Study in USA
Highlights
- 1st largest
country in economy
- 300/500 top universities in the
world
- More than 35,000 doctorate degree
per year
- US has the largest financial
center (New York)
- 1st in
international student enrollment all over the world
- 1st largest
country in economy
Country code: +1
Language: English
Capital: Washington, D.C.
Area: 9,833,520 km2 (3rd)
GDP: $19.390 trillion (1st, 2017)
Per Capita: $59,501 (7th, 2017)
Density: 32.8/km2 (179th, 2017)
Population: 325,719,178 (3rd, 2017)
Government: Presidential Constitutional Republic
Major Cities: New York, San Francisco, Chicago, Los Angeles,
Miami, Seattle, Dallas
Climate: State-wide averages of annual temperatures range from a high of
21.5°C to a low of -3.0 °C. For the entire United States, excluding Hawaii and
Alaska, the year averages 11.5 °C.
Location:
The United
States of America (USA) is one of most attractive destinations for the
international students. The USA has about more than 4500 accredited
institutions of higher education which offers undergraduate and graduate,
degrees in many disciplines like in Management, Engineering, Medical Courses,
Paramedical Courses, Core Science Courses, Arts and Education etc.
The US
education system has sound academic and diverse social multicultural
environment which boosts academic, professional and personal development of
individuals for the best preparation for their future. Investment in education
and research has been the main reasons for attracting the deserving students
across the world and growth into first largest economic country in the world.
Students are allowed to work 20 hours per week and during holidays and college
breaks, students can work full-time.
One the
greatest place to apply for study abroad is The United
States of America. The United States of America is
the third nation state in the world in size and almost the third in terms of
population. Located in North America, the country is surrounded to the west by
the Pacific Ocean and to the east by the Atlantic Ocean. Laterally the northern
border is Canada and the southern border is Mexico. Do you know that the United State of America has
50 states and the District of Columbia? More than twice the size of the
European Union, the United
States of America has high mountains to the west and a
vast central plain. There are plenty of options and places for you select
while applying for student visa USA validity. While, more about the States, the lowest point in the country is in Death
Valley which is -282 feet and the highest peak is Denali at 20,320 feet. The
total population of the United
States of America is over 318 million people. While,
The United States of
America does not have an official linguistic, but English
is the most frequently spoken language and is the official language in many
states. Furthermore, the more statistics is also provided in Spanish due to the
significant Latin population in the United
States of America. In addition to English, the languages most
commonly spoken in the United
States of America are Spanish, Chinese, Tagalog,
Vietnamese, French, German, Korean, Arabic, Russian and Italian as it’s the
most populated state with immigrants from all over the world.
Moreover,
if you see the western parts of the United
States Of America are vertical and contain scorched
landscapes, complete with wind-shaped desert sand dunes like White Sands, New
Mexico. In California, Death Valley is the lowest point on the American continent
and is one of the warmest places on Earth. Natural areas include vast areas of
the desert that humans have not touched. Camping and walking through the
majestic landscapes of the Southwest are a great attraction for the vacations
of many Americans and for the Pakistani
Bangladeshi Indian and other nationality Students who
apply for study in USA.
History of USA for Pakistani
Bangladeshi Indian and other nationality Students
For eras,
inherent peoples have lived through the vast expanse that would become
the United States of
America. At the beginning of the 17th century, settlers moved
from Europe to the New World, established colonies, and displaced native
peoples. The settlers fought for their independence from Britain at the end of
the 18th century and formed a union of states based on a new constitution. The
nation continued to expand westward and although it is a relatively young
nation, it has become a global power since it declared independence from
Britain on 4 July 1776. Meanwhile, at the end of the 1850s, many Americans
called for the abolition of slavery. The rapidly industrialized north, where
slavery had been banned several decades earlier, favored national abolition.
The
southern states, on the other hand, believed that individual states had the
right to decide whether slavery should be legal or not. In 1861, the states of
the South, fearing the domination of the North and the Republican candidate for
President Abraham Lincoln, separated from the Union and formed the separatist
Confederate States of America.
These
events provoked the American Civil War. To date, it is the bloodiest conflict
on American soil, with more than 200,000 killed in combat and a total of deaths
exceeding 600,000. In 1865, Union forces prevailed, thus consolidating the
authority of the federal government over the states. The federal government
then launched a complex process of rehabilitation and re-assimilation of the
Confederation, a period known as Reconstruction. Slavery was abolished by the constitutional
amendment, but former slaves and their descendants were to remain an economic
and social subclass, particularly in the South.
During
the 20th century, the USA retail
sector. The United
State of America became the strongest in the world. They were
the first to be pioneers in many innovative concepts that later spread
throughout the world, including self-service supermarkets, inventory bar codes
to facilitate the tedium of accurate counting purchases, “big box” store chains
“, factory outlet stores, store club stores, and modern shopping centers. American consumer
culture, as well as Hollywood movies and many forms of popular music, books,
and art, combined to establish the United States as the cultural center of the
world.
USA universities established
themselves as the most prestigious academic institutions in the world, thanks
to the generous assistance of the federal government in the form of the GI
Bill, followed by massive investments in research and development by the
military-industrial complex, and later, Education Higher. Act. Today, USA universities. They
are only rivals with a handful of universities in the United Kingdom,
continental Europe, and Asia. You can easily apply to any university, for student
visa USA.
Why Study in USA
The US educational experience is one of the best in the world due
to the high quality of the programs offered at US colleges and universities.
Institutions such as Harvard, Princeton, Stanford, Cornell, and MIT, University
of California at Berkeley, University of Michigan, University of Wisconsin at
Madison, and many more are familiar to students, educators, and businessmen
everywhere. The US has hundreds of high quality public and private colleges and
universities. More than 4000 institutions offer undergraduate, masters and
doctorate level degrees across a huge spectrum of specializations. The depth
and breadth of options is truly amazing. A US higher education adds
considerable value to a student’s professional as well as personal development,
enhancing career prospects greatly. It widens your horizons and gives you a
variety of perspectives, the latest technology, and state-of-the-art research
and training. A degree from a US college or university is a stamp of excellence
that marks you for life.
A US education can help graduate students make the right connect
with like-minded individuals thereby creating opportunities for cross border
collaborations. This may lead to collaborations with leading international
researchers after returning to their own country. Since there are more
international students in the US than anywhere else in the world, it is a
melting pot of cultural diversity allowing you to build a solid and strong
network. The quality of the research programs along with the resources
available and the faculty ensures that the institutions have high standards.
The USA education system has a strong academic as well as social environment
which fosters personal as well as professional development of individuals.
A US education offers you a great bang for your buck. US education
is the best investment for your future. Varying range of tuition fees,
accommodation options & financial assistance from the institutions in the
form of scholarships, assistantships, fee waivers, financial aid etc. makes USA
education affordable. Due to its strong focus on research, today USA is known
for its latest technological breakthroughs and cutting-edge innovations. This
gives the students can opportunity to work on research projects by assisting
brilliant professors and learning from them.
The education system in the US is highly flexible in terms of
plethora of options available to a student. During the course of study, a
student can transfer from one stream of study to another or change his/her
institution altogether. This aspect of the US education system makes it
distinct from all the other countries. Students from across the world choose to
study in the US because an American education is the best preparation for their
future. Today anyone can pursue an education from the US and make a great life
for themselves. This is because a deserving student can pay for the education
by way of a scholarship, or through an assistantship. International students
are allowed to work part-time for up to work 20 hours per week during their
course and 40 hours per week during their vacation, allowing them to learn as
well as earn simultaneously. The United States of America has been a global
leader in the field of education, setting standards for the quality of faculty,
research and the overall quality of experience for an international student.
With some of the oldest as well as the most esteemed institutions present in
the US, its impact over global power structures – politically, socially and
economically, has never been more evident. The World Bank, the IMF, Goldman
Sachs, JP Morgan, Morgan Stanley or the Federal Reserve, all these global
behemoths are recruiting talent from all the well-known educational
institutions in the US. The learning as well as the networking experience
gained during the time spent at a US institution will help you pave a path
towards great success. The sheer quality of US educational institutions is
evident from the fact, that as per the World University Rankings, over 40
Universities in the World Top 100 are in the United States. Moreover, 6 of the
Top 10 Universities in the World are also present in the US.
Academic Excellence:
The US is home to some of the most prestigious universities in the
world. According to the QS World Ranking 2022, 28 top universities worldwide
are in the US. Universities in the USA have earned these spots for their high
academic excellence, meticulous courses, and quality of education. These universities
offer everything - the best-rated undergraduate, postgraduate, and P.hD.
programs.
Universities’ Rankings
The higher education system in the USA is well recognized
around the world, with many internationally ranked universities. Check out the
recent THE University Rankings for the USA
institutions.
Flexible Education
System
American universities and colleges provide a wide
range of courses and programs. You have the flexibility to choose both the
content and structure of the course. In the first two years of college, you can
explore a variety of subjects before committing to a major, allowing you to
study what you truly desire.
Campus Life
If you're thinking of studying in the USA, campus life
can be a great way to improve your social and academic life. It is your choice
whether or not to reside on campus. However, universities in the US offer a
wide range of academic, cultural and athletic activities.
Unmatched Academic Flexibility:
Another reason Indian students study in the USA is the flexibility
they get in choosing programs and courses. The US universities give
undergraduate students an option of pursuing different courses in their first
year to explore their interests, and they can choose their major at the end of
the second year. This unique feature helps the students to explore various
interests in a better manner.
Furthermore, postgraduate students can tailor their coursework to
fit their specific academic goals.
Top-Notch Faculties and World-Class Research Facilities:
The US universities offer a varied scope of options to the
students willing to pursue groundbreaking research. The country takes research
programs very seriously and pours billions of dollars into its research
programs.
Apart from funding, the research is well supported by renowned
faculty, world-class infrastructure, and lab facilities.
Cutting-edge technology:
The US is known for its cutting-edge technology, and all the
universities are equipped with the latest technology. It makes the life of
professors and students much simpler, where they can have easy access to data
and technology. It is because of the latest technology that the students learn
new skill sets and methods so quickly.
Great Employability Rate & Career Opportunities:
Studying in the USA for Indian students is a bright chance to open
doors to great career opportunities. The US is one of the developed countries
and offers excellent employability.
Furthermore, the global exposure, practical knowledge, and
experience you receive while studying in the USA bring you to the podium
employers seek most.
According to the QS Graduate Employability Rankings 2022, US
universities hold top positions in the list of universities that produce the
most employable graduates.
Vibrant Campuses:
An important reason to study in the USA for Indian students is the
vibrant campus life at most universities. You will find campuses filled with
students from various parts of the world. You can make new friends, learn new
languages, experience new traditions, and embrace various foreign cultures.
The American education system is unlike that in many other
countries. Though the U.S. Federal government contributes almost 10% to the
national education budget, education is primarily the responsibility of state
and local government. US has the world’s most flexible education system;
students can study their area of interest as specialization. As the education
system of USA is not centralized each institute can determine its program and
admission standards. Lateral movement in the education system is possible any
time. The flow chart of the education system of USA as below:
- Doctor of Philosophy/ PhD (5-6
years)
- Elementary School(Primary
School) (6 years)
- Bachelor Degree (university/college)
(4 years)
- High School Diploma(Secondary
School) (6 years)
- Associate
Degree(Junior/Community College) (2 years)
- Master’s Degree (university /
college) Masters in Medicine, MD/ Masters in Dental Surgery /Juries’
Doctor(1-3 years)
Associate Degree
It is an academic degree awarded by the community colleges,
junior colleges, business colleges. Some bachelor’s degree will be start after
completion of this course. An associate degree is equivalent to the first two
years of a four year college or university Bachelor’s degree which can be
vocational or general in nature, but contain enough liberal arts subjects (such
as English, science, social sciences, etc.) to allow students to transfer to
the third year of a bachelor’s programme after obtaining their associate’s
degree. The name of the degree is often followed by an indication of whether it
is an arts or science programme: Associate in Arts (AA), Associate in Science
(AS), Associate in Applied Arts (AAA) and Associate in Applied Science (AAS).
It is the lowest in hierarchy of post-secondary academic degrees offered in
USA.
Bachelor’s Degree
Bachelor’s degrees are 4 years course and offered by college or
university. There is usually a progression from a broad base towards increased
specialization. The name of the degree is followed by an indication of whether
these are arts, science or business management course programme: Bachelor of
Arts (BA), Bachelor of Science (BS) and Bachelor of Business Administration
(BBA).
Master’s Degree
All courses taken after a bachelor’s degree are provided at a
graduate school, usually (but not always) at a university. Individual
departments determine admissions to graduate programmes. All candidates must
have a bachelor’s degree, and there are also some additional requirements,
depending on the selectivity of the institution and/or the specialization.
These additional requirements can relate to the GPA, prerequisite subjects,
entrance examinations, GRE, GMAT, IELTS, and TOEFL etc. The duration of
master’s courses may range from one to four years depending on specialization.
Many interdisciplinary masters’ programs are also available.
Doctorate
PhD programmes are also provided by graduate schools and
universities. Students can take admission for a PhD only after completion of
their master’s degree. PhD students need to submit a research proposal as well
have to appear for GRE/GMAT & TOEFL/IELTS exams for admissions. The
duration of PhD programmes depends on various factors; however, the average length
for students with a master’s degree is 5/6 years. Admission is very selective.
Advanced Professional Degrees
Advanced professional degrees form a separate category. These
programmes prepare students for professional careers, mostly in medical
sciences and law. The entrance requirement is a bachelor’s degree with a
partially prescribed curriculum, such as a pre-medicine or pre-law programme,
supplemented with entrance examinations and the selection criteria mentioned
above. Admission is very selective. The length of the most common courses
varies from 3 years for the Juris Doctor (law) to 4 years for the Doctor of
Medicine (MD), the Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) and the Doctor of Veterinary
Medicine (DVM). In these cases, the term ‘Doctor’ refers to a professional
title and is not a PhD.
State Colleges / Universities
A state school is supported and run by a state or local
government. Each of the 50 U.S. states operates at least one state university
and possibly several state colleges. State-affiliated institutions financially
supported by public taxes, usually large in size. All levels of degrees with
different fields of study are offered. Public or state universities generally
are less costly than private institutions, but still offer outstanding learning
opportunities.
Private Universities
Private universities are universities not operated by
governments, although many receive favorable tax considerations and governmental
student loans and grants. They receive private funding through alumni
donations, faculty research grants, and tuition fees. American students enjoy
studying in private institutions in the USA for their technological resources,
research facilities, and small class sizes. The teaching experience is enriched
by the staff’s varying experiences outside of the classroom. Innovative
academic programs may be found on private university campuses. Some of the most
competitive and selective institutions of higher education in the United States
are private. Harvard University, Princeton University, Yale University,
Columbia University, California Institute of Technology, Massachusetts
Institute of Technology, Stanford University, University of Chicago, University
of Pennsylvania and Duke University.
Community Colleges
Community colleges are two-year colleges that award an
associate’s degrees (transferable), as well as certifications. There are many
types of associate degrees, but the most important distinguishing factor is
whether or not the degree is transferable. Usually, there will be two primary
degree tracks: one for academic transfer and the other prepares students to
enter the workforce straightaway. Community college graduates most commonly
transfer to four-year colleges or universities to complete their degree.
Because they can transfer the credits they earned while attending community
college, they can complete their bachelor’s degree program in two or more
additional years.
Technical Institutions
An institute of technology is a school that provides at least
four years of study in science and technology. Some have graduate programs,
while others offer short-term courses. Undergraduates admitted to these schools
usually have incredibly strong backgrounds in math and sciences, as witnessed
by grades and standardized test scores like SAT or GRE.
The Ivy League
These schools are the oldest and most famous in the country
members of the Ivy League. They are in the Northeastern part of the USA. Ivy
League colleges stress undergraduate liberal arts education, but they also have
noted graduate and professional schools. Tuitions fee at these private schools
is among the highest in the country, and admission is generally highly
competitive.
Small Liberal Arts College
A liberal arts college is one with a primary emphasis on
undergraduate study in the Liberal Arts and Sciences. Students in the liberal
arts generally concentrate their studies in a particular field of study, while
receiving exposure to a wide range of academic subjects, from the sciences to
humanities subjects. Strictly liberal arts colleges are often quite old and
mostly private schools. They are highly-rated institutions as they stress on
small classes, individual attention to the students, and closer relationships
between the faculties and students. Many of them also generally have rigid
admission standards.
Tuition Fees at USA Universities
for Pakistani Students
USA universities charge annual tuition
fees from the international students ranging from 5000- 50,000 US$. There is a
difference in student’s fees when it comes for national and international, as
shown in table.
|
University |
In- State Students |
Out of State
Students |
|
Public four year
Universities |
10,000 US$ |
26,290 US$ |
|
Private four year
Universities |
Private universities
charge an average fee of 35000 US$ to both national and international
students. |
|
Living Cost for Pakistani Students
in USA
The living costs for Pakistani students
in the USA can vary depending on various factors such as the city they are
residing in, the type of accommodation they choose, and their lifestyle.
However, here are some approximate costs:
Pakistani Student’s Accommodation
Cost in USA
University towns in the Midwest of the
United States typically have lower cost of living than those in the East and
North East. The average one bed apartment cost starts from 500US$ in rural area
to 3500 US$ in built up city.
On Campus Apartment Cost to Live In USA
In the US, the average cost of an on-campus
dormitory room, including all utilities and housing-related expenses, range
from $5,300 to $8,100. The cost will be lowest at two-year public colleges and
highest at four-year private non-profit universities.
Other Costs for Students in USA
In addition to accommodation and tuition,
there are other costs that Pakistani students studying in the USA should
consider. These costs may include:
·
Depending on the rental agreement, utilities may or may not be
included in the monthly rent. Electricity may costs about $50 to $100/ month
·
Grocery items cost: 20-70 US$/ week
·
A meal in a restaurant may cost 15 US$
·
A movie ticket may cost 9 US$
·
Internet cost can range from 35 – 60 US$/ month
·
Monthly public transport cost can range from 50-60 US$
·
Books and other academic supplies cost could range from 900 –
1200 US$/ year
US universities are the most
generous when it comes to giving scholarships to students and hence deserving
students always get or the other form of scholarships from US universities.
Scholarships are given out based on the academic performance of the student,
the entrance test scores and the overall profile. The key to a scholarship is
applying early. Students, who are looking for funding, should apply before the
first deadline of the program as this way the student is competing with a
lesser number of applicants and is also in the first pool of candidates.
US
Universities offer financial aid in the following forms:
Scholarships:
Scholarships are
given based on the academics and the entrance exam scores of the student. The
different types of scholarships are:
• Merit Based Scholarships:
These are the
types of scholarships which first come to mind when we think about college
scholarships. Merit scholarships are given based on the student’s excellence.
There are different types of merit based scholarships such as Academic and
Sports scholarships.
• Need-Based Scholarships:
These
scholarships are given to students based on their financial need. Most of the
needs-based scholarships are only available to US residents. However, some
universities and colleges do give out needs-based scholarships to international
students.
• Country-Based Scholarships
Many colleges and
universities offer scholarships to students from certain countries,
particularly those living in developing countries.
• Government-Funded Scholarships
The United States
government offers many scholarship programs, but only a few of them are
available to international students such as the, Fulbright Foreign Student
Program which is for graduate students and artists who want to study in the
United States for at least one year. It is open to all fields except medicine.
• Privately-Funded Scholarships
A few private
organizations or donors fund scholarships for international students. Most of
these have strict eligibility requirements, such as they need to be from a
developing country or need to be a woman or belong to a particular minority.
Assistantships:
This sort of
financial aid is ideally available to undergraduate students. A deserving
international student can be awarded some scholarship upfront and the rest of
the aid is provided by offering the student the post of a research assistant or
a teaching assistant. In such a post, the student will be asked to work for a
certain professor and help him out in this research.
US universities are the most
generous when it comes to giving scholarships to students and hence deserving
students always get or the other form of scholarships from US universities.
Scholarships are given out based on the academic performance of the student,
the entrance test scores and the overall profile. The key to a scholarship is
applying early. Students, who are looking for funding, should apply before the
first deadline of the program as this way the student is competing with a
lesser number of applicants and is also in the first pool of candidates.
Admission & Application
The application procedure involves the following:
Intakes:
US universities offer two
main intakes every year. The main intake is fall which is in August/September
and the other smaller intake is spring which is January/February. In order to
apply for the Fall Intake, the students need to start sending out their
applications by the preceding November and for the spring intake, applications
need to be sent out by the preceding June.
Exams:
Students need to give the
SAT (Bachelor’s), GRE/GMAT (MS/MBA) programs along with English language tests
such as the IELTS and TOEFL. Students need to start preparing for these exams
well in advance as many a times; they might have to give additional attempts of
the exams for improving the score. The students will then to report their
scores to the Universities that we wish to apply to by paying a small fee.
Transcripts:
Transcripts are mark sheets presented in a certain format. Transcripts
are mark sheets presented in a certain format. A student will need to apply at
their respective schools or colleges for getting their transcripts issued. Each
transcript and degree will be attested from School/College/University and after
that attest from IBCC, HEC and MOFA.
Statement of Purpose/Essays:
Each university asks the
student to submit a Statement of Purpose as par to the application packet. The
statement of purpose is a life story of a student in around 750 words which
allows the admission committee to separate the best applications from the good
ones. All the students applying for a Bachelor’s degree as well as a Master’s
degree will need to submit their Statement of Purpose. MBA applicants will have
to answer essay questions as part of their applications. An SOP can make or
break a student’s application and is one of the most important parts of the
application process.
SSS Consulting
specializes in writing truly amazing SOP’s which have helped our students
secure admits into some of the top universities in the US. You can contact
us here to know about our SOP packages.
Letters of Recommendation:
Universities in the US
require you to submit two letters of recommendation as a part of your
application. One is a professional and the other is an academic one. You need
to nominate your manager at your workplace and a professor at your college for
writing these letters for you. These LORs are also one of the most important
parts of your application wherein your referees make a case for your selection
to a particular university.
We at AM
Consulting provide assistance in carefully drafting brilliant LOR’s for your
students. You can contact us here to know more about our LOR packages.
Resume:
The students also need to
prepare a professional looking resume as part of their application.
Shortlisting of the Universities:
Based on the student’s
scores in the exams and their career goals and aspirations, we at AM Consulting
provide our expertise in shortlisting universities for you. We make our
students apply to a minimum of 7-8 universities and divide them categories such
as Ambitious, Moderate and Safe.
Application to the Universities:
Application for a Bachelor’s
degree is done through the Common App whereas the application for a Master’s
degree is done through the university website. Each application contains the
above mentioned documents.
Once an application is done,
we have to wait for the decision of the University. Decisions usually take
anywhere between 6-8 weeks.
Undergraduate
Degree:
·
12th Standard Certificate with a minimum 2.50 to 3.60 GPA
·
ACT/SAT score
·
IELTS/TOEFL
·
SOP
Postgraduate
Degree:
·
Bachelor’s degree with minimum 2.50 to 3.60 CGPA
·
GRE/GMAT score
·
IELTS/TOEFL
·
SOPs, LORs & CV
Ph.D. Degree:
·
Transcripts for a university degree or courses
·
GMAT/GRE
·
IELTS/TOEFL
·
SOP, LORs, and CV
Step by step process
·
STEP 1 - Research
·
The first step is to do research and create a selection of
courses and universities that will fit your needs. It is vital to do
considerable study. You should choose at least 3-5 colleges where you want to
further your education.
·
STEP 2 - Eligibility and Documents
·
It is always essential to make sure you fit the needs of the
universities you shortlist when it comes to their eligibility criteria as well
as their fees. Make sure you collect all your documents, including your
Academic Transcripts.
·
STEP 3 - Give your Entrance Exams
·
To be qualified to study in the USA, you must pass a set of
eligibility examinations, depending on your specialty.
·
STEP 4 - Start applications
· Once you have all your documents together, it is time to start
applying. Fill out the application form and attach all eligibility documents
and certificates. Pay the application fee and submit your application
· STEP 5 - Wait for your Offer Letter + Sort
your expenses.
· Now all you have to do is wait for the university to respond.
Organizing all the finances you will require to study abroad is essential. If
you need financial assistance, now is the time to search for the finest
financing choices and scholarships.
Once you have received
your offer letter, it is time to apply for a USA student Visa, and you're all
set to go to your dream university!
More than 7,000 Pakistanis
study in the United States each year - most of them are undergraduates. There
is still a high number of Pakistani students moving to the US to pursue higher
and better education at well-recognized universities to improve their career
prospects and brighten the name of their nation and their parents. If they
worked hard and made it to the US, why can't you?
The process of getting a
Student Visa for the USA from Pakistan is not easy, but you can meet all your
requirements and prepare for success with the right amount of research and
preparation. The following information will guide you through the student visa
requirements for the USA.
Types of
U.S. Student Visa
There
are three types of visas and a student
has to determine that he is need of which visa to obtain. Here is the
description of all visas:
|
Visa
Types |
Definition |
|
F-1 Visa |
The F-1 student visa is a type of
nonimmigrant visa for individuals who wish to study in the U.S. as a
full-time student. |
|
M-1 Visa |
The M-1 visa is a type of nonimmigrant
visa in the United States that allows students to pursue vocational or
nonacademic programs, including training in technical or mechanical fields. |
|
J- Visa |
This type of study visa is for
participation in USA exchange programs. |
Whether you require an F-1 visa or an M-1
visa depends on your intended course of study and the kind of school you intend
to attend like
|
F-1
Visa |
M-1 Visa |
|
For University/ College Language training institute |
Vocational and other non-academic
training institutes except language training |
|
Students need an F-1 visa if their
course of study is more than 18 hours a week. |
To be eligible for an M-1 visa, the
student must be enrolled in an approved program, have sufficient funds to
support themselves without working in the US, and have a residence abroad to
which they intend to return. |
Requirements for USA Student Visa Application from Pakistan
To
apply for the F-1 or M-1 visa, students must submit the followings
·
Non- immigrant visa application form
(DS-160)
·
Passport with at least 6 months validity
·
One (5*5 cm) photograph
·
Fee receipt of paying non-refundable
160US dollar visa application fee
·
An approved I-20 form issued by US
university
·
List of siblings
USA
Student Visa Document Checklist from Pakistan
The important academic documents needed to
apply for a US visa for Pakistani students. A visa application for any of the
visas mentioned above requires the applicant to submit certain documentation,
including these:
·
The application
form of a non-immigrant visa
·
Students must have
a valid passport for at least six months from the date they intend to begin
their studies.
·
A passport-sized
photo was taken no less than six months ago.
·
The receipt
shows the non-refundable 160 USD visa processing fee deposit.
·
Students must
have a form of approval from the United States School or the specific program
they are enrolling in. It is commonly called Form 1-20.
·
The applicant's
travel history over the past ten years.
·
The applicant's
personal details, such as the names of siblings and children, if any.
·
In addition to
submitting the documents mentioned above, the applicant must appear in person
at the U.S. Consulate on the time and date of their interview.
·
When attending
the interview, bring these documents with you:
·
Documents
proving that you have strong financial, social, and family ties to your home
country will motivate you to return home after completing your study program.
·
Your financial
statement and any other documents that you believe will aid you in supporting
your application and that demonstrate you have sufficient funds to cover all
your expenses for the first year of your program, as well as sufficient funds
to cover your living expenses as long as you remain in the United States. M-1
applicants must prove that they can cover the entire cost of tuition and living
expenses during their stay.
·
Original bank
statements or bank books will be accepted instead of photocopies of bank
statements.
·
In the case of
financial sponsorship by another person, make sure to bring the sponsor's
bankbooks and/or fixed deposit certificates, as well as proof of your
relationship with the sponsor.
·
Documents
demonstrating a student's academic preparation. The documents needed are
original copies of grades from school transcripts, certificates of public
examinations (O or A-levels, etc.), and test scores of diplomas and SAT, TOEFL,
etc.
Process
Step 1 - After
you've been accepted to your preferred university, your institution will issue
you a letter of confirmation of enrollment. Now, you are eligible to apply for
an F1 visa.
Step 2 - Visit
the USA Visas and Immigration website and fill out the online visa application,
i.e. Form DS-160
Step 3 - Upload
Photographs – on white background (taken within 6 months of applying)
Step 4- Pay the
application fee - $160
Step 5 - You
will receive the Reference Number once the fee is paid. This will allow you to
keep track of your trips to the visa center.
Step 6 - At the
visa center, you will be required to provide your "biometric
information" as part of your visa application.
Step 7 -
According to university policy, you must attend a visa interview.
Step 8 - Wait
for your visa. The visa application procedure might take anywhere between 3 and
4 weeks.
Those who wish to study in
the United States need a visa, and to obtain one, and they need to pass through
several procedures. They will then be eligible to enter the country. Following
the above guidelines would make it easier for foreign students to get a student
visa for the United States and begin their studies.
Career & Employment
Earning: $7 to $10 per hour
Part Time: 20 hours per week during studies; 40 hours per week during vacations.
Tax: If
you are an international student studying in USA, you have to file a USA income
tax return. You must determine your residency status to know about your tax in
USA
Work Type: There are various part-time jobs available in all the sectors across
hospitality/catering to call centre to banking and finance and etc. On campus
jobs may include teaching assistantship or research assistantship where in a
student can earn. With this, a student can also do internship in the related
field which may or may not be with pay.
Post study work visa
Optional
Practical Training (OPT) is temporary employment that is directly related to an
F-1 student’s major area of study. Eligible students can apply to receive up to
12 months of OPT employment authorization before completing their academic
studies (pre-completion) and/or after completing their academic studies
(post-completion). However, all periods of pre-completion OPT will be deducted
from the available period of post-completion OPT.
Types of OPT
All OPT
must be directly related to your major area of study. If you are an F-1
student, you may be eligible to participate in OPT in two different ways:
Pre-completion OPT:
You may
apply to participate in pre-completion OPT after you have been lawfully
enrolled on a full-time basis for one full academic year at a college,
university, conservatory, or seminary that has been certified by the U.S.
Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Student and Exchange Visitor Program
(SEVP) to enroll F-1 students.
If you
are authorized to participate in pre-completion OPT, you may work part time for
20 hours per week, while school is in session and for 40 hours per week during
vacation.
Post-completion OPT:
You may
apply to participate in post-completion OPT after completing your studies. If
you participated in pre-completion OPT, USCIS will deduct that amount of time
from your post-completion OPT authorization period. For example, if you
participated in 10 months of pre-completion OPT; you would be eligible for only
up to 2 months of post-completion OPT.
STEM OPT Extension:
If you
have earned a degree in certain science, technology, engineering and math
(STEM) fields, you may apply for a 24-month extension of your post-completion
OPT if:
• You
Are an F-1 student who received a STEM degree included on the STEM Designated
Degree Program List.
• Are
employed by an employer who is enrolled in and is using E-Verify, and
•
Received an initial grant of post-completion OPT employment authorization based
on your STEM degree.
So,
essentially a student who studies a STEM degree is eligible to work for a
minimum stay back period of 36 months in the US without requiring any visa
sponsorship from a compan
Types of USA Visa after
Graduation
1: F-1 Visa
If the
graduate is planning to step into any form of practical training they need to
obtain F-1 student visa entitling up to one year of the post completion of
study, starting after the completion of the course.
H-1b Visa
After
getting a US degree, students can apply for this type of visa. The duration of
this visa is for period of three years with an extendable period of three
years.
Now
that we have discussed the requirements to reside in US on a temporary basis
and which visas to obtain in doing so the next question is that if a graduate
intends to reside in US on a permanent basis what is the mechanism to do so.
Thus, in order to stay in US permanently one needs to obtain green card.
What Is A Green Card/
Permanent Residency?
It is a
legal permit which allows a foreigner to live in US and work permanently in any
field and organization. This allows the students with the avenue to venture in
to a new world and build a successful and bright future.
For How Long is the Green
Card Valid?
Normally
the Green Card is valid for ten years before it can be renewed.
How
Green Card Can Be Obtained?
The
green card can be acquired in the following ways:
1. Sponsorship from an
Employer
One of
the most viable way to obtain a green card is to find an employer who can
sponsor it as there are quite a number of companies which offers green cards to
international students. Undoubtedly, it is a complicated process but it’s not
difficult to gain a job which provides this kind of sponsorship. All that is
needed by an applicant is to possess a skill.
2. Green Card Lottery
Often
known as Diversity Visa Lottery is a unique and distinct program initiated by
the US government which provides almost 50,000 green cards to the people all
around the world. It is known as one of the most convenient ways to obtain the
lottery as one is only required to enter the lottery and wait for the results
which are computer generated.
However,
in order to avail this lottery one of the pertinent requirement is that an
applicant has a high school education and equivalent of it along with two
years’ work experience at a specific job which includes two years of training
of performance.
How Pakistani Students Can
Get USA Citizenship
Can
Green card be converted into permanent citizenship?
Once
the Green card is obtained successfully by a graduate they will be eligible to
file for U.S Citizenship from three years or five years from the date of
acquiring the green card known as permanent residency. However, there are
certain eligibility requirements that one has to qualify in order to gain the
citizenship. These are the following:
Must be 18 years old
Must be a permanent resident of US from last three years
Must be of a good character
Must
take an oath of allegiance to US
Average Salary:
Graduates: $ 69,000- $ 76,000 per annum
Undergraduates: $ 51,000- $ 66,000 per annum
Culture
The United
States is home of many cultures and a wide variety of ethnic groups,
traditions, and values. Aside from the Native Americans, native Hawaiian, and Native
Alaskan populations, nearly all Americans or their ancestors settled or
immigrated within the past five centuries. Mainstream American culture is a
western culture largely derived from the traditions of European immigrants with
influences from many other sources, such as traditions brought by slaves from
Africa. More recent immigration from Asia and especially Latin America has
added to diversity with multicultural phenomena.
Food
Mainstream
American cuisine is similar to that in other Western countries. Wheat is the
primary cereal grain with about three-quarters of grain products made of wheat
flour. Different dishes such as apple pie, fried chicken, pizza, hamburgers,
and hot dogs derive from the recipes of various immigrants. French fries,
Mexican dishes such as burritos and tacos, and pasta dishes freely adapted from
Italian sources. Americans drink three times as much coffee as tea.
Safety
Despite what
you may have heard, the U.S. is not a dangerous country, in fact it is safe. No
matter where you travel either in U.S. or abroad there are common threads of
safety that you can string along in all your travels. Most of the educational
institutions have coordinated safety plans to protect you. Once you arrive on
your campus you should check-in with the international student office. This
office will provide you with orientation session that will give you specific
information that will enhance your educational, cultural, and social and safety
experience while studying in the U.S.
Health
Unlike many
other countries, the United States does not provide socialized health care. It
will be helpful for you to learn about the local health care system before it
is actually needed. The American health care system is one of the best (and
most expensive) in the world. 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.
Transportation
Public
transportation in the U.S. might not seem as well developed as compared to
Europe and other developed countries. Depending on where you live, you could
find some or all of the following options:
Subway
The subway
system provides underground trains that usually operate 24 hours a day in some
of the largest U.S. cities. Route maps and schedules can be obtained from the
ticket office. You can save money by purchasing a multiple-ride ticket or
monthly pass.
Bus
City-operated
buses run specific routes in mid-size and large U.S. cities. They operate on
defined schedules that get them to certain mapped out locations around the city
at precise times. Route maps and schedules are posted at bus stops, public
buildings and may be available online. You must pay the fare by exact change in
coins, or you can purchase multiple-ride tickets or monthly passes. Often bus
companies offer student discounts, so check out that option.
Shuttle
Some colleges
and universities run small shuttle buses in and around the campus. Students can
usually ride at no cost or a small fee.
Carpool
Sometimes you
can find or arrange a carpool with others who need to go to the same
destination as you do at similar times. Several students could join together to
get from their apartment complex to the university in every day.
Taxi
While you can
call a taxi in most U.S. towns and cities, they are a relatively expensive
method of transportation in the US. The driver often expects a 15% tips in
addition to the metered fare which is based on time, distance and cost. So you
have to book online taxi facilities.
Car
Sometime, international
students decide to purchase a used car for transportation while in United
States. Depending on your location and the availability of public
transportation, as well as your distance from your school or job, you may
decide having a care makes sense.