USA

Education in the USA

Student VISA for the USA

Student Life in the USA

Education in the US

The first level of higher education in USA is called “undergraduate,” and it awards a Bachelor of Arts (BA) or Bachelor of Science (BS) degree.

Most USA study programs for undergraduates require four years of study, and usually a completed secondary school education is sufficient to enroll as an undergraduate student. First-, second- and third-year students of foreign institutions of higher education can transfer into U.S. undergraduate degree programs.

Any student desiring to study in USA should be aware that Graduate degrees refer to Master of Arts (MA), Master of Science (MS) or Doctorate of Philosophy (PhD). Students who have already received their first higher education diploma, either a BA or BS in the United States or the equivalent, are eligible to apply to graduate programs. The MA and MS degrees through education in USA are usually awarded after two years of study. The Ph.D. is the highest academic degree amongst the USA study programs. This degree follows an MA or MS and typically requires at least three years of study and a lengthy dissertation.

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Student VISA – USA

While applying for student visa for education in USA one should know that there are mainly three categories of student visas for USA.
(a) F-1 (Student Visa USA): The F-1 visa is for full-time students who want to study in USA and enrolled in an academic or language program. F-1 students may stay in the US for the full length of their academic program plus 60 days. During application of student visa one must keep in mind that students must maintain a full-time course load and complete their studies by the expiration date listed on the I-20 form. You should apply for a multiple entry F-1 student visa USA. With a multiple entry visa one can travel between US and India while pursuing any USA study programs.

(b) M Visa (Non-Academic or Vocational Studies): This student visa for US is appropriate for people who want to study or train at a non-academic institution in the U.S.

(c) J-1 (Exchange Visitor Visa): The J-1 visa which is a student visa for US is issued to students needing practical training that is not available in their home country to complete their academic program. The training must be directly related to their academic program. The J-1 student visa, United States obligates the student to return to their home country for a minimum of two years after the end of their studies in the US before being eligible to apply for an immigrant (permanent residence) visa.

Permission to work in USA
Those who intend to apply for a student working visa in USA should know that students generally are not eligible for employment while pursuing their education in USA in the first year of study. Student work permit may however be got upon approval of the school’s administration.

Conditions for applying for a visa
Acceptance by University: To study in USA, this is the foremost condition for applying for a student visa to United States. The university sends the form I-20 (certification of eligibility) that needs to be filled and submitted at the time of the interview.

Knowledge of English Language is a must for student visa in the US: During one’s application for student visa for education in USA, proof of the required scholastic preparation is usually established by form I-20 from the issuing institution and the entries on the form. To establish their knowledge of English, applicants are encouraged to take the “Test of English as a Foreign Language” (TOEFL). This is available in many Indian cities.

Financial Resources: Since a student visa for US is a non immigrant type of a visa, one has to provide proof of sufficient funds to cover the total cost of education and stay in the U.S while pursuing any USA study programs. This implies evidence of readily available funds to meet all expenses for the first year and of the availability of funds for the following years from reliable financial resources. During one’s application for student visa, to satisfy this requirement, applicants may show that funds are available from the educational institution, from their personal resources or from sponsors (normally a very close relative), who have agreed to pay for their education. If the support is from the educational institution, in the form of a scholarship, assistantship, on-campus employment, etc., it is usually noted on the I-20 form.

Non-Immigrant Intent: It is difficult to prove that one intends to return to India after completion of their education in USA even though one sincerely intends to. This is because by law, all non-immigrants are viewed as “intending immigrants.” This means that the visa officer is under the assumption that applicants will be going to the US and will remain in the US permanently. Hence on should carry documents that demonstrate ties to India and would help convince the consul of one’s intent to return. Such documents may include:

• Proof of land ownership
• During application for student visa economic and social ties are very important: An applicant’s future roles in a family business, academic institution, government agency, professional organization are all possibilities to acquire a student visa to United States. Bring letters from appropriate parties to demonstrate such facts.
• During application for student visa if other family members have studied in the U.S. and returned it should be mentioned.
• Letters from prospective employers recognizing the need for specialized training offered in the U.S.

Processing of visa application
Acquiring US visa is a not an easy process. If, however, while making application for student visa one keeps all the required documents at hand and follow the process diligently one can hasten the process. It is advisable to file one’s application for student visa immediately after receiving form I-20. For student visa, USA the interview can be arranged up to 120 days before the course at the university begins and the student can enter the US 30 days prior before his/her classes begin.

How to get a Student Visa?
Step 1 (Pay the fee): The first step in filing one’s application for student visa is the payment of the application fee (currently $100 or INR4, 600) and VFS service’ charge at a designated branch of HDFC bank.

Step 2 (I-20 and SEVIS charges): Before the student visa interview the applicant must have received from the US varsity granting admission a document called I-20. While obtaining student visa an applicant also requires making a payment to the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) registration system. Often the school makes a payment on behalf of the applicant. However the confirmation information must be produced at the time of interview.

Step 3 (Schedule an interview): The next step in the application for student visa is to log on to the website http://www.vfs-usa.co.in/ and click on the ‘Apply for a Non-immigrant Visa’ link once the fees are paid. While obtaining student visa one will need to use the barcode number from your HDFC bank fee receipt in order to schedule an appointment. The applicant will be required to fill the forms DS-156 and DS-157 and DS-158 and will have to wait 48 hours after paying the fee before he/she can book an appointment.

Step 4 (Report for the interview): The next step is to report to the US Embassy or Consulate where the appointment for a visa interview is scheduled.

Visa Interview for USA
To get a United States student’s visa for any of the USA study programs, the consulate has introduced a system of prior appointments for student visa interview. On the day of appointment, the applicant will have to appear for a personal student visa interview. It is important to convince the visa officer of the availability of the necessary funds to cover the cost of education in USA. While obtaining student visa, the applicant should prove having strong ties back home and does not intend to immigrate. While answering the questions in student visa interview, one should be brief and to the point. Remember during student visa interview the consular officials want to hear from the applicant. Therefore it is advisable not to take any family member along for the student visa interview.

When appearing for the student visa interview, carry the following documents:

• Passport having validity of at least six months.
• Original HDFC Bank Fee Receipt with its two barcode stickers.
• Interview appointment letter.
• Form I-20 and the admission letter from the University/College mentioning the total cost of education in the USA (If you have received admission letters/rejection letters from more than one university, carry all of them).
• Evidence of scholarship/aid/grant, if any.
• Sponsorship letter.
• Educational certificates, degrees, diplomas & mark sheets.
• Score reports of TOEFL and GRE/GMAT/SAT.
• Work experience certificate/reference letter from employer, if employed.
• Bank statements/pass books of the sponsors for the last three years.
• Summary statement of assets and total income of family members.
• Income tax papers of the sponsor and his family for the last 3 years.
• Proof of all movable and immovable assets.

US Embassy in India
New Delhi
The Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy
Nyaya Marg
Chanakyapuri
New Delhi – 110021

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Student Life in the US

Multi-cultural environment
When you leave the comfort of home and family it is expected that initially adjusting in a new country will be a difficult and challenging experience. Although the US has a democratic, secular culture, adjusting and open to all nationalities, yet you as an International student away from your country, maybe for the first time, may find the experience emotionally and mentally demanding. With time, you will learn to adjust in the US and enjoy the education in USA.

Scholarships
Since education in United States for any USA study programs will likely cost more than it does to study in your own country, it is important to start your financial planning at least 12 months before you intend to study in the United States. Some U.S. colleges offer opportunities for gifted student athletes to play for the college team as a means of paying for their education. International students also ask about financial assistance from foundations, organizations, and the U.S. government. Very little aid exists through such sources, and it is usually earmarked for advanced graduate students.

Cost of living
Becoming a resident assistant in a dormitory could save thousands of dollars in living costs. Working in the dining hall offers a modest salary plus “all you can eat” meals. Living off campus with a relative or friend saves money if suitable accommodation is available and public transport is efficient.

Accommodation
1. On-Campus Accommodation: Usually US universities expect freshman and sophomores to stay in the accommodation provided on campus. With them the juniors, seniors and graduate students can also apply for University Residents. US Universities usually guarantee accommodations to students who apply before deadlines whereas after deadlines it depends solely on the availability of accommodation.
2. Off-Campus Accommodation: All housing that is not owned by the Universities is known as Off-Campus housing. These are of two types: Apartments located in houses and Apartments located in apartment complexes or buildings.

Work permission
Current immigration regulations permit international students to work only part-time up to 20 hours per week and only on campus during their first year of study. By working 10 to 15 hours a week, you could earn enough to pay for incidentals such as books, clothing, and personal expenses, but your campus job cannot pay your major expenses, such as tuition or room and board. After the first year, you can also apply for employment as a resident assistant (RA) in a university dormitory. RAs serve as the first point of contact for students needing assistance or who have queries regarding dorm life. In return, RAs receive free accommodation and sometimes a small salary and/or meal plan. Under current regulations, after your first year of study, you may apply to the Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) for permission to work off campus for up to 20 hours a week.

Sports, recreational and cultural activities
There are student organizations for almost every interest and purpose, from the academic to the purely social, in most USA study programs. Usually you can get a list of campus clubs and organizations from the International Students Office or from your university’s Web page. If you are interested in the activities of a certain club, attend a meeting. If there are many international students at the university, there will undoubtedly be an international club. Sports are a favorite pastime in the United States. Many people pursuing their education in USA regularly engage in individual sports, such as tennis, jogging, swimming, and skiing, or in team sports like baseball, soccer, ice hockey, and volleyball.

Health Cover
Most colleges and universities in the United States have a clinic, an infirmary, or some other form of health care service for students, though usually not for their families. The “health fee” the student pays each term goes toward providing such services. Therefore, the services provided are often free or offered at a greatly reduced cost. Usually, however, university health services are limited to minor and emergency care. In case of a serious health problem, the university normally refers the student to a medical facility in the community, and the student, or his or her insurance, pays the costs.

Safety
Every college and university employs police officers or security personnel to help keep the campus safe. If you are not given security guidelines during your orientation program, go to your international student adviser or the campus security office for information.

English proficiency
Some interesting usage tips:
a) You might not understand the local accent right away. Regional accents vary greatly in the United States. Give yourself time to get used to the local accent, and in time you will probably find yourself speaking in the same way.

b) Americans might not understand you right away. You will also have your own accent and you might use a different vocabulary.

c) Americans use a lot of slang and jargon in their speech. Their language is very colorful and full of imagery and it might take some time to completely understand it.

d) Humor, wit, and sarcasm are an integral part of American English. Some international students have trouble adapting to this informal style of conversation or understanding whether the person they are speaking with is being serious or not. This, however, should be interpreted as a mark of friendliness rather than a show of disrespect.

e) You might not know all of the abbreviations and technical terms used in your study program or workplace. Terms such as “poli sci” for political science, “dorms” for dormitories, or “TA” for teaching assistant, are just a few examples of campus slang you will encounter.

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