The following valuable factor in this series is that students who want to explore multiple cultures, different languages, and new ways of living, like the idea of studying in the U.S., securing a career, and indulging in an international lifestyle. Apart from this, there are numerous other lucrative things about studying abroad:

• Explore better education options
• Identifying leading career opportunities
• Learning the cross-cultural lifestyles
• Getting better exposure in the marketplace
• Learning to live on an independent basis
• Deal with routine-based challenges and threats related to an individual’s career
• To learn better
• To strengthen their future

Necessary Steps

Student Visa

There are mainly two types of U.S. Student Visas:

• F1 Visa for Full-time courses
• M1 Visa for Non-academic or vocational Studies

An applicant for an F1 Visa must have minimum graduation and know to read and write English. In addition, they require good scores on GRE and TOEFL.

They must complete the F1 Visa application form online and fill out the DS-160 application online. While filling out the DS-160 application form, you must upload a scan photograph that meets U.S. Visa criteria. After filling out the F1 Visa application form, take the print application form confirmation page with you to your interview.

Before taking a print copy of the DS-160 application, you should verify  and cross-check all the details you entered. The entered details must match your passport, I-20, Student and Exchange Visitor Program fee receipt, and all the necessary information regarding your education, work experience, and other activities.

When you complete the Non-immigrant Visa application form DS-160, you will receive a confirmation page with a 10-digit bar code and take print out of this page. This print page is required at the time of your F1 Visa Interview.

An applicant has to pay the F1 U.S. application fee at the only Housing Development Finance Corporation Bank branch. The F1 U.S. Application fee is $160. They will give two fee receipts, one blue and another pink, and a 10-digit bar code must paste on both receipts.

You must bring the fee payment receipt to the U.S. consulate during your F1 Visa interview. Book an F1 U.S. Visa Interview appointment, submit documents at the nearest Facilitation Services Center, and attend the U.S. F1 Visa interview.

Obtaining a visa can be a challenging process. If you require immigration assistance, consider hiring a professional legal firm.

Understand And Speak English Well

It is essential to understand and speak english well because all the courses, exams, and papers are in english. The admission requirements of the university also include the initial test of english. If a student can pass the initial examination, they will be eligible for admission to the university.

Select the Right University for You

It is essential to select a university wisely as it will determine a large part of your life. The undergraduate level has a 3% rate for international students of admission. Applying to at least four universities is necessary and make sure to complete file on time as admissions are highly competitive. Late files or incomplete files will not even be read.

SAT or ACT Scores

Your SAT or ACT scores are one of the essential parts of your application. Your SAT or ACT scores will show your academic skills that will be needed to succeed at the college level.

Essays

Many colleges in the U.S. do not just consider your grades and test scores but also your personal qualities and motivations. To check this, they observe the essays you right.

Supplemental Documents

• Application
• Copy of passport
• Letters of recommendation
• Your grade and predicted grades
• Financial evidence to cover the university fees
• Proof of English language proficiency

Letters of Recommendation

Your college may want one or two teacher recommendations and one from your school counselor. You must establish strong relationships with teachers, key staff, and leaders to receive reasonable offers.

Conclusion

Around the world, lots of universities welcome applications from international students. It takes about 2 years, so planning to apply to a university is essential. To apply to university, there are many factors you should consider.

The Advance Placement Program is recognized by most universities and colleges in the U.S., and that offers university-level courses preparation and exams by which you can get and earn university credit or placement.

SEE ALSO: Preparation for your stay in the U.S.

The post Getting Into a U.S. College As An International Student appeared first on College News.

Types of Higher Education Institutes in the USA

State School/college/University

The US comprises 50 states, each state has at least one university or college that provides quality higher education to students at low rates. These universities are funded by the respective state governments and are usually equipped with state-of-the-art facilities. E.g. The University of California or Texas A&M University. Different schools have different selection criteria and students need to have a certain minimum percentage for admission to their colleges.

Private university/college

These institutions are run privately and are considered costly as compared to state schools.

Community Colleges

Community colleges offer two-year certifications or associate degrees which are transferable. Generally, Community college graduates transfer to universities or four-year colleges in order to complete their degree. They are allowed to transfer the credits which they have earned in the community college. Community colleges offer ESL (English as a Second Language) courses or other programs which prepare students for studying university-level courses.

Technology Institutes

These are the institutes that provide four-year courses related to science and technology.

Liberal Arts College

Students pursuing a liberal arts degree focus on a subject of their choice, a ‘major’ but they are also required to take ‘General Education’ courses in almost all of the other subjects offered. Liberal arts schools usually offer one expansive area of study whereas universities offer the same major in two or more degree areas. A student can major in Mathematics but can still choose an engineering career.

Grading

At U.S. colleges and universities, grades are given on a universal letter system of A through F; a student’s cumulative grade is indicated as a grade-point average, or GPA, which is measured on a scale from 0.0 (F) to 4.0 (A).

Majors, Minors and Concentrations

Another feature of the American education system is that universities emphasize breadth, which means students can take a wide range of courses and typically have nearly two years to decide on a major or choose a double major, a minor or concentration.

Experts encourage having a road map of classes to ensure prerequisite requirements are met to graduate in four years. Students should be aware that some schools have had to cut majors and minors due to the financial impact of the coronavirus pandemic on American higher education, experts say.

Assignments, Midterms and Finals

Prospective international students should be prepared for continuous assessment at U.S. universities as well as regular homework, such as reading and writing assignments.

Many international students are already accustomed to taking multiple quizzes and exams in order to regurgitate memorized material. Therefore, they often have to adjust to showing subject matter and skill mastery at the higher levels through other means – research papers, individual projects, group projects, capstone projects, and research.

Another area of adjustment for international students is that courses typically include discussions, class participation and oral presentations, as well as midterm and final exams that make up only a percentage of a student’s grade.

Extra Credit

In the American education system, some university professors may offer extra credit during a class; this is where students can participate in extra lectures, write papers or take quizzes, for example, for extra points to improve their overall grade.

English requirements

No matter where or what you study, degrees in the United States are almost exclusively taught in English, unless you’re studying another language. Therefore, strong English-language skills are highly recommended. If you’re not a native English speaker, you may also be required to prove your proficiency through a standardized test. That being said, studying abroad in the United States is a great chance to improve your English skills which will be helpful during your studies and when you’re looking for a job after graduation.

As for how you actually study, it is the same as in most countries. It is a mix of lectures, readings and independent study. If you are studying a practical subject, like engineering or microbiology, then you will also spend time in a lab or workshop.

SEE ALSO: Preparation for your stay in the U.S.

The post What is the U.S. Education System? appeared first on College News.

Before you leave for the USA, you will need to plan for the following:

Student Visa

Your student visa is extremely important for your studies in the USA. Among other things, the type of visa you are issued will determine whether you have the option to work in the United States while you are at school.

Anyone who will be studying in the United States could be issued one of the three following visa types for international students: F1 Visa, J1 Visa or M1 Visa. The F1 and J1 Visas allow for the possibility of employment but does not guarantee it. The M1 Visa, however, does not allow for the possibility of employment.

For more information you should visit the US government’s student visa page.

Health Care

The US healthcare system is the most advanced, the most complex (and therefore the most complicated), and one of the most expensive in the world. It is important to know what kind of healthcare to receive when heading over there.

On Campus

Most college and university campuses offer some type of general medical care; services vary from basic first-aid and treatment of minor ailments to sophisticated multi-doctor primary care centers offering x-rays, laboratory tests, prescription drugs and access to specialists. The cost of on-campus medical services is normally not very expensive.

During your first week on campus, take a copy of your medical records (including immunization and vaccination records and prescriptions) to the school’s health care center or infirmary.

Off Campus

If you prefer to visit a medical practitioner off-campus, you have several choices (though the cost is generally higher). Private doctors treat non-emergency patients by appointment during regular office hours, typically 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. Minor emergency clinics do not require appointments, and are usually open on weekends and holidays.

In case of a serious emergency, go to the nearest hospital emergency room — by ambulance if necessary. Hospital emergency rooms are designed to treat life-threatening ailments; this is typically the most expensive place to receive care.

If you need to use a medical facility, but are uncomfortable with your English skills, ask a friend to go with you. Proper communication is very important.

Communications

Keeping in touch and staying connected to friends and families around the world is important so that you do not feel cut off. It is natural to feel homesick from time to time. When this happens, one of the best ways to combat homesickness is to talk to a family member or close friend from back home. Thankfully, there are now plenty of apps and programs that allow you to communicate with people anywhere in the world for free, such as Skype, Whatsapp, Facebook Messenger, Facetime, and Snapchat. If you are willing to expend the effort, you can send a letter in the traditional form, using pen and paper.

Travel Arrangements

You will need to make sure you have some temporary accommodations and plan ahead for when you first get to the USA. Preparing for an overseas adventure is really an education in itself, taking care of all details with regard to admissions offices, enrollment procedures, immigration, and transferring funds.

You will likely plan to explore parts of the country before or after the academic semester. Sometimes they opt to travel during school holidays such as Fall Break, Thanksgiving, Christmas or Spring Break; check your own school’s calendar for specific vacation dates and be sure to visit the student travel center for your travel needs.

It is important to plan a general itinerary before you leave your home country for the States, if you want to budget properly and take advantage of lower costs by purchasing your travel tickets in advance. Try to use a combination of airplanes, trains, buses and automobiles to get the most out of your travels (and your funds). Amtrak, for example, is the United States’ primary passenger rail provider. Luckily for you, the Internet has made it easier than ever to gather information about your travel options, so make the most of that resource and get researching!

SEE ALSO: How to Get a Student Visa

The post Preparation for your stay in the U.S. appeared first on College News.

San Diego

With perfect sunny weather and sunsets to die for, as well as a relaxing laid-back surf vibe, San Diego has become one of the most desirable places to study in the US.  The city’s highest ranked university is the University of California, San Diego (UCSD. San Diego is also home to the world-famous San Diego Zoo, plenty of gorgeous beaches and the 1,200 acre Balboa Park – so there’s always something to entertain students.

Pittsburgh

When studying in nPittsburgh, you will notice very quickly that the city is very picturesque, with a beautiful skyline, and plenty of museums and theatres to choose from. Students regularly remark upon the culture, environment, and diversity of this post-industrial city. Pittsburg contains two excellent universities; Carnegie Mellon University and University of Pittsburgh.

Washington DC

The capital of the US, and named after the nation’s first president and founding father George Washington, Washington DC is steeped in history. This famous city contains five top universities including the University of Maryland, College Park, and Georgetown University.

With its collection of monuments and landmarks, acclaimed theatres and historic towns, you will never be at a loss for things to do outside of your studies. If you’re looking for something to do in your free time, take a trip to the White House, go and see the Washington Monument or pay a visit to the impressive Lincoln memorial – the possibilities are endless.

Philadelphia

Next is Philadelphia, as you can see. The city contains three high-ranking universities, the highest being the University of Pennsylvania. Philadelphia has a great deal of history behind it – it is where the Declaration of Independence was signed in 1776 and also where the Liberty Bell is housed. Fans of cheese steaks, Will Smith, and Alway’s Sunny will find some joy here outside of the, perhaps, more influential historical artefacts.

Atlanta

The capital and most populated city in the state of Georgia, Atlanta is home to over five million people, including 63,000 students. Once you’ve graduated, it could be a good place to stick around as it is home to lots of successful companies, including Coca Cola, United Parcel Service (UPS) and Holiday Inn. There are, therefore, plenty of employment prospects for students at Atlanta’s universities. The city has three top ranking universities, the Georgia Institute of Technology, Emory University, and Georgia State University.

Chicago

Chicago, affectionately known as ‘The Windy City’, is a city with an outstanding reputation among graduate employers. Chicago is also home to an impressive five universities, including the University of Chicago and Northwestern University. Whilst studying in Chicago, you should visit Anish Kapoor’s Cloud Gate, the Sears Tower, the Art Institute of Chicago, go and see the Red Bulls play, eat some deep dish pizza, and wrap up warm

San Francisco

San Francisco is home to three world-class universities. The two most prestigious SF universities are Stanford University and University of California, Berkeley. Its high caliber of institutions means that San Francisco is a good bet for your career prospects.

San Francisco is also home to Silicon Valley and therefore to a multitude of successful companies, including Apple, Facebook and IBM, so this too, may have a part to play in the city’s high score for employment activity.

Los Angeles 

‘The City of Angels,’ the ‘Creative Capital of the World’, Los Angeles goes by many names, but is undoubtedly most famous for being the home of Hollywood. The city contains three top universities, including California Institute of Technology (or Caltech) and University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA).

In LA, you have the beach, you have the mountains, and a never-ending sprawling modern megacity full of potential, glamour, and excitement. 

New York City

New York has the largest overall population of all the featured cities in this list, with 20,321,000 people. 1.5 percent of these (or 51,300) are students –  meaning you’re likely to make friends, explore the city, and attend a lot of student-oriented events. New York boasts no fewer than 10 world-class universities, including Ivy League university Columbia University, and New York University (NYU, to you and me).

Boston

Surprising no one, Boston is America’s best city to be a student in. The city is home to eight universities in total, including two of the top three universities in the world; Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and Harvard University. Cambridge is a student haven, and you will never be short of things to do in the city itself.

SEE ALSO: Best Sports Colleges in the US

The post Best Places to Study in the U.S. appeared first on College News.

Below is a list of nine of the best universities in America for sports lovers.

Ohio State University

Ohio State has 1,203 students playing for a university sports team, and as a result it is a university full of sporting activity. At the top is the university’s football team, which has an enviable record in recent years and attracts crowds of over 100,000, nearly 30,000 of which are student season ticket holders. With 738,500 square feet of total indoor recreation space, and fantastic school spirit, there are few places better for both athletes and fans.

University of Michigan

Regularly attracting crowds of over 100,000 to their home football matches, the University of Michigan is a true sporting powerhouse. The university has had 24 alumni in the last four US Olympic teams as well as 54 conference championships in the last 10 years and boasts incredible varsity facilities. Academically, Michigan isn’t too shabby either, with the sports program boasting an 80% graduation rate among its student athletes. The sports connoisseur will also enjoy proximity to the Detroit Lions (NFL), Detroit Red Wings (NHL), and the Detroit Tigers (MLB).

University of Wisconsin-Madison

The University of Wisconsin-Madison’s two most successful sports teams are football and men’s basketball, and it manages to blend campus culture and sporting prowess perfectly. Student athletes here boast a 70% graduation rate, which suggests that you will leave UWM with a proper education as well as sporting glory.

University of Florida

Particularly strong for football and basketball, the University of Florida is also a great party university, making the fan experience here one of the greatest in the US. You won’t be short on bars to celebrate victories in, whether you’re a player or a fan.

University of Connecticut

Connecticut may not have any professional male sports teams, but this just means the university sides attract even more attention than normal. The basketball team has won two men’s national titles in the last decade, but it’s the women’s basketball team that are the real stars at the university, with a recent winning streak of over 100 consecutive games. If football’s more your thing then this probably isn’t the university for you, but there is plenty for sports lovers to enjoy about studying in Connecticut.

University of Notre Dame

Few universities manage to be competitive in such a vast array of sports as Notre Dame, with the soccer, basketball, lacrosse, hockey and fencing teams all either winning titles or reaching semi-finals since the year 2000. Intramural sport is also in rude health here, with student teams existing for practically everything, from full-contact football to co-ed broomball. If being a spectator is more your thing, the Notre Dame stadium – home to four statues of former coaches – provides a matchday experience like few others.

Duke University

Duke’s 9,314-seat basketball stadium is one of the most well-known college sport venues in the country, with students often camping outside for weeks at a time in order to gain a seat for the big game. Varsity athletics is also in extremely healthy shape here, but it’s the two basketball championships since 2010 which get most of the attention. The football team has also performed well of late, although tailgating has been banned since 2010, taking some of the fun of being a fan away from the sport.

University of California, Los Angeles

Student athletes at UCLA get to enjoy some of the finest facilities in the US, in an environment which breeds success. With over 100 NCAA team championships to their name, UCLA has an illustrious sporting history and it’s only getting better each year. Sport fans are also spoiled for choice with countless professional teams on their doorstep, from the Lakers, Rams and Clippers to the Kings and the Dodgers.

University of Texas at Austin

If you like football, you’ll love the matchday experience at UT, where the stadium is filled with an enormous swaying mass of orange shirts, cowboy boots and foam fingers. It’s not just about the games under Friday night lights though; UT also has an enviable women’s athletics program and a proven track record of producing Olympic athletes (23 in the past four US Olympic teams).

SEE ALSO: What are the Ivy League Schools?

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Scholarships

There are a number of different scholarship opportunities online that provide aid for international students. Two examples include International Education Financial Aid (IEFA) and International Scholarships. The IEFA can provide financial aid and college scholarships to international students planning to study abroad in the U.S. and across the world. Similarly, International Scholarships issue a number of scholarships, grants and loan programs to assist college students financially during their time studying abroad. There are thousands of scholarships that are given out, but it is important to take your time regarding your application, making sure that it has the best chance possible for obtaining a scholarship.

There are also colleges across the U.S that provide sports-related scholarships to those who are exceptionally talented at a certain sport. Whether that would be American Football or track & field, if you believe that you have the talent, if would do you no harm to explore that avenue as well.

Because these scholarships to not have to be repaid, this would make a big difference to your student budget and be an extremely useful way in financing your education.

Home Country

In certain cases, your home country could provide financial aid to those studying abroad. The government or organizations could be willing to help financing your education. One nation which has showed willingness is Saudi Arabia. The middle eastern country previously launched a program that delivered full scholarships to approximately 10,000 Saudi students wishing to study in the United States. Therefore, before you journey to the U.S., make sure that you have done enough research regarding any possible scholarship or other funding schemes for students studying abroad.

Global Organizations

There are a number of organizations worldwide that provide aid to students across the world. These organizations include:

• Fulbright Commission
• AMIDEAST
• Soros Foundation
• World Council of Churches
• The United Nations
• World Health Organization

Most of organizations listed oblige you to be in your nation when to apply for one of their schemes so it is important to plan ahead as the schemes are extremely competitive.

U.S. Universities

There is a wealth of colleges in the United States that offer financial aid packages to international students to help them finance their education. Most colleges have either need-based or merit-based financial aid packages, and this can come in various forms.

To see which colleges, offer these types of packages, visit the International Student website. It is worth noting however, there is much less money available for undergraduate study compared to graduate study in the U.S. As well as providing financial aid, institutions can also reduce tuition costs for students. Public institutions rarely provide you with this option, but it is more commonly offered by private institutions. Therefore, it will do you no harm in checking if the institution you are keen on would be willing to finance your education.

Family

Family is the biggest source of income for international students. A study by the Institute of International Education has illustrated that almost 65% of international students in the United States were funded by their relatives. It can be competitive when it comes to international student funding so consulting your family is more of a safer option to explore. However, always make sure you ask politely!

International Student Loans

Despite international students not being eligible for U.S. government backed loans, they are eligible for private international student loans to study in the country. However, there are specific requirements you will be to meet such as attending a school which is approved. As long as this is the case, there will be a number of lenders willing to work with you to help finance your education. If you have decided to apply for a loan, you need to make sure that you keep in mind the amount of debt you will be taking on. Only borrow the amount you need that will cover tuition fees and living costs. The application process is relatively easy. It can be done online with approval only taking a few days. You do not need to apply for a student loan before the start of the academic year making it a viable option for financial aid.

Employment

Employment is a practical way of earning quick and relatively easy money however, it is only a valid option depending on your immigration status. Those with F-1 and J-1 visas do have the option to look for part-time employment to help boost their financial situation. There are a number of roles available that you could find useful and enjoyable alongside your studies. Jobs such as working at the local coffee shop or grocery store could be available and if so, it may be worth it in the long run. There will also most likely be job opportunities on campus which you could get stuck in with. However, do not expect these types of part-time roles to fully fund your studies. Think of the money you will be receiving as a small but useful addition to your bank account.

Money is certainly one of the most important things in life, especially for students. That is you need to make sure you have planned what you need to do and who to ask when financing your education. You do not want to be stressing about money when you should be reading for your studies!

SEE ALSO: What are the Ivy League Schools?

The post Financing Your Education appeared first on College News.

Ivy League Colleges

• Brown University (Rhode Island)
• Columbia University (New York)
• Cornell University (New York)
• Dartmouth College (New Hampshire)
• Harvard University (Massachusetts)
• Princeton University (New Jersey)
• University of Pennsylvania (Pennsylvania)
• Yale University (Connecticut)

From the associations founding in 1954, all eight of these colleges have gained a worldwide reputation for producing graduates with extremely high levels of performance and successful future career paths.

But what are below these eight world-renowned colleges? There are many other colleges across the United States that have similar amounts of prestige and can compete with the exceptional reputation of those with the Ivy League label.

Public Ivies

Public Ivies is a term used for public or state colleges that offer very similar prestigious and meticulous education to their students as the Ivy League colleges. The main difference between those classed in the “public ivies” category and those in the Ivy League is the significantly lower tuition costs.

The term coined by Yale University admissions officer Richard Moll in his 1985 book, Public Ivies: A Guide to America’s Best Public Undergraduate College and Universities, consisted of 8 colleges which include:

• College of William & Mary (Virginia)
• Miami University (Ohio)
• University of California
• University of Michigan
• University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
• University of Texas at Austin
• University of Vermont
• University of Virginia

In the 2001 book, Greens Guide to Educational Planning: The Public Ivies, the list of public ivy colleges expanded and where divided up into sections regarding region (Northeast, Mid-Atlantic, South, Midwest, and West). Colleges that were added include:

• University of Georgia
• University of Wisconsin-Madison
• University of Washington
• Indiana University Bloomington

For the full list, click here.

The main difference between those classed in the Public Ivies category and those in the Ivy League is the significantly lower tuition costs. While Ivy League colleges charge annual costs in excess of $50,000 many of the Public Ivies cost approximately $10,000 a year for in-state students.

Little Ivies

As well as Public Ivies, there are also a group of colleges categorized as “Little Ivies”. These are an unofficial group of colleges that focus on liberal arts and similar to the Ivy League and the Public Ivies, provide high quality education and are associated with historical and social heritage but are considerably smaller in size.

Those classed as Little Ivies include:

• Connecticut College
• Trinity College
• Bates College
• Swarthmore College
• Hamilton College
• Colby College

For the full list, click here.

Little Ives enroll significantly less students than Public Ivies. For example, Michigan and UCLA each enroll over 31,000 undergrads, while Little Ivy colleges such as Swarthmore College enroll 1,850 undergrads.

Hidden Ivies

Hidden Ivies is a term that was coined by Matthew and Howard Greene, the same two who enlarged the list of Public Ivies from Richard Moll. The category includes 63 selected colleges from across the U.S. with high-quality academic research that can compete with those in the Ivy League.

Some of the well-known Hidden Ivies include:

• Stanford University
• John Hopkins University
• Duke University
• Davidson College

For the full list, click here.

When thinking about studying in the United States, do not just always think “What are the Ivy League Schools? I need to go to one of them!.” There is a number of other colleges that can offer the same or even something the Ivy League school cannot offer. Wherever you decide to go, you will certainly get a good education, Ivy League or not.

SEE ALSO: Financing Your Education

The post What are the Ivy League Schools? appeared first on College News.

International Student Visas

F-1 Visa – The F-1 is a visa you will need to obtain to be able to study in the U.S. Out of the three different types of visa, the F-1 is the most common for an international student in the U.S. This will be issued if you are taking part in an academic program at an accredited U.S. college or university or English at an English language institute. You will need to be studying the minimum course load for a full-time student to maintain the F-1 visa. The visa also allows for employment, whether that be on-campus or part-time, but only for a maximum of 20 hours per week. In addition, the visa also allows students to work off=campus on optional practical training (OPT) both during and after the completion of the degree. You can apply for OPT up to 9 months after being enrolled.

J-1 Visa – The J-1 visa is given to those who are required to receive practical training that is not available to get in their country of origin, in order to accomplish their academic program. Similar to the F-1 visa, the J-1 also allows for employment, with similar boundaries, granted that they have been granted permission by the Department of Homeland Security SEVP (Student Exchange Visitor Program).

M-1 Visa – The M-1 visa is given to those planning for non-academic or vocational study or training in the U.S. Unlike the F-1 and the J-1 visas, those with a M-1 are not permitted to work during their studies. Applicants for the visa are obliged to provide evidence that they have adequate funds to pay for their tuition and living costs throughout their time in the U.S.

How to Apply for your Visa

There are various steps you will need to follow when applying for a student visa, however these steps can vary by U.S. embassy or consulate. These can be found on the U.S. embassy or consulate website. Firstly, make sure you do your research to find out your university’s admission policy as each school will have different academic eligibility criteria.

Online Visa Application

You can apply for a visa by completing the Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application Form (DS-160). When you have completed the form, make sure to print out a copy for the next stage of the application process.

Interview

Interviews are usually required for student visa applicants. You will need to schedule an appointment at the U.S. embassy or consulate at the nation where you live. Waiting times for appointments can vary therefore it is always useful to apply for a visa as early as possible to get a lower appointment wait time.

When the time for the interview comes around, you may need to pay the non-refundable visa application fee. If your visa is approved, you might also need to pay a visa issuance fee, if appropriate for your nationality.

Make sure you bring the correct documents along with you to your interview. The documents needed:

• Passport
• Nonimmigrant Visa Application Form (DS-160)
• Application fee payment receipt
• Photo
• Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant (F-1) Student Status-For Academic and Language Students, Form I-20 or Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant (M-1) Student Status for Vocational Students, Form I-20

Additional Documentation that may be required include:

• Transcripts, degrees or certificates from previous schools attended
• Your intent to depart the United States upon completion of course
• Evidence of how you will be able to fund your tuition and living costs

A consular officer will conduct the interview and determine with you are qualified to receive a student visa. The officer will let you know if further administrative processing may be required in your application.

Entering the United States

It is worth keeping in mind that obtaining a valid student visa does not guarantee your entry into the U.S. It will be U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officials that will have the authority to permit or deny your entry into the country. A CBP official will provide you with a Form I-20 at the point of entry, where they will make the decision. Once the decision has been made to permit your entry, you will then be provided with a Form I-94, Arrival-Departure. This is a small white card given to you that shows the length of stay you have been permitted.

Can I Stay After Graduating?

Those with an F-1 visa are permitted to depart from the United States within 60 days after their academic program has ended. Those with a J-1 or M-1 visa are permitted to leave within 30 days after their program has ended.

Students who wish to extend their stay may request an extension through the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) website.

Students who fail to depart from the country on time will be out of status. Therefore, under U.S. law, your visa will be automatically voided. In addition, it will also make you ineligible for visas in the future.

Can I Change My Student Visa Status While in the United States?

If you wish to change your visa status while you are in the United States, you will need to le the USCSI know.

For more instructions on how to apply for a visa, visit the U.S. embassy or consulate site.

After you understand the process on how to get a student visa make sure you go through each step meticulously. Applying and receiving a visa may sound like a long process however it will be needed if you decide to commence your studies in the United States. After you complete the student visa requirements, you can concentrate more on your studies in the land of the free.

SEE ALSO: How to Apply to College

The post How to Get a Student Visa appeared first on College News.

The earlier you begin planning for your application process, the more time you will have. It is crucial that you provide yourself with enough time to meticulously research the college and/or course that you feel will best suit you and your future desires. There will be college sites and other academic platforms that will provide you with a quick application form to fill in, but prior to filling in the application it is important to do your research on possible destinations, contact teachers for possible recommendations that they could be able to provide you with to expand your options and sign up to entrance exams that you may be obliged to take to fulfill your application.

Timeline

• 18 Months Before Studying:
• Do large amounts of research on the different college degree programs and pick out the ones that you find interesting
• Do some preparation for possible entrance exams
• Get some useful advice on admissions from an educational consulting company
• 12-14 Months Before Studying:
• Decide which colleges you want to apply to
• Gather all the necessary information you need from previous schools you have attended
• 10-12 Month Before Studying:
• Pick out references and provide them with the necessary reference forms
• Draft up an application
• 9 Months Before Studying:
• If required, re-take entrance exams
• Organize financing
• Write up and submit your finished applications
• 3 Months Before Studying:
• Apply for a student visa
• Plan your travel arrangements for when you enter the United States
• 1 Months Before Studying:
• Purchase any useful tools you will need for studying and living

If you follow this timeline of steps, you will have a smooth and stress-free application process.

Standardized Tests

The majority of colleges within the U.S. require you to complete standardized admissions tests prior to entering their institutions as a student. These tests include: SAT, MCAT, GRE, TOEFL and IELTS. For more information regarding these tests visit the Shorelight guide on international standardized tests.

Credential Evaluators

Across the U.S. every college has a different curriculum. When accepting international student into their institutions, many colleges require you to provide them with documents about your previous school’s status to be able to verify your application. This is the stage where credential evaluators fall into. You may be required to submit transcripts to a credential evaluator who will look over the documents as well as translate them if needed so that they can be given to the host nations curriculum to be reviewed.

The application process for college is a process which needs significant planning and a lot of time taken into it. The more time used to focus on your application process will equal a much smoother process. If you do not plan well enough for your application, then you will not have enough time for some of the requirements and therefore you will be stressed out even before you begin your studies. Therefore, it is important you make sure you set yourself a schedule for your application process that begins well in advance. If you follow these key steps then you will have a better understanding on how to apply to college.

SEE ALSO: How to Get a Student Visa

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