How can I find accommodation easily in the US as a student?

Universities offer on-campus and off-campus housing. Book residence halls in advance, some universities only offer first-year students accommodation. Monthly costs for residence halls range from $600-$900, while shared apartments cost $400-$600 per person. Homestays cost $300-$500, and luxury accommodation costs $2000. Prices vary by city.

Can I pursue an internship while studying?

You need to be a student for at least nine months to be eligible for a summer internship while enrolled in your program.

How soon can I find an on-campus job in the US?

You can find an on-campus job from the first semester itself.

What is the difference between CPT and OPT? Can I apply for both?

University students can work during the semester and break through CPT and OPT programs. CPT is limited to 20 hours per week during the semester and 40 hours during breaks, while OPT can be applied for before or after graduation and typically lasts for 12 months. STEM graduates may extend OPT up to 24 months. CPT requires consent from academic departments and ISS, while OPT requires government approval. OPT provides an EAD, but CPT does not.

Do I have to pay an application fee for CPT or OPT?

The CPT application requires no application fee, whereas OPT requires an application fee.

Which is the best university in the US to pursue my undergraduate/post graduate program?

There are 4500 accredited universities in the USA. Choosing the best university for your undergraduate and postgraduate study will depend entirely on your interests and budget.

I have completed my 10+2+3 education in India and planning to do MS in the US. Do American universities accept 10+2+3 education?

Most universities may not accept 10+2+3 education, but some do. The best option would be to check the eligibility criteria of the shortlisted university.

Where can I find the end date of the CPT?

You can find the end date of the CPT on the I-20 form.

What are Ivy League universities?

The Ivy League is a group of eight prestigious universities in the USA known for their academic excellence and social prestige.

What is the general acceptance rate of Ivy League universities?

The overall acceptance rate of Ivy League universities for the class of 2024 is between 4.9% and 10.7%.

What are the best Ivy League universities for STEM?

The best Ivy League universities for STEM are Harvard University, Princeton University, Yale University, and Columbia University.

How you are set to benefit by attending Ivy League universities?

Graduates from Ivy League universities can pursue a career in teaching, business, research, entrepreneurship, finance, and media communication. They work with Goldman Sachs, Google, McKinsey, IBM, Amazon, Apple, and Microsoft.

Are Ivy League universities more expensive than regular universities in the US?

Ivy League universities are not expensive as many may think. The average annual tuition fees at Ivy League starts at $59,985 and with living expenses it may reach up to $83,046.

Which Ivy League university has the highest and lowest acceptance rate?

Cornell University has the highest overall acceptance rate of 10.7%, and Harvard has the lowest acceptance rate of 4.9 % for the class of 2024.

USA Study Visa - Collegepond

Study In USA

How to Apply for a USA Student VISA

If you are an Indian student wishing to study in USA, you may require a student VISA. Applying for a student VISA is a long and tedious process, which may last 4-6 months before your course starts. The following are the stages of applying for a student VISA.

Check if the school or university you wish to join is approved under the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP).
Next, apply to the SEVP-approved institution at least 6 to 12 months before the course starts.
Once you receive an admit and finalize the university, you will receive a I20 form. This form is important to apply for a student VISA.
Pay the SEVIS fee online 4-5 days prior the USA VISA application. You can check the information through the USA Immigration Customs Enforcement (ICE) SEVP official website.
Fill the CGI Federal form and book an appointment at the embassy.
Pay the MRV fee or VISA application fee.
Schedule and attend the VISA interview. Check the consulate or embassy website to check all documents to be carried to the interview.

Types of Student VISA to Study in USA for Indian Students

There are three types of student visas to study in USA for Indian students. They are:

F Student VISA

This VISA is essential for students seeking admission to accredited USA colleges or universities.

F-1 VISA: This is required for full-time students.

F-2 VISA: This is required for dependents of F-1 VISA, including their spouses and unmarried children below 21 years.

F-3 VISA: This is required for students living in Canada and Mexico who may be staying in their home countries, while pursuing their full-time or part-time program in the USA.

J Exchange VISA

This VISA is for students participating in educational exchange programs. During this program, the student may remain enrolled in their university, college, or school, while attending a study program in any accredited USA study institution.

J-1 VISA: This VISA is for exchange students attending a particular exchange program.

J-2 VISA: This VISA is offered to dependents of J-1 VISA holders.

M Student VISA

This VISA is for students applying for non-academic, vocational training in the country.

M1 VISA: This VISA is for students wishing to pursue non-academic or vocational studies in the USA.

M2 VISA: This VISA is for the dependents of M-1 VISA holders.

M3 VISA: It is awarded to students living in Mexico and Canada who may be pursuing non-academic or vocational studies in USA universities.

Important Documents to be Carried During the Student VISA Interview

Note: The above given is only a partial list of important documents, you must check the Embassy or Consulate website for more details.

Post Study Work VISA

Students with F-1 VISA who have completed a bachelor’s or master’s program can apply for 12-month stay extension for Optional Practical Training (OPT).
Students pursuing STEM courses can extend the VISA for additional 24 months via STEM OPT extension.
Students on M-1 or J-1 VISA can apply for a work VISA within a month of their course completion.