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North America · Washington, D.C. · US Dollar (USD)

The United States — the deepest job market and the biggest stage.

Home to more top-100 universities than any nation, STEM OPT work rights of up to 3 years, and salaries that lead the world. For ambitious profiles, the US remains unmatched.

27

Top-100 universities

Up to 3 yrs

STEM OPT

World #1

Graduate salaries

20 hrs on-campus

Student work rights

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Overview

The United States hosts over a quarter of the world’s top universities and the largest research budget on the planet. An American degree — particularly in STEM, business or design — opens doors in every market worldwide.

F-1 students get Optional Practical Training (OPT) of 12 months, extendable by 24 months for STEM graduates — up to 3 years of US work experience before any sponsorship is required. The H-1B lottery and employer green-card sponsorship then provide the long-term route.

The US is the most assessment-driven destination: strong academics, credible funding and a confident visa interview matter more here than anywhere else. That is precisely where structured preparation pays off.

Why United States

  • Largest selection of top-ranked universities and research labs
  • Up to 3 years of OPT work authorisation for STEM graduates
  • Highest graduate starting salaries among major destinations
  • Massive assistantship and scholarship ecosystem for masters/PhD
  • Curricular Practical Training (CPT) internships during study
  • Alumni networks that dominate global tech and finance

Study Opportunities

Why study in United States.

  • STEM masters (CS, data science, engineering) with 36-month OPT
  • MBA programs with the world’s strongest brand value
  • Fully funded PhD positions with stipends and tuition waivers
  • Community-college pathways for cost-conscious undergraduates

Student Visa

The student route, mapped.

Processing times, validity, costs and core requirements for the United States student visa.

F-1 Student Visa

Study

For full-time academic study at SEVP-certified institutions, with on-campus work and CPT/OPT pathways.

Processing
Interview-slot dependent: 2–8 weeks typical
Validity
Duration of status (program length)
Cost
USD 185 + USD 350 SEVIS
  • I-20 from SEVP school
  • Liquid funds per I-20
  • Strong academic record
  • Non-immigrant intent demonstrated at interview
  • English proficiency

Cost breakdown

Tuition / year
USD 22,000–60,000
Living / year
USD 12,000–24,000 (city dependent)
Application fees
USD 185 visa (MRV) + USD 350 SEVIS
Proof of funds
≈ ₹35–55 lakh (first-year I-20 amount)

Required documents

  • Valid passport
  • Form I-20 issued by a SEVP-certified institution
  • SEVIS fee receipt (USD 350)
  • DS-160 confirmation page
  • Visa interview appointment confirmation
  • Academic transcripts, degree certificates and test scores (GRE/GMAT if applicable)
  • English proficiency scores (TOEFL/IELTS/PTE/Duolingo)
  • Proof of liquid funds covering I-20 amount (bank statements, FDs, education loan sanction)
  • Sponsor income evidence (ITRs, salary slips, CA statements)

Eligibility requirements

  • Strong academics — 65%+ for reputable masters admits
  • TOEFL 80+/IELTS 6.5+ for most graduate programs
  • Credible liquid funding matching the I-20 estimate
  • Confident, consistent visa-interview narrative

Universities

Institutions we place students at

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Cambridge, MA · Engineering, CS and entrepreneurship

QS #1

Stanford University

Stanford, CA · Silicon Valley pipeline, CS and business

QS #6

Carnegie Mellon University

Pittsburgh, PA · The world’s best computer science school

QS #58

University of Texas at Austin

Austin, TX · Engineering and tech-hub placement at public-school cost

QS #66

Arizona State University

Tempe, AZ · Innovation, generous merit scholarships for Indian students

Top US public

Northeastern University

Boston, MA · Co-op work-integrated masters programs

Top 50 US

Frequently asked

United States questions, answered straight

Decisive. Officers assess credibility in under three minutes: your program choice, funding logic and post-study plans must align. Our mock-interview program rehearses exactly this.

Start your United States journey

A senior counselor who files for this destination weekly will call you back within one business day.

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Call +91 95177 77951Speak with a counselor