance at US universities, as  international students typically stay and study abroad for an extended  period. Insurance costs typically range from USD 500 to USD 1,000 per  year. Before purchasing insurance, ensure it covers medical expenses,  personal accidents, dental treatment, study interruption, passport loss,  and other relevant costs. Insurance is cashless, so a student does not  need to pay money at the time of hospitalisation.

Fee waivers are awarded to international students on the basis of  merit and need it. Candidates with strong academic records, good  performance in standardised exams, and extracurricular achievements will  be eligible for scholarship awards and financial assistance. In some  cases, the US universities offer financial aid or external scholarships can be availed. One must send all required  documents by the particular deadlines to benefit from these  opportunities. In addition, the application's presentation is also  important because one is judged by the image one projects.

Documents Required: The following documents are typically needed for scholarships for international students studying in the USA. The scholarship application may require the following documents:

• Academic transcripts and photocopies 
• A recent CV
• A letter of intent, which acts as a cover page
• Certificate of Language Proficiency (TOEFL or IELTS scores)
• Letters of Reference (LOR)

There may be a requirement of proof of funds from international  students getting a scholarship in the USA to understand the applicant's  financial background. This is mandatory for need-based scholarship students in USA. Apart from this, there are a couple of need-blind universities in the USA that Indian students can also consider.

The eligibility criteria for an international student applying for  an education loan should be as follows: The first step is to determine  whether you are eligible to apply for the loan. The general eligibility  criteria that all the banks follow are:

• You should be an Indian national
• You must have a strong academic record
• You must be seeking admission to a professional, technical or  other course of study. Most banks maintain that the selected course  should be job-oriented.
• You must have secured admission to a foreign university institution.
• You must be above the age of 18 years; otherwise, your parents can avail of the loan.

Eligibility: You may not be eligible for a loan for every course. Here are the kinds of courses that qualify for the education loan.

• For Graduation: Job-oriented professional or technical courses offered by reputed universities
• For Post Graduation: MCA, MBA, MS and also diplomas
• These courses may be offered by foreign universities or institutes approved by the state and central governments.

Loan amount: If your total fee is Rs 10 lakh, the  bank may offer a loan of 80%, and you will have to put in the balance  20%. This is called the margin amount. The maximum loan amount for  studying abroad by public sector banks is around Rs 20 lakh. However,  many private banks offer loans amount more than Rs 20 lakh as well, it  depends on the total of the institution you have applied. Some banks  charge a processing fee, while others don’t. It may be a fixed amount or  a percentage of the total loan amount. So if the bank charges you 1% as  a processing fee, that will be an additional cost you’ll have to cover.

Documentation required: You will need to provide  the acceptance letter sent by the University, which confirms your  selection for the course, along with the schedule of fees. You will also  need to show the mark sheet of the last qualifying examination to show  your academic record.

All banks have different documentation requirements, so it is essential to confirm with the bank first.

Repayment: Repayment begins only after the course  period has ended. If the student got employed within one year after  completion of the course, the repayment should start immediately after  the expiry of one month from the date of employment.

If you do not secure a job within a year of completing the course,  repayment will commence, regardless of whether you are employed. The  loan is generally to be repaid in 5-7 years after the commencement of  repayment. If the student cannot complete the course within the  scheduled time, an extension of up to two years may be permitted for the  course completion. Generally, you will get up to a maximum of 10 years  to repay the loan

There are three types of student visas to the US based on the type of course the international student is applying for:

• Students applying for a program that requires more than 18 hours of study per week are required to have an F1 visa. This includes all undergraduate and graduate programs like MS, MBA, etc.
• Spouses or children accompanying F-1 visa  recipients will travel on an F-2 visa. Please note that spouses are not  permitted to work, but they may accompany and/or apply for a visa to the  U.S. to work or study.

• The J-1 Exchange Visitor Visa is for students, visiting scholars, or lecturers participating in an  exchange program. For example, Fulbright scholars and many students on  short-term study abroad programs from Indian universities will travel to  the U.S. on a J-1 visa.
• A J1 visa is usually sought by a working  professional who goes to America on an exchange program, hence the name  Exchange Visitor Visa. These may include a 10-month vocational training  or a research fellowship, etc. In any case, the respective institutions  will notify the applicants. 
• Spouses or children accompanying J-1 Visa recipients will travel  on a J-2 Visa. Please note that spouses can work when permission is  obtained in advance.

• The M1 visa is a student visa reserved for  vocational and technical schools. While the process remains similar to  an F1 visa, the difference is that on entering, the M1 visas are time  stamped and students cannot overstay their visit. Most of the flying schools in the USA also require M-1 visas.

The U.S. student requirements for a U.S. student visa include the following. If you want to attend a university or college in  the US you will need an F1 visa. Requirements for a US Student Visa  include

• Valid Passport - Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond the duration of your stay in the US.
• Nonimmigrant Visa Application, Form DS-160 confirmation page
• Application fee payment receipt, as you are required to pay before your interview
• Photo – The US consulate will upload your photo,  and you must schedule an appointment with the consulate for this  purpose. You will have to visit the Consulate Centre. Your digital  photograph will be taken, and all your fingerprints will be scanned.  This is officially referred to as OFC appointment. You’ll have to carry an approval receipt from the consulate after successfully taking your photograph and finger scan.
• Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant (F-1) Student Status - Your school will send you a SEVIS-generated Form I-20 once they have entered your information in the SEVIS database. You and  your school official must sign Form I-20. If they intend to reside in  the United States with the student, all students, their spouses, and  minor children must be registered with the Student and Exchange Visitor  System (SEVIS). 
• Minimum Bank Balance: When applying for a US student visa, applicants must show a minimum bank balance to study in USA, which is 1.5 times more than the actual study fees in USA for applicants. 

Note: Additional documentation may be required. During the personal  interview, additional documents may be requested by the interviewer.  These may be documents to prove evidence of academic or financial  status. These include:

• Transcripts, diplomas, degrees, or certificates from schools you attended
• Scores from tests that your US school required, such as the TOEFL, SAT, GRE, or GMAT
• Your intent to depart from the United States upon completion of the course of study
• How you will pay all educational, living and travel costs

There are several steps to applying for a visa. These include

• Complete the online Visa Application Form DS-160
   
• After completing the online visa application, you must pay  the non-refundable visa application fee.  You are required to pay for it  before your interview. It can also be paid online or via bank transfer.
   
• Print the application form confirmation page to bring to your interview.
   
• Schedule a biometric appointment and Interview appointment.
   
• For the Biometric appointment, you must appear in person to  have your photograph taken for the visa and to have your fingerprints  scanned.
   
• At the Personal interview, the interviewer will ask you  questions about your choice of college, finances, and your intent to  come back. If they are convinced, they will keep your passport to have  the visa stamped.
   
• F-1 student visas can be issued up to 120 days before your  course of study starts. However, you will not be allowed to enter the  United States on F-1 status earlier than 30 days before your start date.
   

During the first year of study, students are not permitted to  accept off-campus employment at any time. Under certain circumstances,  the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) may grant permission  to accept off-campus employment after one year of study, but this is  very rare. F-1 students may accept on-campus employment at their  university without seeking prior permission from USCIS.

Students cannot work more than 20 hours per week when going for part-time jobs in the US.  However, during holidays, breaks, and summer sessions, students may  work up to 40 hours per week. The student can work for a commercial firm  that provides services to the college, such as a bookstore or  cafeteria. Working more than 20 hours will lead to problems involving  reinstating student status to deportation.

Off-campus employment in hotels, motels, gas stations, liquor  stores, and other similar establishments is prohibited. If caught, that  could lead to deportation or problems during future immigration-related  work authorisation. Check out the Top 10 Highest Paying Jobs in USA.

The student's spouse or children get an F2 visa, which is a  dependent visa. A spouse on F-2 status may not enrol for a full course  of study but can take vocational or recreational classes like pursuing a  hobby or interest, such as cooking or tennis. A child on F2 status can  attend elementary, middle, or high school full-time. They may not enrol  in a full-time course at a college or university. The spouses and  children of students are not permitted to accept employment at any time.

Additional Reading:

• US Student Visa: Myths vs. Reality
• Tips to Ace US Visa Interview
• What is 221(g) under US Visa Refusals? 

Prepare yourselves and do the following things before flying to the US:

• Book airline tickets
• Buy travel and health insurance
• Arrange accommodation in the US
• Arrange transportation to/from the airport to home in the US
• Arrange your banking – consider buying traveller’s cheques
• Check baggage and customs limitations
• Clear all paperwork with your home educational institution

Get your documents in order and make photocopies to store in your baggage and keep at home, including:

1. Passport
2. Airline tickets
3. Travel insurance certificate
4. Letter of Acceptance by the educational institution;
5. Key addresses and phone numbers
6. A bank statement showing proof of funds
7. Prescriptions for any medication you are carrying
8. Traveller’s cheques—if applicable
9. Medical and immunisation records
10. Academic history and university transcripts

After arriving in the USA, applicants can do the following:

Shopping in the US: Large shopping malls and  supermarkets like Wal-Mart and Target in the US are one-stop shops for  all of your daily needs. Be vigilant to ensure that all of your shopping  is properly billed and that you keep the bills with you.

Learning basic cooking: Cooking for yourself will  save you money. Indian food is expensive in the US. It will also satisfy  your urge to eat ‘your food’ during moments of homesickness. Indian  spices are not commonly available in smaller cities, but you may find  shops on campus where you can get ingredients used in most Indian food.

Travel: Each large city in the United States  offers various methods of public transportation, including buses, taxis,  and trains. However, public transportation services are poor. The  frequency of stops is low, and places are not well connected. You might  often have to rely on a private car for transportation. Even with the  rising cost of petrol, private cars remain the most economical and  convenient mode of transportation, offering a high level of flexibility  and freedom. You can travel wherever and whenever you want and don't  have to depend on the public transport schedule. However, before buying a  car, you should consider using public transportation or asking friends  for rides.

Stay on Student Visa: When you enter the US, you  may remain in the US as long as you are enrolled in a school to complete  your academic program. After the program ends, you will have 60 days to  leave the US. You can look for employment opportunities or depart from  the country to return to India.

STEM education applicants can avail themselves of OPT or CPT in the USA for the post-study work permit opportunity. There is an option for STEM OPT extension also for STEM applicants. On the other hand, applicants who get a job can get a post-study work permit in the USA for a year and, later on, can request their employers to complete residency formalities if needed. Check out the OPT and STEM OPT extensions below. 

If students want to stay back in the US to gain practical knowledge in their subject, they can do so through OPT. Temporary employment permission allows students to gain practical experience in their field of study for 12 months.

• Pre-completion OPT
• Post-completion OPT 

If the students want to do work related to their field of study,  they can do so through pre-completion OPT. Students currently pursuing  studies acquire work authorization through this permit and the work may  be part-time during classes and full-time during vacations.

Duration - Students are allowed 12 months of OPT for all bachelor's and master's degrees. Those pursuing STEM courses get an additional 17 months (making 29 months) under the STEM OPT extension.

Students who have completed their education and want to work more  than 20 hours per week require post-completion OPT. This OPT is granted  for full-time employment. While on OPT, students cannot pursue a new  course of study unless they are PhD students