Immigration. Travel. Living.

USA: immigration via studies

American Visa

The country where Hollywood, Disneyland, and the World’s Best Universities are located attracts young people from everywhere.

However, staying and legally leaving in the United States is a very difficult task. The easiest way to immigrate to the United States is through study. Studying in the USA offers great opportunities. After receiving the US Diploma, it is possible to find a job in the States.

Types of visas for students

woman reading book while sitting on chair

The first thing towards immigration to the United States is to obtain a US student visa. It should be noted, that a US student visa does not give the right to stay in the country longer than the allotted period. In other words, you cannot legally stay with a student visa in the United States after graduation. The US student visa is the first step in the long process of obtaining a green card. You can stay after your studies in America if you get one of the workers:

  • for academic internships;
  • for pre-planned work;
  • for leaders from other countries;

F1 Visa – study + work in the USA

The best option for a foreign student is to obtain an F1 student visa. It is issued to students who plan to undergo academic studies in accredited institutions:

  • language schools (courses from 2 weeks);
  • colleges (programs up to 2 years);
  • universities (preparatory courses, bachelor’s and master’s programs);
  • universities offering short-term professional programs.

 

One of the advantages of F1 visa is the permission to work on campus for 20 hours per week during the semester and full days during vacations (for students on programs lasting 6 months or more).

After graduation, the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) allows you to stay in the country for a year under the Optional Practical Training program. The validity of the F1 visa is determined by the curriculum.

 

J1 – student program in the USA

International students are allowed to study at accredited US universities, whose graduates receive an academic degree. And also undergo an internship for students.

Participation in the program must be funded directly or indirectly by the US government.

The duration of a non-degree study program, together with practical training, must not exceed 24 months.

University/college students may study in degree programs before graduation or non-degree programs for a maximum of 24 months.

Opportunity to work: Under certain conditions with good academic performance at the host institution, students are allowed to work part-time.

 

The cost of education in the USA 

1 us dollar bill

American education is considered one of the most expensive and best in the world. Totally, the cost of studying is about 25 000 – 30 000 USD per year, another 15 thousand will be spent on living. But this amount can be reduced thanks to the scholarship. 

There are several options for scholarship programs:

  • government (Fulbright and Global UGRAD Exchange Program);
  • sponsorship (cultural foundations, religious communities, large employers);
  • US universities scholarships. 

It is important to understand that this does not mean free tuition and monthly assistance. But you will receive a significant discount that will bring you one step closer to your dream of life and career in the USA. 

Obtain a US work visa after graduation

The main thing is to have an offer for work in the USA. It is easiest to obtain during an internship. It is there that you can recommend yourself perfectly, make useful contacts, and find your future employer.

The second is the employer’s willingness to pay money for processing your documents (about $ 1500).

This is a great way to legally stay in the States for up to 8 years. The young people who travel to the United States to pursue a university degree or study English in courses are categorized as International Students.

The problems of obtaining a visa in 2021

Obtaining an American visa is always a difficult process. The main thing you need is to prove your connection with your homeland, show enough funds to pay for your studies and accommodation, and also be convincing at an interview at the consulate. 

The visa officer must clearly understand why you need to study in the United States, how you are going to pay for it, what keeps you at home, etc.

The visa interview for America is usually very fast and you need to be ready to answer any questions. Visa officers issue visas at their discretion, without explaining the reasons for the refusal.

Conclusion

Immigration through study in the United States is a fairly common option. Each educational institution puts forward its requirements for admission.  However, in any case, you will have to prove that the level of your education is suitable for studying in the United States on a particular program. Good luck!

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