Visa type
F-1 (academic, full-time) / M-1 (vocational).
Globally top-ranked USA universities
World-leading STEM and research programs
Strong industry links and internships
World-class campus life and facilities
Wide choice of cities and lifestyles
Advanced research labs and funding
Flexible intakes: Fall, Spring, Summer
Part-time work up to 20 hours/week
Post-study work via OPT (12 months)
STEM graduates eligible for 24-month OPT extension
Tuition ranges across public and private universities
Living costs vary by city and state
Top 10 Universities in the USA
Popular Courses & Fields
Data Science, Artificial Intelligence, and Machine Learning
Computer Science, Cybersecurity, and Software Engineering
Business Administration (MBA) and Management
Engineering (Mechanical, Electrical, Civil, Biomedical)
Finance, Accounting, and Business Analytics
Public Health and Health Administration
Biotechnology, Life Sciences, and Biochemistry
Economics, Statistics, and Applied Mathematics
Media, Communications, and Digital Marketing
Psychology, Education, and Social Sciences
Top Vocational Courses
Community College Career Diplomas (IT, Business, Healthcare)
Practical Nursing and Allied Health Programs
Automotive Technology and EV Maintenance
HVAC and Building Maintenance
Culinary Arts and Hospitality Operations
Welding and Industrial Trades
Research and Science Courses
Artificial Intelligence and Robotics
Biomedical Research and Genomics
Clean Energy and Environmental Engineering
Materials Science and Nanotechnology
Space Science and Aerospace Systems
Language Courses in the USA
Intensive English Programmes (IEP)
Academic English (EAP)
Business English
TOEFL / IELTS Preparation
Short-Term Courses in the USA
Summer School Programmes
Coding and Data Analytics Bootcamps
Project Management Short Courses
Digital Marketing Certifications
Intakes & Admission Timeline
Key Admission Intakes
Major: August / September (Fall)
Secondary: January (Spring)
Limited: May (Summer – selected programs)
Admission Process timeline
9–12 months: Tests, course & university shortlisting
6–8 months: Applications, interviews, offers
4–6 months: Deposit, funds, I-20, SEVIS
2–3 months: Visa, housing, travel
Eligibility & Entry Requirements
Cost of Studying in the USA
Tuition Fees
UG: USD 20,000–55,000 per year (lower fees for Public Unis)
PG: USD 20,000–60,000 per year (varies heavily by course)
Living Expenses
USD 10,000–25,000 per year (varies by city + housing choice)
Other Costs
SEVIS fee, visa fee, health insurance, books, flights, local transport, initial deposits
Scholarships & Financial Support
- University merit scholarships (profile + SAT/GRE/portfolio)
- Graduate assistantships (TA/RA) for many Master’s/PhD tracks
- Program-specific funding for research degrees
- Fulbright Foreign Student Program / Fulbright-Nehru (via USIEF)
- University-specific international scholarships
- Indian banks provide education loans
Student Visa Overview
When to apply
After your school issues Form I-20 and you pay the SEVIS fee.
Earliest timing
- Visa can be issued up to 365 days before course start;
- Entry can be up to 30 days before start date.
Processing duration
Depends on Embassy appointment + processing (varies by location)
Dependants
Spouse/child usually apply as F-2 (or M-2) with their own I-20s
Documents Checklist (Student Visa)
1
Passport, photo, Form I-20, admission letter
2
DS-160 confirmation, visa fee receipt, appointment details
3
SEVIS I-901 fee receipt, financial proof (tuition + living)
4
Academic transcripts, English/test scores if required
5
Sponsor documents, study plan, ties to home country (if applicable)
Step-by-Step Visa Application Process
1
University admission offer
2
SEVIS fee payment
3
DS-160 visa form
4
Visa fees payment
5
Biometrics & interview
6
Visa decision & travel
Work During & After Studies
- 20 hrs/week on-campus
- CPT: off-campus, degree-related employment
- OPT: temporary work after course completion
- OPT up to 12 months
- STEM OPT extension: additional 24 months
- H-1B: employer-sponsored skilled pathway
How We Help (End‑to‑End Support)
Profile & visa assessment
SEVP university shortlist
SOP & essays review
I-20 coordination
SEVIS & funds guidance
F-1 visa filing
Interview preparation
Pre-departure briefing
Arrival guidance
FAQs
Indian students pursuing full-time academic programmes must apply for the F-1 Student Visa, issued for study at SEVP-approved US institutions
Yes. Students must secure admission and receive Form I-20 from a US university before starting the visa application
Students must demonstrate sufficient funds for tuition and annual living expenses
IELTS is not required by US immigration authorities, but universities may ask for IELTS, TOEFL, or equivalent English proficiency scores
Students must demonstrate funds sufficient to cover first-year tuition fees and living expenses as specified on the I-20
Yes. A personal interview at the US Embassy or Consulate is mandatory for most first-time student visa applicants
F-1 students may work up to 20 hours per week on campus during academic sessions and full-time during breaks
Optional Practical Training (OPT) and Curricular Practical Training (CPT) allow eligible students to gain authorised work experience related to their field of study
Applications can be submitted up to 365 days before course start date, though entry into the USA is permitted only 30 days prior
Typical reasons include insufficient financial evidence, unclear study plans, weak academic justification, or failure to demonstrate temporary intent
Releated Links
Tourist Visa for the UK
Business Visa for the UK
