USA Student Visa Consultants in Vijayawada, India

Several students from all over the world dream to study in the USA for Graduation or Post-Graduation. Universities in the United States are famous not just for their exemplary campus and research facilities but are also perceived by many students as an incubator for developing global citizenship by communicating with people from different ethnicities. With thousands of academic programs, world-class institutions, and unmatched flexibility, the United States offers a wealth of higher-education opportunities that you will not find anywhere else in the world! 

American universities are widely known for the quality of their teaching and research. The United States is the number one and largest destination for international students seeking higher education overseas. The education system in the USA is the most versatile and flexible higher education system for international students in the world.

The US comprises 50 states, each state-run at least one university or colleges for providing quality higher education to students at low rates. These universities are funded by the respective state governments and are equipped with state-of-the-art facilities. Today about 30 percent of all current international students in the world are studying in the United States.

Top Benefits of Studying in US Universities

American universities are amongst the best in the world and there are several benefits that a student can enjoy if he completes his higher education in the country.

Study at the Best Overseas Institutions- the USA is one of the front runners when it comes to quality of education. Out of the top 10 universities in the world, the USA is the country with the highest representation. Ivy League Universities such as Harvard, Yale, and Cambridge have been well known for their ability to churn out world leaders, Nobel Laureates, and industry stalwarts.

Participate in ground-breaking research- If you are studying in any of the STEM-related fields then you should study in the USA if you want to participate in cutting-edge research efforts. The US universities have some of the best research facilities, highest research funding, and experienced faculty as compared to other countries.

Work while you are studying across the United Stated of America- Universities in the USA allow you to work for up to 20 hours at a part-time job, on or off-campus while you are pursuing your course of study. This will help you gain much-required experience on your resume as well as partially help you with the cost of tuition.

Become a Global Citizen- All the Students who want to study in the USA can experience the diversity of different cultures first-hand as most American universities have a significant number of students from diverse backgrounds. The universities also conduct a variety of social and cultural programs all throughout the academic to help international students.

Be a part of a Global Network- Most Universities in the USA boast strong alumni networks, sororities, and fraternities that you can tap into for your future career.

Get Scholarships while a study in the USA- Students who study in America are indeed lucky as they not only get to study in some of the best courses in the world but are provided a wide range of scholarships for pursuing the field of study, they are most interested in.  Some of the well-known and prestigious scholarships for Indian students pursuing higher education in the United States of America are

• Fulbright Scholarship for all universities in the USA – A need and merit-based scholarship that covers the entire cost of tuition, stay and travel
  QS connect master’s Scholarship – A need-based scholarship that covers up to 2000 USD.
• USD of tuition cost
• Tata Scholarship for Cornell University – A need-based scholarship that is available to students pursuing their masters at Cornell University.
• Stanford Reliance Dhirubhai Fellowship for Stanford – A need and merit-based scholarship exclusively open to Indian students pursuing their masters at Stanford. The scholarship covers up to 90, 367 USD of the tuition cost for the student. However, there is a caveat that the student should return to India on completion of the course.
• Go Clean Scholarship for all universities in the USA – A merit-based scholarship that is open to students studying at any university in the USA or Canada and covers up to 3500 USD of the total cost!

How to work while you are studying in the United States

You can work part-time while you study in the USA subject to certain conditions:

1. You can work on campus for the first academic year of your course.
2. You can work for up to 20 hours per week while your course is in session.
3. Students who are pursuing a course in STEM (Science Technology Engineering Math) fields can work under the OPT (Optional Practical Training) program

• OPT program allows you to work after completing 9 months of course study!
• You will have to work in a field related to your course.
• You can work for a period of 12 months after completion of the course without applying for a work visa under the   OPT program.

4. Students can opt to work under the CPT (curricular practical training) program which allows students to work in a field related to their subject either as an intern or through co-op education.

Know your Eligibility for pursuing education in the USA:

1. For pursuing an undergraduate, students will need to give the SAT exams
2. Most of the top universities will look for scores above 700 in each of the sections while mid-range universities will be looking at scores upwards of 580.

• Students intending to pursue their masters in subjects other than management will need to give their GRE.

1. Students intending to pursue an MBA in the USA will need to furnish scores of their GMAT test.
2. The ideal score for GRE or GMAT can differ from university to university. our expert consultants can guide you on the best scores to aim for based on your targeted university.
3. All universities in the USA will need the student to take either the IELTS or TOEFL test to demonstrate the ability for communicating in English. Every university will have a different cut-off score for these tests, Study Guide Overseas Education Consultants can help you based on the university you are applying to pursue a master’s degree in the United States of America.

Your first thought should be

The first step to studying in the United States is researching your options to find a University that best fits your needs. The 2 main graduate degrees in the Unites States are the Master’s degree and the Doctoral degree. Both degrees involve a combination of research and coursework. Study and learning are more self-directed at the graduate level than the undergraduate level. At least 12 to 18 months prior to the academic year in which you hope to attend a U.S. university, you should begin your research. Start by answering these basic questions and looking at the more specific ‘define your priorities’ pages under each level of study in this section;

• Why do you want to study in the United States?
• Where will you fit in best?
• Which colleges or universities will meet your needs?
• Will you need financial assistance?
• What are the application and financial aid deadlines?
• Where do you want to live in the United States?

How to apply to US universities from India?

Before applying students should know when to start the application process for US Universities? When are the deadlines? What are the intakes for US universities? When a student can go for studying there? These are some of the important things which students should know before applying to US universities. There are two main intake seasons of US universities fall and spring. Unlike India, universities in the USA follow a bi-semester system where an academic year is divided into two semesters. Students should decide which intake season they want to choose – fall or spring? Those students who are planning to go to pursue undergraduate or graduate-level courses should know the timelines for September 2019 intake.

These vary between study programs and levels. For each course, Indian students will need to meet a minimum English language requirement. Along with that a minimum academic record of 65% and above for humanities stream in class XII, and 70 – 80% and above for Science/Commerce stream in class XII will also be required. Foundations and Diploma programs are available for students who have secured below 60%. The student should have completed 18 years of age before joining a degree program. 

The following documents are needed to be submitted:

• Attested copies of mark sheets of class X, XII, and the Bachelor’s degree (if applicable)
• At least, two academic reference letters from professors who have taught you most recently. (Number of reference letters depends from university to university)
• If you have work experience then two letters of recommendation from the employer/manager who knows you well and can comment on your professional abilities
• Statement of Purpose(SOP)
• Resume
• Essays(If demanded by the university)
• Photocopied score reports of GMAT/ GRE / IELTS / TOEFL
• Portfolio (in case of students applying for art and design courses & Architecture programs)
• Others (certificates/achievements at the state and national level and extracurricular activities)
• Proof of funds

General Application Requirements

• Personal Data form- be sure to keep your personal information consistent and always spell your name the same way on all documents.
• The personal statement gives you the opportunity to show the admissions committee who you are as an individual. Your statement should be clear, concise, and persuasive. Highlight your unique strengths, skills, or experiences to let the university know that you are a good match with their program and department.
• Your transcript is a list of classes you completed in your recent studies and the grades you received in each class.
• Ask your professors, administrators, employers to write your letters of recommendation. Your recommenders should write in-depth about your work and assess your potential to do well as a graduate student.

Tips to prepare a successful graduate school application

• Do your best to relax as you prepare your applications. As you complete each application, you will engage in personal reflection and self-discovery. Be calm, reflective, and thoughtful.
• Allow plenty of time to conduct research and complete your applications
• Pay close attention to all application instructions, including deadlines.
• When preparing your application, don’t embellish your experiences or make excuses.
• Provide all materials required in the format requested by the University. Each universities’ application may vary.

You should assess your fund requirements now!

Keep in mind that the United States is a large country and the cost of living varies greatly from location to location. You need to assess your funding and how much you are able to spend on your education and living expenses. Start your financial planning as early as possible. Please check the specific fund requirements for international students on the website of each institution.

How to Apply for your student Visa?

There are several steps to apply for a visa. The order of these steps and how you complete them may vary by U.S. Embassy or Consulate. Please consult the instructions on the embassy or consulate website, https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/study/student-visa.html

Complete the Online Visa Application

• Online Non-immigrant Visa Application, Form DS-160 – complete the online visa application, and print the application form confirmation page to bring to your interview.
• Photo –You will upload your photo while completing the online Form DS-160. Your photo must be in the format explained in the Photograph Requirements.

Schedule an Interview

Interviews are generally required for visa applicants with certain limited exceptions below. Consular officers may require an interview of any visa applicant. you should schedule an appointment for your visa interview at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in the country where you live.

New Students – Student (F and M) visas for new students can be issued up to 120 days in advance of the start date for a course of study.  However, you will not be allowed to enter the United States on your student visa more than 30 days before the start date.

Continuing Students – Student (F and M) visas for continuing students may be issued at any time, as long as the student is currently enrolled at a SEVP-approved school or institution and in SEVIS.  Continuing students may enter the United States at any time before classes start.

Prepare for Your Interview

• Fees – Pay the non-refundable visa application fee, if you are required to pay it before your interview. If your visa is approved, you may also pay a visa issuance fee, if applicable to your nationality. Fee US$10.

Gather Required Documentation

Gather and prepare the following required documents before your visa interview:

• Passport valid for travel to the United States – Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your period of stay in the United States. each individual who needs a visa must submit a separate application, including any family members listed in your passport.
• Non-immigrant Visa Application, Form DS-160 confirmation page.
• Application fee payment receipt, if you are required to pay before your interview.
• Photo – You will upload your photo while completing the online Form DS-160. If the photo upload fails, you must bring one printed photo in the format explained in the Photograph Requirements. 
• Certificate of Eligibility for Non-immigrant (F-1) Student Status-For Academic and Language Students, Form I-20 or Certificate of Eligibility for Non-immigrant (M-1) Student Status for Vocational Students, Form I-20 – Your school will send you a Form I-20 once they have entered your information in the SEVIS database. You and your school official must sign the Form I-20.  All students must be registered in the Student and Exchange Visitor System (SEVIS). Your spouse and/or minor children, if they intend live in the United States with you, will each receive an individual Form I-20.

Additional Documentation May Be Required – A consular officer will interview you to determine your qualifications for a student visa, and may request additional documents, such as evidence of:

• Your academic preparation, such as; Transcripts, diplomas, degrees, or certificates from schools you attended; and Standardized test scores required by your U.S. University

• Your intent to depart the United States upon completion of the course of study and
• How you will pay all educational, living and travel costs. 

Attend Your Visa Interview

A consular officer will interview you to determine whether you are qualified to receive a student visa. You must establish that you meet the requirements under U.S. law to receive a visa. Ink-free, digital fingerprint scans are taken as part of the application process. They are usually taken during your interview, but this varies based on location.

After your visa interview, the consular officer may determine that your application requires further administrative processing.  The consular officer will inform you if this is required.

After the visa is approved, you may need to pay a visa issuance fee (if applicable to your nationality), and make arrangements for the return of the passport and visa to you.  Review the visa processing times to learn more.

While the vast majority of visa applications are approved, U.S. law sets out many standards under which a visa application may be denied. An application may be denied because the consular officer does not have all of the information required to determine if the applicant is eligible to receive a visa, because the applicant does not qualify for the visa category for which he or she/he applied, or because the information reviewed indicates the applicant falls within the scope of one of the inadmissibility or ineligibility grounds of the law. An applicant’s current and/or past actions, such as drug or criminal activities, as examples, may make the applicant ineligible for a visa.

What does a visa denial under section 214(b) mean? This law applies only to nonimmigrant visa categories. If you are refused a visa under section 214(b), it means that you;

• Did not sufficiently demonstrate to the consular officer that you qualify for the nonimmigrant visa category you applied for; and/or
• Did not overcome the presumption of immigrant intent, required by law, by sufficiently demonstrating that you have strong ties to your home country that will compel you to leave the United States at the end of your temporary stay. (H-1B and L visa applicants, along with their spouse and any minor children, are excluded from this requirement.) 

What are considered strong ties to my home country?

Ties are the various aspects of your life that bind you to your home country. Strong ties vary from country to country, city to city, and person to person, but examples include:

• Your job;
• Your home; and/or
• Your relationships with family and friends.

While conducting visa interviews, consular officers look at each application individually and consider the applicant’s circumstances, travel plans, financial resources, and ties outside of the United States that will ensure the applicant’s departure after a temporary visit.

Is a refusal under section 214(b) permanent?

No. A refusal, or ineligibility, under section 214(b) is for that specific application, so once a case is closed, the consular section cannot take any further action. There is no appeal process. If you feel there is additional information that should be considered related to the visa decision, or there are significant changes in your circumstances since your last application, you may reapply for a visa. To reapply, you must complete a new application form, pay the application fee, and schedule an appointment for a new interview.

Top Universities in the USA

Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)

The Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) is one of the top five universities in the world. It is well known for its engineering division, economics department as well as the Sloan School of Management. The university which is situated in Cambridge, Massachusetts has been featured among the top 10 for several years now. The admission process for getting into the university is very rigorous and only 10 percent of all applicants are accepted into the university at the Under-Graduate level.

Stanford University

Stanford University, in California, continues to hold the second position for best universities in the USA. It is famed for its courses on business development and entrepreneurship and is hailed as the birthplace of many successful IT start-ups.  The alumni of the college resemble a who’s who with stalwarts such as the founders of YouTube, Netflix, Google, and WhatsApp graduating from the college.

Harvard University

Harvard University established in 1636 is one of the first universities in America. Students who study in the USA always opt for this university as their first choice. The university has a huge residential campus which is in Cambridge, Massachusetts, and is recognized for its law, business, and medical programs. 

California Institute of Technology

California Institute of Technology is in Pasadena and is colloquially nicknamed Caltech by locals and students. It is one of the best schools in the world for technology according to QS world rankings though it is one of the smallest in terms of student size.

University of Chicago

The University of Chicago, which was founded in the year 1890, is well known for its excellence in research the physics department of the university has had the praiseworthy honor of being the creator of the world y first self-sustaining nuclear reaction.  The university attracts students from all over the world and has one of the most diverse student bodies in the USA.

What Study Guide Overseas can do for you…?

Our dedicated team is extremely familiar with the admission process for US universities and can enable you to study in the USA in the following ways.

• Our expert advisors can recommend the best course and university in America that is suited to you after a careful look at your academic background and interests.
• Our professional USA education advisers will use their expertise to research all universities in the U.S.  and provide you the best suitable options.
• We will also help you navigate the admission process and make sure you meet all the requirements for completing your application.
• We will guide you through the visa application process for a student visa to the USA and make sure that all the requirements are met to the letter.

Studying abroad in a country like the USA is one of the best decisions you can take for your career. Rely on experts to make sure that the goal is achieved effectively and efficiently!