Study in USA

Why Students Love the USA:

World-Leading Reputation: Study at top-ranked universities known for cutting-edge research, global recognition, and industry partnerships.

Freedom to Explore: The U.S. education system lets you customise your degree—choose electives, switch majors, and design a path that suits your career goals.

Massive Choice: With thousands of universities and programs across every subject, UniAway helps you find the perfect course in the perfect state.

Work & Gain Experience: International students can work on campus during their studies and build real-world skills through CPT and OPT opportunities after graduation.

Steps to follow before applying for a visa.

Step 1: English Test:
Pass a recognised English exam such as IELTS, TOEFL, Duolingo, or PTE.
(We confirm the exact score your chosen university requires.)

Step 2: University Application:
We help you submit a strong application to secure your official Offer Letter from a U.S. university.

Step 3: Receive Your I-20:
After paying the initial tuition deposit, your university issues the Form I-20, the essential document needed for your student visa.

Step 4: Pay the SEVIS Fee:
Complete the SEVIS I-901 fee payment to activate your student record with the U.S. immigration system.

Step 5: Financial Proof:
Prepare valid bank statements, sponsor letters, or loan documents showing you can cover tuition and living expenses for one academic year.

Step 6: Visa Application (DS-160):
We help you complete the DS-160 form and book your appointment at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate.

Step 7: Visa Interview:
Attend your visa interview with your I-20, financial documents, academic certificates, and acceptance letter.
(We provide full mock-interview training.)

Step 8: Pre-Departure:
Attend your travel briefing, arrange accommodation, and get ready to begin your journey to the USA!

Academic and English Language Proficiency Requirement

Undergraduate: 4 years (typically)

English: TOEFL 80 / IELTS 6.5 / PTE 58+

Percentage: 60% and above

Gap: 1-2 years (evidence required)

Graduate / Master’s: 1-2 years

English: TOEFL 90 / IELTS 6.5-7 / PTE 58-65+

Percentage: 65% and above

Gap: 2-3 years (evidence required)

English Language Tests Accepted:
TOEFL | IELTS | PTE | Duolingo

Intakes in the USA:
January | May | August | September

Financial (average)

Tuition Fee (Per Year): US$20,000 – US$50,000 (Average for Bachelor's and Master's programs)

Living Cost (Required on I-20): US$10,000 – US$25,000 (Varies greatly by city; major cities like New York or San Francisco are higher).

Dependent (Spouse and/or Child): Add US$4,000 – US$7,000 for a spouse, and US$2,000 – US$5,000 for each additional child (University-specific amounts).

Mandatory Immigration Fees (Paid Separately, Not Annual):

SEVIS I-901 Fee: US$350 (One-time fee for the student, dependents do not pay).

Visa Application Fee (MRV Fee): US$185 (F-1 Visa fee, paid before the interview).

Health Insurance: US$500 – US$2,000 (Annual cost, sometimes bundled with tuition/fees).

Average Total Cost (Per Year):

Single Applicant: US$30,000 – US$75,000

With Dependent(s): US$35,000 – US$85,000 (Varies significantly based on location and number of dependents).

Method of financials presentation.

Bank Balance: Personal savings in the student’s name.

Bank/Education Loan: Approved student loan sanction letters.

Scholarships/Grants: Official award letters from the university or sponsoring organization.

Financial Instrument Details

Bank Statement: Must be recent, typically dated no older than 90 days when submitted to the university (for the I-20) and for the visa interview.

Source: Funds must be liquid assets (easily converted to cash).

Unacceptable Funds: Real estate value, property titles, pension funds, or life insurance policies are not accepted as proof of liquid funds.

Currency: Bank statements should clearly indicate the balance and currency, and an official English translation is required if the document is not in English.

Financial Requirement Duration

I-20 Form (University Requirement): You must prove funds covering the full cost of attendance (tuition + living) for at least the first year as listed on the I-20 form.

Consulate (Visa Interview): It is highly recommended to show a clear plan and evidence of financial support for the entire duration of the degree program.

Required Evidence of Financial Support

Sponsor: Can be the student (self-funded), a family member (parents, immediate blood relatives), or an organization/company. Friends or more distant relatives are sometimes accepted but require stronger documentation.

Sponsor Documentation: If using a sponsor, you must provide:

The sponsor's Bank Statement (must be recent/liquid).

A signed Sponsor Endorsement/Affidavit of Support (letter stating their commitment).

Proof of the sponsor's Income Source.

Sponsor Income Source

Income Source: Acceptable sources include Wages/Salary, Business Income, Self-Employment Income, or other significant assets that prove long-term financial stability.

Sponsor's Financial Stability: Consular officers examine the sponsor’s ability to generate the income, often through tax returns (ITRs) or letters from an employer, to ensure the funds are legitimate and sustainable.

USA Student Visa: Application and Document Requirements

Applying for the I-20 (Offer Letter Equivalent)

 

The I-20 (Certificate of Eligibility) is issued by the university after acceptance and verification of your finances.

Complete Application Form (Submitted to the university).

Academic Transcript: Full academic record of subjects studied, grades, and marks achieved (e.g., transcripts from SLC, +2/Intermediate, Bachelor's degree).

Degree/Qualification Certificates: Certificates confirming all previous qualifications.

Standardized Test Scores: Official scores for IELTS/TOEFL/PTE (English ability), and GRE/GMAT (for Graduate programs) or SAT/ACT (for Undergraduate programs), if required by the university.

Copy of Passport (Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond the program end date).

Statement of Purpose (SOP): Essay detailing your academic background, reasons for choosing the course and the specific U.S. university, and future career goals.

Letters of Recommendation (LORs): Typically two to three required, usually academic.

CV/Resume: Required, especially for graduate-level applications.

Financial Proof for I-20: Bank statements, loan letters, or scholarship letters showing funds sufficient to cover the full cost of the first year (as listed on the I-20).

 

FOR VISA INTERVIEW (Post I-20)

 

These steps and documents prepare you for the Consular Officer interview after the I-20 is issued.

Form I-20: The original signed document issued by the U.S. university.

SEVIS I-901 Fee Receipt: Proof of payment of the mandatory SEVIS fee (currently $350).

DS-160 Confirmation Page: The confirmation page of the online Nonimmigrant Visa Application.

Visa Fee Payment Receipt (MRV Fee): Proof of payment of the visa application fee (currently $185).

Financial Documentation: The same bank statements, scholarship letters, or loan sanction letters used to obtain the I-20 form.

Sponsor's Affidavit of Support: Signed letter from the sponsor confirming financial commitment (if applicable).

Sponsor's Income/Tax Documents: Evidence of the sponsor's stable income (e.g., ITRs, business registration, tax certificates).

 

List of Necessary Documents for F-1 Visa Interview

 

Passport: Original, valid passport (and any expired passports showing previous travel history).

Visa Application Form: DS-160 Confirmation Page.

Academic Documents: Original Academic Transcripts and Certificates (high school, college, university).

English Language Proficiency Certificate: Official score reports (IELTS/TOEFL).

Form I-20: Original signed document.

SEVIS Fee Payment Receipt.

Financial Evidence: Bank Balance Certificate, Bank Statements (must be recent—within 90 days), and Education Loan Letter (if applicable).

Sponsor Documents: Affidavit of Support, Sponsor's Income/Tax Statements.

Photos: One 2x2 passport-style photo taken within the last 6 months.

Other Certificates (Optional but Recommended): Work Experience Letters, Certificates of Achievement, Resume/CV (if not provided earlier).

Proof of Ties to Home Country: Documents proving strong economic, social, or family ties to your home country (e.g., property deeds, family business documents).

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