Student Visa - USA

Post Graduation (PG) in USA

Pursuing post graduation in the USA is a dream of several students all across the world. With renowned faculty, exceptional learning atmosphere, world-class amenities and facilities, USA has been an ideal destination for higher studies. The course structure and the degree after completion of the course give an added advantage to the students to get through their dream careers.

Finding a university:

With over 1700 universities offering varied post graduation programs, selecting one is not an easy task. There is no limit to the number of universities that a candidate can apply for. So, they have to do thorough research on the university, institution, location, faculty and culture of the place, while setting preferences. Ideally, a candidate should finalize 5-6 universities for initiating the application process.

Application Requirements for Post graduation in USA:

Most of the universities have similar format for Post Graduation applications, which include:

• Application form with basic information like contact details, schools, marks, work experience, community or school-related activities.
• Standardized test scores
• Personal statement describing academic interests, professional and personal goals and relevant experience
• Research statement describing about research interests & plans
• Transcript, or listing of academic results
• 2-3 Recommendation Letters
• A CV listing your professional and extracurricular accomplishments
• Application fee of approximately $50-100 per application

Courses offered in USA

IT Course, Fine Arts, Health Science, Law, MBA, Architecture, Information Systems, International Business, Applied Science, Management, Project Management, Engineering, Computer Science, Science, Pharmacy, etc. Degree offered is ME, MS, PhD.

Visa requirements for the USA

Applying for visas is often seen as complicated, but IDP Education�s trained counsellors are experts in guiding students through the application process.

There are three main visa types that students can opt for to study in a US university. These are as follows:-

• F-1 Student Visa: Academic Study - F-1 is the most common type of student visa issued to international students who wish to undertake academic studies in the USA. With an F1 visa, international students can undertake part-time, on-campus employment (20 hours per week while regular semester studies and 40 hours per week during vacations). In addition to this, students can work on optional practical training (OPT) for up to one year once they have completed their academic study.
• J-1 Student Visa: Exchange Visitor Visa - A J-1 Student Visa is issued to students who wish to undertake practical training which is not available in their native nation to complete their academic program. A J-1 student status gives similar employment options as that given to the F-1 visa, with same restrictions, subject to a permission granted by the exchange visitor program sponsor.
• M-1 Student Visa: Non-Academic Study - M-1 Student Visa is issued to those who wish to attend a non-academic or vocational school in the USA. With a M-1 visa, students cannot take up work during the course of their study period.

Steps for applying for a USA student visa

The visa application process starts with the receipt of an I-20. The I-20 confirms a student�s acceptance and enrolment at a university or other educational institution.

1. Pay the SEVIS fee (Student and Exchange Visitor Information System)
2. Pay the visa fee at the nominated bank
3. Complete the visa application form
4. Book a visa interview appointment
5. Attend your visa interview
6. Your passport is returned to you by courier

Remember, your personal counsellor will help you from start to finish, providing assistance in organising documents, completing the forms, and preparing you for the interview with the visa officer at the USA Embassy.

Employment prospects in the USA

United States has always been considered as the �land of opportunities�. Being one of the leading nations with a strong economic structure, the nation offers an array of job opportunities to international students in all fields of work.

There is also a plethora of internship programs available that can be taken up by the international students. That not only helps them understand the intricacies of the preferred industry but also lets them earn an income while working part-time.

Owing to skills shortage across various sectors in the American market, international students with skills are in demand and those who are willing to settle in America have the option to apply under a Skilled Worker Visa and permanently work and reside in the country. Graduates are in high demand in the USA, especially in the field of healthcare, film production, real estate, retail sector, agriculture, engineering and computers & information technology.

In the USA there are options to work part-time on campus during your first year of study. You can also explore opportunities for sponsorship following your studies. International students in the USA can work in a job on campus up to 20 hours a week. Many students find that their time is better spent taking internships or practical training, which allows them to work for university credit in a job in a related field. Nearly every university, even those not located in big cities, has employees dedicated to helping students secure internships. All USA universities also offer extra-curricular activities that provide real-world job experience.

Another option that appeals to many students is to broaden their study experience through semester or summer-long study abroad and exchange programs, offered by most universities as well as outside study abroad providers. Following graduation, students on an F-1 visa can apply for Optional Practical Training (OPT), which allows them to work in their chosen field for 12-24 months after completing their studies.

Some companies may even sponsor students for a H1-B Temporary Worker Visa, allowing them to continue living in the USA as long as they work for that company. Most USA institutions have a career services department staffed with professionals focused on helping students with their r�sum�, teaching job interview skills, and helping them find job opportunities.