The United States boasts some of the world’s finest universities, offering a diverse student community and unparalleled study opportunities. Renowned for its excellent quality of education, sophisticated academic programs, modern facilities, and abundant prospects, the USA stands as one of the most coveted destinations for international students.

International students seeking to pursue studies in academic institutions in the USA must obtain an F-1 non-immigrant visa. Holders of this visa category must complete their educational programs before the expiration of their I-20 (Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status). The I-20, provided by the US College or University, signifies the student’s acceptance and authorization to attend courses. Both undergraduate and graduate international students require an active I-20 to study in the USA.

While each academic institution in the United States maintains its unique admission standards, certain common requirements apply to international undergraduate and graduate students seeking admission to US colleges and universities. These requirements typically include:

• High School Diploma/Degrees
• Bachelor’s degree for graduate program applicants
• English proficiency test scores (TOEFL, IELTS, Duolingo Test)
• Transcripts of previous academic records
• Statement of Purpose/Admission Essay
• Letters of Recommendation (LOR)
• Proof of financial solvency (Bank Statement/affidavit)
• CV/Resume
• SAT/ACT (for Undergraduates)
• GRE/GMAT/LSAT (for graduates)
• Valid International Passport
• Writing Sample (for graduates)

US colleges usually admit students in three intakes: Fall, Spring, and Summer, with the highest number of international students admitted during the Fall intake. The fall admission decision process typically commences in January and concludes in April/May, depending on the programs. For the Spring session, the admission process usually begins in September, with classes commencing in January.

Universities outline application deadlines on their websites well in advance to allow students to organize and submit their applications punctually. Early applications often increase the likelihood of securing various scholarships provided by universities or governments.

All US universities and colleges maintain official websites where students can submit their applications via university application portals. Additionally, students can reach out to the university/college admission office for any inquiries regarding their application.

Upon creating an application account, students are required to pay an application fee and submit the aforementioned documents, which constitute the general admission requirements. Once admitted, students must obtain their I-20 from the university’s international admission office and secure an F-1 visa to attend classes.

To complete the F1 visa application process, international students must undertake the following steps:

• Obtain admission documents/I-20 from the admitting institution.
• Apply online for the F-1 visa through the DS-160 form.
• Pay the Visa application fee.
• Pay the SEVIS I-901 fee.
• Schedule the F-1 visa interview.
• Submit the required F-1 visa documents.
• Attend the F-1 visa interview.

Generally, the following documents are required to apply for an F-1 Visa:

• A valid passport with at least 6 months of validity.
• Form DS-160 for non-immigrant visa applications.
• Two photographs meeting US Visa Photo Requirements.
• Proof of F-1 visa fee payment.
• Form I-20, which specifies the funds required for education and living expenses in the US for one academic year. The student must provide documentation proving the availability of the required funds, including:

International students are typically required to pay tuition and other fees each semester, with the amount varying based on the program, university, and location. Universities offer tuition waivers, funding, scholarships, fellowships, and various assistantships such as GA/TA/RA for students with exemplary profiles. A strong IELTS Score, GRE/SAT Score, and Statement of Purpose (SOP) may enhance the likelihood of securing such opportunities.