USA Student Visa
Study in USA – Student Visa
The United States is a premier destination for international students, and obtaining the correct student visa is a crucial step in the journey. The U.S. government offers different types of non-immigrant visas for individuals wishing to study, with the F-1 visa being the most common for academic and language programs.
Types of U.S. Student Visas
F-1 Visa (Academic Student):
This is the most common visa for international students pursuing academic studies at an accredited U.S. college, university, private elementary school, high school, seminary, conservatory, or other academic institution, including English language training programs.
F-1 visa holders must be enrolled in a full-time course of study.
J-1 Visa (Exchange Visitor):
This visa is for individuals participating in exchange programs, which can include high school and university study, research, teaching, or specialized training.
The J-1 visa is designed for cultural exchange and requires sponsorship by a designated exchange visitor program.
M-1 Visa (Vocational Student):
This visa is for students pursuing non-academic or vocational study or training in the United States.
M-1 visa holders typically have more restrictions on their ability to work compared to F-1 students.
Required Documents for USA Student Visa Application
- Valid Passport: With at least one blank page for the visa stamp.
- Form I-20 (Certificate of Eligibility)
- DS-160 Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application form.
- SEVIS Fee Payment Receipt (I-901 Form)
- Proof of Funds: Bank statements, loan sanction letters, scholarship letters, etc., meeting the 28-day rule.
- Parental Consent and Proof of Relationship: If you are 16 or 17 years old.
- Biometric Information: You'll provide your fingerprints and a photograph at a Visa Application Centre (VAC) as part of your application process.
- Statement of Purpose (SOP) or Personal Statement
Living Expenses in the USA for International Students
Studying in the USA is a significant investment, not only in terms of tuition but also in day-to-day living. International students should plan their budget carefully to manage all aspects of life in the U.S., including housing, food, transportation, and health insurance.
Accommodation
Housing is typically the biggest monthly expense.
Type of Housing | Estimated Monthly Cost |
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On-campus dormitory | $500 – $1,200 |
Off-campus shared apartment | $600 – $1,200 |
Private studio/apartment | $1,000 – $2,000+ |
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Prices vary greatly depending on city and proximity to the university.
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Utilities (electricity, water, internet) may or may not be included.
Food and Groceries
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Eating out occasionally: $8 – $20 per meal
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Monthly groceries: $200 – $400
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On-campus meal plans: $250 – $600 per month
You can save by cooking at home and shopping at budget-friendly stores like Walmart, Costco, or local ethnic markets.
Transportation
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Public transport pass: $30 – $100/month
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Occasional taxi or Uber: $10 – $30 per ride
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Car owners: additional costs for insurance, fuel, maintenance, and parking.
Cities like New York, Boston, and Chicago have robust public transit systems, while smaller towns may require a personal vehicle.
English Language Requirements to Study
Most U.S. institutions accept one or more of the following standardized English tests:
1.TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language)
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Widely accepted by over 11,000 institutions in the U.S. and worldwide.
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Offered as:
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TOEFL iBT (Internet-Based Test)
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TOEFL PBT (Paper-Based Test) – limited availability
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Typical minimum score requirement:
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Undergraduate: 61 – 80 (iBT)
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Graduate: 79 – 100+ (iBT)
(Requirements vary by institution and program.)
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2. IELTS (International English Language Testing System)
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Globally recognized and accepted by most U.S. institutions.
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Score range: 0 – 9
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Typical minimum score requirement:
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Undergraduate: 6.0 – 6.5
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Graduate: 6.5 – 7.5
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3. Duolingo English Test (DET)
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Increasingly accepted by U.S. universities due to its affordability and accessibility.
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Fully online and can be taken from home.
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Typical score requirement: 100 – 120+
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Suitable for undergraduate and some graduate programs.
4. PTE Academic (Pearson Test of English)
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Computer-based test accepted by many U.S. universities.
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Score range: 10 – 90
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Typical score requirement: 50 – 65+
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